“I shall make my visit as short as possible. I have, as you know, a few creditors in Oxford on whom I am anxious to call. Let me give you a little cheese, Roger.”
That evening when, as usual, the tutor looked in to say good night to his ward, Roger said rather gloomily—
“I suppose you object to my going to London?”
“On the contrary, I rather envy you.”
“Of course you understand I am going up to make inquiries?”
“Naturally. With Captain Oliphant’s assistance?”
“No. I’m not inclined to tell him anything at present. He has no idea that Ratman is anything but an Indian acquaintance.”
“My address will be ‘“Green Dragon,” Oxford,’” said the tutor.
“By the way,” said Roger—both men were talking in the forced tones which belong to an unacknowledged estrangement—“Whether this matter is right or not, I propose to write to Ratman and enclose him £10.”
“Naturally,” said the tutor.