He even forgot in the midst of his pleasant emotion to inquire, as he had fully intended to do, after the doctor's watch, and if it was still a quarter of an hour fast.
As he left the room he could not help contrasting with thankfulness his present state of mind with that in which he had entered it an hour ago.
He laughed at himself for all his foolish fears then, and as for the future, that seemed now ever so much easier and brighter.
Outside the door he found Tom Drift passing along the corridor in a state of great excitement.
"The very chap, I declare," cried he.

"I say, lend us your watch, young un, will you ?" "What for ?" asked Charlie.
"Only a time race.

Tom Shadbolt says he can run a mile in 4.40.

I say he can't do it under 4.50, and we've got a bet of half-a-crown a side upon it.

So lend us your watch to time him by." Charlie hesitated, and a pang passed through his breast.