John.

Genuinely obliged to you, Sir Fletcher.

Sir Fletcher Portwood.

Oh, I am not ashamed of my simple faith in young English manhood and in the efficacy of a training at one of our most honoured public schools. True, I was never a public-school boy myself——

Claude.

[Leaning on a chair near the window, with his back to those in the room.] Ha!

[All turn their heads towards Claude, surprised.

Sir Fletcher Portwood.

[Rising, and going to Claude.] No, but I am still capable of rejoicing when I see the traditions of popular British institutions worthily upheld. The world was my public school——

Olive.