“You seem to have a great many acquaintances,” said his companion, upon whom none of these salutations were lost.
“Yes, of course; one gets to know a great many men up here.”
“It must be very pleasant. But does it not interfere a great deal with your reading?”
“No; because one meets them at lectures, and in hall and chapel. Besides,” he added in a sudden fit of honesty, “it is my first year. One doesn't read much in one's first year. It is a much harder thing than people think to take to reading, except just before an examination.”
“But your great friend who is walking with Katie—what did you say his name is?”
“Hardy.”
“Well, he is a great scholar, didn't you say?”
“Yes, he has just taken a first class. He is the best man of his year.”
“How proud you must be of him! I suppose, now, he is a great reader?”
“Yes, he is great at everything. He is nearly the best oar in our boat. By the way, you will come to the procession of boats to-morrow night? We are the head boat on the river.”