By the help of these gifts and accomplishments, he had not failed to find favour, while his money lasted, with the young aristocracy of the "Gentle Mother." And, though the very reverse of an ambitious or calculating man, he had certainly nourished the belief that some one of the "hats" or "tinsel gowns"-- i.e., young lords or fellow-commoners, with whom he was on such excellent terms, and who supped with him so often, would do something for him in the way of a living.

But it so happened that when Mr.Caleb Price had, with a little difficulty, scrambled through his degree, and found himself a Bachelor of Arts and at the end of his finances, his grand acquaintances parted from him to their various posts in the State Militant of Life.

And, with the exception of one, joyous and reckless as himself, Mr.Caleb Price found that when Money makes itself wings it flies away with our friends.

As poor Price had earned no academical distinction, so he could expect no advancement from his college; no fellowship; no tutorship leading hereafter to livings, stalls, and deaneries.

Poverty began already to stare him in the face, when the only friend who, having shared his prosperity, remained true to his adverse fate,--a friend, fortunately for him, of high connections and brilliant prospects--succeeded in obtaining for him the humble living of A----.
To this primitive spot the once jovial roisterer cheerfully retired--contrived to live contented upon an income somewhat less than he had formerly given to his groom--preached very short sermons to a very scanty and ignorant congregation, some of whom only understood Welsh--did good to the poor and sick in his own careless, slovenly way--and, uncheered or unvexed by wife and children, he rose in summer with the lark and in winter went to bed at nine precisely, to save coals and candles.