“Unduly partial to his own pupils I believe. It was on his advice and due to his interference that my gardener’s eldest boy took his law final and became a solicitor, and I felt obliged to part with a good servant in consequence.” “This poor fellow is hardly a pupil to be proud of. Dunn says he looks upon it as the tragedy of his own scholastic life that such powers as John Smith’s have borne no fruit. He had the most original mind of any boy he has known.” “In other words the most cranky mind,” said the vicar impatiently. “I believe he has suffered all his life from hallucinations.” “Dunn didn’t say that.” “Had he heard of the course we were taking?” “He didn’t mention the matter and I was careful not to refer to it. But I won’t answer for Parker.” “Parker promised not to speak of it to anyone. It is known to Whymper and Jekyll and one other magistrate, and I believe was mentioned to General Clarke at the Depot, but in the public interest it was thought advisable not to let it go farther. Not that it really matters. The man is of no importance anyway, and he is far better off where he now is. One will always regret the old mother, but the man himself will be extremely well cared for at a place like Wellwood.” “No doubt,” said Dr. Joliffe rather drily. “There again Brandon has behaved quixotically. After all, this man belongs to the working class. He would have been quite well looked after at the county asylum at Broad Hill, where such people are taken care of at the public charge. Still, that was done on your authority, Joliffe.” “Brandon insisted that it should be done.” “Well, it all goes to show that the dear fellow is not the man he was. Of course he’s rich, but it will cost him at least five hundred a year for an indefinite period to keep this man at Wellwood.” “I pointed that out to him. But he had fully made up his mind. And he was so upset by the whole affair that it seemed wise not to raise difficulties.” “All very well. But I think my niece should have been consulted. However--there it is! But it’s pure quixotism to say the least. By the way, does Brandon know what happened yesterday?” “He knew nothing when I saw him this morning.” “How is he?” “Still confined to his room with lingering traces of a temperature.” “Had he heard that Murfin’s report was unfavorable?” “He takes it for granted.” “Takes it for granted! Pray why should he? I hope he doesn’t think that Murfin is not entirely impartial and dependable.” “He has nothing against Murfin personally.” There was a gleam of malice in Joliffe’s eye. “But he says it is too much to hope for fair play for John Smith in such a world as the present.” “There speaks a disordered mind.” Heat was in the vicar’s tone. “We have taken every possible precaution. Brandon _must_ realize that. Every consideration has been shown, and I am bound to say, speaking from first-hand knowledge, that our local bench has behaved in a most humane and enlightened manner.”