The doctor waited with chilling patience till the interruption was over.
"You feel yourself competent to take charge of a house of forty to fifty boys, do you?
as well as to conduct a class of seventy ?" "I have thought over the matter, and tried to realise the duties, and think I can succeed." "Quite right; I like that.

No brag," said another of the governors, in an aside.
"Your temper is good, is it?
you are not likely to fall out with your fellow-masters, are you ?" "Yes, that's important," interjected a governor.
"I believe I am good-tempered and patient." "Well, Mr Railsford, you may retire.

If you are not busy elsewhere, you can remain a short time in the outer room." Railsford retired, and for an interminable half-hour kicked his heels in the ante-chamber.

He got to hate the picture on the wall and the ruthless ticking of the clock in the hall outside.

Presently the door opened and his name was called.