“Ah?” interrogatively. “I told him,” went on Leo, leaning forward and speaking with some excitement, “that I hadn’t the faintest idea of going on the Stock Exchange, or even of reading for the bar; that my plan was this: to work hard for my degree, and then stay on, on chance of a fellowship. Every one up there seems to think the matter lies virtually in my own hands.” “What did my uncle say to that?” “Oh, he was furious; wouldn’t listen to reason for a moment. I think”--with a boyish, bitter laugh--“that he rather confounds a fellow of Trinity with the assistant-master at a Jewish boarding-school. The word ‘usher’ figured very largely in his arguments.” “I think,” said Reuben slowly, “that you are making a mistake.” “Ah,” cried Leo, flinging out his hand, “you don’t understand. I can’t live--I can’t breathe in this atmosphere; I should choke. Up there, somehow, it is freer, purer; life is simpler, nobler.” Reuben looked down: “I quite agree with you on that point. All the same, you were never cut out for a University don. Do you want me to tell you that you are a musician?” Leo blushed like a girl, and his face quivered. He did not altogether approve of Reuben, but Reuben’s approval was very precious to him. Moreover he greatly respected his cousin’s intelligent appreciation of music. “Do you think so?” he cried. “That’s what Norwood says. But there is plenty of opportunity for cultivating music; we have Silver up there, remember. He is immensely kind.” “You might talk it over with Silver. But think it well over and do nothing rash. There is plenty of time between now and taking your degree.” He rose and proceeded to take off his wig and gown. “I don’t know that my advice is worth much,” he said, “but I should say a year or two in Germany--Leipsic, Berlin, Vienna--and if by then you feel justified in setting your face against the substantial attractions of Capel Court, no doubt your governor can be brought round.” “You will have to put it to him, Reuben. He believes in no one as he does in you.” “Very handsome of him. But doubtless he will welcome the idea after the usher scheme.” “You will have to paint the splendours of a musical success,” cried Leo, his spirits rising, his white teeth flashing as he smiled. “You must employ rather crude colours, and go in for obvious effects--such as the Prince of Wales, the Lord Mayor, and the Archbishop of Canterbury seated in the front row of the stalls at St. James’s Hall.” Reuben laughed as he put on his well brushed hat before the glass. “I will impress upon him how fashionable is the pursuit of the arts in these democratic days.” He added slowly, looking furtively at the lad: “And shall I tell him that one of these days you will marry very well indeed?” Leo rose hastily, jarred discomposed. “Aren’t you coming to lunch, Reuben?” “Yes, I am ready.” He smiled to himself, and the two young men passed out together into the paved court-yard of the old inn.