MY DEAR FATHER,--Thanks awfully for the ten bob. Yes, it is most deplorable as you say about my report. I feel it very much. It is a rum thing that I should have come out bottom, for I have been working fearfully hard lately. I expect a mistake has been made in adding up the marks. You see, they are all sent in to the form-master at half-term, and he, being a classical man, naturally can't do mathematics a bit, so he adds up the marks all anyhow, and practically anybody comes out top. It is very disheartening. I think it would be better if I went on the Modern Side next term. The masters there are just as ignerant and unfair as on the classical, but not being classical men they do know something about adding up marks. So if I went I might get justice done me. I must now stop, as I have several hours more prep. to do, and I want to go and ask Mr. Killick for leave to work on after bed-time.--Your affec. son, E. BUMPLEIGH.) No. II THE LIMES, WALLOW-IN-THE-WEALD, SURREY, _Monday_. MY DEAREST BOY,--Very many happy returns of your birthday. The others (_Genealogical Tree omitted here_) ... send their best love. I fear your father is not quite pleased with your half-term report. It seems a pity you cannot get higher up in your form, but I am sure you _try_, my boy. I don't think Father makes quite enough allowance for your _health_. With your weak digestion, long hours of sedentary work must be very trying at times. Ask the matron ... (_one page omitted_). I enclose ten shillings, and will send you the almond cake and potted lobster you ask for.--Your affectionate mother, MARTHA BUMPLEIGH. (_Reply._ _November 7._ DEAR MUM,--Thanks ever so much for the ten bob, also the lobster and cake, which are A1. Yes, the pater wrote to me about my report--rather a harsh letter, I thought. Still, we must make allowances for him. When he was young education was a very simple matter. Now it is the limit. My digestion is all right, thanks, but my head aches terribly towards the end of a long day of seven or eight hours' work. Don't mention this to the pater, as it might worry him. I shall work on to the end, but if the strain gets too much it might be a sound plan for me to go on the Modern Side next term. You might mention this cassualy to the pater. I must stop now, as the prayer-bell is ringing.--Your affec. son, E. BUMPLEIGH.) No. III THE LIMES, WALLOW-IN-THE-WEALD, SURREY, _Aujourd'hui_.