Walter pointed out to him the droll porpoises which had absorbed his attention, and while they stood looking and laughing at them, Henderson came up unobserved, and patting Walter on the back, observed poetically—
“Why are your young hearts sad, oh beautiful children of morning?
Why do your young eyes gaze timidly over the sea?”
“Where did you crib that quotation from, Flip,” asked Power laughing; “your mind’s like a shallow brook, and the colour of it always shows the stratum through which you have been flowing last.”
“Shallow brook, quotha?” said Henderson; “a deep and mighty river, sir, you mean; irresistible by any Power.”
“Oh, do shut up. Why was I born with a name that could be punned on? No more puns, Flip, if you love me,” said Power; and they all three walked under the noble Norman archway that formed the entrance to the school.
“By the powers,” said Henderson to Walter, as the other left them, “you have got a new friend worth having, Walter. He doesn’t make himself at home with every one, I can tell you; and if he and Dubbs cultivate you, I should think it’s about time for anyone else to be ashamed of cutting you, my boy.”
“I’m quite happy now,” said Walter; “with you and Kenrick and him for friends. I don’t care so much for the rest. I wonder why he likes me?”
“Well, because he thinks the fellows a great deal too hard on you for one thing. How very good and patient you’ve been, Walter, under it all.”
“It is hard sometimes, Flip, but I deserve it. Only now and then I’m afraid that you and Ken will get quite tired of me, I’ve so few to speak to. Harpour and that lot would be glad enough that I should join them, I know, and but for you and Ken I should have been driven to do it.”
“Never mind, Walter, my boy; the fellows’ll come round in time.”