A STUDENTS CERTIFICATE cxxxiii 



me to take a humble part in his theatricals ; I was a master in 

 the art of extracting a certificate even at the cannon's mouth ; 

 and I was under no apprehension. But when I approached 

 Fleeming, I found myself in another world ; he would have 

 naught of me. ' It is quite useless for you to come to me, Mr. 

 Stevenson. There may be doubtful cases, there is no doubt 

 about yours. You have simply not attended my class.' The 

 document was necessary to me for family considerations ; and 

 presently I stooped to such pleadings and rose to such adjura- 

 tions, as made my ears burn to remember. He was quite un- 

 moved ; he had no pity for me. ' You are no fool,' said he, 

 ' and you chose your course.' I showed him that he had miscon- 

 ceived his duty, that certificates were things of form, attendance 

 a matter of taste. Two things, he replied, had been required 

 for graduation, a certain competency proved in the final trials 

 and a certain period of genuine training proved by certificate ; 

 if he did as I desired, not less than if he gave me hints for an 

 examination, he was aiding me to steal a degree. ' You see, 

 Mr. Stevenson, these are the laws and I am here to apply 

 them,' said he. I could not say but that this view was tenable, 

 though it was new to me ; I changed my attack : it was only 

 for my father's eye that I required his signature, it need never 

 go to the Senatus, I had already certificates enough to justify 

 my year's attendance. ' Bring them to me ; I cannot take your 

 word for that,' said he. * Then I will consider.' The next day 

 I came charged with my certificates, a humble assortment. And 

 when he had satisfied himself, ' Remember,' said he, c that I can 

 promise nothing, but I will try to find a form of words.' He 

 did find one, and I am still ashamed when I think of his shame 

 in giving me that paper. He made no reproach in speech, but 

 his manner was the more eloquent ; it told me plainly what a 

 dirty business we were on ; and I went from his presence, with 

 my certificate indeed in my possession, but with no answerable 

 sense of triumph. That was the bitter beginning of my love 

 for Fleeming ; I never thought lightly of him afterwards. 



Once, and once only, after our friendship was truly founded, 

 did we come to a considerable difference. It was, by the rules 



