But the rigorous discipline of school life did not suit your independent character." Thus did Mr.Jarvice gracefully paraphrase the single word "expelled" which was written on his slip of paper.

"Ah, Mr.
Hine," he cried, smiling indulgently at the sullen, bemused weakling who sat before him, stale with his last night's drink.

"You and Shelley! Rebels, sir, rebels both! Well, well! After you left school, at the age of sixteen, you pursued your studies in a desultory fashion at home.

Your father died the following year.

Your mother two years later.