How _could_ he stand unmoved with that voice, familiar by many a memory of simple courageous goodness, again falling on his ear; and that appealing face, one so loved and delighted in, again turned to his?
"I'm afraid it's something more than ill health, old boy.

You've something on your mind.

Oh! why won't you at least tell me what it is ?" Tom could stand it no longer.

He _must_ speak.

Whatever the confession cost him, whatever its effect would be on his old schoolfellow's friendship, Charlie must know all.