“You have never taught before, I think.”

“No, sir.”

“Where were you educated?”

“At the Essex Classical Institute, in the State of New York.”

“You are acquainted with the Latin language, I presume.”

“Yes, sir.”

“My son, whom you saw in the stage the other evening, is studying Latin. Do you feel competent to teach so advanced a pupil?”

“I don’t think I shall find any difficulty in doing so,” said Walter, who felt strongly inclined to laugh, but knew it would not do.

“My son is studying Cæsar.”

“Yes, sir; I am familiar with that author.”