It was a sight to see Doctor Gladstone's little friends returning to School after the Easter Vacation. The Doctor, looking complacently expansive, cheerily anticipative, welcomed them on the doorstep. They did not welcome him. Oh, dear no! Look at them; the five senior pupils in front, headed, of course, by that overgrown and somewhat ungainly Irish boy, Master Patrick Green, cock of the School, and prime favourite of Doctor Gladstone! Can you not fancy them singing—after a famous original—the following quintett?
| The Five. | Five little boys for school are we, | |
| Back from a very short ho-li-dee; | ||
| All as reluctant as well can be,— | ||
| Five little boys for School! | ||
| Master Green. | Holiday's over, there's no more fun! | [Groans. |
| Master Hodge. | Only just started! Wish I was done! | [Snivels. |
| Master Bung. | As for me, wish I'd never begun! | [Howls. |
| The Five. | Five little boys for School! | |
| All (shrinking). | Five little boys who, all unwary, | |
| Entered old Gladstone's big seminary, | ||
| Slaves to his Genius tutelary—— | ||
| The Five (suddenly demure, on catching sight of the Doctor)— | ||
| Five little boys "back to School!.!" | ||
