Despite all my demerits, I was now within reach of a position which many a youth of greater ability and steadier character might well have envied; and I believe I was really thankful at my good fortune.
"I will go with you to-morrow," said my father, "when you have to appear before the head of the department." "All right," said I; "what time is it ?" "Half-past eleven." "Well, I must meet you at the place, then, for I promised to see Evans early in the morning." "Better go to him to-day," said my mother; "it would be a thousand pities to be late to-morrow." "Oh, no fear of that," said I, laughing; "I've too good an eye to my own interests." Next morning I went to see Evans, and left him in good time to meet my father at the stated hour.

But an evil spirit of dawdling seized me as I went.

I stopped to gaze into shops, to chat with a passing acquaintance, and to have my boots blacked.

Forgetting the passage of time altogether, I strolled leisurely along, stopping at the slightest temptation, and prolonging my halts as if reluctant to advance, when suddenly I heard the deep bell of Westminster clock chime a quarter.

"A quarter past eleven," thought I; "I must look sharp." And I did look sharp, and reached the place of appointment out of breath.