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ordered on my behalf by my son. You may however omit the treatise More and More Practical Sex , and add a reliable pocket compass.
     
    Yours faithfully,
    B PAXTON.
    Sir Bernard Paxton to Mr Thewless
    MY DEAR MR THEWLESS, – Since writing to you yesterday afternoon I find the situation again changed. It will be best to say frankly that I had engaged as tutor to Humphrey a young man highly recommended to me, whose chief virtues appeared to me athletic interest and simplicity of mind: these I thought might commend themselves to the boy in the particular circumstances of the holiday proposed. But this gentleman has been called away – seemingly by a family bereavement – and I am hoping that you may still be free, and inclined, to assist us. If so, would you have the great kindness to ring up, or send a telegram, upon the receipt of this, in order that we may arrange to meet at Euston on Thursday?
    It is not within my recollection that we discussed terms. If you are now so good as to undertake the work, would you please let me know whether, for the month or so that it will last, the sum of fifteen guineas weekly would appear to you to be reasonable? I am uninformed in these matters and you must forgive me if this should be to propose an inadequate remuneration.
    With kind regards,
    Yours sincerely,
    BERNARD PAXTON.
    PS – May I say how much I enjoyed, in the Journal of Roman Archaeology , your lucid and informative account of the villa which you assisted in excavating at Little Slumber some years ago?
    B P
     
    TUESDAY EVENING
     
    Mr Thewless to Sir Bernard Paxton
    THANK YOU FOR YOUR LETTER STOP WILL TAKE HUMPHREY TO IRELAND SUBJECT RETURN AT DISCRETION SHOULD ENVIRONMENT IN MY OPINION BE PREJUDICIAL MORAL AND OR NERVOUS AND OR INTELLECTUAL PROGRESS OF PUPIL STOP TERMS SATISFACTORY BUT PLEASE REPLY ON ABOVE THEWLESS.
     
    Sir Bernard Paxton to Mr Thewless
    MY DEAR MR THEWLESS, – Very many thanks for your telegram to which I reply at once by special messenger. I am glad that you find it possible to take Humphrey on his holiday and need hardly say that I highly approve the reservation you make. However, although I know little of the Bolderwoods I have a substantial hope that they will provide the quiet and stability which are so desirable. They have been apprised of Humphrey’s present somewhat unsettled state.
    I enclose a cheque for £65, being three weeks’ salary as agreed between us and a further sum upon which to draw for such expenses as you may incur. Humphrey will be provided with pocket-money, but you will of course make any further disbursements of this kind that you think judicious.
    It was my intention on Thursday afternoon to take Humphrey to visit an aunt and then come straight to Euston. He now tells me, however, that he has made an appointment with his dentist, so I suggest that we all meet at the station at half past four. Near the main hall you may recall a plan showing the location of the various buildings and platforms, and this would seem to be a convenient place for our rendezvous. Unfortunately there is a possibility that within the next couple of days I may be called urgently away. In this event Humphrey will have the necessary tickets, and a note with anything further that it may occur to me as being convenient for you to know. I need only add now that he is looking forward to the change and already appears to be drawing benefit from its prospect. He has taken occasion to acquire various books and objects – some of them very sensible – which he proposes to take with him. What alone causes me some anxiety is a growing tendency to imagine various conspiracies and enmities as hovering around him. I will later consult Lord Polder (a very old friend) about this, and he may recommend some form of psychiatric treatment. Meanwhile, Humphrey will be in excellent hands.
     
    Yours very sincerely,
    BERNARD PAXTON.
     
    Humphrey Paxton to Mr A B, c/o Bunce, Newsagent, Bolt Road
    SIR, – You make a