would have been most pleasant to my mind, Wilton, inasmuch as through your whole course you have given me undivided satisfaction.  But, alas!  I cannot do for you all that I should wish to do.  You know that my own estates are all entailed upon distant relatives, whom I do not even know.  I am not a man, as you are well aware, to accumulate wealth; and all I can possibly assure to you is the enjoyment of the same income I have hitherto allowed you, and which, in case of my death, I will take care shall be yours.”

Wilton listened, as may be supposed, with affection and gratitude; but he tried, after expressing all he felt, and assuring the Earl that he possessed as much as he desired, to put an end to a conversation which was rendered the more painful to him by the marked alteration which he perceived in the person of his friend since he had last seen him.

The Earl, however, would not suffer the subject to drop, replying, “I know well that you are no way extravagant, Wilton, and maintain the appearance of a gentleman upon smaller means than many could or would; but yet, my good youth, you are naturally ambitious; and there are a thousand wants, necessities, and desires still to be gratified, which at present you neither perceive nor provide for.  You are not destined, Wilton, to go on all your life, content in the seclusion of a college, with less than three hundred a year.  Every man should strive to fulfil to the utmost his destiny—­I mean, should endeavour to reach the highest point in any way which God has given him the capability of attaining.  You must become more than you are, greater, higher, richer, by your own exertions.  Had my health suffered me to remain here, I could have easily facilitated your progress in political life.  Now I must trust your advancement to another; and you will perhaps think it strange, that the person I do trust it to should not be any of my old and intimate political friends.  But I have my reasons for what I do, which you will some day know; and before I go, I must exact one promise of you, which is to put yourself under the guidance of the person whom I have mentioned, and to accept whatever post he may think the best calculated to promote your future views.  As he now holds one of the highest stations in the ministry, I could have wished him to name you his private secretary, but that office is at present filled, and he has promised me most solemnly to find you some occupation within the next half-year.  Your allowance shall be regularly transmitted to you till my return; and, until you receive some appointment, you had better remain at Oxford, which may give you perhaps the means of taking your first degree.  And now, my dear boy, that I have explained all this, what were you about to say regarding the adventures you met with in your journey?”

“First let me ask, sir,” replied Wilton, “who is the gentleman you have so kindly interested for me?”

“Oh!  I thought you had divined:  it is the Earl of Byerdale, now all potent in the counsels of the King—­at least, so men suppose and say.  However, I look upon it that you have given me the promise that I ask.”