Several of the boys went up and bought sweets.
When she was standing alone Mather strolled up to her.

After a word or two he handed her something.

She took it, and said a few words.

Mather shook his head positively, and in a minute or two walked away, leaving her apparently satisfied.
"I suppose he has given her something on account," Ned said to himself.
"I wonder where he got it.

When Ripon asked him last Monday for a subscription to buy another set of bats and wickets, so that two lots could practise at once, he said he had only sixpence left, and Mather would not like to seem mean now, for he knows he doesn't stand well with any one except two or three of his own set, because he is always running out against everything that Porson does." A week later Mr.Porson said, at the end of school: "By the way, boys, have any of you seen that illustrated classical dictionary of mine?
I had it in school about ten days ago when I was showing you the prints of the dress and armor of the Romans, and I have not seen it since.