There was however, a limit to these severe precautions, even before
Lothair should reach his majority. His father had expressed in his will
that his son should be educated at the University of Oxford, and at the
same college of which he had been a member. His uncle was of opinion he
complied with the spirit of this instruction by sending Lothair to the
University of Edinburgh, which would give the last tonic to his moral
system; and then commenced a celebrated chancery-suit, instituted by the
Roman Catholic guardian, in order to enforce a literal compliance with
the educational condition of the will. The uncle looked upon this
movement as a popish plot, and had recourse to every available
allegation and argument to baffle it: but ultimately in vain. With
every precaution to secure his Protestant principles, and to guard
against the influence, or even personal interference of his Roman
Catholic guardian, the lord-chancellor decided that Lothair should be
sent to Christchurch.

Here Lothair, who had never been favored with a companion of his own age
and station, soon found a congenial one in the heir of Brentham.
Inseparable in pastime, not dissociated even in study, sympathizing
companionship soon ripened into fervent friendship. They lived so much
together that the idea of separation became not only painful but
impossible; and, when vacation arrived, and Brentham was to be visited
by its future lord, what more natural than that it should be arranged
that Lothair should be a visitor to his domain?



CHAPTER 3