In spite, however, of all diligence, it could not fail of often being grossly misspent with many of the pupils; for it is not possible for human power effectually to influence the heart, and, until that is done, any thing else can be but an outward form.
This afternoon the boys were scattered over the large playground.

In one corner was the doctor, with twenty or thirty boys around him, and in other directions, the different ushers hearing Catechisms and other lessons.

Some of the parties were very dull, for no effort was made by the instructor to impart a real delight in the Word of God to his pupils; and religion was made merely a matter of question and answer, to remain engraved in such heartless form on the repugnant mind of the learner.
And, alas! how can it be otherwise, where the teacher himself does not know that religion is a real and happy thing, and not to be learned as we teach our boys the outlines of heathen mythology?
Sitting on the ground, lolling against one of the benches under a tree, sat Hastings Meredith and Reginald and Louis Mortimer; and one or two more were standing or sitting near; all of whom had just finished answering all the questions in the Church Catechism to Mr.Danby, and had said a Psalm.
Louis was sitting on the bench, looking flushed, thinking of holidays, and, of course, of home,--home Sabbaths, those brightest days of home life,--when Trevannion came up with his usual air of cool, easy confidence.

Trevannion was the most gentlemanly young man in the school; he never was in a hurry; was particularly alive to any thing "vulgar," or "snobbish," and would have thought it especially unbecoming in him to exhibit the smallest degree of annoyance at any untoward event.

It took a good deal to put him out of countenance, and he esteemed it rather plebeian to go his own errands, or, indeed, to take any unnecessary trouble.
"Were you in Bristol this morning, Meredith ?" he said.
"Yes, sure, your highness," replied Meredith, yawning.
"Tired apparently," said Trevannion ironically, glancing at the recumbent attitude of the speaker.
"Worried to death with that old bore Danby, who's been going backwards and forwards for the last hour, with 'What is your name ?' and 'My good child,' &c.