Gilbert nodded approval.
"I am not philosophic," said he, "but I am discreet."
This word struck the tutor, who saw there was some mystery in this behavior, and he looked at the speaker with admiration.
"I am glad to see you have a motive."
"Yes, and one which does not resemble the curiosity of a man at a show."
"It is for the better, or for the worse, for your look is deep, young man, and I seek in it in vain for youthful calm and candor."
"I told you I was unfortunate," returned Gilbert; "and such have no youth."
"But at the hour when you are seeing all the pomps of society glitter before you, I shall open one of my herbariums and review the magnificence of nature."
"But would you not have turned your back on herbariums if you were going to see your sweetheart—the one to whom you tossed a bunch of cherries?"
"Quite true! And you are young. Go to the show, my boy. It is not ambition in him, but love," he commented when Gilbert had gone out gleefully.