Mr.Wickersham wished his son to have the best advantages.

Mrs.Wickersham desired this too, but she also had a further motive.

She wished her son to eclipse Norman Wentworth.

Both were young men of parts, and as both had unlimited means at their disposal, neither was obliged to study.
Norman Wentworth, however, had applied himself to secure one of the high class-honors, and as he was universally respected and very popular, he was regarded as certain to have it, until an unexpected claimant suddenly appeared as a rival.
Ferdy Wickersham never took the trouble to compete for anything until he discovered that some one else valued it.

It was a trait he had inherited from his mother, who could never see any one possessing a thing without coveting it.
The young man was soon known at college as one of the leaders of the gay set.