Mr. Drttry Wake. 299 



a normal part of the collegiate course, that the 

 ^' intelligent foreigner " might have taken it for an item 

 of the regular curriculum of University education. Few 

 and far between, however, are the hacks that are now to 

 be seen pacing up and down outside ^^ Canterbury Gate.'' 

 Increased demands upon the time of undergraduates, and 

 ever-recurring examinations, have proved insuperable 

 obstacles to enjoying the pleasures of the chase ; and 

 ''Ichabod " is written in full type on the stable doors of 

 many a once prosperous dealer in horses at the old 

 University town. 



After a year's banishment, Mr. Wake returned to Christ 

 Church to pass his final examination, a feat he per- 

 formed with as much in hand — and more in head — as 

 he had on crossing ^' Folly Bridge,'' at the close of his 

 famous ride. His tutor strongly urged him to read for 

 *^ honours;" pleading that another pupil of his, with 

 scarcely so good abilities, had by means of incessant 

 study and much self-denial greatly distinguished him- 

 self in the " Schools." "But what about his health 

 afterwards ? " inquired Mr. Wake ; " did he not utterly 

 break down; and has he not become a confirmed 

 invalid ? " "I fear it was so " was the reply, *^ but his 

 case was an exceptional one." '^ Thank you, sir, but so 

 might mine be," was the rejoinder. ^^ I have heard of 

 a Lady's maid who stated that in her opinion, ' Health 

 after personal appearance is the greatest blessing as is.' 

 I, sir, am disposed to put health before, not personal 

 appearance only, but also before classical distinction. 

 The last is a good dog, but the first is abetter; and 

 therefore I mean to stick to the first." Thus the 

 interview ended; and the unambitious pupil was satis- 



