The breakfast dragged past its close. Mr. Marrapit spoke. "The moments
fly," he observed.

Margaret said earnestly: "Oh, yes, father."

"I was addressing George."

"Ur!" said George, suddenly aroused.

Mr. Marrapit looked at his watch; repeated his observation.

George read his meaning. "I thought of going up by the later train to-
day," he explained.

"A dangerous thought. Crush it." Mr. Marrapit continued: "Margaret,
Mrs. Major, I observe you have concluded"; and when the two had
withdrawn addressed himself again to George: "A dangerous thought. You
recall our conversation of the day before yesterday?"

"Perfectly."

"Yet by later trains, by idleness, you deliberately imperil your
future?"

George did not answer the question. This was the very opportunity for
which he had wished. "I would like to talk about my future," he said.

"I dare not dwell upon it," replied Mr. Marrapit.

"I have to. I shall pass all right this time. I want to know--the fact