There were many others in Severntown almost in the same condition, and from the same cause. So Arthur, instead of making himself wretched and miserable, packed up his box of colours, and went out to finish that bit of local study upon which we find him engaged, prior to locking himself up in his study for months of hard work. “I thought I should find you at last, old boy,” said Mr. Hammerton, putting his hand familiarly on Arthur’s shoulders. “By the aid of your man, that faithful old grinder of colours and cleaner of pallettes, I traced you to the cross-roads; there I was at fault, and almost gave you up. I believe my old mare scented you out at last.” “Then give my best thanks to the old mare, for I am glad to see you,” said Arthur. “By Jove, that’s pretty! what a glorious bit of colour! Have you finished?” “Yes; I think so.” “Then pack up--here, I’ll help you--and let us have a quiet chat. Your man said he was to meet you here in about an hour, to carry the things home.” “Yes,” said Arthur; “but I have finished. I was just thinking of smoking a quiet pipe whilst the sun goes down.” “Bravo! we’ll mingle our smoke together, friend Arthur,” said Hammerton; adding, a little more seriously, “and our tears, too, by Jove! It’s the last time we shall see each other for a long time, I guess.” “Indeed! Why?” said Arthur, turning the key in his colour-box. “I’m off to foreign lands, Arthur-- ‘Anywhere, anywhere, out of the world.’” “Are you serious, Lionel?” “I was never more so. I have had a few angry words with my brother; and though he’s a good fellow, and is sorry for what he has said, I must go away for a time.” Arthur looked up inquiringly. “The fact is, I have been a great fool; I have lost a lot of money lately. I don’t know how it was, but through young Tallant I was induced to visit the Ashford Club. You have not heard, then, of the row at that quiet, but now notorious, institution?” “No; I never heard of the Ashford before.” “Why, it was in all the papers, man,--about a fellow cheating, and being put out into the street. My name was mentioned. You shall see the paper. Well, all that naturally annoyed my brother; but, to clinch matters, I was advised to buy a lot of Overton and Baker’s shares, to put myself right, and I have gone all to the bad. Overton and Baker’s have failed, and I not only lose the value of the shares, but there is a liability, and a large one, besides. I suppose you heard of the failure?” “Yes. I had a large deposit with them at Severntown,” said Arthur. “You had? By Jove! I’m sorry for that. And you are hit then, too; much, Arthur?” “Yes, considerably. I must work hard, and make it up again.” “I’m awfully sorry. But there, cheer up, old boy; there is no good in worrying about it, I suppose.” “No,” said Arthur, quietly. “And where are you going, Lionel?”