You know the way, Master Brown, and the things are just gone
up, I know."
Here was an announcement for Master Tom! He was to go up to tea the
first night, just as if he were a sixth or fifth form boy, and of
importance in the School world, instead of the most reckless young
scapegrace amongst the fags. He felt himself lifted on to a higher
social and moral platform at once. Nevertheless he couldn't give up
without a sigh the idea of the jolly supper in the housekeeper's room
with East and the rest, and a rush round to all the studies of his
friends afterwards, to pour out the deeds and wonders of the holidays,
to plot fifty plans for the coming half-year, and to gather news of who
had left and what new boys had come, who had got who's study, and where
the new prepostors slept. However, Tom consoled himself with thinking
that he couldn't have done all this with the new boy at his heels, and
so marched off along the passages to the Doctor's private house with his
young charge in tow, in monstrous good-humour with himself and all the
world.
It is needless, and would be impertinent, to tell how the two young boys
were received in that drawing-room. The lady who presided there is still
living, and has carried with her to her peaceful home in the north the
respect and love of all those who ever felt and shared that gentle and
high-bred hospitality.
Pages:
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238