points
of departure by which we measure the distance we have travelled in life.
"Ay," say we, "we were schoolfellows; I remember how he took the lead of
me in this or that science, how far behind he left me in such a thing;
and yet look at us now!" Upton had very often to fall back upon
similar recollections; neither his school nor his college life had
been remarkable for distinction; but it was always perceived that every
attainment he achieved was such as would be available in after life. Nor
did he ever burden himself with the toils of scholarship while there
lay within his reach stores of knowledge that might serve to contest the
higher and greater prizes that he had already set before his ambition.

But let us return to himself as, alone and sorrow-struck, he sat in
his room of the Hotel d'Italie. Various cares and duties consequent
on Glencore's death had devolved entirely upon him. Young Massy had
suddenly disappeared from Florence on the morning after the funeral, and
was seen no more, and Upton was the only one who could discharge any of
the necessary duties of such a moment. The very nature of the task
thus imposed upon him had its own depressing influence on his mind; the
gloomy pomp of death--the terrible companionship between affliction and
worldliness--the tear of the mourner--the heart-broken sigh drowned in
the sharp knock of the coffin-maker. He had gone through it all, and sat
moodily pondering over the future, when Madame de Sabloukoff entered.

"She 's much better this morning, and I think we can go over and dine
with her to-day," said she, removing her shawl and taking a seat.

He gave a little easy smile that seemed assent, but did not speak.

"I perceive you have not opened your letters this morning," said she,
turning towards the table, littered over with letters and despatches of
every size and shape! "This seems to be from the King,--is that his mode
of writing 'G. R.' in the corner?"

"So it is," said Upton, faintly. "Will you be kind enough to read it for
me?"

"Pavilion, Brighton.

"Dear Upton,--Let me be the first to congratulate you on an appointment
which it affords me the greatest pleasure to confirm--

"What does he allude to?" cried she, stopping suddenly, while a slight
tinge of color showed surprise, and a little displeasure, perhaps,
mingled in her emotions.

"I have not the very remotest conception," said Upton, calmly. "Let
us see what that large despatch contains; it co