"I wonder whether this is true," began Mary at last.
"Why not true?"
"I thought Mr. Barnes had threatened the boys that they should
remember the Midas escapade."
"It must have been only a threat. It could only lie between her and
the Spanish child; and, if report be true, even the half would be an
enormous fortune."
"Will it be fortune or misfortune, I wonder?"
"At any rate, it puts an end to my chances of being of any service to
her. Be it the half or the whole, she is equally beyond my reach."
"As she was before."
"Don't misinterpret me, Mary. I mean out of reach of helping her in
any way. I was of little use to her before. I could not save little
Armine from those brutal bullies, and never suspected the abuse that
engulphed Bobus. I am not fit for a schoolmaster."
"To tell the truth, I doubt whether you have enough high spirits or
geniality."
"That's the very thing! I can't get into the boys, or prevent their
thinking me a Don. I had hoped there was improvement, but the
revelations of the half-year have convinced me that I knew just
nothing at all about it."
"Have you thought what you will do?"
"As soon as I get home, I shall send in my notice of resignation at
Midsummer. That will see out her last boy, if he stays even so
long.
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