“And do you always have your meals with that sort of stream of learning pouring down you?”

“Oh no; most times he is silent.”

“That must be much better,” said Hermione, with a profound sigh.

“I don’t know; it’s rather dull. We aren’t allowed to talk when the Professor is silent.”

“Bless him! And Grace is such a chatterbox, you know.”

“She is very, very nice,” I said.

Just then the Professor came in.

“Where is Dumps?” he said.

I jumped to my feet.

“Good-bye, child,” he said, holding out his hand limply. Then he drew me to him and pressed a very light kiss on my forehead.