"When he has taken his beating like an Englishman--for perhaps you are not aware there is a very poor chance for Oxford next year; their best men have left, and they have to lick a lot of raw recruits into shape.

Well, what was I saying ?--when Cedric has taken his beating and cooled down a bit, he will settle to work like a navvy." Dinah looked a little comforted.

"Then you think he will pass ?" Malcolm almost laughed outright at her simplicity.
"Miss Templeton, am I to prophecy smooth things to you, or am I to answer in the spirit of Micaiah the son of Imlah ?" "Oh, please tell me exactly what you think." "Well, then," with obvious reluctance, "in my opinion Cedric stands a very poor chance." Here Dinah's face fell.

"He has plenty of abilities, but I doubt his staying power; he works too much by fits and starts--there is no method or application.

But of course he may turn over a new leaf.