took great
pains with this book, and it has had a large sale: but for some
whimsical reason or other, he would not allow his name to appear, though
particular in retaining a share in the copyright.

Neglected and discouraged though he was, he continued to prosecute his
studies with patient energy, appearing to me scarcely ever to spend an
idle moment. He attended very frequently the Courts at Westminster, and
on returning to chambers would spend the rest of the day in reading the
constantly-accumulating Reports, and noting their more important
contents in his favourite text-books. He constantly sat up till a very
late, or rather early hour in the morning, and would frequently, on
awaking, lie reading in bed till noon, when he would rise and take a
sparing breakfast. I recollect calling upon him one gloomy day in
December, about the time of which I am writing, to ask him to accompany
me home to dinner, as he generally did once or twice a-week. He suffered
a martyrdom from tooth-ache; and on this occasion had passed a miserable
night from that cause, not having slept at all, and his swollen face
betokened the violence of the fit. He had, nevertheless, got up much
earlier than usual, to oblige one of his friends, for whom he had
promised to draw some very pressing and difficult pleadings, which he
was finishing as I entered. When he had despatched his clerk with them,
he requested me to sit down and take a cup of tea with him, as he was
suffering, both from pain, and fatigue, and _ennui_. I never saw him in
so desponding an humour. He promised to dine with me on the morrow,
provided I would sit with him for an hour "gossiping," for he said that
he could not sleep, he could not sit still, he could not read or write.
I complied with his request, and stayed with him a long time. In the
course of conversation, I recollect him saying, that "He supposed he was
not to get on in the law; that he could not fight against the want of a
connexion." I reminded him that it was surely premature to hold such
language, and that he must bide his time,--when he interrupted me by
saying, shaking his head, "Ah, but while the grass grows the steed
starves." Presently he said, rather suddenly, "Should you be surprised
to hear of my entering the church?" "The church!" I echoed with
surprise.--"What do you see so wonderful in the notion of my going into
the church?" said he gravely. "Do you think me unfit for it?"--"Not at
all; but what I wonder a