Rumour began to say that foreign languages were now very desirable.

The three excellent married gentlemen who stood first in succession for the coveted promotion were great only in their vernacular.
Within a week from the secession of Sir Gregory, his immediate successor had been chosen, and it had been officially declared that the vacant situation in the senior class was to be thrown open as a prize for the best man in the office.

Here was a brilliant chance for young merit! The place was worth L600 a-year, and might be gained by any one who now received no more than L100.

Each person desirous of competing was to send in his name to the Secretary, on or before that day fortnight; and on that day month, the candidates were to present themselves before Sir Gregory Hardlines and his board of Commissioners.
And yet the joy of the office was by no means great.

The senior of those who might become competitors, was of course a miserable, disgusted man.