'I used that idea of the wheel in a cinema film once. I think it rather sounds like it, don't you? What was it I came back for?
'A nail file.
'Oh yes, of course. I know of no more utterly boring and futile occupation than generalizing about life. Did you take in what I was saying?
'Yes, I think so.
'I think I shall have my meals alone in future. Will you tell the servants? It makes me feel quite ill to talk so much. Good night.
'Good night, said Paul.
* * *
Some months later Paul returned to Scone College after the absence of little more than a year. His death, though depriving him of his certificates, left him his knowledge. He sat successfully for smalls and Matriculation and entered his old college once more, wearing a commoner's gown and a heavy cavalry moustache. This and his natural diffidence formed a complete disguise. Nobody recognized him. After much doubt and deliberation he retained the name of Pennyfeather, explaining to the Chaplain that he had, he believed, had a distant cousin at Scone a short time ago.
'He came to a very sad end, said the Chaplain, 'a wild young man.
'He was a very distant cousin, said Paul hastily.