"I do think we really require a little recreation after business hours;
and we can obtain none better than that of an intellectual kind, such as
is found at literary institutions. The new term has only just commenced;
so we may as well be enrolled as members at once."

"I wish the institution was a little nearer home," said Hardy, "for it
will be so late of an evening for us to be out. However, we need not
always attend, nor is it necessary we should very often be late. Have
you had any difficulty in obtaining Mrs. Weston's consent to your
joining?"

"None at all; she prefers my attending an institution of this kind to
any other, although probably she would be better pleased if I did not
join one at all. But, as Ashton says, we really must live up to the
times, and know something of what is going on in the world around us.
Did you not notice, the other evening, how Ashton could speak upon every
subject brought on the carpet? My mother said, 'What a remarkably
agreeable young man he is! he has evidently seen a good deal of
society;' and I think the two things are inseparable--to be agreeable
in society, one must mix more with it."

Ashton was punctual to his appointment; and all were at the institution
just as the members were assembling for the debate. George was surprised
to find how many of the young men knew Ashton, and he admired the ease
and elegance of his friend in acknowledging the greetings which met him
on every hand.

"I won't bore you with introductions to-night," he said, "except to just
half-a-dozen fellows in particular, who, I am sure, you will like to