I spoke on the subject to Heriot.
'Oh, the sordid old brute!' said he of Mr.Rippenger.

'How can he know the habits and feelings of gentlemen?
Your father's travelling, and can't write, of course.

My father's in India, and I get a letter from him about once a year.

We know one another, and I know he's one of the best officers in the British army.

It's just the way with schoolmasters and tradesmen: they don't care whether a man is doing his duty to his country; he must attend to them, settle accounts with them--hang them! I'll send you money, dear little lad, after I've left.' He dispersed my brooding fit.