Sir Julian, feeling quite unable to suggest an optimistic alternative, wisely abandoned the subject.
II
The College stood not far from Culmouth Cathedral, the biggest building of the many that surrounded the open grass patch of the Cathedral Green.
It was a restored Georgian house, well in keeping with its surroundings, and with a square paved court at the back shaded by immense elm-trees.
Julian Rossiter always went up the shallow stone steps that led to the big green double door with a sense of satisfaction.
The satisfaction, however, from an artistic point of view, diminished sensibly and at an ever-increasing rate as he penetrated to the inside of the dignified red and white exterior.
The large square hall was paved with uncovered stones, and surrounded by doors of varnished deal, each bearing an announcement in staring white letters.
"Nearly eleven o'clock," said Mark Easter. "Do you want to look in at the classes, Sir Julian? Fuller is probably giving a lesson till eleven."
Sir Julian signed assent, and the two men turned to the stairs, also of uncarpeted stone.
On the first floor, which produced the same aspect of chilly cleanliness, a door was held open from the inside by a wooden kitchen chair, revealing the interior of Classroom No. V., which bore the white-lettered announcement, "Demonstration Room."