glance of vivid curiosity on either hand. Buckland, striving not to
look petulant or sullen, allowed himself to be led on; but when he
became aware of the tendency Bruno-wards, a protest broke from him.

'There's no need to swell that fellow's conceit. Here, father, come
and have a word with Peak; he looks rather down in the mouth among
his second prizes.'

Mr. Warricombe having beckoned his companions, they reluctantly
followed to the more open part of the hall.

'It's very generous of Buckland,' fell from the lady's lips, and she
at length resolved to show an equal magnanimity. Peak and Earwaker
were conversing together when Buckland broke in upon them with
genial outburst.

'Confound it, Peak! what do you mean by getting me stuck into a
bracket?'

'I had the same question to as ~you~,' returned the other, with a
grim smile.

Mr. Warricombe came up with extended hand.

'A species of bracket,' he remarked, smiling benevolently, 'which no
algebraic process will remove. Let us hope it signifies that you and
Buckland will work through life shoulder to shoulder in the field of
geology. What did Professor Gale give you?'

Before he could reply, Peak had to exchange greetings with Mrs