Talbot Baines Reed

“ But that morrow came at last, and with it rose Oliver, strengthened and hopeful once more for the trial that lay before him. He was early at Wraysford’s study, whom he found only just out of bed.
“Look alive, old man. What do you say to a dip in the river before breakfast? We’ve got plenty of time, and it will wash off the cobwebs before the exam.”
“All serene,” said Wraysford, not very cheerily, though. “Anything’s better than doing nothing.” ”

“ The next morning early, before breakfast, Oliver joined the Doctor in his study, and made a clean breast to him there and then of Stephen’s delinquencies. He had evidently taken the right step in doing so, for, hearing it all thus frankly confessed by the elder brother, Dr. Senior was disposed to take a much more lenient view of the case than he would had the information come to him through any other channel. But at its best the offence was a grave one, and Oliver more than once felt anxious at the sight of the head-master’s long face during the narrative. ”

“ The long Sunday ended at last—a Sunday spoiled to many of the boys of Saint Dominic’s by distracting thoughts and cares—a day which many impatiently wished over, and which some wished would never give place to the morrow. ”

“ If I were not perfectly sure the full number was there before I left the room, I should conclude that I was mistaken, but of that I am sure. I just wish to ask this one question here, which I have already asked in the Sixth. Does any boy present know anything about the missing paper?”
You might have heard a pin drop as the Doctor paused for a reply.
“No? I expected not; I am quite satisfied. You can disperse, boys, to your various places.”
“What a fellow the Doctor is for speeches, Wray!” said Oliver, as he and his friend made their way to the Sixth Form room. ”

“ All I hope is that you get the scholarship.”
“I mean to try, just like you and Loman.”
And so they went in to breakfast, which was a solemn meal, and despite Stephen’s care in hunting up delicacies, not very well partaken of.
It seemed ages before the nine o’clock bell summoned them down to the Fifth Form room.
Here, however, the sympathy and encouragement of their class-fellows amply served to pass the time till the examination began.
“Well, you fellows,” cried Pembury, as the two entered, “do you feel like winning?”
“Not more than usual,” said Oliver. “How do you feel?” ”

“ Loman was one of them. He was evidently in difficulties, and the Fifth Form fellows, who looked round occasionally from their English Literature papers, were elated to see their own men writing steadily and hard, while the Sixth man looked all aground. ”

“ The Mathematical Medal candidates will remain here for examination. The English Literature and Nightingale Scholarship candidates will be examined in the Sixth Form room. Boys not in for either of these examinations may go to their studies till the twelve o’clock bell rings. ”