Pledge has heard what I've said, and I shouldn't say anything different behind his back." The Hermit sat down amidst a roar of applause, in which the Sixth joined as heartily as any.

The effect of his simple, straightforward speech was immediately apparent when Mansfield rose to dismiss the assembly.
For a moment he stood there, unable to speak for the cheers which greeted him.

The honest indignation of his friend had touched a keynote, which suddenly awakened Templeton to the conviction that its Captain was a hero after all; and the almost pathetic reference to his unpopularity roused them to an enthusiasm of repentance which was almost startling.
At length silence reigned, and the Captain said, with the faintest suspicion of a tremble in his voice-- "I think we've all had enough of this, you fellows.

There's the Chapel bell.

This meeting is over." By a curious sort of instinct, the meeting, instead of immediately dispersing, remained seated, while Pledge rose, and moved to the door.
He had got half-way there before he noticed his isolation, and a sudden flush of scarlet in his cheeks betrayed his emotion at the discovery.
It was too late to retreat to his seat, and too late to pretend not to notice his position.