"What are you conning there so attentively, Mr. Arkell?"
The authoritative words came from Lewis. He was monitor that week, and therefore head of all the school, under the senior boy: his present position on the rolls was that of fourth senior.
"I'm reading Greek," replied Henry, without removing his hands or looking up. "I've done my lessons."
"Take your hands and elbows down. I should like to see."
Down went the hands and elbows, but he did not look up.
"I thought it might be an English comedy instead of a Greek tragedy," observed Lewis, satirically; "but it is Greek, I see. Boys, he's reading Greek! He's thinking to take the shine out of us at the examination. Preparing! Oh!"
"Not at all," said Henry, quietly. "I should have been as well prepared for the examination at a day's notice, as I am after nearly three months'. So might you have been if you'd chosen."
"You insolent young beggar! Do you mean to say I am not prepared?"
"I said nothing of the sort, Lewis."
"You implied it, though. You needn't think to get the prize—if it's true that the dean gives one."