Casti was no kill-joy; he smiled at all that went on, now and then putting in a friendly word; but the vitality of the others was lacking in him, and the weight which crushed him night and day could not so easily be thrown aside.

O'Gree was abundant in reminiscences of academic days, and it would not have been easy to resist altogether the comical vigour of his stories, all without one touch of real bitterness or malice.
"Bedad," he cried, "I sent old Pendy a business prospectus, with my compliments written on the bottom of it.

I thought he might perhaps be disposed to give me a contract for victualling the Academy.

I wish he had, for the boys' sake." Then, to bring back completely the old times, Mr.Egger was prevailed upon to sing one of his _Volkslieder_, that which had been Waymark's especial favourite, and which he had sung--on an occasion memorable to Sally and her husband--in the little dining-room at Richmond.
"_Die Schwalb'n flieg'n fort, doch sie zieh'n wieder her; Der Mensch wenn er fortgeht, er kommt nimmermehr!_" Waymark was silent for a little after that.
When it was nearly eleven o'clock, Casti looked once or twice meaningly at Waymark, and the friends at length rose to take their leave, in spite of much protest.

O'Gree accompanied them as far as the spot where they would meet the omnibus, then, with assurances that to-night had been but the beginning of glorious times, sent them on their way.
Julian was silent during the journey home; he looked very wearied.