ive born, I
shall be able to obtain a nomination for you. In Dean Colet's trust he
especially declares, in the statutes of the school, that it shall be
open to the children of all nations and countries indifferently. Indeed
there is no doubt that while he limited the number of scholars to 153--
so many fishes as were caught in the net by the apostles (John
twenty-one, verse 11), he wished the offspring of our foreign brethren
in the reformed doctrines to have a share in his benefits. No boys are,
however, to be admitted, but such as can say their Catechism, as well as
read and write competently; but as you can do that, Ernst, already, I
may promise you an admission."

Ernst thanked his patron, for he had a desire to gain knowledge, though
he did not clearly understand what sort of place a school was. As he
was anxious to make a good appearance on entering, he attended with more
assiduity than ever to his studies at home, and thus he had made very
fair progress before the day of admission arrived. At that time there
was less difficulty than there had been previously in obtaining
admission to the school. Romanists would not send their children to it,
and Protestant parents were often afraid of doing so, lest they should
bring suspicion on themselves, or lest some day Bishop Gardiner should
insist on the pupils being brought up in the Romish doctrines.

The day at length arrived for Ernst's admission. Master Gresham himself
was too much occupied to go with him. He therefore deputed Master
Elliot, his factor in Lombard Street, to perform the duty of introducing
the boy. It was a bitter cold morning, but Ernst was up betimes, and
having eaten his breakfast, he slung his new satchel, which Lady Anne
had procured for him, over his back. He had, too, thick shoes, with
bright red cloth hose, and a long blue coat, which kept his knees warm,
though it somewhat impeded his running.

Master Elliot and his charge soon reached Saint Paul's, and turning to
the left, stood before the entrance of the school. Ernst looked up, and
thought the building a very fine one. There were none around to be
compared to it.

On either side were two dwelling-houses, which Master Elliot told him
were the habitations of the masters. Passing under a fine porch, they
found themselves in the entrance-hall, where the younger pupils were
assembled, who were under the especial charge of the chaplain. In a
second large hall were boys of more a