Frank had always intended to go in for one of the Honour Schools, but agreed with his father that there was no necessity to avail himself of the longest allowance of time granted. He need not present himself for three years, but his father decided that two years was quite long enough, in addition to the year he had already spent. He must do what he could in the two years. There was no dispute between father and son. Their views corresponded. Frank was to be called to the Bar, and the Honour School of Law was chosen for the degree. The subjects for this would, in a great measure, answer the further purpose of the Bar Call Examination. Mr. Ross proposed to enter Frank’s name at the Inner Temple in the ensuing Michaelmas Term. He should then “eat dinners” during the two years in which he was reading for his Oxford degree; that taken, he should have one year’s reading in a barrister’s chambers. This, he considered, ought to qualify him not only in book-work, but practically for a call. Moreover, it would give him just the necessary time to complete the statutable number of terms. Frank was anxious to enter at once, before the Trinity Term was over, but on this point his father was firm. There was no need for such immediate hurry. As it was, he would be qualified for a call, at an age considerably below the average. Mr. Ross had noticed that the first Long Vacation had been, comparatively speaking, wasted. He had said nothing, but had resolved that the second and third should not be a repetition of the first. He therefore directed Frank to write to his college tutor, Mr. Woods, for particulars of the subjects for the Honour Law School, and for advice as to a “coach” for part of the Long Vacation; and he himself wrote to his old friend, Mr. Wodehouse, on the latter point. Frank’s letter from Mr. Woods was as follows:-- “Paul’s. “DEAR MR. ROSS,--I am very glad to hear that you have so soon made up your mind as to the subjects in which you propose to take your degree; and I have no doubt your father’s plan of entering you at the Inner Temple next Michaelmas Term is a wise one. “Mr. Edwards, of University College, is, I have every reason to believe, a most advisable Law ‘coach.’ He is just now arranging a reading party to Switzerland, and I should hope your father will consent to your joining. Tell him from me that reading parties are not what they were in my undergraduate days--mere pleasure-trips, in which work forms the very last consideration. The few men now who go with a reading party really go to read. You may mention my name in writing to Mr. Edwards. He will, of course, furnish you with all particulars. “Believe me, yours sincerely, “J. WOODS.” The letter from Mr. Wodehouse was characteristic:--