done, so with the consent of the others we petitioned for an extension.
The examiner was willing to let us go on as long as we liked. Never did
I see man write like Stocks; one might have taken him for an attorney's
clerk writing for his dinner. We went on. I had finished a little after
eight, he went on till near nine, and then we had tea and dispersed.

Great were the greetings I received when I got home, where my long
absence had caused some anxiety. The decision would not take place for
some weeks, and many were the speculations made as to the probabilities
of success. I for my part managed to forget all about it, and went on my
ordinary avocations without troubling myself more than I could possibly
help about it. I knew too well my own deficiencies to have been either
surprised or disappointed at failure, and I made a point of shattering
all involuntary "castles in the air" as soon as possible. My worst
anticipations were realised. One day S. came to me with a sorrowful
expression of countenance. He had inquired of the Beadle as to the
decision, and ascertained on the latter's authority that all the
successful candidates were University College men, whereby, of course, I
was excluded. I said, "Very well, the thing was not to be helped," put
my best face upon the matter, and gave up all thoughts of it. Lizzie,
too, came to comfort me, and, I believe, felt it more than I did. What
was my surprise on returning home one afternoon to find myself suddenly
seized, and the whole female household vehemently insisting on kissing
me. It appeared an official-looking letter had arrived for me, and
Lizzie, as I did not appear, could not restrain herself from opening it.
I was second, and was to receive a medal accordingly, and dine with the
guild on the 9th November to have it bestowed.
[Silver Medal of the Pharmaceutical Society, 9th November 1842. Another
botanical prize is a book--"La Botanique," by A. Richard--with the
following inscription:--