“Yes, there has been a decided improvement. I’ve noticed it, and I’ve appreciated it, Wallace. For I thought that it was due not only to a regard for your own welfare, but also to a kindly consideration for me.”
He put out his hand gropingly and patted the boy’s leg. David noticed that Wallace flushed and looked momentarily unhappy; then an unpleasant, sulky expression appeared on his face.
“If my mark has improved so much and I go on reciting well in class, I don’t see why I should have to stand an examination.”
“Only because it’s the rule, and we can’t make exceptions. I shall let your work in the classroom count towards your efforts to regain your freedom, but the examination must be important, too.”
Wallace’s acceptance of that decision did not seem to David particularly gracious, nor did the dissatisfied look vanish from his face. He withdrew after a few moments.
Mr. Dean remarked rather sadly to David; “I don’t seem ever quite to get hold of Wallace. There’s something there, but I don’t reach him.”
“He’ll be all right when he’s off probation,” David said. “And I think he really has been working harder; I’ve thought his recitations were much better lately.”
“Yes, there’s no doubt of that, and perhaps it’s my fault that when we meet he’s not more responsive. Every one of us is Dr. Fell to somebody, I suppose, and there’s no use in blaming that somebody for what he can’t help. There, who hit that crack? That must have been a good one.”
“Henshaw—long fly to center; Morris got under it all right. The Corinthians are going out for practice now, Mr. Dean.”