"Anyhow the stuff could be got out of reputable books in half the time with no manual labour of scribbling. Sometimes the man's lectures are actually published in book form and yet he solemnly dictates them year after year!" "But sometimes," put in Cartmell, "a man has got something original to say." "Well," said Robert, "why doesn't he publish his notes at a price? I'm quite willing to buy his knowledge, but I dislike having to waste time and trouble in a stuffy lecture-room in order to get it." "The whole thing is preposterous," his father concluded. "But the system will last for fifty years or more. Just like the discipline. So beautifully English, they drive everything underground, make it twice as dangerous, and then pretend it doesn't exist. Instead of men having open and honourable relations with women, they'll be slinking about in back streets and snatching their kisses in taxicabs." "Well," said Martin, "you set out to praise Oxford but you haven't made it seem very attractive." "Oh! you'll find it all right, when you come to it. If a man has got to earn his own living it's about the only time when he can live a reasonable life. You'll be able to say what you like, read what you like, go to bed when you like, get up when you like, work when you like, and, if you use a little discretion, do what you like. Don't become a slave to any one thing, the River or the Union or even the Classics. You can get into the Civil Service without straining yourself, so make the most of your time. Doing the kind of work you like is the only really good thing in the world." Just then Margaret opened the door and looked in. "Father," she said, "you're booming terribly. Mother says you must come and play games." "I never play games." "Well, mother says you must. All of you!" "Are we wanted at once?" "Yes." "Then, gentlemen, we must yield. We were born too late. The matriarchy has returned. Do you agree to that, Cartmell?" "Certainly!" "There was a time when no young lady would have the daring to invade the dining-room and order the men to play games. Games, indeed!" "Don't start again, father," interrupted Margaret. "I won't budge till you do." "Just think what you might hear!" "Oh, I'm not a 'puffick lidy.' They passed away with the patriarchy. Now, come along!"