"Indeed, Nancy.  Let me see it.  Walter is really getting attentive.  His
last letter came to hand only two days since.  He hasn't forgotten his
old guardian." 

"Oh, no, sir.  He'll never do that.  He has a predilection for his old
home.  His heart is in the right place." 

"Just so.  I wish I felt as sure about his head." 

Doctor Mack adjusted his spectacles, for he was rising sixty, and his
eyes required assistance, and opened the letter.  As he read it his
forehead contracted, and he looked disturbed.  A perusal of the letter
may help us to understand why.  It ran as follows: 

"DEAR GUARDIAN: You will be surprised at hearing from me so soon
again, but I am really forced to write.  I find college life much more
expensive than I supposed it would be.  A fellow is expected to join
two or three societies, and each costs money.  I know you wouldn't have
me appear mean.  Then the students have been asked to contribute to a
fund for the enlargement of the library, and almost every day there is