Oxford Days. Frederic Edward Weatherly

a smile that was naturally faint but tried to be sweet, and a grasp of the hand that was meant to be cordial but was unmistakably flabby. There were seats for all, but it took some minutes to get into them. The interview did not last long: just long enough, in fact, to enable the Dean to make one remark to each of the freshmen. To one, without waiting for an answer, “How is your father?” To another, “Does Mr. St. Leger intend coming forward for Slowcombe?” To another, “Have you been in Devonshire this vacation, Mr. Jones?”—Jones being, of course, a Yorkshireman who has never travelled further south than Oxford, when he matriculated in February last. To one or two a faint question as to their intentions. “Were they going to read for Honours, or for a Pass?” On the whole, Frank left the room depressed and disheartened as to his work. He had expected to be questioned as to what he had done at school: what form he was in: what books he had read; to be advised as to the turn his reading should now take; whether he should read for Honours in one examination or in more than one; or whether, in short, reading for Honours would be beyond him, and therefore waste of time. The only piece of practical information he gained was that Mr. Wood was his tutor, and to him he must apply for all particulars as to Lectures and Examinations.

      1

      The subjects at other colleges are much the same, but the standard of excellence required varies. No. 2 is usually omitted.

      2

      At most colleges a reduction is made for scholars and exhibitioners.

      3

      At some colleges quarterly.

      4

      The titles given to the different Heads of Colleges vary. There is the Warden of New College, the Provost of Oriel, the President of Trinity, the Master of Balliol, the Principal of Brasenose, and the Rector of Exeter.

      5

      College bills.