There was a low, smouldering fire in the study grate, and John had lit a solitary candle.

The room looked very dark and dismal and John was seated in one of the black leather chairs, waiting.
"Anything about those verses you were speaking of to-day ?" asked the vicar cheerfully, in anticipation of a pleasant classical chat.
"No," said John, gloomily.

"The fact is--" he cleared his throat, "the fact is, I want to ask you rather a delicate question, sir." The vicar's heavy eyebrows contracted; the lines of his face all turned downwards, and his long, clean-shaved upper lip closed sharply upon its fellow, like a steel trap.

He turned his grey eyes upon John's averted face with a searching look.
"Have you got into any trouble at Trinity, John ?" he asked severely.
"Oh no--no indeed," said John.

Nothing was further from his thoughts than his college at that moment.