Mason could not have entreated his advice any more earnestly than he thought he had. Ten years of being a professor was not nearly as long as some, but he also liked to think himself in a middling position that allowed him both the wisdom of experience, yet the benefit of being young enough not to be so out of touch with the students and their lives.

However as Prince went out, and the more Mason listened, the higher his eyebrows rose. Certainly Prince could not be serious? "Are you daft?" He said rather seriously, not a hint of sarcasm or malice in his words. "You will cast a cloud over not only your career, but your judgement and her reputation as well. You have already been cornered unchaperoned. You will smear her name throughout the halls and in society." Mason was not the kind to pay attention to the whims of society at large, but he couldn't deny the ramifications that would undoubtedly follow.

"Not to mention, her educational career will be over regardless. They do not allow students to be married." Nor did he think Black would allow both of them to remain at school for an engagement; one of them would have to leave.