The day succeeding Arthur’s visit to the Office and the beginning of his probation, Mr. Collins said, as his Latin class prepared to leave the room: “I’d like to see Pennimore for a moment, please, after class.” Gerald remained in his seat when the others went out and Mr. Collins, after gathering his books and papers together, came down from the platform and took a seat beside him.
“Pennimore,” he said, “it’s a great temptation to keep you on probation right along, because you do about twenty-five per cent. better than when you’re off. How do you explain that?”
“I suppose I try harder, sir,” replied Gerald.
“And put more time to it, maybe?” asked the Assistant Principal, with a smile. Gerald agreed to that, reflecting the smile.
“Well, you’ve been doing very good work. Do you think that if you were released from probation you could keep it up?”
“Yes, sir,” replied Gerald, eagerly.
“Would you care to go so far as to promise that?”
“Yes, sir.”
“If you did, I’d have to hold you to the promise for the rest of the term, Pennimore.”
“Yes, sir; I’d be willing.”