"We'll beard the lion in his den, as you say, and see what happens.

You know, of course, that it is the Reverend Charles L.Dodgson that we are going to see, and I must introduce you to that person, not to Lewis Carroll.

He is a tutor in mathematics here, as you doubtless know; lives a rigidly secluded life; dislikes strangers; makes no friends; and yet withal is one of the most delightful men in the world if he wants to be." But as it happened upon this special occasion when Bok was introduced to him in his chambers in Tom Quad, Mr.Dodgson did not "want to be" delightful.

There was no doubt that back of the studied reserve was a kindly, charming, gracious gentleman, but Bok's profession had been mentioned and the author was on rigid guard.
When Bok explained that one of the special reasons for his journey from America was to see him, the Oxford mathematician sufficiently softened to ask the editor to sit down.

Bok then broached his mission.
"You are quite in error, Mr.Bok," was the Dodgson comment.