84 Life and Times of " The Druid? 



affections, but with characteristic modesty 

 he had said and done little to reveal to her 

 the true sentiments of his heart. Both were 

 very young, and her refusal, although natural 

 under the circumstances, inflicted upon him 

 a blow which was more than he could stand. 

 His health suffered to such an extent that 

 brain fever ensued, and on the morning 

 when the classical examination commenced, 

 he was unable to leave his bed. On re- 

 covering, he applied for permission to be 

 examined in Classics, and was told that the 

 mathematical degree through which he had 

 contrived to shave, was sufficient to make 

 him a B.A., and precluded a further attempt 

 in another field wherein he would doubtless 

 have achieved some distinction. The dis- 

 appointment cast a cloud over his after-life, 

 and depressed his spirits whenever his mind 

 reverted to his College days. Upon further 

 acquaintance with him Miss Caroline Lynes 

 was induced to change her mind, and to 

 accept the offer which she had previously 

 declined. They were married (as will be 

 seen from the next chapter) in May, 1847. 

 At that time Henry Dixon's father was still 



