"You think, then, I would be wise to back out before it is too late ?" "I don't say that, only--" "Only you pity me.

Thanks, very much." That evening Railsford sent a line to Grover:-- "Tell me in two words why Moss left Grandcourt." A telegram came next morning, "Incompatibility of temper." Whereat the new master chuckled, and dismissed the lugubrious ex-master and his friendly warnings from his mind.

But although the gloomy prognostications of his Job's comforters failed in the least to depress his spirits, one very small cloud hovered occasionally on the horizon.
This was the attitude of his worthy and respected prospective pupil and brother-in-law, Arthur Herapath.

That young gentleman, who had been prudently kept in the dark while term lasted, was, as may be imagined, considerably astounded on arriving home to be met with the news that the new master of the Shell at Grandcourt was to be Mark Railsford.
"What a lark!" he exclaimed.
Now, genial as the remark was, the tone in which it was uttered was not calculated to inspire confidence in the breasts of those to whom it was addressed.

There was more of enjoyment in it than respect.