Another boy came in.

'What do you mean, said Grimes, 'by whistling when I told you to stop?

'Everyone else was whistling, said the boy.

'What's that got to do with it? said Grimes.

'I should think it had a lot to do with it, said the boy.

'Well, just you do a hundred lines, and next time, remember, I shall beat you, said Grimes, 'with this, said Grimes, waving the walking‑stick.

'That wouldn't hurt much, said the boy, and went out.

'There's no discipline in the place, said Grimes, and then he went out too.

'I wonder whether I'm going to enjoy being a schoolmaster, thought Paul.

Quite soon another and older man came into the room.

'Hullo! he said to Paul.

'Hullo! said Paul.

'I'm Prendergast, said the newcomer. 'Have some port?

'Thank you, I'd love to.

'Well, there's only one glass.

'Oh, well, it doesn't matter, then.

'You might get your tooth‑glass from your bedroom.

'I don't know where that is.

'Oh, well, never mind; we'll have some another night. I suppose you're the new master?

'Yes.

'You'll hate it here. I know. I've been here ten years. Grimes only came this term. He hates it already. Have you seen Grimes?

'Yes, I think so.

'He isn't a gentleman. Do you smoke?

'Yes.

'A pipe, I mean.

'Yes.

'Those are my pipes. Rernind me to show them to you after dinner.

At this moment the butler appeared with a message that Dr Fagan wished to see Mr Pennyfeather.

Dr Fagan's part of the Castle was more palatial. He stood at the end of a long room with his back to a rococo marble chimneypiece; he wore a velvet dinner‑jacket.

'Settling in? he asked.