intention, but to Westby it seemed edged with malice—as if the master
was exulting over his defeat.

Something in Westby’s expression told Irving what the boy had inferred;
Irving went afterwards to his room in a despondent mood. It didn’t
matter how hard he tried or what he did; he had not the faculty of
winning and holding affection and respect. As it was with boys, so it
would be with men. If only he could see how and why he failed, and could
learn to correct his mistakes!

He felt of more importance in the School world when a letter from
Lawrence was the first announcement that the Freshman eleven would come
to play St. Timothy’s. He asked Collingwood if he had had any word, and
when Collingwood said no, he told him his brother’s message.

“I don’t believe there can be any mistake,” said Irving. “He writes that
it was decided only the night before. You’ll probably receive the
official communication in a day or two.”

Collingwood was tremendously elated. “I knew we were better than
Lakeview—but I was afraid they wouldn’t realize it,” he said. “Now
we’ll have to get ready and beat them. Anyway, if we can’t do that, it
will be the best kind of preparation for the St. John’s game.”

The official communication arrived; Collingwood rushed with it to the
bulletin board in the Study building and posted it for all eyes to see.
The same day he posted the School eleven, as it would line up in that
game.

Westby was to be first substitute for Dennison at right half back.