Leslie Ross

"If your school career is as bright as this day is, Leslie, it will do."

"I will try and make it so, papa."

"Do, my son; mine and your mamma's thoughts will be constantly travelling to Ascot House."

"And mine travelling home, papa."

"So I believe, my dear boy; but life is always full of partings, and absence from those we love."

Mr Ross and his son were ushered into the doctor's library, where they found the doctor himself ready to receive them, who, after shaking hands with his old college friend, placed one on Leslie's head, saying, "This, then, is the young gentleman concerning whom you wrote."

"Yes, doctor, he is my only son."

"Well, I trust we shall work well and pleasantly together, and that I may always have a good account to transmit to you concerning him."

Leslie murmured something in reply,