chess-playing and that sort of thing. Now, you really must join it; it
will be so very nice for us to have a regular place of meeting; and,
besides that, we can combine study with amusement. What do you say, Mrs.
Weston?"

"I cannot see any objection to literary institutions," said Mrs. Weston;
"but I have always considered them better suited to young men who are
away from home, than for those who have comfortable homes in which to
spend their evenings. You speak about having a regular place of meeting.
I shall always be very pleased to see you and Mr. Hardy here, as often
as ever you can manage to spend an evening with us."

"Many thanks for your kindness, Mrs. Weston," returned Ashton; "but it
would not be right for us to trespass on your good nature. Now I will
give you and your friend a challenge, George," he continued. "Next
Monday, the first debate of the season comes off; will you allow me to
introduce you to the institution on that evening?--it is a member's
privilege."

"I shall be very pleased to join you, then," said George. "What say you,
Hardy?"

"I accept the invitation, with thanks," replied Hardy.

On Monday night, as George and Hardy journeyed towards the place of
meeting, they discussed the question of joining the institution.

"If you will, I will," said Hardy. "My parents do not much like the
idea; but, as you said the other evening, 'we must not allow ourselves
to be controlled like mere children.'"