"No; and never shall," returned Herbert. "From ten till five is an awful clog upon one's time; it's as bad as school."
Mr. Dare looked up from his plate. "You might have been put to a profession that would occupy a great deal more time than that, Herbert. What calls have you upon your time, pray, that it is so valuable? Will you take some more fish?"
"Well, I don't know. I think I will. It is good to-day; very good with the cucumber, that Anthony despises."
Ann took his plate up to Mr. Dare.
"Anthony," said that gentleman, as he helped the salmon, "where were you this afternoon? You were away from the office altogether, after two o'clock."
"Out with Hawkesley," shortly replied Anthony.
"Yes; it is all very well to say, 'Out with Hawkesley,' but the office suffers. I wish you young men were not quite so fond of taking your pleasure."
"A little more fish, sir?" asked Joseph of Anthony.
"Not if I know it."
The second course came in. A quarter of lamb, asparagus and other vegetables. Herbert looked cross. He had recently taken a dislike to lamb, or fancied he had done so.