And I dare say the reason Riddell is so slow in asserting himself, as you say, is that in his own house he really has not much to do." "Exactly," said Mr Parrett.
The doctor paused for a moment and then started on an apparently fresh topic.
"I am afraid Welch's house is no better than it was." "How can it be ?" said Mr Parrett.

"It has not a single senior of influence or even character in it." "And more than that," added the doctor, "it contains a few boys--one or two only, I hope--whose influence is distinctly bad." Mr Parrett nodded.
"A change of some sort must be made," said the doctor.

"It has occurred to me, Parrett, quite recently, that Riddell might do better there." Mr Parrett opened his eyes wide.
"You are astonished," said the doctor.

"So was I when I first thought of it.

But Riddell is a safe man, if slow, and his influence is just what is wanted in Welch's.