1. _A rough draught, written by the under-master, who certainly has
had rather a trying week with_ TOMMY.
"I am unable to speak highly of either his intelligence or his
industry; but occasionally he works well, and has undoubtedly made
some progress this term. His conduct is not always good."
2. _Second rough draught_; TOMMY _in the meantime has missed a
repetition and accidentally knocked down the black-board._
"Exceptionally stupid and idle. Cannot be said to have made any
progress whatever this term, although he has had every effort made
with him. His conduct is abominable, noisy and unruly in the extreme."
3. _Fair copy to be submitted to the principal; of course_, TOMMY _had
not intended to be overheard when he spoke of the under-master as_
"_Old Pig-face_," _but this is the result._
"A more idle and utterly worthless boy it has never been my misfortune
to teach. Seems to have gone steadily backward all the term. Is most
objectionable in his manners, and has no sense of honour."
4. _Fair copy, as amended by the principal; how was_ TOMMY _to
know that stone would break the conservatory window, and drive the
principal to alter the report to this?_
"Would be better suited in a reformatory than in a school of this
standing. Utterly depraved, vicious and idle, with marked criminal
instincts. In intellect verges on the imbecile. Unless there is a
marked improvement next term, I cannot keep him."
5. _Principal's final copy; it_ was _fortunate that_ TOMMY _happened
to remark that he had four cousins who were, perhaps, coming next
term. One can't lose four pupils, even if it makes it necessary to
write like this._
"A singularly bright and high-spirited boy; a little given to
mischief, as all boys are, but quite amenable to discipline. My
assistant speaks most highly of his progress this term, and of his
general intelligence. He seems well suited by our system. His conduct
is, on the whole, admirable. He is truthful and conscientious."
* * * * *