When he reached the college the Angelus had long since rung.

In the corridor he met one of the Fathers, who, instead of questioning him, returned his salutation with a grave gentleness that struck him.

He had turned into Father Sobriente's quiet study with the intention of reporting himself, when he was disturbed to find him in consultation with three or four of the faculty, who seemed to be thrown into some slight confusion by his entrance.

Clarence was about to retire hurriedly when Father Sobriente, breaking up the council with a significant glance at the others, called him back.

Confused and embarrassed, with a dread of something impending, the boy tried to avert it by a hurried account of his meeting with Susy, and his hopes of Father Sobriente's counsel and assistance.