No persuasions could tempt him out of doors for more than a hurried five minutes' walk, or induce him to yield to the fascinations of the organ.

As the days went on, too, he grew more and more despondent about his own chances, and implored more than once to be released from his promise.

But Jim was inflexible, and held him grimly to his engagement.
"You're certain to be among the first three," he said, over and over again, "and if you'll only give yourself two days' rest you may be first." "Yes, of the third class," mournfully replied my master.

"I tell you what, Jim, it isn't fair to bind me down to a promise I made almost under compulsion, and for fear of making you angry." "It's quite fair, and you would make me angry if you didn't stick to it.
Why, my dear fellow, has it ever occurred to you I'm in for the same Tripos as you, and I'm not behaving as ridiculously as you ?" "You are safe to be in the second class," said George.
"I wish I were as safe of a second as you are of a first; but I wouldn't kill myself to be senior classic." "You forget how important it is for me to take a good place." "It is far more important to retain your health." "Think what a difference it would make at home if I got a fellowship." "What a difference it would make if you had to go to a hospital." "What a pity, when I have the chance, not to use it." "What a pity, when you have the chance, to throw it away by knocking yourself up." "Surely four days can't make any difference." "Then why not stop work now and take a rest ?" It was plain to see these two would never agree, and so the time went on until the date of the examination arrived.
The night before the two friends met in George's room.

George was in low spirits, nervous and fretful.