CHAPTER XVI.
"Now the bright morning star, day's harbinger, Comes dancing from the east."-- MILTON.
HITHERTO Ernest had never met with any mind that had exercised a strong influence over his own.

At home, at school, at Gottingen, everywhere, he had been the brilliant and wayward leader of others, persuading or commanding wiser and older heads than his own: even Cleveland always yielded to him, though not aware of it.

In fact, it seldom happens that we are very strongly influenced by those much older than ourselves.

It is the senior, of from two to ten years, that most seduces and enthrals us.

He has the same pursuits--views, objects, pleasures, but more art and experience in them all.