Swift
Scholarship, you know."

"Oh, all right, sir, I'm going to mug hard for that after Easter,
really."

"Why put it off till then? You may come to my room any evening you
like. I shall generally have time enough."

This invitation did not fascinate the boy as it deserved to do.

"I fancy I'd work steadier here," said he. "Besides, Dig and I use the
same books."

"Well, the first thing is to get yourself all right. What's troubling
you, Arthur?"

This was a startling question, and Arthur felt himself detected.

"I suppose you've heard. Keep it quiet, I say."

"What is it? Keep what quiet?"

"Why, about _her_, you know. I say, Marky--I mean Mr Railsford--could
you ever give me a leg-up with her? If you asked her to your room one
day, you know I could come too, and do my work."

Railsford laughed.

"I thought you could do your work better here; besides, you and Oakshott
use the same books."

"Oakshott be hanged! I mean--I say, Marky, do you think I've a chance?
I know Smedley's--"

Railsford's experience in cases of this sort was limited, but he was
philosopher enough to know that some distempers need to be taken
seriously.

"Look here, Arthur," said he gravely, "the best thing you can do is to
go straight over to Dr Ponsford's and ask to see him, and tell him
exactly how matters stand. Remind him that you're just fifteen, and in
the Shell, and that your income is a shilling a week. You need not tell
him you were detained two afternoons this week, because he will probably
find that out for himself by looking at monsieur's books. If he says he
will be delighted to accept your offer, then I promise to back you up.
Let me see, I know the doctor's at home this evening; it's not 7.30 yet,
so you'll have time, if you go at once, to catch him before his tea.
I'll wait here till you come back."

Arthur's face underwent a wonderful change as the master quietly uttered
these words. It began by lengthening, and growing a little pale; then
it grew troubled, then bewildered, then scarlet, and finally, when he
had ended, it relaxed into a very faint smile.

"I think I'll wait a bit," said he gravely.

"Very well, only let me hear the result when you do go."

"I think I may as well start work for the Swift to-night," said he, "if
you don't mind."

"By all means, my boy. Come along to my room and we'll look through the
list of subjects."

Arthur, before the task was half over, had recovered hi