Gathered In by Catherine Helen Spence — Read

Kenneth regretted the close of his studies in the good old City of Edinburgh, because he really advanced more in the last year of his course than he had done in the preceding years. The conversation with his father had acted as a spur to him. If he had had it before he would have worked hard, and obtained a degree; but he was young, and though his advisers made him go in he was not successful. It was not a discreditable attempt--it only need another year's study; but George Oswald was unwilling to let him remain any longer over books. Harry Stalker, who was the only divinity student resident at Mrs. Wishart's, and Kenneth's dearest and most appreciating friend, always said Oswald ought to have pulled through, but at the same time congratulated him on his failure as boding for greater ultimate success in life than a brilliant University opening. Besides, of what value would an University degree be in the eyes of the patriarchal George Oswald, steeped in the local conceit of successful and ignorant colonists? "You can please him better by going in for easy honours at their Melbourne affair, and have your name printed in the newspapers that he reads. And you will have less to regret in leaving 'Auld Reekie".

"It is very good-natured of you to say so," said Kenneth, who was naturally mortified at his being unsuccessful; "you would have felt it mortifying if you had failed."