Htmting in the Golden Days. 87 



He is thinking that his life at college might, perhaps, 

 have been toned down a little, and then he begins 

 to think of the bygone days at Oxford — of tandems 

 driven at high speed ; cabriolets, with the smallest of 

 tigers hanging behind ; night excursions, when watch- 

 men were assaulted and thrown over in their boxes 

 whilst asleep ; door-knockers and bell-handles wrenched 

 off; scouts and dons eluded; statues painted various 

 colours, and many more pranks all incidental to college 

 life. 



What days those where when Charley Yaverton was 

 with him at dear old Balliol College. The many river 

 excursions on Isis, or the long, delightful summer after- 

 noons spent in angling. The grey old college walls, 

 musty books and ice-cool ale from the butteries pass 

 before him in a visionary dream, when he is suddenly 

 recalled from his reverie by Miss Betty, who enters the 

 room, neatly attired in riding costume. 



" Good morning, Eric, why so solemn this morning t" 

 says his sister ; " surely you have not at your time of 

 life anything to give you cause for such harassed looks r " 



" No sister," replied the young man, " my thoughts 

 were far from unpleasant. I was thinking over the 

 time at Oxford, where dear old Charley pulled me out of 

 so many scrapes." 



Now let it be known to the reader that Charley is an 

 especial favourite of Betty's. On his long-continued 

 visits at Buckskin Hall, it appears he has made 

 good use of his time ; it is not to be wondered at that 

 Miss Betty should fall even deeper in love with him 

 than before, after his gallant defence when the coach 

 was attacked by highwaymen. It is noticeable that 

 gentlemen who have posed in the part of a gallant should 

 likewise deem it their duty to devote the remainder of 



