The examinations have really degenerated into a technical groove, into which aspirants have to be regularly initiated by a `coach,' or they will never succeed in getting out of it, to receive their certificates of proficiency.
"I will write you down the name of a good man to apply to, Frank,"-- he added.--"He'll pass you, I warrant, or I will eat my hat! And now I must be off, my boy.

I have a lot of visiting to do to-night ere I can hope to go to bed.

I'll not forget to speak to the bishop, as I have promised; and, I think, you may rely upon getting a nomination for a good office within the time I have named.

Have you anything to do out, Sally--any letters to post ?"--he then said, turning to his sister, and putting on the hat he had just volunteered to eat.--"No?
Then I'm off.
Good-night, Frank! Mind you go to that tutor to-morrow,"-- he said, handing me the address he had hastily scribbled down; and, he went out on some errand of mercy, leaving Miss Pimpernell and myself to resume our tete-a-tete conversation, which he had so satisfactorily interrupted.
"Well, Frank!"-- said she, as his coat tails disappeared out of the doorway,--"will not that do for you ?" "I should just think it would!"-- I replied, buoyantly;--"and I do not know how to thank you and the vicar for all your kindness.

I can't tell what I should have done without your help!" "Oh, never mind that, my boy,"-- she answered kindly;--"we are both only too glad to assist any one, especially you, Frank, whom the vicar calls his `old maid's son!' All you have to do now, is, to be hopeful and persevere! Only let me see you and Miss Min happily married in the end--for I, you know, like to see young lovers happy:--I have such a large amount of romance in me!" Indeed she had, I thought, when she laughed cheerily at the idea.
"I'll work, never fear,"-- I said--"but, promotion is very slow in Government offices.