anyone's company, naturally self-contained and temperate, making no
claims and giving no pledges; and yet Howard was deeply haunted by
the sense that Jack stood for something almost bewilderingly fine
which he himself could not comprehend or interpret, and of which
the boy himself was wholly and radiantly unconscious. It gave him,
indeed, a sudden warmth about the heart to see Jack in the court,
or even to think of him as living within the same walls; but there
was nothing jealous or exclusive about his interest, and when they
met, there was often nothing particular to say.

Presently lunch was announced, and Howard led the way to a little
panelled parlour which looked out on the river. They both ate with
healthy appetites; and presently Jack, looking about him, said,
"This room is rather nice! I don't know how you make your rooms so
nice?"

"Mostly by having very little in them except what I want," said
Howard. "These panelled rooms don't want any ornaments; people
spoil rooms by stuffing them, just as you spoil my cat,"--Jack was
feeding the cat with morsels from his plate.

"It's a nice cat," said Jack; "at least I like it in your rooms. I
wouldn't have one in my rooms, not if I were paid for it--it would
be what the Master calls a serious responsibility." Presently,
after a moment's silence, Jack said, "It's rather convenient to be
related to a don, I think. By the way, what sort of screw do they
give you--I mean your income--I suppose I oughtn't to ask?"

"It isn't usually done," said Howard, "but I don't mind your
asking, and I don't mind your knowing. I have about six hundred a