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Updated: June 10, 2025
And off went the junior, leaving Riddell somewhat perplexed by his chatter, but considerably consoled nevertheless to think that there was any one in the schoolhouse, or anywhere, who was sorry to lose him. However, the same reason which took Telson away left Riddell also little time to spend in vague reflections. He, too, had a speech to prepare for Parliament to-morrow.
In the midst of his relief about the boat-race he could scarcely bring himself to regard seriously the boy's real offence, bad as that had been; and, indeed, it was not until Wyndham himself referred to it that afternoon that its gravity occurred to him. Riddell was waiting there for him, and as the boy approached, his wretched, haggard looks smote the captain's heart with remorse.
The arguments were mostly on the side of the schoolhouse, and the vehemence on the side of Parrett's. Once or twice a Welcher dropped in a speech, attacking both parties and once or twice a schoolhouse boy spoke in favour of Bloomfield, or a Parrett's boy spoke in favour of Riddell. At last, after about an hour's angry debate, the House divided.
Whereas the one or two rioters whom Riddell had ventured to tackle had somehow distinctly reformed their habits. How was it? Bloomfield, as he thought the thing over, was not quite happy. He had been happier far last term when, under old Wyndham, he had exerted himself loyally for the good of the school. Was he not exerting himself now? Why should he be unhappy?
"I hope not," said Riddell, cheerily. "We needn't stop being friends because you're going away." "Needn't we! will you write to me now and then?" asked Gilks, eagerly. "Of course I will, and you must do the same. I'll let you know all the news here." Gilks sighed. "I'm afraid the news here won't be very pleasant for me to hear," said he. "What a fury the fellows will be in when they hear about it.
"It will," said Riddell, and the pair forthwith launched out into a discussion of the virtues of Wyndham senior, in which one was scarcely more enthusiastic than the other. On their way back to the Big they met Parson and Telson, trotting down to the bathing sheds.
A proud, a tumultuously happy day was it for old David Riddell, who, with wonder and awe, felt his horny hand grasped by the great men whose very names he had considered subservient to his happiness of old time, and beheld his son, little William, the boy whom he had taught the alphabet upon Scaurhope Hill, with the pebbles that lie there beheld him holding high discourse with these same dignitaries, saw that his opinions were listened to with respect, and that his thoughts, according as they were solemn or ludicrous, were responded to by these great men with gravity or broad grins.
Riddell was prattled about in Dumfries, and led other families to drop the acquaintance of the poet, we are made painfully aware; and in his correspondence now there is rancour, bitterness, and remorse more pronounced and more settled than at any other period of his life.
"No; please don't mention my name," said Bloomfield. "Wouldn't the best thing be to send Riddell back with a label, `Declined, with thanks, pinned on his coat-tail?" suggested Crossfield. "Yes; and add, `Try again, Paddy," said Coates, laughing. "And just mention no schoolhouse snobs are wanted," said Tucker.
"It's a fact, though," said Riddell, "and what's more, I have it on Parrett's authority that they are getting to play very well together, and any eleven that plays them will have to look out for itself if it is to beat them." "Ho, ho! I guess our fellows will be able to manage that. Of course, you know, if I'm in the second-eleven, I shan't be able to play with my house juniors."
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