When he was shown up into the sitting-room he found Mrs. Peacocke with a newspaper in her hand. He could see at a glance that it was a copy of the 'Broughton Gazette,' and could see also the length and outward show of the very article which he had been discussing with Mr. Puddicombe. "Dr. Wortle," she said, "if you don't mind, I will go away from this."
"But I do mind. Why should you go away?"
"They have been writing about me in the newspapers."
"That was to be expected."
"But they have been writing about you."
"That was to have been expected also. You don't suppose they can hurt me?" This was a false boast, but in such conversations he was almost bound to boast.
"It is I, then, am hurting you?"
"You;—oh dear, no; not in the least."
"But I do. They talk of boys going away from the school."
"Boys will go and boys will come, but we run on for ever," said the Doctor, playfully.