The gentleman laughed. “I dare say not,” he said. Charlie was silent for a time, and then asked,—
“I say, what sort of fellow’s the head master; do you know?”
“I’ve seen him now and then,” said the gentleman.
“Is he awfully stuck-up and strict?” asked the boy anxiously.
“I really don’t know,” said the gentleman, biting his lips; “I hope not.”
“So do I. I wish my father was the head master,” said Charlie, the tears for a moment starting to his eyes at the bare thought of such happiness.
The gentleman looked at him very kindly, and said,—
“Cheer up, my little man; perhaps it won’t be so bad after all.”
Charlie smiled again as he said,—
“Oh, yes, I’ve got to be brave, you know, because I promised father. But I say, if you ever come to the school, ask for me—my name’s Charlie Newcome—will you? because I don’t know any of the fellows; and besides,” added he, brightening at the idea, “we can see if our watches are going the same, you know.”