is a nobler study than Mathematics.' Amendment proposed:
`Instead of "nobler" say "viler."' Proposed by Bosher, further
amendment: `Instead of "nobler" say "beastlier."' Proposed by
Telson--(`Hear, hear,' from Telson)--further amendment: `Instead of
"nobler" say "more idiotic."' You see it can easily be worked, and when
we've done with `nobler' we can start on the `is' and amend it to `are,'
do you twig? There'll have to be a division over each. I say it'll be
an awful lark!"

Little dreaming of the delightful treat in store for it, Willoughby
assembled next afternoon, expecting nothing better than a dull debate on
the well-worn question of classics _versus_ mathematics. They were
destined to experience more than one surprise before the meeting was
over.

Riddell, who had spent a dismal day, not knowing what to do or think,
and vainly hoping that Wyndham might by his own free confession solve
the bitter problem, came to the meeting. It was the least wretched
thing he could do. Anything was better than sitting alone and brooding
over his secret.

For the first time he received a cheer as he entered and took his
accustomed place. Willoughby was grateful to him for that catch in the
Rockshire match. How, at any other time, the captain would have
rejoiced over that cheer! But now he hardly heard it.

All the other heroes of the match received a similar ovation in
proportion to the service they had done, and when, just at the last
moment, Fairbairn, Coates, and Crossfield came in together, the "House"
rose at them and cheered tremendously.

The business was preceded by the usual questions, none of which,
however, were very important. After the captain's performance last
week, and perhaps still more after his speech in the House a week or two
ago, honourable men had shown themselves less active in "baiting" him
and asking him offensive questions, and on this occasion he was only
interrogated once, and that was by Cusack, who wanted to know whether
they were not going to get a whole holiday in honour of the Rockshire
match? The captain replied that he had heard nothing about it.

Bosher was put up to ask Bloomfield whether he considered Eutropius fit
reading for young boys? Loud cheers from all the small boys in question
greeted the inquiry, in the midst of which Bloomfield cunningly replied
that the honourable member had better give notice of the question for
next time.

Then rose Telson, with all the