you know them?" asked Tom, as she bowed to two gentlemen
in masters' caps and gowns, whom they met in the crowd.

"Yes; at least we met them last night."

"But do you know who they are?"

"Oh, yes; they were introduced to us, and I talked a great deal
to them. And Katie scolded me for it when we got home. No; I
won't say scolded me, but looked very grave over it."

"They are two of the leaders of the Tractarians."

"Yes. That was the fun of it. Katie was so pleased and interested
with them at first; much more than I was. But when she found out
who they were, she fairly ran away, and I stayed and talked on. I
don't think they said anything very dangerous. Perhaps one of
them wrote No. 90. Do you know?"

"I dare say. But I don't know much about it. However, they must
have a bad time of it, I should think, up here with the old
dons."

"But don't you think one likes people who are persecuted? I
declare I would listen to them for an hour, though I didn't
understand a word, just to show them that I wasn't afraid of
them, and sympathized with them. How can people be so
ill-natured? I'm sure they only write what they believe and think
will do good."

"That's just what most of us feel," said Tom; "we hate to see
them put down because they don't agree with the swells up here.
You'll see how they will be cheered in the Theatre."

"Then they are not unpopular and persecuted after all?"

"Oh yes, by the dons. And that's why we all like them. From
fellow-feeling you see, because the dons bully them and us
equally."

"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 ver