“Peterborough, sir,” said Mr Limpney sarcastically, and with a peculiar look at Dexter.
“H’m! would they now?” said the doctor. “Well, I shouldn’t have thought it! And how is he getting on with his Latin, Mr Limpney!”
“Horribly, sir!” exclaimed the tutor sharply. “I am very glad you have come, for I really feel it to be my duty to complain to you of the great want of diligence displayed by my pupil.”
“Dear me! I am very sorry,” exclaimed the doctor. “Why, Dexter, my boy, how’s this? You promised me that you would be attentive.”
“Yes, sir, I did.”
“Then why are you not attentive?”
“I do try to be, sir.”
“But if you were, Mr Limpney would not have cause to complain. It’s too bad, Dexter, too bad. Do you know why Mr Limpney comes here?”
“Yes, sir,” said the boy dismally; “to teach me.”
“And you do not take advantage of his teaching. This is very serious. Very sad indeed.”