Mr St Aubyn, who happened to be strolling in that direction, was attracted by the unwonted spectacle, and ventured on some good-humoured quizzical remark.

This led to a conversation, in the course of which the scholar thought he discovered certain original traits in the modest observations of the youth.

One topic drifted into another, and soon the two were engaged in an animated discussion about pursuits in life.

It was in the course of this that Austin let drop the one word--Art.
"What is Art ?" queried St Aubyn.
Austin hesitated for some moments.

Then he said, very slowly: "That is a question to which a dozen answers might be given.