“And who is he, my child, that was so displeased, and wherefore?”

“He is the strongest, but, unfortunately, the dullest boy in the school.  But this, you know, is not his fault.  Only, I know not why, he seems ever to have had a grudge against me, the cause of which I cannot understand.”

“Did he say aught to you, or do?”

“Yes, and was the cause of my delay.  For when we went forth from school into the field by the river, he addressed me insultingly in the presence of our companions, and said, ’Come, Pancratius, this, I understand, is the last time we meet here; but I have a long score to demand payment of from you.  You have loved to show your superiority in school over me and others older and better than yourself; I saw your supercilious looks at me as you spouted your high-flown declamation to-day; ay, and I caught expressions in it which you may live to rue, and that very soon.  Before you leave us, I must have my revenge.  If you are worthy of your name let us fairly contend in more manly strife than that of the style and tables.  Wrestle with me, or try the cestus against me.  I burn to humble you as you deserve, before these witnesses of your insolent triumphs.’”

The anxious mother bent eagerly forward as she listened, and scarcely breathed.  “And what,” she exclaimed, “did you answer, my dear son?”

“I told him gently that he was quite mistaken; for never had I consciously done anything that could give pain to him or any of my school-fellows; nor did I ever dream of claiming superiority over them.  ‘And as to what you propose,’ I added, ’you know, Corvinus, that I have always refused to indulge in personal combats, which, beginning in a cool trial of skill, end in an angry strife, hatred, and wish for revenge.  How much less could I think of entering on them now, when you avow that you are anxious to begin them with those evil feelings which are usually their bad end?’ Our school-mates had now formed a circle round us; and I clearly saw that they were all against me, for they had hoped to enjoy some of the delights of their cruel games; I therefore cheerfully added, ’And now, my comrades, good-by, and may all happiness attend you.  I part from you, as I have lived with you, in peace,’ ’Not so,’ replied Corvinus, now purple in the face with fury; ‘but—­’”

The boy’s countenance became crimsoned, his voice quivered, his body trembled, and, half-choked, he sobbed out, “I cannot go on; I dare not tell the rest!”

“I entreat you, for God’s sake, and for the love you bear your father’s memory,” said the mother, placing her hand upon her son’s head, “conceal nothing from me.  I shall never again have rest if you tell me not all.  What further said or did Corvinus?”

The boy recovered himself by a moment’s pause and a silent prayer, and then proceeded: 

“‘Not so!’ exclaimed Corvinus, ’not so do you depart!  You have concealed your abode from us, but I will find you out; till then bear this token of my determined purpose to be revenged!’ So saying, he dealt me a furious blow upon the face, which made me reel and stagger, while a shout of savage delight broke forth from the boys around us.”