_ too
much on the hours of work. At school the perpetual examinations kept
alive an emulous spirit, which counteracted his fondness for mental
vagrancy; but at college the examinations--at least those of any
importance--are few and far between; and he always flattered himself
that he meant soon to make up for lost time, for three years looks an
immense period to a young man at the entrance of his university career.
It was nearly as necessary, (even in a pecuniary point of view), for him
as for Julian to make the best use of his time; for although he was an
only son, he was not destined to inherit a fortune sufficient for his
support.

"Just look at these cards," he said to Julian one day; "there is not one
of them which hasn't an invitation scribbled on it. These engagements
really leave one no time for work. What a bore it is! How do you
manage to escape them?"

"Well--first, I haven't such a large acquaintance as you; that makes a
great deal of difference. But, besides, I make a point of leaving
breakfast parties at ten, and wines at chapel-time--so that I really
don't find them any serious hindrance. No hindrance, I mean, in
comparison with the delight and profit of the society itself."

"I wish I could make the same resolution," said Kennedy; "but the fact
is, I find company so thoroughly amusing, that I'm always tempted to
stay."

"But why not decline sometimes?"

"I don't know--it looks uncivil. Here, which of these shall I cut?" he
said, tossing three or four notes and cards to Julian.

"This for one," said Julian, as he read the first:--

"Dear Kennedy--Come to supper and cards at ten. Bruce wants to be
introduced to you. Yours,

"`C Brogten.'"

"Yes, I think I shall. I don't like that fellow Brogten, who is always
thrusting himself in my way," said Kennedy. "Heigh ho!" and Kennedy
leant his head on his arm, and fell into a reverie, thinking that after
all his three years at college might be over almost before he was aware
of how much time he lost.

"I hope you don't play cards much," said Julian.

"Why? I hear Hazlet has been denouncing them in hall with unctuous
fervour, and I do think it was that which led me to join in a game which
was instantly proposed by some of the men who sat near."

"I don't say that there's anything diabolical," said Julian, smiling,
"in paint and pasteboard, or that I should have the least objection to
play them myself if I wanted amusement, but I th