For the first time I understand what fame is--what the object, and what the reward of labour! Visions, hopes, aspirations I may have had before--for months a new spirit has been fluttering within me.

I have felt the wings breaking from the shell, but all was confused, dim, uncertain.

I doubted the wisdom of effort, with life so short, and the pleasures of youth so sweet.

I now look no longer on life but as a part of the eternity to which I _feel_ we were born; and I recognise the solemn truth that our objects, to be worthy life, should be worthy of creatures in whom the living principle never is extinct.

Farewell! come joy or sorrow, failure or success, I will struggle to deserve your friendship." Maltravers sprang into his boat, and the shades of night soon snatched him from the lingering gaze of De Montaigne..