Decline and Fall Page 4

  Paul took his letter. It had been forwarded from Onslow Square. On the flap were embossed the arms of Scone College. It was from one of his four friends.

  Scone College, J.C.R.,

  Oxford.

  My dear Pennyfeather, it ran,

  I need hardly tell you how distressed I was when I heard of your disastrous misfortune. It seems to me that a real injustice has been done to you. I have not heard the full facts of the case, but I was confirmed in my opinion by a very curious incident last evening. I was just going to bed when Digby‑Vane-Trumpington came into my rooms without knocking. He was smoking a cigar. I had never spoken to him before, as you know, and was very much surprised at his visit. He said: 'I'm told you are a friend of Pennyfeather's. I said I was, and he said: Well, I gather I've rather got him into a mess'; I said: Yes, and he said: Well, will you apologize to him for me when you write? I said I would. Then he said: 'Look here, I'm told he's rather poor. I thought of sending him some money ‑ £20 for sort of damages, you know. It's all I can spare at the moment. Wouldn't it be a useful thing to do? I fairly let him have it, I can tell you, and told him just what I thought of him for making such an insulting suggestion. I asked him how he dared treat a gentleman like that just because he wasn't in his awful set. He seemed rather taken aback and said: 'Well all myfriends spend all their time trying to get money out of me, and went off.

  I bicycled over to St Magnus's at Little Bechley and took some rubbings of the brasses there. I wished you had been with me.

  Yours,

  Arthur Potts.

  PS. ‑I understand you are thinking of taking up educational work. It seems to me that the great problem of education is to train the moral perceptions, not merely to discipline the appetites. I cannot help thinking that it is in greater fastidiousness rather than in greater self‑control that the future progress of the race lies. I shall be interested to hear what your experience has been over the matter. The chaplain does not agree with me in this. He says geat sensibility usually leads to enervation of will. Let me know what you think.

  'What do you think about that? asked Paul, handing Mr Prendergast the letter.

  'Well, he said after studying it carefully, 'I think your friend is wrong about sensibility. It doesn't do to rely on one's own feelings, does it, not in anything?

  'No, I mean about the money.

  'Good gracious, Pennyfeather! I hope you are in no doubt about that. Accept it at once, of course.

  'It's a temptation.

  'My dear boy, it would be a sin to refuse. Twenty pounds! Why, it takes me half a term to earn that.

  The bell rang for tea. In the dining‑hall Paul gave the letter to Grimes.

  'Shall I take the twenty pounds? he asked.

  'Take it? My Godl I should think you would.

  'Well, I'm not sure, said Paul.

  He thought about it all through afternoon school, all the time he was dressing for dinner, and all through dinner. It was a severe struggle, but his early training was victorious.

  'If I take that money, he said to himself, 'I shall never know whether I have acted rightly or not. It would always be on my mind. If I refuse, I shall be sure of having done right. I shall look upon my self‑denial with exquisite self‑approval. By refusing I can convince myself that, in spite of the unbelievable things that have been happening to me during the last ten days, I am still the same Paul Pennyfeather I have respected so long. It is a test case of the durability of my ideals.

  He tried to explain something of what he felt to Grimes as they sat in Mrs Roberts's bar parlour that evening.

  'I'm afraid you'll find my attitude rather difficult to understand, he said. 'I suppose it's largely a matter of upbringing. There is every reason why I should take this money. Digby‑Vane‑Trumpington is exceedingly rich; and if he keeps it, it will undoubtedly be spent on betting or on some deplorable debauch. Owing to his party I have suffered irreparable harm. My whole future is shattered, and I have directly lost one hundred and twenty pounds a year in scholarships and two hundred and fifty pounds a year allowance from my guardian. By any ordinary process of thought, the money is justly mine. But, said Paul Pennyfeather, 'there is my honour. For generations the British bourgeoisie have spoken of themselves as gentlemen, and by that they have meant, among other things, a self‑respecting scorn of irregular perquisites. It is the quality that distinguishes the gentleman from both the artist and the aristocrat. Now I am a gentleman. I can't help it: it's born in me. I just can't take that money.

