ject horror and dread which need not be described. Never,
never again would he joke, as he had been wont to do with Dick in
lighter moods, on the subject of corporal punishment under any
circumstances--it was no fit theme for levity; if this--this outrage
were really done to him, he could never be able to hold up his head
again. What if it were to get about in the city!

The boys, who had sunk, as they always did, into a state of torpid awe
under the Doctor's eloquence, now recovered spirits enough to rally Paul
with much sprightly humour.

"He's gone to fetch his cane," said some, and imitated for Paul's
instruction the action of caning by slapping a ruler upon a copy-book
with a dreadful fidelity and resonance; others sought to cross-examine
him upon the love-letter, it appearing from their casual remarks that
not a few had been also honoured by communications from the artless Miss
Davenant.

It is astonishing how unfeeling even ordinary good-natured boys can be
at times.

Chawner sat at his desk with raised shoulders, rubbing his hands, and
grinning like some malevolent ape: "I told you, Dickie, you know," he
murmured, "that it was better not to cross me."

And still the Doctor lingered. Some kindly suggested that he was "waxing
the cane." But the more general opinion was that he had been detained by
some visitor; for it appeared that (though Paul had not noticed it)
several had heard a ring at the bell. The suspense was growing more and
more unbearable.

At last the door opened in a slow ominous manner, and the Doctor
appeared. There was a visible change in his manner, however. The white
heat of his indignation had died out: his expression was grave but
distinctly softened--and he had nothing in his hand.

"I want you outside, Bultitude," he said; and Paul, still uncertain
whether the scene of his disgrace was only about to be shifted, or what
else this might mean, followed him into the hall.

"If anything can strike shame and confusion into your soul, Richard,"
said the Doctor, when they were outside, "it will be what I have to tell
you now. Your unhappy father is here, in the dining-room."

Paul staggered. Had Dick the brazen effrontery to come here to taunt him
in his slavery? What was the meaning of it? What should he say to him?
He could not answer the Doctor but by a vacant stare.

"I have not seen him yet," said the Doctor. "He has come at a most
inopportune moment" (here Mr. Bultitude could _not_