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at things. The Vicar had heard that there were people who
did not think the old-fashioned education so useful nowa-
days as it had been in the past, and modern languages were
gaining an importance which they had not had in his own
youth. His own mind was divided, for a younger brother of
his had been sent to Germany when he failed in some ex-
amination, thus creating a precedent but since he had there
died of typhoid it was impossible to look upon the experi-
ment as other than dangerous. The result of innumerable
conversations was that Philip should go back to Tercanbury
for another term, and then should leave. With this agree-
ment Philip was not dissatisfied. But when he had been back
a few days the headmaster spoke to him.
‘I’ve had a letter from your uncle. It appears you want to
go to Germany, and he asks me what I think about it.’
Philip was astounded. He was furious with his guardian
for going back on his word.
‘I thought it was settled, sir,’ he said.
‘Far from it. I’ve written to say I think it the greatest mis-
take to take you away.’
Philip immediately sat down and wrote a violent letter to
his uncle. He did not measure his language. He was so angry
that he could not get to sleep till quite late that night, and
he awoke in the early morning and began brooding over
the way they had treated him. He waited impatiently for an
answer. In two or three days it came. It was a mild, pained
letter from Aunt Louisa, saying that he should not write
such things to his uncle, who was very much distressed. He
was unkind and unchristian. He must know they were only

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