His modesty and elegance prepossessed the spectators greatly in his favor, as he passed timidly along the ranks to the table.
Dr.Wilkinson smiled kindly on him as he delivered the bright silver medal, in its claret-colored case, saying as he did so, "I have the greatest pleasure in giving this to you, and trust that you will be encouraged, when you look on it, to go on as you have begun." Louis was covered with blushes--he bowed, and as he turned away, the most deafening applause greeted him; and, as the last prize was now given, the boys left their seats and mingled among the company.

Louis was drawn immediately into a little coterie, composed of Hamilton, Reginald, his three cousins, and one or two others, all of whom congratulated him upon his distinction.
"And so, Louis, you are the hero," said Vernon; "and what is the drama in which you have been acting so much to your credit ?" "Too long a tale to tell now," replied Hamilton, smiling on Louis; "we will talk over it by and by.

We have been treating him very ill, Digby, but next half-year we shall understand him better--shall we not, Louis ?" Louis was so full of delight that he could hardly speak--it was especially a happy moment to stand before his cousin Vernon with a right fame and well-established character.
"I said my magic knew who would gain the medal," said Frank.
"But your magic did not anticipate such magnificent honors for yourself, I imagine," said Vernon.
"I was a little out," said Frank, carelessly; "for it has proved that Lady Louisa has all the goodness, and I the genius.

My head is quite overloaded with the laurels Fudge heaped on me: I shan't be able to hold it up these holidays." "A good thing that something will press it down: it is generally high enough," remarked Hamilton.
"How delighted father and mother will be to hear of your industry!" said Vernon.
"I am sure," replied the incorrigible youth, "they ought to be proud of having a son too clever to win the prizes.

Louis, it puts me in mind of the man in your tale, who had to bind his legs for fear he should outrun the hares.