, my dear friend. I will not detain you; but I will walk
with you as far as the college. It will be in my way. You see, just
when one wants them most, important letters--important pecuniary
letters--have such a bad habit of being delayed."

Morris coughed.

"Now, nothing could have happened better for me than that I should have
met you, a brother-student; though we follow divergent lines, you for
the attainment of mathematical precision, I for the diffusion of Eastern
lore, you of all men seem to have extended towards me a kindly
interest."

"Oh, well, that was perfectly natural," said Morris feebly, as,
inadvertently he thrust his right hand into his pocket, started,
coloured, and withdrew it quickly.

"Now," continued the Professor, "I want you to give me your advice about
seeing the Doctor again."

Morris shook his head.

"Ah, I see what you are thinking; but that was for a permanent post.
Now, don't you think he might accept my services, say, for a
non-resident and three days a week?"

"No," said Morris, "I am sure he wouldn't. Your coming made Rampson
dreadfully jealous, and he told me afterwards that the Doctor assured
him that he should make no change."

"Well, say one day a week."

Morris shook his head again and looked down the road, as if hoping that
some one would come and rescue him from his position.

"Don't speak in haste," said the Professor, taking him with finger and
thumb by the plaited guard of silk, as if he had intentions upon the
watch--not to know the time.

"I am obliged to speak in haste," replied Morris. "You see, it is so
near--"

"Exactly--dinner-time. But for Sanskrit, a lesson a week--"

"The Doctor declared he should not introduce Sanskrit in the curriculum
of study."

"Dear, dear! And with that young Eastern Prince in the establishment,
and his companion the son of that magnificent old Colonel with the
wondrous moustache!" And as he spoke the Professor passed his hand over
his closely shaven upper lip. "Well, well, the Doctor knows his own
business best; but I must confess that I am disappointed, my dear
friend."

"I am very, very sorry," said Morris, drawing back a little; and as the
guard tightened, and the watch began to rise out of his pocket, he gave
way again and the watch sank down.

So did its owner's spirits, for the Professor continued:

"Don't you think I might go back with you to the college and call upon
the Doctor once more?"

"No, that I d