“History, sir,” said the boy, getting up mechanically, and looking very much as if he were not pleased at the interruption.
“I hear your name is very high in the list to-day.”
“Yes, sir,” replied Charles, gravely; and, as the doctor released him, he settled down precisely in the same attitude, without showing the least satisfaction at the notice he had received.
Hamilton turned away with an impatient gesture.
“Are you going immediately, sir?” he said. “Can you spare me a few minutes?”
“I shall be at the garden-gate in a quarter of an hour from this time,” replied the doctor.
“I will not fail, sir,” said Hamilton; and, crossing the room in immense strides, he flew up stairs, and returned almost immediately with a large volume under his arm. He made some inquiries of Trevannion's whereabouts, and, learning that he was in the playground, went in search of him. He very soon found him, walking briskly up and down with Norman, making extracts from an old book in his hand, and questioning his friend alternately. Hamilton and he had scarcely exchanged a word since their quarrel, and it was with some surprise that he saw Hamilton present himself, and still more, when a request was made that he would exchange books.
“I particularly want this just now,” he replied.
“This is Rollin,” said Hamilton. “I should feel obliged if you would exchange copies.”
Trevannion opened his eyes wider, but after a second's pause, he took Hamilton's and gave him his book in exchange, without any comment.