y; by never losing an opportunity of
gaining information; and more especially, by not fancying himself a
genius, and that he could get on without hard reading. Those were very
happy days at Grafton Hall, both for him and his immediate friends, as
also for the boys below him.

Another Christmas passed by, and another summer drew on. It was
understood that he would leave at the end of another half. As the boys
rose to the top of the school at Grafton Hall, they had many privileges
and advantages which, of course, the younger ones did not possess. They
had separate sleeping-rooms, where they might study, and they enjoyed a
considerable amount of liberty. One day Bouldon came into Ernest's room
in high glee.

"Come along, Bracebridge; it's all settled! You are to go, and so is
Ellis. We are to be back in four days; but we will enjoy those four
days thoroughly."

"I have no doubt that we shall," said Ernest quietly, looking up from
his desk. "But where are we to go?--when are we to go?--what are we to
do? Tell me all about it; you have not done so yet."

"To be sure I have not! How stupid of me!" said Bouldon, laughing. "I
forgot that you did not know anything about a plan I formed long ago.
You know that I have a brother at Eton--a jolly good fellow--a year
older than I am. There is not a better brother in the United Kingdom
than my brother Jack. Well, for the last two years, I should think, he
has wanted me to go down to see him while he's at school; but as our
holidays are much about the same time, I've not been able to manage it.
Lately, he has been writing home about it; and, at last, he has
persuaded our father to get leave for me to go from the Doctor, and to
invite two friends. I fixed on you at once, and it was a toss up
whether I should ask Buttar or Ellis; and I thought that the trip would
be more novel and amusing to Ellis than to Buttar. The Doctor did not
give in at first; but then he said you were both of you deserving of
reward, and that if you wished to go you might. Of course, you'll wish
to go; you'll enjoy it mightily."

Ernest thought that he should, and so did Ellis, who was quickly
summoned to the conference; and the Doctor having been prepared to grant
their request, gave them leave directly they asked it, giving them only
some sound advice for their guidance during their stay among strangers.
In high spirits they all set off for London, and were soon carried by
the Great Western