e were necessaries of life, it might be folly
to think of it. But if a man be brave, and manly, and fearless of
convention, let him marry by all means, and not make his life bitter and
his love cold by long delay."

"But how about his children?"

"Well, it may be fanaticism, but I believe that God never sends a soul
into the world without providing ample means for its sustenance. Of
course, such an assertion will set the tongues of our would-be
philosophers waggling in scornful cachinnation; but, in spite of that, I
do believe that if a man have faith, and a strong heart, and common
sense, he may depend upon it his children will not starve. Some of the
very happiest people I know are to be found among the large families of
country clergymen. Besides, very often the children succeed in life,
and improve their father's position. I haven't the shadow of a doubt
that I am doing the right thing. I only wish, Hugh, that you would
follow my example."

"Perhaps I shall, some day," said Lillyston.

"And meanwhile you will be my bridegroom's man, will you not?"

"Joyfully--if it be only to see Miss Kennedy's face again."

"And do you know that Kennedy is to be married to Violet the same day?"

"Is he? happy fellow! As for me, I am going to resign my fellowship,
and to make myself useful at Lillyston Court. When is the wedding to
be?"

"_Both_ weddings, you mean, Hugh. On the tenth of next June at
Orton-on-the-Sea--the loveliest spot in the world, I think."

So in due time Julian packed up all his books and prizes, and bade
farewell to his friends, and turned his back on Camford. It is as
impossible to leave one's college without emotion as it is to enter it,
and the tears often started to Julian's eyes as the train whirled him
off to Elstan. He had cause, if any man ever had, to look back to
Camford with regret and love. His course had been singularly
successful, singularly happy. He had entered Saint Werner's as a sizar,
he left it as a Fellow, and not "With academic laurels unbestowed."

He had grown in calmness, in strength, in wisdom; he had learnt many
practical lessons of life; he had gained new friends, without losing the
old. He had learnt to honour all men, and to be fearless for the truth.
His mind had become a well-managed instrument, which he could apply to
all purposes of discovery, research, and thought; he was wiser, better,
braver, nearer the light. In a word, he had learnt the great purp