Home.

With a clear 300 pounds a year of his own, it was of course unnecessary
for Julian to return to Saint Werner's as a sizar, and he at once wrote
to his tutor to beg that his name might be removed from the list. There
was one respect in which he found this a very material addition to his
comfort and happiness. As the sizars dined an hour later than the other
men, and at a separate table, he had been by this means cut off from the
society of many of his friends in hall, where men have more
opportunities of meeting and becoming intimate than anywhere else. It
was no slight addition to his happiness to sit perpetually with the
group of friends he valued most.

"I've got a magnificent plan for the Long, Julian," said Kennedy to him
one day, as they left the hall. "My father is going to Switzerland for
three months, with my sister Eva and me. Eva goes under the wing of an
aunt of mine, Mrs Dudley, whom I think you met at Ildown once. Won't,
you come with us?"

The proposal was very tempting, the more so as Julian had never been
abroad. He mentioned it in his next letter home, and asked if it would
be possible for any of them to accompany him, without which he gave up
all intention of making the tour. In reply, Mrs Home proposed that
Violet should go, (if Mrs Dudley would kindly chaperon her), because
the trip would be of great advantage to her in many ways; and that Cyril
should go, as a reward for his industry and success at Marlby. "As for
Frankie and me," she continued, "we will stay at home to take care of
Ildown in your absence. Frank is too young to enjoy travelling, and I
have but little desire for it; we two will stay behind, and I daresay we
shall be very happy, especially if you write us long accounts of all
your proceedings."

So this most delightful plan was definitely adopted, and all concerned
were full of the happiest anticipations. Kennedy and Julian looked
forward to it with the utmost eagerness; Violet, who had already grown
fond of Mrs Dudley and Eva, was charmed at the prospect, and Cyril,
with all a boy's eagerness for novelty, was well-nigh wild with joy.

But as yet six weeks were to elapse before the Long commenced.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN.

KENNEDY'S DISHONOUR.

"I fancied Cuthbert's reddening face
Beneath its garniture of curly gold,
Dear fellow, till I almost felt him fold
An arm in mine, to fix me to the place.
That way he used, ... Alas! one hour's disgrace!"