“Thank you, sir,” murmured Dan.
“You are getting along well with your work?” asked the Doctor, genially.
“Yes, sir, I think so.”
“That’s well, that’s well. School work is your first duty, Vinton, to yourself and your parents, you know; and to us, too; yes, yes, to us, too. Well, that’s all, I fancy, Mr. Collins. Good morning, Vinton. I’m very glad to have seen you. I hope our meetings will always be as pleasant as this has been.” And the Doctor laughed merrily.
Dan muttered his thanks and followed Mr. Collins back into the outer office. Mr. Collins drew a chair up to his desk and pointed to it as he took his own seat.
“Sit down a moment, Vinton,” he said pleasantly. “You have no recitation coming?”
“Not until two, sir. I have English then.”
Mr. Collins glanced at the clock.
“We have half an hour, then, but I shan’t keep you more than ten minutes. I suppose you saw something of Mr. Pennimore’s son yesterday, didn’t you?”
“Yes, sir.”