Really, he is quite accomplished," said Fitz, with a covert sneer.
"Pretty company Oscar has taken up with!" he thought. "How long were
you in the circus business?" he asked, turning to Harry.

"I never was in the circus business."

"Excuse me. I should say, travelling about with the ventriloquist."

"About three months. I was with him when he performed here last
winter."

"Ah! indeed. I didn't go. My father doesn't approve of my
attending such common performances. I only attend first-class
theatres, and the Italian opera."

"That's foolish," said Oscar. "You miss a good deal of fun, then. I
went to Professor Henderson's entertainment, and I now remember
seeing you there, Harry. You took money at the door, didn't you?"

"Yes."

"Now I understand what made your face seem so familiar to me, when I
saw it this afternoon. By the way, I have never been into a printing
office. If I come round to yours, will you show me round?"

"I should be very glad to, Oscar, but perhaps you had better wait
till I have been there a little while, and learned the ropes. I know
very little about it yet."

"Won't you come too, Fitz?" asked Oscar.

"You must really excuse me," drawled Fitz. "I have heard that a
printing office is a very dirty place. I should be afraid of soiling
my clothes."

"Especially that stunning cravat."

"Do you like it? I flatter myself it's something a little extra,"
said Fitz, who was always gratified by a compliment to his cravats.

"Then you won't go?"

"I haven't the slightest curiosity about such a place, I assure you."

"Then I shall have to go alone. Let me know when you are ready to
receive me, Harry."

"I won't forget, Oscar."

"I wonder he allows such a low fellow to call him by his first name,"
thought Fitz. "Really, he has no proper pride."

"Well," he said, rising, "I must be going."

"What's your hurry, Fitz?"

"I've got to write a letter home this evening. Besides, I haven't
finished my Greek. Good-evening, Oscar."

"Good-evening, Fitz."

"Good-evening, Mr. Fletcher," said Harry.

"Evening!" ejaculated Fitz, briefly; and without a look at the low
"printer-boy," he closed the door and went down stairs.

CHAPTER VI.

OSCAR BECOMES A PROFESSOR

"I am afraid your friend won't thank you for introducing me to him,"
said Harry, after Fitz had left the room.

"Fitz is a snob," said Oscar. "He makes himself ridiculous by
putting on airs, and assuming