breach of the rules, and was never insolent or offensive to any of the
Fellows. Finally, he came of a very distinguished family; and Mr.
Mackintosh had the keenest remembrance still of his own single
interview, three years ago, with the Earl of Talgarth.

Mr. Mackintosh wondered, then, exactly what he would have to say to Mr.
Guiseley, and what Mr. Guiseley would have to say to him. He thought,
if the young man were really going down for good, as he had understood
this morning, it was only his plain duty to say a few tactful words
about responsibility and steadiness. That ridiculous auction would serve
as his text.

* * * * *

Mr. Mackintosh paused an instant, as he always did, before saying "Come
in!" to the knock on the door (I think he thought it helped to create a
little impression of importance). Then he said it; and Frank walked in.

"Good evening, Mr. Guiseley.... Yes; please sit down. I understood from
you this morning that you wished for your _exeat_."

"Please," said Frank.

"Just so," said Mr. Mackintosh, drawing the _exeat_ book--resembling the
butt of a check-book--towards him. "And you are going down to-morrow?"

"Yes," said Frank.

"Going home?" murmured the Dean, inscribing Frank's name in his neat
little handwriting.