But when I approached Fleeming, I
found myself in another world; he would have naught of me. 'It is
quite useless for YOU to come to me, Mr. Stevenson. There may be
doubtful cases, there is no doubt about yours. You have simply NOT
attended my class.' The document was necessary to me for family
considerations; and presently I stooped to such pleadings and rose
to such adjurations, as made my ears burn to remember. He was
quite unmoved; he had no pity for me. - 'You are no fool,' said he,
'and you chose your course.' I showed him that he had misconceived
his duty, that certificates were things of form, attendance a
matter of taste. Two things, he replied, had been required for
graduation, a certain competency proved in the final trials and a
certain period of genuine training proved by certificate; if he did
as I desired, not less than if he gave me hints for an examination,
he was aiding me to steal a degree. 'You see, Mr. Stevenson, these
are the laws and I am here to apply them,' said he. I could not
say but that this view was tenable, though it was new to me; I
changed my attack: it was only for my father's eye that I required
his signature, it need never go to the Senatus, I had already
certificates enough to justify my year's attendance.
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