brought out very archly, and instantly recalled to Julian's
mind the many arguments which he had used to his friend, especially
since his father's death, to prove that, under any circumstances,
diligence was a duty which secured its own reward; indeed, he used to
maintain that, even on selfish grounds it was best, for in the long run
the idlest boys, with their punishments and extras, got far the most
work to do--to say nothing of the lassitude that usurps the realm of
neglected duty, and that disgraceful ignorance which is the nemesis of
wasted time.

He burst out laughing. "You have me on the hip, Hugh, and I give in.
In proof whereof, here goes the novel I'm reading; and I'll at once set
to work on my next set of verses;" whereon Julian pitched his green
novel to the top of an inaccessible cupboard, got down his Elegiacs for
the next day, and had no immediate recurrence of what Lillyston
christened the "pudding theory of work."

It was during his last year at Harton that Lady Vinsear, in consequence
of one of her sudden whims, wrote to invite him to Lonstead, with both
his brothers; for she never took any notice of either Violet or Mrs
Home. The time she mentioned was ten days before the Harton holidays
began. So that Frank and Cyril, (who came back from Marlby just in
time), had to go alone, rather to their disgust; Julian, however,
promising to join them directly after he returned from school. The
wilful old lady, urged on by the confidante, took considerable umbrage
at this, and wrote that "she was quite sure the Doctor would not have
put any obstacles in the way of Julian's coming had he been informed of
_her_ wishes. And as for trials, (the Harton word for examination),
which Julian had pleaded in excuse, he had better take care that, in
attending to the imaginary trials of Harton, he didn't increase his own
real trials."

This sentence made Julian laugh immoderately, both from his aunt's
notion of the universal autocracy of _her_ will, and from her obvious
bewilderment at the technical word "Trials," which had betrayed her
unconsciously into a pun, which, of all things, she abhorred. However,
he wrote back politely--explained what he meant by "Trials"--begged to
be excused for a neglect of her wishes, which was inevitable--and
reiterated his promise of joining his brothers, as early as was
feasible, under her hospitable roof.

It was not without inward misgiving that Cyril and Frank found
themselves