It was at the crisis of parting at the station that it seemed to me
necessary to give William a word of parental advice. I hate seeing small
boys at such moments stuffing themselves in refreshment-rooms.
"William," I said, "life is not all cricket and football."
"No, father" replied William, looking hard at the refreshment-room,
"there's golf."
"That, William, is scarcely a game. I should describe it in my own case
as an exercise taken under medical advice, to obtain relief from
business strain."
"Father," burst out William, "there's Cheffins minor in the
refreshment-room."
"William," I proceeded, "at the end of each term I receive an
unsatisfactory report about you from your house-master. It is only then
that I know you have wasted three months of golden time." ("Golden time"
was a happy inspiration.)
"Old Starks is a rotter," said William briefly.
"Now I put you on your honour, William, to send me a truthful report of
your progress at the half-term. Then if you are not doing well I can
write and ask that you should have special attention. On your honour,
mind."
"Yes, father. Shall we go across to the refreshment-room now?"
"Ah, yes, certainly," I said, noticing a signal drop. "Oh, no; here's
your train coming in."
Then having done my duty I forgot all about the promised report. It
arrived unexpectedly this morning. He had framed it precisely on the
model of his house-master's reports:--
_Position in Form._ First.
_Progress._ Very marked; decidedly more attentive and industrious.
_Latin._ A distinct improvement in versification. Translates easily and
intelligently.
_Greek._ Displays remarkable promise.
("Of course it won't be much use to him in my leather business," I said
to my wife; "still it shows grit.")
_Mathematics._ Again marked progress is to be recorded.
_Conduct._ Courteous, orderly, obedient. A good influence in the house.
_General Remarks._ Will achieve a high position in the school, but must
take care that too close absorption in study does not interfere with his
athletic development.
"Most gratifying," I said to my wife. "I just put the boy on his honour.
I don't believe in lecturing boys. Ah, what's this at the bottom?"