n who were smoking in Wilson's
studio, he having returned the day before from Cornwall.

"Well, youngster, I won't commiserate with you," he growled. "I have
been wondering since I heard from King last night what had kept you
away, what on earth you would do with yourself now you have come into
your money. I often thought it was the worst thing in the world for you
that you had not got to work, and if you are really going to set to now,
I believe the time will come when you will think that this misfortune is
the best thing that ever happened to you."

"I am not quite sure that I do not think so already," Cuthbert replied.
"I am not at all disposed to fancy myself a martyr, I can assure you. I
mean to go over to Paris and enter an Art School there. I know what you
fellows are. You would never let me work."

There was a general chorus of indignation.

"Well, how much do you work yourselves? You potter about for nine months
in the year, and work for four or five hours a day for the other three."

"Saul among the prophets!" Wilson exclaimed. "The idea of Cuthbert
Hartington rebuking us for laziness is rich indeed," and a roar of
laughter showed the general appreciation of the absurdity.

"Never mind," Cuthbert said, loftily. "You will see; 'from morn till
dewy eve,' will be my idea of work. It is the way you men loaf, and call
it working, that has so far kept me from setting to. Now I am going to
burst the bonds of the Castle of Indolence, and when I come back from
Paris I shall try to stir you all up to something like activity."

There was another laugh, and then Wilson said, "Well, it is the best
thing you can do to go abroad. I don't believe you would ever make a
fresh start here."

"I have made fresh a start, Wilson; our respected brother Terrier here,
has undertaken to teach me the rudiments, and for the next three months
his studio doors will be closed to all visitors from ten to five."

"Is that so? I congratulate you, Cuthbert; that really looks like
business, and if Terrier can't teach you how to use the brush and put on
color no one can. Gentlemen, we will drink the health of the new boy.
Here is to Cuthbert Hartington, and success to him." Glasses were raised
and the sentiment heartily echoed.

For three months Cuthbert worked steadily; to his own surprise, not less
than to that of his instructor, he found the hours none too long for
him. During that time he had received a letter from Mr. Brander that