He could not get
his plots or his characters to work, even when his mother or Babie
jogged them on by remarks: his essays were heavy and unreadable, his
jokes hung fire, and he had so exhausted every one's patience, that
the translations and small reviewing work which he could have done
were now unattainable. He was now ready to do anything, and he
actually meant it, but there seemed nothing for him to do. Mrs.
Evelyn succeeded in getting him two pupils, little pickles whom their
sister's governess could not manage, and whom he was to teach for two
hours every morning in preparation for their going to school.
He attended faithfully, but he was not the man to deal with pickles.
The mutual aversion with which the connection began, increased upon
further acquaintance. The boys found out his weak points, and played
tricks, learnt nothing, and made his life a burden to him; and though
the lady mother liked him extremely, and could not think why her sons
were so naughty with him, it would not be easy to say which of the
parties concerned looked with the strongest sense of relief to the
close of the engagement.
The time spent with Fordham was, however, the compensation. There
was sincere liking on both sides, and such helpfulness that Fordham
more than once wished he had some excuse for making Allen his
secretary; and perhaps would have done so if he had really believed
such a post would be permanent.
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