“Yes, Mr Rampson,” said the Doctor, raising his eyebrows; “but why—oh, I see, you want to speak to me and tell me that you have had a more lucrative offer.”
“Oh no, sir; I am quite satisfied here, where I have been so long, but—”
“Well, Mr Rampson, what is it? You wish me to increase your stipend?”
“No, sir, I do not; but I don’t want to suddenly find myself supplanted by another master through the machinations of a brother-teacher.”
“Don’t speak angrily, Mr Rampson. Pray, who has been trying to supplant you?”
“Well, sir, I am a blunt man, and I have come to speak out. I am afraid that Morris—why, I know not—has been introducing this Professor Barclay to you to try to get him in my post.”
“Indeed, Mr Rampson!” said the Doctor, with a smile. “Well, then, let me set you at your ease at once. Morris did not introduce this gentleman, for he came to me with an introduction from one of the professors at Addiscombe, a gentleman I do not know from Adam. I find that he has been for a few months a resident in the town here, where he is carrying on some study. Morris seems to know him a little, and tells me that he has visited him two or three times at his apartments. I questioned him as to who the man was, and his antecedents, which seemed to be satisfactory. I did so after his presenting his letter of introduction and some testimonials. I thought that it would be only civil to ask him to dinner and explain to him that it was perfectly hopeless for him to expect anything from me; and, in short, one feels a little sympathetic towards a cultivated gentleman who is seeking to obtain an appointment in a none-too-well-paid profession. So now you see, my dear Mr Rampson, that you have not the slightest cause for uneasiness.”
“Dr Bewley,” cried Rampson excitedly, “you don’t know how you have relieved my mind!”
“I am very glad, Rampson; and let me take this opportunity of telling you that— Bless my heart! what is the meaning of this?”
“Of what, sir?” cried Rampson, startled by the speaker’s earnestness.