“Am I then to understand,” the Tutor asked, “that you are not acquainted with the Greek and Latin Classics?”
“Not considerable,” replied the American. “In fact, not any.”
“And to what, then, have your studies been directed?”
“Not to books, Professor. No, nor yet laboratories and such. I was elected Scholar by the
unanimous suffrage of my class in Thessalonica, Maine, for Moral Character. When it comes to Moral Character, you look at me. That is just where I am on top every time.”
“Moral Character!” exclaimed the Tutor, aghast. “Oh, dear me! I am afraid that won’t do at all—here. Moral Character—well, I hardly know how to put it—but the fact is that if that is all that you have to rely upon, you would be sent down within a year infallibly—Oh, infallibly, I assure you! . . . But,” he continued, “we must try to think of something for both of you gentlemen. Could I not give you both a letter of recommendation to my friend the Master of St. Cuthbert’s? There, I know, they value very highly both morality and the ‘Encyclopædia Pananglica.’ I am sure it would be just the place for you both. Do let me write!”
“As the Master of Alfred’s sent Cecil Rhodes on to Auriol?” suggested the spruce young man, innocently.
“As the Master of—why, no,” said the Tutor, “I think that won’t do, after all. Really, I believe, we must try to keep you at Boniface.” Boniface had suffered severely from agricultural depression. “Well, gentlemen—come to me again two hours
hence, and we will try to think of something for you. Good morning!”
* * * * *