True, the usual preachment was never lacking--the same as ever, about humility, submission, and respect to the clerics, and he, Placido, was humble, submissive, and respectful.

So he was about to turn away when he remembered that the examinations were approaching and his professor had not yet asked him a question nor appeared to notice him--this would be a good opportunity to attract his attention and become known! To be known was to gain a year, for if it cost nothing to suspend one who was not known, it required a hard heart not to be touched by the sight of a youth who by his daily presence was a reproach over a year of his life wasted.
So Placido went in, not on tiptoe as was his custom, but noisily on his heels, and only too well did he succeed in his intent! The professor stared at him, knitted his brows, and shook his head, as though to say, "Ah, little impudence, you'll pay for that!".