  'Well, I'm a gentleman too, old boy, said Grimes, 'and I was afraid you might feel like that, so I did my best for you and saved you from yourself.

  'What d'you mean by that?

  'Dear old boy, don't be angry, but immediately after tea I sent off a wire to your friend Potts: Tell Trumpington send money quick, and signed it "Pennyfeather". I don't mind lending you the bob till it comes, either.

  'Grimes, you wretch! said Paul, but, in spite of himself, he felt a great wave of satisfaction surge up within him. 'We must have another drink on that.

  'Good for you, said Grimes, 'and it's on me this round.

  'To the durability of ideals! said Paul as he got his pint.

  'My word, what a mouthful! said Grimes; 'I can't say that. Cheerioh!

  * * *

  Two days later came another letter from Arthur Potts:

  Dear Pennyfeather,

  I enclose Trumpington's cheque for £20. I am glad that my dealings with him are at an end. I cannot pretend to understand your attitude in this matter, but no doubt you are the best judge.

  Stiggins is reading a paper to the O.S.C.U. on 'Sex Repression and Religious Experience'. Everyone expects rather a row, because you know how keen Walton is on the mystical element, which I think Stiggins is inclined to discount.

  Yours,

  Arthur Potts.

  There is a most interesting article in the 'Educational Review'on the new methods that are being tried at the Innesborough High School to induce co‑ordination of the senses. ·They put small objects into the children's mouths and make them draw the shapes in red chalk. Have you tried this with your boys? I must say I envy you your opportunities. Are your colleagues enlightened?

  'This same Potts, said Grimes as he read the letter, 'would appear to be something of a stinker. Still, we've got the doings. How about a binge?

  'Yes, said Paul, 'I think we ought to do something about one. I should like to ask Prendy too.

  'Why, of course. It's just what Prendy needs. He's been looking awfully down in the mouth lately. Why shouldn't we all go over to the Metropole at Cwmpryddyg for dinner one night? We shall have to wait until the old boy goes away, otherwise he'll notice that there's no one on duty.

  Later in the day Paul suggested the plan to Mr Prendergast.

  'Really, Pennyfeather, he said, 'I think that's uncommonly kind of you. I hardly know what to say. Of course, I should love it. I can't remember when I dined at an hotel last. Certainly not since the war. It will be a treat. My dear boy. I'm quite overcome.

  And, much to Paul's embarrassment, a tear welled‑up in each of Mr Prendergast's eyes, and coursed down his cheeks.

  CHAPTER VII Philbrick

  That morning just before luncheon the weather began to show signs of clearing, and by half‑past one the sun was shining. The Doctor made one of his rare visits to the school dining‑hall. At his entry everybody stopped eating and laid down his knife and fork.

  'Boys, said the Doctor, regarding them benignly, 'I have an announcement to make. Clutterbuck, will you kindly stop eating while I am addressing the school. The boys' manners need correcting, Mr Prendergast. I look to the prefects to see to this. Boys, the chief sporting event of the year will take place in the playing‑fields to‑morrow. I refer to the Annual School Sports, unfortunately postponed last year owing to the General Strike. Mr Pennyfeather, who, as you know, is himself a distinguished athlete, will be in charge of all arrangements. The preliminary heats will be run off to‑day. All boys must compete in all events. The Countess of Circumference has kindly consented to present the prizes. Mr Prendergast will act as referee, and Captain Grimes as timekeeper. I shall myself be present to‑morrow to watch the final competitions. That is all, thank you. Mr Pennyfeather, perhaps you will favour me with an interview when you have finished your luncheon?

  'Good God! murmured Paul.

  'I won the long jump at the last sports, saud Briggs, 'but everyone said that it was because I had spiked shoes. Do you wear spiked shoes, sir?

  'Invariably, said Paul.

  'Everyone said it was taking an unfair advantage. You see, we never know beforehand when there's going to be sports, so we don't have time to get ready.

  'My mamma's coming down to see me to‑morrow, said Beste‑Chetwynde; 'just my luck! Now I shall have to stay here all the afternoon.

  After luncheon Paul went to the morning‑room, where he found the Doctor pacing up and down in evident high excitement.

