The Skeleton Crew; Or, Wildfire Ned — page 117: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE SKELETON CREW; OR, WILDFIRE NED. lil “A violin, pistols, belt, and sword hung from a rack in the wall. “Pipes, and slippers, and papers were every- where; and even as he paced the room, noiselessly and long, he puffed his pipe, and looked forth into the courtyari beneath, where nought was heard but the cool and mossy spray-splashing fountains, sparkling in the moonlight, and throwing up jets of diamond and ruby-like spray. “*And now, he thought, ‘the present is the most momentous moment of my life! How I have longed for it through long and tedious years of mental drudgery and toil! And yet, now I go forth to the world fatherless, friendless, and moneyless. I begin the battle of life alone!’ ”’ “Why, that is my case exactly,’ said Ned, thoughtfully, as he readon. “I wonder who this chap turns out to be ? Surely not my father! If so, [have gone through all that sort of thing exactly as he did.” He turned over a leaf of the manuscript, and read on :— “ He thought of the long distant time when, as a boy, he played and rolled on the grass plats, forget- ful of books and lessons—of scaling the walls, and rambling in the forests. “Yet year followed year, and he ripened into youth, and passed the collegiate course, a credit to his tutors and himself. * Fatherless and motherless he knew he was, ** But who had fed and clothed and educated him, were questions he could not answer. “ffe never wanted for aught that a gentleman required, yet he felt a pang of pride to think he might be a ‘charity student,’ for in answer to all inquiries the grey-haired President always smiled, took his arm, and said, “<< Wdward, ask no questions—at least not yet; finish your studies as creditably as you have begun —ask for anything you require—know that you are a gentleman by birth, ard not a subject of charity, and when you have obtained your degree, put as many questions as you wish. They shall all be fitly answered, and to your satisfaction,’ ” «* Why, this is my case to a dot,” said Ned, as he still read on. “Commencement day at tne college was always a grand affair, and its many attractions were such, that not “only parents and friends, but strangers from all parts flocked thither to hear the orations, inspect the prizes, and see. the troops re- viewed. “Such were the crowds that always came on that occasicu, hat hotels were crammed, and the college theatre was far too small, so that the exercises were always held in the open air. “The whole of the quadrangle was decorated with flags and banners, and tiers of raised seats, sheltered from the sun by awnings, while in the centre arosé the stage, formed like a Grecian temple, with columns of imitation marble, on which, in a semi-circle, the faculty sat in solemn state to confer degrees, while round about the cadets formed a guard of honour, with bands and flags, and brilliant uniforms. Graduates, one by one, had delivered | heir orations amid great applause. “ Gold.and silver medals were bestowed for con- duct, excellence, and diJigence, while richly en- grossed diplomas with triple seals were handed to the military graduates amid deafening cliecers. “ Then followed a grand review, with its march, ing, counter-marching, yolley-firing, smoke, dust, and noise. i Eee nen +16) S,COnm “ After which a grand banquet took place in the college theatre, at which two thousand or more assisted. “With its freseoed walls hung with tapestry and banners, the banquetting scene was imposing; the Faculty, with invited guests, sat at the head of the long tables on a raised dais, while to the right hand and to the left were lords, ladies, divines, officers, lawyers, farmers, and others, who had sons in the college. “Toast folloxed toast, and speech succeeded speech, bottles popped, and glasses clinked in good fellowship and humour, while jest and joke and laughter almost drowned the music of the band, which in a side gallery discoursed very sweet music during the repast. “Lawrence left the table early, and retired to his room to write a letter, and make arrangements for his departure, and as he stood reflectively before the mirror, in a dark blue uniform faced with red and gold, with sword by his side, and French cap jauntily placed, he looked fresh and gay in the prime and vigour of youth. “He gazed about him at the confusion of his room, and smiled. “His books and papers and numberless effects were untouched, and Livy, Sophocles, Blair, Danté, works on fortifications, tactics, &c., lay strewn over his desk just as he had flung them days before, when ke had emerged triumphant from his final examination amid the shouts of his fellows. “Nothing had been touched, and as he looked at the dusty aspect of everything, with a cat in the window sill blinking in the sunlight, the silence of the quadrangle was only broken by the distant noise and cheers issuing from the banquet hall. “A dainty note lay on his desk, which read,— ** ¢ The Willows, July, 4 P.M. *< HDWARD LAWRENCE, Esq., M.A. “«*StR,—Uncle desires the pleasure of your company this evening to meet some mutual friends, and trusts that the fatigues of the day will not prevent you gratifying his wish, *** Your friend, ‘““* HMMA BRAY. *** P.S.—I forgot to add that Cousin Clare is unwell. She went to the ‘Commencement’ this morning, and heard your oration, and was much pleased, as indeed all of us.were. The heat and dust, however, were too much for her, and she was obliged to return home. Call early in the afternoon if you can, for we are all excessively dull and moping.’”’ *“* Colonel Henry wishes to see you, Mr. Law- rence,’ said a messenger, entering the room, ‘he is walking on the vine terrace.’ **« Ah, Edward,’ said the President, shaking the young man heartily by the hand, ‘ allow me to con- gratulate you upon your really excellent graduating speech. “¢ But this is not the subject of which I wished to speak; if is of yourself, For the last ten years past, with us within these walls, you have been lectured enough, daily and hourly, hence I shall not inflict an oration upon you to-day, which is, the most important of your life, «¢ There is much in genius, but there is more in courageous industry. **¢ You have done yourself credit while with us, and I doubt not your general conduct through life will be the same as that which has characterised you as a student. «Of your worldly prospects I know but little. ““« At twelve years you were placed in our hands by Lord Somers, who claims to be your uncle, with these words, * This boy,I leave w.th you to Le educated for the King’s army ; every cost will be defrayed by me. If he acquits himself with honour I will own him, if otherwise he snall never know me. nn) OO