“Pridgin!” The easy-going owner of the name was spared something by not being present to hear the amused contempt with which the suggestion was greeted.
An hour later the doctor came down to settle matters for us.
“Under the circumstances,” said he, “it seems right that Crofter should take charge of the house. I understand that Tempest’s debts, on account of which he was removed from the headship last term, are now all honourably settled. But as he was more than once reported for breaking rules last term, it is only fair that Crofter, whose marks are equal, and against whom no complaint was recorded, should captain the house.”
That was all. Tempest, on the whole, looked relieved. Crofter smiled a satisfied smile. Pridgin and Wales looked blue; and the Philosophers took time to consider what they thought.
As for me, although Tempest had thrown me over, I could guess what a blow this was for him; not personally, for he would probably be glad to be rid of the responsibility, but as a public disgrace it was sure to wound him keenly.
I longed to be able to go and tell him how sorry I was; but after what had happened last term I dare not. In that respect, whether I liked it or not, I must “lie low.”
The Philosophers were not long in formally exchanging opinions on the situation.
A meeting was summoned for the same evening to inaugurate things generally. I was a little doubtful what I ought to do. Last term philosophy had not tended to diligent work, and with my good resolutions in view I felt that I should be better out of it. The little tiff with my comrades before the holidays had almost solved the difficulty; but since then I had been formally re-admitted to the fold, and it would be almost treasonable to “scratch” now.
“I move and third, and old Trim seconds and fourths,” announced Langrish, “that old Sal be, and is, president as before.”
“And I carry that motion,” said Warminster, who prided himself on his acquaintance with the procedure of public meetings.