Once home, both found
enough to do in getting one of them up to the mark of the approaching
examinations.--Two pale-faced creatures they sat there, in Mr Cupples's
garret, looking wretched and subdued enough, although occasionally they
broke out laughing, as the sparks of life revived and flickered into
merriment.
Inquiring after Miss Fraser, Alec learned that she was ill. The maid
inquired in return if he knew anything about Mr Beauchamp.
CHAPTER LXXVII.
Mr Cupples and Alec were hard at work???-the table covered with books and
papers; when a knock came to the door???-the rarest occurrence in that
skyey region???-and the landlady ushered in Mrs Forbes.
The two men sprang to their feet, and Mrs Forbes stared with gratified
amazement. The place was crowded with signs of intellectual labour, and
not even a pack of cards was visible.
"Why didn't you answer my last letter, Alec?" she said.
It had dropped behind some books, and he had never seen it.
"What is the meaning, then, of such reports about you?" she resumed,
venturing to put the question in the presence of Mr Cupples in the hope
of a corroborated refutation.
Alec looked confused, grew red, and was silent.
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