part of them would be away on their autumn travels, and that the few who remained at home might be confided to the care of one of my brother drawing-masters, whose pupils I had once taken off his hands under similar circumstances.  My sister reminded me that this gentleman had expressly placed his services at my disposal, during the present season, in case I wished to leave town; my mother seriously appealed to me not to let an idle caprice stand in the way of my own interests and my own health; and Pesca piteously entreated that I would not wound him to the heart by rejecting the first grateful offer of service that he had been able to make to the friend who had saved his life.

The evident sincerity and affection which inspired these remonstrances would have influenced any man with an atom of good feeling in his composition.  Though I could not conquer my own unaccountable perversity, I had at least virtue enough to be heartily ashamed of it, and to end the discussion pleasantly by giving way, and promising to do all that was wanted of me.

The rest of the evening passed merrily enough in humorous anticipations of my coming life with the two young ladies in Cumberland.  Pesca, inspired by our national grog, which appeared to get into his head, in the most marvellous manner, five minutes after it had gone down his throat, asserted his claims to be considered a complete Englishman by making a series of speeches in rapid succession, proposing my mother’s health, my sister’s health, my health, and the healths, in mass, of Mr. Fairlie and the two young Misses, pathetically returning thanks himself, immediately afterwards, for the whole party.  “A secret, Walter,” said my little friend confidentially, as we walked home together.  “I am flushed by the recollection of my own eloquence.  My soul bursts itself with ambition.  One of these days I go into your noble Parliament.  It is the dream of my whole life to be Honourable Pesca, M.P.!”

The next morning I sent my testimonials to the Professor’s employer in Portland Place.  Three days passed, and I concluded, with secret satisfaction, that my papers had not been found sufficiently explicit.  On the fourth day, however, an answer came.  It announced that Mr. Fairlie accepted my services, and requested me to start for Cumberland immediately.  All the necessary instructions for my journey were carefully and clearly added in a postscript.

I made my arrangements, unwillingly enough, for leaving London early the next day.  Towards evening Pesca looked in, on his way to a dinner-party, to bid me good-bye.

“I shall dry my tears in your absence,” said the Professor gaily, “with this glorious thought.  It is my auspicious hand that has given the first push to your fortune in the world.  Go, my friend!  When your sun shines in Cumberland (English proverb), in the name of heaven make your hay.  Marry one of the two young Misses; become Honourable Hartright, M.P.; and when you are on the top of the ladder remember that Pesca, at the bottom, has done it all!”