“You are suspended again.”
“Worse than that.”
“Trix has run away with somebody,” cried Polly, with a gasp.
“Worse still.”
“Oh, Tom, you have n't horse whipped or shot any one?”
“Came pretty near blowing my own brains out but you see I did n't.”
“I can't guess; tell me, quick.”
“Well, I'm expelled.”
Tom paused on the rug as he gave the answer, and looked at Polly to see how she took it. To his surprise she seemed almost relieved, and after a minute silence, said, soberly, “That's bad, very bad; but it might have been worse.”
“It is worse;” and Tom walked away again with a despairing sort of groan.