"See my boys? Certainly, my dear sir, by all means; this way," and he took Dick out to the schoolroom--Paul following out of curiosity. "You'll find us at our studies, you see," said the Doctor, as he opened the first baize door. There was a suspicious hubbub and hum of voices from within; but as they entered every boy was bent over his books with the rapt absorption of the devoted student--an absorption that was the direct effect of the sound the door-handle made in turning. "Our workshop," said the Doctor airily, looking round. "My first form, Mr. Bultitude. Some good workers here, and some idle ones." Dick stood in the doorway, looking (if the truth must be told) uncommonly foolish. He had wanted, in coming there, to enjoy the contrast between the past and present--which accounts for a good many visits of "old boys" to the scene of their education. But, confronted with his former schoolfellows, he was seized at first with an utterly unreasonable fear of detection. The class behaved as classes usually do on such occasions. The good boys smirked and the bad ones stared--the general expression being one of uneasy curiosity. Dick said never a word, feeling strangely bashful and nervous. "This is Tipping, my head boy," touching that young gentleman on the shoulder, and making him several degrees more uncomfortable. "I expect solid results from Tipping some day." "He looks as if his head was pretty solid," said Dick, who had once cut his knuckles against it. "My second boy, Biddlecomb. If he applies himself, he too will do me credit in the world." "How do, Biddlecomb?" said Dick. "I owe you ninepence--I mean--oh hang it, here's a shilling for you! Hallo, Chawner!" he went on, gradually overcoming his first nervousness, "how are you getting on, eh? Doing much in the sneaking way lately?" "You know him!" exclaimed the Doctor with naive surprise. "No, no; I don't know him. I've heard of him, you know--heard of him!" Chawner looked down his nose with a feeble attempt at a gratified simper, while his neighbours giggled with furtive relish. "Well," said Dick at last, after a long look at all the old familiar objects, "I must be off, you know. Got some important business at home this evening to look after. The fellows look very jolly and contented, and all that sort of thing. Enough to make one want to be a boy again almost, eh? Good-bye, you chaps--ahem, young gentlemen, I wish you good morning!" And he went out, leaving behind him the impression that "young Bultitude's governor wasn't half such a bad old buffer." He paused at the open front door, to which Paul and the Doctor had accompanied him. "Good-bye," he said; "I wish I'd seen Dulcie. I should like to see your daughter, sir; but it can't be helped. Good-bye; and you," he added in a lower tone to his father, who was standing by, inexpressibly pained and disgusted by his utter want of dignity, "you mind what I told you. Don't try any games with me!"