True, it upset in a moment all his dreams of carrying Grandcourt by the quiet magic of his own influence to the high level he had arranged for it.

Still, the race had been a pretty one while it lasted, and both competitors had handled the ribbons well.

They would be the sort of boys to take to him--an old 'Varsity Blue; and he would meet them half-way.

Railsford's house should get a name for pluck and _esprit de corps_; and Railsford and his boys should show the way to Grandcourt! How Dr Ponsford and the "session of masters" would follow their lead it did not at present enter into the head of the vain young man to settle.
A knock came at his door as he stood lost in these pleasing reflections, and Grover entered.
"Here you are, then, old man," said he--"an old stager already.

It was a great disappointment I could not be here when you got down." "I wish you had.