“You hear from Stonor?”

Clare nodded.

“He not pass his ’xamination, I guess?”

“Certainly he has passed!” said Clare sharply. “If anybody can pass their examinations he can.”

“Why you look so sorry then?”

“Oh—nothing. I didn’t expect him to write it. A five-word postscript at the end of a matter-of-fact letter.”

“Maybe he couldn’t get leave.”

“He said he’d get leave if he passed.”

“Maybe he comin’ anyhow.”

“He never says a word about coming.”