first inclined to be on
Trevannion's side, he could not help pitying his evident distress,
and, touched by the emotion he exhibited, he exerted himself to smooth
all down. Had all been as cold and repulsive as Trevannion and his
advocates, Ferrers would have been dogged and proud, but now the sense
of gratitude and humility was predominant, and at last so overpowered
him, that he was glad to get away in the playground by himself. As he
closed the door, the buz was resumed, and an attack was made on Hamilton
by those who had determinedly held back.

"Your royal clemency is most praiseworthy, most magnanimous Edward,"
said Frank Digby.

"Worthy of you, Hamilton," said Trevannion, sneeringly. "Ferrers is
a fit companion and associate for gentlemen."

"My manners not bearing any comparison with yours," replied Hamilton,
coolly, "I am not so chary of contamination."

"That's a hit at your slip just now, Trevannion," said Smith.
"How could you commit such a what-do-you-call it? gooch--gaucherie."

"You had better take lessons of the old woman over the way,"
said Salisbury; "she only charges twopence _extra for them as
learns manners_."

"A good suggestion," said Trevannion, laughing; "will you pay for me,
Hamilton?"

"Willingly," replied Hamilton, in a low, deep tone, "if, on inquiry,
I find her good manners are the result of good feeling."

"I am excessively indebted to you," replied Trevannion, coloring;
"and feel exceedingly honored by the solicitude of Ferrers' friend."

"Just as you choose to feel it, Trevannion," said Hamilton; "but I had
better speak my mind, gentlemen,--I do not think we have, as a body,
remembered the doctor's injunction."

"How could we?" "Is it likely?" "No, indeed." "I dare say!" "Very fine!"
sounded on all sides.

"Hear me to the end," said Hamilton; "I have not much to say."

"Two speeches in one night!" said Jones. "Never was such condescension."

Hamilton took no notice of the jeering remarks round him, but having
obtained a little silence, continued--

"We have made enough of this business. It is cruel now to carry it on
further. I confess myself to have felt as much repugnance as any one
could feel, to renewing any thing beyond the barest possible intercourse
with Ferrers; but let us consider, first, that it becomes us, while
we are Dr. Wilkinson's pupils, to pay some respect to his wishes,
whether they coincide with our feelings or not; and next, whether it
is charitable