"Arrange it in this way," said Ashton; "both of you go, and when you get
there, if you decide you have done wrong, then leave at once; or if you
find that your consciences are in durance vile, and you have not
patience or sufficient interest to stay and see the play out, go, and I
will excuse you then with all my heart; but I won't excuse your not
going. Now is your time to decide; for here comes Dixon, true to his
appointment."

"I suppose you have got your party complete, Ashton?" he said; "and if
so, we had better start at once, or the play will have begun before we
get there."

George pondered no longer. "Suppose we try it, Hardy, on Ashton's
plan," said he; "I don't see any harm in that, do you?"

"No, I think that is the best way in which the case can be put," he
replied; "and I don't see that any harm can possibly come of it."

Away went the party, full of high spirits, bent upon amusement. But
George felt a certain uneasy something, which tried to make him feel
less pleased with himself than usual, and his laugh was at first forced
and unnatural; there was not the same joyousness there would have been
had he been starting on some recreation which he knew would be approved
by parent and friends, and his own conscience. Ashton noticed he did not
seem to be quite at ease; and therefore he brought all his humour into
play to provoke hilarity. By the time they arrived at the theatre, that
love of novelty and excitement which is so natural to young people
completely overcame all other feelings, and the sight of the crowds
flocking into all parts of the house was now an irresistible temptation