rence between the other two had ended the latter turned
abruptly and said,--

"Excuse me, but I accidentally overheard you just now mention a matter
in which I am very much interested. In fact, it is about it that I am
here to see Dr Ponsford at present."

At that moment the doctor entered the room. The other two naturally
gave way to the visitor, who accordingly advanced and greeted the head-
master.

"Allow me to introduce myself, Dr Ponsford; I dare say you do not
remember me. My name is Branscombe. You know, of course, the painful
business on which I have come."

"I hope, Mr Branscombe, your son is no worse. We should be sorry to
lose him. We looked upon him as a promising boy."

The gentleman looked hard at the doctor.

"You surely say this to spare my feelings. Dr Ponsford. Of course I
understand my son can never return here."

"Is that so? I am truly sorry."

"You would be the last to wish him to return to a school in which his
name has been so disgraced."

It was the doctor's turn to look astonished.

"Disgraced? Branscombe was always one of our model boys."

"Until last term," said the father.

"I don't understand you," said the doctor.

"Surely, Dr Ponsford, you know by this time my son's offence. I do not
attempt to excuse it. He voluntarily took the only right step to take
in his position by confessing."

"Pardon me," said the doctor, "but I still do not understand. What
confession do you refer to?"

"Has not Mr Bickers communicated the contents of my son's letter to
him, written two days ago? He must have received it yesterday morning.
In it my boy confessed that he, assisted by two others, had been the
author of the outrage on Mr Bickers last term. He is deeply repentant,
and wishes by this confession to put right all the mischief which has
resulted from his act. But surely Mr Bickers has shown you the
letter?"

"He has neither shown me it nor mentioned it."

"Is it possible? My boy was so anxious and restless about the affair
that I promised him to come down and see you; fully expecting that long
before now you would have been made acquainted with everything. Would
it trouble you to send for Mr Bickers?"

"Certainly," said the doctor. Then, turning to Ainger and Railsford, he
said, "Would you two come again later on? and on your way, Ainger, will
you ask Mr Bickers to come here?"

"Excuse me, doctor," said Mr Branscombe, "but I should much prefer if
these two g