morning. Unfortunately I couldn't remember in what subject that boy
had failed; so he didn't get the best part--the part about that being
the one subject of all others which, if failed in, predicted ruin."

"It was biology in my case," George told him. "I trembled with funk."

"I think most of you do. It's fortunate that all you men when you
first come up are afraid of your fathers. It gives us a certain amount
of hold over you. If the thing were done properly, both at the
'Varsities and the hospitals, there would be a system of marks and
reports just as at schools. You are only boys when you first come up,
and you should be treated as boys; instead, you are left free and
irresponsible. It ruins dozens of men every year."

"Perhaps that's why I'm here now," George responded. "You know I got
ploughed?"

The Dean told George how sorry he had been to hear it. He questioned:
"Bad luck, I suppose? I thought it was a sitter for you this time."

"Yes, rotten luck."

"It's unfortunate, you know. You would have got a house appointment.
I'm afraid you will miss that mow. There will be a crowd of very hot
men up with you in October, junior to you, who will get the vacancies.
What will you do?"

George shrugged and laughed.

The Dean frowned; interpreted the shrug. "Well, you should care," he