he muttered awkwardly. "She's
all right, I hope?"

"She is very seldom ailing, I'm happy to say; just now she is
particularly well, thank you."

"Oh, is she?" said Dick gloomily, probably disappointed to find that he
was so little missed, and not suspecting that his father had been
accepted as a substitute.

"Well, do you mind--could I see the fellows again for a minute or two--I
mean I should rather like to inspect the school, you know."

"See my boys? Certainly, my dear sir, by all means; this way," and he
took Dick out to the schoolroom--Paul following out of curiosity.
"You'll find us at our studies, you see," said the Doctor, as he opened
the first baize door. There was a suspicious hubbub and hum of voices
from within; but as they entered every boy was bent over his books with
the rapt absorption of the devoted student--an absorption that was the
direct effect of the sound the door-handle made in turning.

"Our workshop," said the Doctor airily, looking round. "My first form,
Mr. Bultitude. Some good workers here, and some idle ones."

Dick stood in the doorway, looking (if the truth must be told)
uncommonly foolish. He had wanted, in coming there, to enjoy the
contrast between the past and present--which accounts for a good many
visits of "old boys" to the scene of their education. But, confronted
with his former schoolfellows, he was seized at first with an utterly
unreasonable fear of detection.

The class behaved as classes usually do on such occasions. The good boys
smirked and the bad ones stared--the general expression being one of
uneasy curiosity. Dick said never a word, feeling strangely bashful and
nervous.

"This is Tipping, my head boy," touching that young gentleman on the
shoulder, and making him several degrees more uncomfortable. "I expect
solid results from Tipping some day."

"He looks as if his head was pretty solid," said Dick, who had once cut
his knuckles against it.

"My second boy, Biddlecomb. If he applies himself, he too will do me
credit in the world."

"How do, Biddlecomb?" said Dick. "I owe you ninepence--I mean--oh hang
it, here's a shilling for you! Hallo, Chawner!" he went on, gradually
overcoming his first nervousness, "how are you getting on, eh? Doing
much in the sneaking way lately?"

"You know him!" exclaimed the Doctor with naive surprise.

"No, no; I don't know him. I've heard of him, you know--heard of him!"
Chawner looked down his nose with a feeble attemp