“But I thought they were dons too?”
“Well, so they are, but not regular dons, you know, like the proctors, and deans, and that sort.”
His companion did not understand this delicate distinction, but was too much interested in watching the crowd to inquire further.
Presently they met two of the heads of houses walking with several strangers. Everyone was noticing them when they passed, and of course Tom was questioned as to who they were. Not being prepared with an answer, he appealed to Hardy, who was just behind them talking to Miss Winter. They were some of the celebrities on whom honorary degrees were to be conferred, Hardy said; a famous American author, a foreign ambassador, a well-known Indian soldier, and others. Then came some more M.A.'s, one of whom this time bowed to Miss Winter.
“Who was that, Katie?”
“One of the gentlemen we met last night. I did not catch his name, but he was very agreeable.”
“Oh, I remember. You were talking to him for a long time after you ran away from me. I was very curious to know what you were saying, you seemed so interested.”
“Well, you seem to have made the most of your time last night,” said Tom; “I should have thought, Katie, you would hardly have approved of him either.”
“But who is he?”
“Why, the most dangerous man in Oxford. What do they call him—a Germanizer and a rationalist, isn't it, Hardy?”