consultation." After a short pause he continued: "You know, of course,
that it is a dull season just now. People do not seem to read the papers
in August. Now, we want you to take a holiday. Morgan has been away; I
shall go when you come back. Say three weeks or a month. You've been
over-working yourself a bit--burning the candle at both ends, eh?"

"Hardly at both ends," corrected Vellacott, with a ready smile which
entirely transformed his face. "Hardly at both ends--at one end in a
draught, perhaps."

"Ha, ha! Very good," chimed in Mr. Morgan the irrepressible. "At one end
in a draught--that is like me, only the draught has got inside my cheeks
and blown them out instead of in like yours, eh? Ha, ha!" And he patted
his cheeks affectionately.

"I don't think I care for a holiday just now, thanks," he said slowly,
without remembering to call up a smile for Mr. Morgan's benefit.
Unconsciously he put his hand to his forehead, which was damp with the
heat of the printing-office which he had just left.

"My dear fellow," said Mr. Bodery gravely, emphasising his remarks with
the pencil, "you have one thing in life to learn yet--no doubt you have
many, but this one in particular you must learn. Work is not the only
thing we are created for--not the only thing worth living for. It is a
necessary evil, that is all. When you have reached my age you will come
to look upon it as such. A little enjoyment is good for every one. There
are many things to form a brighter side to life. Nature--travelling--
riding--rowing----"

"And love," suggested the sub-editor, placing his hand dramatically on