“Pompous idiot!”
When Rodney went home his little sisters found him more delightful than ever, but he was reticent as regarded his experiences in London, describing it briefly as “a beastly hole.”
On his return to school “Fireworks Fenton” sent for him the very first evening.
“A row already, Felcourt!” exclaimed his best friend in dismay.
But Rodney ran along the passage and knocked at the study door without any fears on that score. As he closed the door behind him it was the master who looked embarrassed, as he jerked out:
“I’m pleased to see you back, Felcourt. Remember that if you are in any way perplexed, or get into trouble ... or ... do you want any pocket-money, by the way?” and “Fireworks” bent anew over the letter he was writing.
“No, sir, I have the usual pocket-money, thank you; but please I would like to——”
“Now, Felcourt, don’t you see that I’m busy? Go away, go away!”
“But please, sir——”
“I know perfectly well all the absurd and ridiculous things you would say, and I very much prefer that you should not say them. One thing I have to say, attend to your English prose! I have a distinct recollection that your spelling of English is revolting—positively revolting. Attend to it!”