He said no more, but gazed again at the pages of his Tacitus, although the letters only swam before his eyes.
The great buzz subsided at last, although there was not one among the boys who was not still thinking of the secession of South Carolina.
They had shared in the excitement of the previous year.

A few had studied the causes, but most were swayed by propinquity and kinship, which with youth are more potent factors than logic.
The afternoon passed slowly.

Dr.Russell, who always heard the recitations of the seniors in Latin, did not call the class.

Harry was so much absorbed in other thoughts that he did not notice the fact.
Outside, the clouds still gathered and the soft beat of the snow on the window panes never ceased.

The hour of dismissal came at last and the older boys, putting on their overcoats, went silently out.