fellow, in a grey frock livery, advancing up to me with as much
_sang froid_ as if I had been one of the honest fraternity of college
servants. Being answered in the affirmative, and receiving at the same
time a look that convinced him I was not pleased with his boldness, he
placed the following note in my hand and retired.{2}

2 The usual style of invitation to a college wine party or
spread.

[Illustration: page149]

The above is an exact copy of a note received from a man of
Brazennose.

~159~~ Handing the note to old Mark--"Pray," said I, not a little
confused by the elegance of the composition, "is this the usual style of
college invitations?" Mark mounted his spectacles, and having deciphered
the contents, assured me with great gravity that it was very polite
indeed, and considering where it came from, unusually civil.

Another specimen of college ceremony, thought I;--"But come, Mark, let
us forth and survey my rooms." We were soon within-side the gates of
Brazennose; and Mark having obtained the key, we proceeded to explore
the forsaken chamber of the Muses.

[Illustration: page151]

TAKING POSSESSION OF YOUR ROOMS.

Topography of a vacant College Larium--Anecdotes and
Propensities of Predecessors--A long Shot--Scout's List of
Necessaries--Condolence of University Friends.

Ascending a dark stone staircase till the oaken beams of the roof
proclaimed we had reached the domiciliary abode of genius, I found
myself in the centre of my future habitation, an attic on the third
floor: I much doubt if poor Belzoni, when he discovered the Egyptian
sepulchre, could have exhibited more astonishment. The old bed-maker,
and the scout of my predecessor, had prepared the apartment for my
reception by gutting it of every thing useful to the value of a cloak
pin: the former was engaged in sweeping up the dust, which, from the
clouds that surrounded us, would not appear to have been disturbed for
six months before at least. I had nearly broken my shins, on my first
entrance, over the fire-shovel and bucket, and I was now in more danger
of being choked with filth. "Who inhabited this delightful place before,
Mark?" "A mad wag, but a generous gentleman, Sir, take notice, one
Charles Rattle, Esq., who was expelled college for smuggling, take
notice: the proctor, with the town marshal and his bull dogs, detected
him and two others one night drawing up some fresh provision in the