  'Ah, come in, Pennyfeather! I am just making the arrangements for to‑morrow's fête. Florence, will you get on to the Clutterbucks on the telephone and ask them to come over, and the Hope‑Brownes. I think the Warringtons are too far away, but you might ask them, and of course the Vicar and old Major Sidebotham. The more guests the better, Florence!

  'And, Diana, you must arrange the tea. Sandwiches, foie gras sandwiches ‑ last time, you remember, the liver sausage you bought made Lady Bunway ill ‑ and cakes, plenty of cakes, with coloured sugar! You had better take the car into Llandudno and get them there.

  'Philbrick, there must be champagne‑cup, and will you help the men putting up the marquee. And flags, Diana! There must be flags left over from last time.

  'I made them into dusters, said Dingy.

  'Well, we must buy more. No expense must be spared. Pennyfeather, I want you to get the results of the first heats out by four o'clock. Then you can telephone them to the printers, and we shall have the programmes by to-morrow. Tell them that fifty will be enough; they must be decorated with the school colours and crest in gold. And there must be flowers, Diana, banks of flowers, said the Doctor with an expansive gesture. 'The prizes shall stand among banks of flowers. Do you think there ought to be a bouquet for Lady Circumference?

  'No, said Dingy.

  'Nonsense! said the Doctor. 'Of course there must be a bouquet. It is rarely that the scholarly calm of Llanabba gives place to festival, but when it does taste and dignity shall go unhampered. It shall be an enormous bouquet, redolent of hospitality. You are to produce the most expensive bouquet that Wales can offer; do you understand? Flowers, youth, wisdom, the glitter of jewels, music, said the Doctor, his imagination soaring to dizzy heights under the stimulus of the words, 'music! There must be a band.

  'I never heard of such a thing, said Dingy. 'A band indeed! You'll be having fireworks next.

  'And fireworks, said the Doctor, 'and do you think it would be a good thing to buy Mr Prendergast a new tie? I noticed how shabby he looked this morning.

  'No, said Dingy with finality, 'that is going too far. Flowers and fireworks are one thing, but I insist on draw ing a line somewhere. It would be sinful to buy Mr Prendergast a tie.

  'Perhaps you are right, said the Doctor. 'But there shall be music. I understand that the Llanabba Silver Band was third at the North Wales Eisteddfod last month. Will you get on to them, Florence? I think Mr Davies at the station is the bandmaster. Can the Clutterbucks come?

  'Yes, said Flossie, 'six of them.

  'Admirable! And then there is the Press. We must ring up the Flint and Denbigh Herald and get them to send a photographer. That means whisky. Will you see to that, Philbrick? I remember at one of our sports I omitted to offer whisky to the Press, and the result was a most unfortunate photograph. Boys do get into such indelicate positions during the obstacle race, don't they?

  'Then there are the prizes. I think you had better take Grimes into Llandudno with you to help with the prizes. I don't think there is any need for undue extravagance with the prizes. It gives boys a wrong idea of sport. I wonder whether Lady Circumference would think it odd if we asked her to present parsley crowns. Perhaps she would. Utility, economy, and apparent durability are the qualities to be sought for, I think.

  'And, Pennyfeather, I hope you will see that they are distributed fairly evenly about the school. It doesn't do to let any boy win more than two events; I leave you to arrange that. I think it would be only right if little Lord Tangent won something, and Beste‑Chetwynde ‑ yes, his mother is coming down, too.

  'I am afraid all this has been thrown upon your shoulders rather suddenly. I only learned this morning that Lady Circumference proposed to visit us, and as Mrs Beste‑Chetwynde was coming too, it seemed too good an opportunity to be missed. It is not often that the visits of two such important parents coincide. She is the Honourable Mrs Beste‑Chetwynde, you know ‑ sister‑in‑law of Lord Pastmaster ‑ a very wealthy woman, South American. They always say that she poisoned her husband, but of course little Beste‑Chetwynde doesn't know that. It never came into court, but there was a great deal of talk about it at the time. Perhaps you remember the case?

  'No, said Paul.

