His report was not favorable.

The day after it was finished, a little after three, he received word that the firm wanted to see him.

He was always annoyed with himself that these messages caused his heart to beat a trifle faster.

He couldn't help associating them with former hours with his head-master or in the dean's office.

Only he had respected his head-master and even the dean, whereas he was not at all sure he respected Mr.Benson and he was quite sure he did not respect Mr.Honaton.
He rose slowly from his desk, exchanging with the office boy who brought the message a long, severe look, under which something very comic lurked, though neither knew what.
"And don't miss J.B.'s socks," said the boy.
Mr.Honaton--J.B .-- was considered in his office a very beautiful dresser, as indeed in some ways he was.