"I know I am hot-tempered," confessed Tom. "I cannot help it, papa; it
was born with me."

"Many of our failings were born with us, my boy, as I have always
understood. But they are to be subdued; not indulged."

"Papa, you must acknowledge that it is a shame if Pye has promised the
seniorship to Yorke, over my head and Huntley's," reiterated Tom, who
was apt to speak as strongly as he thought. "If he gets the seniorship,
the exhibition will follow; that is an understood thing. Would it be
just?"

"Why are you saying this? What have you heard?"

"Well, it is a roundabout tale," answered Tom. "But the rumour in the
school is this--and if it turns out to be true, Gerald Yorke will about
get eaten up alive."

"Is that the rumour, Tom?" said Mrs. Channing.

Tom laughed, in spite of his anger. "I had not come to the rumour,
mamma. Lady Augusta and Dr. Burrows are great friends, you know; and we
hear that they have been salving over Pye--"

"Gently, Tom!" put in Mr. Channing.

"Talking over Pye, then," corrected Tom, impatient to proceed with his
story; "and Pye has promised to promote Gerald Yorke to the seniorship.
He--"