XI. CHRIST CHURCH CHOIR 197

style of my future essays materially in consequence, neither do I remember what line of conduct I had proposed to myself in the event of again obtaining the privilege of edifying the Saturday’s congregation. Perhaps my essays really diminished in value, or perhaps even the tutors had enough of them. All I know is, I was never asked to.

224.¹ I ought to have noticed that the first introductions to the men at my table were made easier by the chance of my having been shut up for two days of storm at the Hospice of the Grimsel, in 1835,² with some thirty travellers from various countries, among whom a Christ Church gentleman-commoner, Mr. Strangways,³ had played chess with me, and been a little interested in the way I drew granite among the snow. He at once acknowledged me in Hall for a fellow-creature; and the rest of his set, finding they could get a good deal out of me in amusement without my knowing it, and that I did not take upon myself to reform their manners from any Evangelical, or otherwise impertinent, point of view, took me up kindly; so that, in a fortnight or so, I had fair choice of what companions I liked, out of the whole college.

Fortunately for me-beyond all words, fortunately-Henry Acland, by about a year and a half my senior, chose me; saw what helpless possibilities were in me, and took me affectionately in hand. His rooms, next the gate on the north side of Canterbury,⁴ were within fifty yards of mine, and became to me the only place where I was happy. He quietly showed me the manner of life of English youth

¹ [The MS. here reads:-

“I have heard it said that old men remember their youth, but not their yesterdays. I very sorrowfully find myself now old enough to forget both, but certainly the youth most. It puzzles me extremely that I cannot the least recall the feelings of first acquaintance with the men at my table, nor how the mere forms of introduction were arranged by them for me. My notion is that they were made easier ...”]

² [See Ruskin’s metrical “Letter from Abroad,” Vol. II. p. 434.]

³ [Stephen Fox Strangways, afterwards (on an elder brother’s death) Lord Stavordale; died 1848.]

⁴ [The Canterbury quadrangle, beyond Peckwater, occupies the site of “Canterbury Hall,” of which Wyckliffe is supposed to have been master.]

[Version 0.04: March 2008]