Read Online Sin by Josephine Hart - Free Book Online Page B

doors of which we should never have opened. And I led the way. My first obsession leading to the next.

TWENTY-TWO
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William Garton
Summer Term
Age: 12
Class: 1 A
    Housemaster’s Report
William is a grave child. In many ways almost old-fashioned. He is, however, well liked by the other boys, although, and we have spoken about this before, he has been the subject of some bullying in the past by two of the more rumbustious personalities in his year.
    As you will see from the other masters’ comments, William’s academic work is very good—particularly in mathematics—not surprising when we consider his background! We look forward to watching him prosper further on his return to us in September.
    Andrew Brown, Housemaster
    William’s serious approach to his work and his generally quiet demeanour has made his first year with us most successful.
    Keep up the good work, William.
    Broughton West, Headmaster
    William does well at Latin. A very real achievement, when we consider that when he came to us his grounding in the subject was not all that it should have been.
    Carl Donn, Latin
    William has made steady progress in French. His prep is always meticulous. And on time! Well done, William. I gather the family intends spending some time in France this year. This may improve William’s accent, which tends to be a little heavy.
    Alistair Knight, French
    William is top of the class in mathematics. I believe I can claim only a small responsibility in this matter. Nature vs. Nurture? No argument here, I feel.
    Duncan Heychurch, Mathematics
    William is making good progress in English. He works hard. His written work is exceedingly neat and tidy. What he lacks, I feel, is style. A little more reading perhaps? I have prepared a recommended list—which I attach—as holiday reading. Sorry, William!
    James Sanders, English
    William pays attention in class. He is progressing steadily, and his contribution to class project work is always interesting and constructive.
    Michael Moore, Geography
    William is good at history. His memory for dates and names is excellent. His essays, though factual and accurate, do not (as yet) show flair.
    Brian Johnson, History
    Alas, William is not an artist. He is always a pleasure to have in class and does his best. We persevere. However, I think even at this early stage we should consider dropping this subject after O levels.
    Miles Masterson, Art
    William is an excellent tennis player. He represented us brilliantly in our last tournament with Eton. His swimming is powerful, and his speed will improve greatly if he can find greater rhythm in his breathing. He is not a gymnast—but we can’t be everything, can we? Congratulations, William, on winning the school Under 16 tennis championship.
    Arthur Caldwell, Physical Education
    William made a very impressive cabinet in his design and technology project this term. He seems to enjoy the subject.
    Corin Morgan, Design and Technology
    Overall, William’s health has been excellent this term. As you know, he suffers from a slight stammer when excited. I’m confident he will grow out of it. All in all, a healthy and quite happy child.
    Megan Owyston, SRN, Matron
    Underneath were dates. For the beginning of the next quarter. Future time. Structured. Organised.
    Confidential
    Dear Sir Charles and Lady Harding,
    Stephen is gifted and charming. A seductive and potentially dangerous combination. We have spoken of this before. I have seen these “blessings” before. The incident in the tower, while not in itself a cause for great worry, must not however be ignored. It was, I feel, a warning to us all.
    While Mr. Blake may believe that “the road of excess leads to” etc., history does not prove Mr. Blake right. I do not suggest Stephen is a genius. He has however an outstanding intelligence. It is wise to remember Dryden’s dictum “Great wits are sure to madness near alli’d, / and thin