No one asked him any questions; for although Ned was a general favorite, it was generally understood that he was not the sort of fellow to be asked questions that might put him out.
When they went in school, and the first class was called up, Ned, who was always at its head, took his place at the bottom of the class, saying quietly to the master: "I have not prepared my lesson today, sir, and I have not done the exercises." Mr.Porson made no remark; he saw at once by Ned's face that something was wrong with him.

When several questions went round, which Ned could easily have answered without preparation, the master said: "You had better go to your desk, Sankey; I see you are not well.

I will speak to you after school is over." Ned sat down and opened a book, but he did not turn a page until school was over; then he followed his master to the study.
"Well, my boy," he asked kindly, "what is it ?" "My mother is going to marry Mr.Mulready," Ned said shortly.

The words seemed to come with difficulty from his lips.
"Ah! it is true, then.

I heard the report some weeks ago, but hoped that it was not true.