much excercised in his mind as to what manner of man he had
fallen upon; very much astonished at himself for having opened
out so freely, and feeling a desire to know more about Hardy, not
unmixed with a sort of nervousness as to how he was to accomplish
it.

When Hardy sat down again and began pouring out the tea,
curiosity overcame, and he opened with--

"So you read nights, after Hall?

"Yes, for two or three hours; longer, when I am in a good humor."

"What, all by yourself?"

"Generally; but once or twice a week Grey comes in to compare
notes. Do you know him?"

"No, at least he hasn't called on me, I have just spoken to him."

"He is a quiet fellow, and I daresay doesn't call on any man
unless he knew something of him before."

"Don't you?"

"Never," said Hardy, shortly; and added after a short pause,
"very few men would thank me if I did; most would think it
impertinent, and I'm too proud to risk that."

Tom was on the point of asking why; but the uncomfortable feeling
which he had nearly lost came back on him.

"I suppose one very soon gets tired of the wine and supper party
life, though I own I find it pleasant enough now."

"I have never been tired," said Hardy; "servitors are not
troubled with that sort of a thing. If they were I wouldn't go
unless I could return them, and that I can't afford."

"There he goes again," thought Tom; "why will he be throwing that
old story in my face over and over again? He can't think I care
about his poverty; I won't change the subject this time, at any
rate." And so he said:

"You don't mean to say it makes any real difference to a man in
society up here, whether he is poor or rich; I mean, of course,
if he is a gentleman and a good fellow?"

"Yes, it does--the very greatest possible. But don't take my word
for it. Keep your eyes open and judge for yourself; I daresay I'm
prejudiced on the subject."

"Well, I shan't believe it if I can help it," said Tom; "you
know, you said just now that you never called on any one. Perhaps
you don't give men a fair chance. They might be glad to know you
if you would let them, and may think it's your fault that they
don't."

"Very possible," said Hardy; "I tell you not to take my word for
it."

"It upsets all one's ideas so," went on Tom; "why Oxford ought to
be the place in England where money should count for nothing.
Surely, now, such a man as Jervis, our captain, has more
influence than all the rich men in th