has taken a proper sense of his duty, and has
undertaken to apologise for his conduct to Mr Jarman. That being so,
Tempest, you will please take this opportunity of expressing your
regret."

Tempest flushed as he rose in obedience to the doctor's summons. It was
evidently, as Redwood had said, "a bitter pill," and had he been a less
brave fellow, he could hardly have swallowed it. As it was, even the
knowledge that the welfare of the entire house was somehow dependent on
his submission was scarcely able to break down his pride.

He advanced to Mr Jarman more like one who comes to administer a
thrashing than ask for pardon, and after eyeing him almost fiercely for
a moment, summoned his self-control sufficiently to say hoarsely,--

"I apologise, sir."

Mr Jarman bit his lips. It was not the triumph he had expected.
Indeed the whole manner of it was such as to hurt instead of soothe his
feelings.

"This is hardly an apology," said he to the doctor.

"I trust, Tempest, it means that you regret your action?"

It was an awkward question. Tempest had gone further than any one
expected, and his silence now reminded the doctor what the cost had
been.

"I think," said he, not waiting for a reply to his own question,
"Tempest has fulfilled his pledged--not cordially, I am sorry to say,
but sufficiently."

"Very well, sir," said Mr Jarman, "I accept his apology for what it is
worth, which seems very little."

"Now, I regret to say," continued the head master, producing a letter
which made my heart jump to my mouth, "I have a more serious matter to
speak about. I wish heartily what we have just heard had been the end
of this painful interview. But it is necessary to refer to something
different--a very serious offence against rules. It concerns you,
Tempest. Is it a fact that you are in debt to some of the tradesmen?"

Tempest changed colour again and replied,--

"Yes, sir, I am sorry to say I am."

I held on tight to my desk. This was a finishing touch surely, and I,
if any one, felt myself the criminal.

"This letter, addressed to me, but containing a bill for more than two
pounds owing by you, part of it since last term, has been left at my
house--I presume by the tradesman to whom it is due. Come here and look
at it, Tempest."

Tempest obeyed.

"Is it a fact that you are in debt to this extent?"

"Yes, sir--more."

"You are aware--"

Here I could stand it no longer, but sprang to my feet and