CHAPTER XXII.
Oh Life, without thy chequered scene, Of right and wrong, of weal and woe, Success and failure, could a ground For magnanimity be found?
WORDSWORTH.
Dr.May was called for late the next day, Friday, and spent some time in one of the houses near the river.

It was nearly eight o'clock when he came away, and he lingered, looking towards the school, in hopes of a walk home with his boys.
Presently he saw Norman coming out from under the archway, his cap drawn over his face, and step, gesture, and manner betraying that something was seriously wrong.

He came up almost to his father without seeing him, until startled by his exclamation, "Norman--why, Norman, what's the matter ?" Norman's lips quivered, and his face was pale--he seemed as if he could not speak.
"Where's Tom ?" said the doctor, much alarmed.

"Has he got into disgrace about this business of Tomkins?
That boy--" "He has only got an imposition," interrupted Norman.

"No, it is not that--it is myself"-- and it was only with a gulp and struggle that he brought out the words, "I am turned down in the school." The doctor started back a step or two, aghast.