“It must be confessed I did wish to know what the matter was with Tom.
“He had always befriended me since entering college, and usually informed me of all his affairs.
“But during the past few months his conduct had been so much unlike his former self that I felt offended and annoyed.
“‘If you are hard pushed, Tom,’ said I, ‘and your uncle refuses, why not tell me? I can settle all that without so much melancholy and solitude.’
“I could glean nothing.
“‘Phil, my boy,’ said he, laying his hand on my shoulder, ‘you are gold—true gold, but—there is nothing the matter with me, I can assure you; I am only studying hard for my degree—examinations come off in another month, and then I leave these old walls for ever.’
“‘Templeton has passed!’ said all the juniors, as Tom solemnly strode through the crowd towards his rooms.
“‘How much for your parchment, Templeton?’
“‘Did they bother you, my boy?’
“‘I hope you floored Old Snuffy,’ said one or another of the students.