  'Powdered glass, said Flossie shrilly, 'in his coffee.

  'Turkish coffee, said Dingy.

  'To work! said the Doctor; 'we have a lot to see to.

  * * *

  It was raining again by the time that Paul and Mr Prendergast reached the playing‑fields. The boys were waiting for them in bleak little groups, shivering at the unaccustomed austerity of bare knees and open necks. Clutterbuck had fallen down in the mud and was crying quietly behind a tree.

  'How shall we divide them? said Paul.

  'I don't know, said Mr Prendergast. 'Frankly, I deplore the whole business.

  Philbrick appeared in an overcoat and a bowler hat.

  'Miss Fagan says she's very sorry, but she's burnt the hurdles and the jumping posts for firewood. She thinks she can hire some in Llandudno for to‑morrow. The Doctor says you must do the best you can till then. I've got to help the gardeners put up the blasted tent.

  'I think that, if anything, sports are rather worse than concerts, said Mr Prendergast. 'They at least happen indoors. Oh dear! oh dear! How wet I am getting. I should have got my boots mended if I'd known this was going to happen.

  'Please, sir, said Beste‑Chetwynde, 'we're all getting rather cold. Can we start?

  'Yes, I suppose so, said Paul. 'What do you want to do?

  'Well, we ought to divide up into heats and then run a race.

  'All right! Get into four groups.

  This took some time. They tried to induce Mr Prendergast to run too.

  'The first race will be a mile. Prendy, will you look after them? I want to see if Philbrick and I can fix up anything for the jumping.

  'But what am I to do? said Mr Prendergast.

  'Just make each group run to the Castle and back and take the names of the first two in each heat. It's quite simple.

  'I'll try, he said sadly.

  Paul and Philbrick went into the pavilion together.

  'Me, a butler, said Philbrick, 'made to put up tents like a blinking Arab!

  'Well, it's a change, said Paul.

  'It's a change for me to be a butler, said Philbrick. 'I wasn't made to be anyone's servant.

  'No, I suppose not.

  'I expect you wonder how it is that I come to be here? said Philbrick.

  'No, said Paul firmly, 'nothing of the kind. I don't in the least want to know anything about you; d'you hear?

  'I'll tell you, said Philbrick; 'it was like this ‑

  'I don't want to hear your loathsome confessions; can't you understand?

  'It isn't a loathsome confession, said Philbrick. 'It's a story of love. I think it is without exception the most beautiful story I know.

  'I daresay you have heard of Sir Solomon Philbrick?

  'No, said Paul.

  'What, never heard of old Solly Philbrick?

  'No; why?

  'Because that's me. And I can tell you this. It's a pretty well‑known name across the river. You've only to say Solly Philbrick, of the "Lamb and Flag", anywhere south of Waterloo Bridge to see what fame is. Try it.

  'I will one day.

  'Mind you, when I say Sir Solomon Philbrick, that's only a bit of fun, see? That's what the boys call me. Plain Mr Solomon Philbrick I am, really, just like you or him, with a jerk of the thumb towards the playing‑fields, from which Mr Prendergast's voice could be heard crying weakly: 'Oh, do get into line, you beastly boys, 'but Sir Solomon's what they call me. Out of respect, see?

  'When I say, "Are you ready? Go!" I want you to go, Mr Prendergast could be heard saying. 'Are you ready? Go! Oh, why don't you go? And his voice became drowned in shrill cries of protest.

  'Mind you, went on Philbrick, 'I haven't always been in the position that I am now. I was brought up rough, damned rough. Ever heard speak of «Chick» Philbrick?

  'No, I'm afraid not.

  'No, I suppose he was before your time. Useful little boxer, though. Not first‑class, on account of his drinking so much and being short in the arm. Still, he used to earn five pound a night at the Lambeth Stadium. Always popular with the boys, he was, even when he was so full, he couldn't hardly fight. He was my dad, a good‑hearted sort of fellow but rough, as I was telling you; he used to knock my poor mother about something awful. Got jugged for it twice, but my! he took it out of her when he got out. There aren't many left like him nowadays, what with education and whisky the price it is.