A week ago the class suffered a secession.

You remember my description of Ackroyd ?' 'Ackroyd?
The young man of critical aspect ?' 'The same.

He has now missed two lectures, and I don't think he'll come again.' 'Have you spoken to Bower about him ?' 'No.

The fact is, my impressions of Bower have continued to grow unfavourable.

Plainly, he cares next to nothing for the lectures.