"But it is an illegal declaration or vow," said Willis, "and so not binding."
"Where did you find that get-off?" said Charles; "the priest put that into your head."
"I don't know the priest; I never spoke a word to him," answered Willis.
"Well, any how, it's not your own answer," said Reding; "and does not help you. I am no casuist; but if it is an illegal engagement you should not continue to enjoy the benefit of it."
"What benefit?"
"Your cap and gown; a university education; the chance of a scholarship or fellowship. Give up these, and then plead, if you will, and lawfully, that you are quit of your engagement; but don't sail under false colours: don't take the benefit and break the stipulation."
"You take it too seriously; there are half a hundred statutes you don't keep, any more than I. You are most inconsistent."
"Well, if we don't keep them," said Charles, "I suppose it is in points where the authorities don't enforce them; for instance, they don't mean us to dress in brown, though the statutes order it."
"But they do mean to keep you from walking down High Street in beaver," answered Willis; "for the Proctors march up and down, and send you back, if they catch you."
"But this is a different matter," said Reding, changing his ground; "this is a matter of religion. It can't be right to go to strange places of worship or meetings."