92 THE OAKS. to a school where religious service is not made a drud gery, but is connected with pleasing associations. Such was the case at the Oaks. There was no boy who re- mained there long who did not love the sound of the bugle which cailed him to this short but interesting exercise. Dr. Newman almost always made an address, . but it was seldom longer than that which has been given above. It was customary at the Oaks, after tea, to spend some time in walking, or if the time of year were forbidding, in athletic games in a large covered _play-room, called the hippodrome. This was not in- deed the hour for their regular gymnastic exercise, but it was spent in this place because of the large space allowed for walking and running, and for forming little groups for conversation. However inclement the weather might be, here the boys found themselves warm and sheltered; and the recreation was good be- fore returning to the short tasks of the evening. But the plan of the school did not admit of much work by candle-light, for early rising was the order of the day. Into this hippodrome the large boys went at all times during play hours, and here they assembled in consider- able force on the evening in question. A large lamp of stained glass hung from the centre of the roof, and cast a pleasant gleam over the space below.