Irving recited the offense.

“Weren’t you a little hasty in assuming that he was trying to tease
you?” asked the rector. “When he persisted in wanting to show you how
the forward pass is made? I think it’s quite likely he was sincere; he’s
so enthusiastic over football that it doesn’t occur to him that others
may not share his interest. I don’t think Collingwood was trying to be
‘fresh.’ Of course, he shouldn’t have lost his temper and banged the
ball at your door—but I think that hardly showed malice.”

“It seemed to me it was insolent—and disorderly. I felt the fellows all
thought they could do anything with me and I would be afraid to report
them. And so I thought I’d show them I wasn’t afraid.”

“At the same time, three sheets is the heaviest punishment, short of
actual suspension, that we inflict. It seems hardly a penalty for
heedless or misguided jocularity.”

“I think perhaps I was hard on Collingwood,” admitted Irving.

“If he comes to you about it—maybe you’ll feel disposed to modify the
punishment. And possibly the same with Westby.”

“I don’t feel sure that I’ve been too hard on Westby.”

The rector smiled; he was not displeased at this trace of stubbornness.

“Well, I won’t advise you any further about that. Use your own judgment.
It takes time for a young man to get his bearings in a place like
this.—If you don’t mind my saying it,” added the rector mildly,