“What is it? Keep what quiet?”
“Why, about her, you know. I say, Marky—I mean Mr Railsford—could you ever give me a leg-up with her? If you asked her to your room one day, you know I could come too, and do my work.”
Railsford laughed.
“I thought you could do your work better here; besides, you and Oakshott use the same books.”
“Oakshott be hanged! I mean—I say, Marky, do you think I’ve a chance? I know Smedley’s—”
Railsford’s experience in cases of this sort was limited, but he was philosopher enough to know that some distempers need to be taken seriously.
“Look here, Arthur,” said he gravely, “the best thing you can do is to go straight over to Dr Ponsford’s and ask to see him, and tell him exactly how matters stand. Remind him that you’re just fifteen, and in the Shell, and that your income is a shilling a week. You need not tell him you were detained two afternoons this week, because he will probably find that out for himself by looking at monsieur’s books. If he says he will be delighted to accept your offer, then I promise to back you up. Let me see, I know the doctor’s at home this evening; it’s not 7.30 yet, so you’ll have time, if you go at once, to catch him before his tea. I’ll wait here till you come back.”
Arthur’s face underwent a wonderful change as the master quietly uttered these words. It began by lengthening, and growing a little pale; then it grew troubled, then bewildered, then scarlet, and finally, when he had ended, it relaxed into a very faint smile.
“I think I’ll wait a bit,” said he gravely.
“Very well, only let me hear the result when you do go.”