My prospects of a college life were blighted, and I had not the energy to face business.

But, as was always the case, I could not for long together stick to anything; and in due time I emerged from my wretchedness, an idle, dawdling youth, with no object in life, no talents to recommend me, nothing to do.
It was deplorable, and my father was nearly heart-broken.

Heroically he strove to rouse me to activity, to interest me in some pursuit.

He did for me what I should have done for myself--sought occupation for me, and spent days and days in his efforts to get me settled in life.

At last he succeeded in procuring a nomination to a somewhat lucrative government clerkship; and, for the first time since I left Welford, my father and mother and I were happy together.