Their little society was, indeed, a curious thing, in which the mincing propriety of the Old World had wed itself right loyally to the stern necessity of the New.

How stern such necessity might be, the Rexford family, who came rolling into this state of things in their own family carriage, had yet to learn.
It was to the Principalship of the New College that Robert Trenholme, by virtue of scholastic honours from Oxford, had attained.

Although a young man for the post, it was admitted by all that he filled it admirably.
The school had increased considerably in the three years of his management.

And if Trenholme adapted himself to the place, the place was also adapted to him, for by it he held an assured standing in the country; he could, as the saying is, mix with the best; and he valued his position.

Why should he not value it?
He had won it honourably, and he cherished it merely as the greatest of his earthly goods, which he believed he held in due subordination to more heavenly benefits.