In cases like this, punishment is a blessing, and impunity a burden." On leaving the room he bade Eric follow him into his study.

Eric obeyed, and stood before the head-master with downcast eyes.
"Williams," he said, "I have had a great regard for you, and felt a deep interest in you from the day I first saw you, and knew your excellent parents.

At one time I had conceived great hopes of your future course, and your abilities seemed likely to blossom into noble fruit.

But you fell off greatly, and grew idle and careless.

At last an event happened, in which for a time you acted worthily of yourself, and which seemed to arouse you from your negligence and indifference.