Ned's absence was naturally associated with the news, and caused much comment and even excitement. His attack upon Mr. Hathorn had become a sort of historical incident in the school, and the younger boys looked up with a sort of respectful awe upon the boy who had defied a headmaster. There were all sorts of speculations rife among them as to what Ned had done, there being a general opinion that he had probably killed Mr. Mulready, and the debate turning principally upon the manner in which this act of righteous vengeance had been performed. There was, then, a feeling almost of disappointment when Ned walked into the playground looking much as usual, except that his face was pale and his eyes looked heavy and dull. No one asked him any questions; for although Ned was a general favorite, it was generally understood that he was not the sort of fellow to be asked questions that might put him out. When they went in school, and the first class was called up, Ned, who was always at its head, took his place at the bottom of the class, saying quietly to the master: “I have not prepared my lesson today, sir, and I have not done the exercises.” Mr. Porson made no remark; he saw at once by Ned's face that something was wrong with him. When several questions went round, which Ned could easily have answered without preparation, the master said: “You had better go to your desk, Sankey; I see you are not well. I will speak to you after school is over.” Ned sat down and opened a book, but he did not turn a page until school was over; then he followed his master to the study. “Well, my boy,” he asked kindly, “what is it?” “My mother is going to marry Mr. Mulready,” Ned said shortly. The words seemed to come with difficulty from his lips. “Ah! it is true, then. I heard the report some weeks ago, but hoped that it was not true. I am sorry for you, Ned. I know it must be a sore trial for you; it is always so when any one steps into the place of one we have loved and lost.” “I shouldn't care so much if it wasn't him,” Ned said in a dull voice. “But there's nothing against the man, is there?” Mr. Porson asked. “I own I do not like him myself; but I believe he stands well in the town.” “Only with those who don't know him,” Ned replied; “his workpeople say he is the worst master and the biggest tyrant in the district.” “We must hope it's not so bad as that, Ned; still, I am sorry--very sorry, at what you tell me; but, my boy, you must not take it to heart. You see you will be going out into the world before long. Your brother will be following you in a few years. It is surely better that your mother should marry again and have some one to take care of her.” “Nice care of her he is likely to take!” Ned laughed bitterly. “You might as well put a fox to take care of a goose.”