The exchange of solitude for the crowd; the emulation of college life; the sports and communion of youthful associates--served, after a while, to soothe the sorrows of Ralph Colleton.

Indeed, he found it necessary that he should bend himself earnestly to his studies, that he might forget his griefs.

And, in a measure he succeeded; at least, he subdued their more fond expression, and only grew sedate, instead of passionate.

The bruises of his heart had brought the energies of his mind to their more active uses.
From fifteen to twenty is no very long leap in the history of youth.

We will make it now, and place the young Ralph--now something older in mind as in body--returned from college, finely formed, intellectual, handsome, vivacious, manly, spirited, and susceptible--as such a person should be--once again in close intimacy with his beautiful cousin.