<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10(w)


                                     LEASE
                                     -----


LANDLORD:  Theodore Pasquarello and Eileen Pasquarello,
                as Trustees of The Paris Trust

TENANT:         New England Business Service, Inc.

PREMISES:       The land and improvements located
                thereon and consisting of a 33,000 square foot 
                building (the "Building") located at 25 Union Avenue, 
                Sudbury, MA 01776 and more particularly
                described on Exhibit A
                             ---------
<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                     Page
<S>                                                                  <C> 
ARTICLE I REFERENCE DATA

1.1  Subjects Referred to...........................................  1

ARTICLE II PREMISES

2.1  Lease of Premises..............................................  3

ARTICLE III TERM OF THE LEASE

3.1  As-Is Condition................................................  3
3.2  Commencement and Expiration of Term............................  3

ARTICLE IV FIXED RENT

4.1  Fixed Rent.....................................................  4

ARTICLE V TAX CHARGES

5.1  Definitions....................................................  4
5.2  Additional Rent................................................  5
5.3  Refund of Taxes................................................  5
5.4  Permitted Contests.............................................  5

ARTICLE VI OPERATING EXPENSES

6.1  Definitions....................................................  6
6.2  Additional Rent................................................  6

ARTICLE VII USE OF PREMISES

7.1  Permitted Uses.................................................  7
7.2  Installations and Alterations by Tenant........................  7

ARTICLE VIII ASSIGNMENT AND SUBLETTING

8.1  Prohibition....................................................  9
8.2  Other Requirements and Provisions.............................. 10

</TABLE> 
<PAGE>
 
                                   -2-


<TABLE> 
<S>                                                                  <C> 
ARTICLE IX RESPONSIBILITY FOR REPAIRS AND
           CONDITION OF PREMISES

9.1  Landlord Repairs and Maintenance............................... 11
9.2  Tenant's Agreement............................................. 12
9.3  Heavy Machinery................................................ 12
9.4  Utilities...................................................... 13
9.5  Interruption or Curtailment of Services........................ 13

ARTICLE X INDEMNITY AND INSURANCE

10.1 Tenant's Indemnity............................................. 13
10.2 Insurance...................................................... 14
10.3 Tenant's Risk.................................................. 15
10.4 Injury Caused by Third Parties................................. 15
10.5 Landlord's Insurance........................................... 15

ARTICLE XI LANDLORD'S ACCESS TO PREMISES

11.1 Landlord's Rights.............................................. 15

ARTICLE XII DAMAGE OR DESTRUCTION

12.1 Restoration.................................................... 16
12.2 Rent........................................................... 17

ARTICLE XIII CONDEMNATION

13.1 Termination of Lease........................................... 17
13.2 Awards......................................................... 18

ARTICLE XIV DEFAULT

14.1 Tenant's Default............................................... 18

ARTICLE XV MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

15.1 Extra Hazardous Use............................................ 22
15.2 Waiver......................................................... 23
15.3 Covenant of Quiet Enjoyment.................................... 23
15.4 Force Majeure, etc............................................. 23
15.5 Assignment of Rents and Transfer of Title...................... 24
15.6 Rules and Regulations.......................................... 24
15.7 Additional Charges............................................. 24
15.8 Invalidity of Particular Provisions............................ 24
</TABLE> 

<PAGE>
 
                                   -3-

<TABLE> 
<S>                                                                  <C> 
15.9  Provisions Binding............................................ 25
15.10 Notices....................................................... 25
15.11 When Lease Becomes Binding.................................... 25
15.12 Paragraph Headings............................................ 25
15.13 Rights of Mortgagee and Ground Lessor......................... 25
15.14 Estoppel Certificates......................................... 27
15.15 Remedying Defaults............................................ 27
15.16 Holding Over.................................................. 28
15.17 Surrender of Premises......................................... 28
15.18 Payments by Tenant............................................ 28

ARTICLE XVI BROKERAGE

16.1  Brokerage..................................................... 28

ARTICLE XVII ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

17.1  Indemnification............................................... 29
17.2  Third Party Claims............................................ 30
17.3  Response Actions.............................................. 31
17.4  Successors and Assigns........................................ 32

ARTICLE XVIII EXCULPATORY CLAUSE

18.1  Limitation on Liability....................................... 32
18.2  Actions Against Landlord...................................... 32

ARTICLE XIX SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION, ETC.

19.1  Governing Law................................................. 33
19.2  Recovery of Fees.............................................. 33
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
 
                                  LEASE
                                  -----

     This Lease is entered into as of this 23rd day of July, 1997, by and
between Theodore Pasquarello and Eileen Pasquarello, not individually but as
Trustees of The Paris Trust under Declaration of Trust dated October 30, 1981
(hereinafter referred to as "Landlord") and New England Business Service, Inc.,
a Delaware corporation (hereinafter referred to as "Tenant").

     WHEREAS, Landlord is the owner of the Premises, as defined in Paragraph 1.1
hereof; and

     WHEREAS, Tenant desires to lease the Premises from Landlord and Landlord
desires to lease such Premises to Tenant;

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants and
conditions hereinafter contained, and for good and valuable consideration, the
receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Landlord and Tenant
agree as follows:

                                ARTICLE I
                                ---------
                              
                              REFERENCE DATA
                                        
     1.1:  SUBJECTS REFERRED TO.
           ---------------------

     Each reference in this Lease to any of the following subjects shall be
construed to incorporate the data stated for that subject in this Section 1.1:

LANDLORD'S ADDRESS:      490 Boston Post Road
                         Sudbury, MA 01776
                         Attention:  Theodore Pasquarello


TENANT'S                 
ORIGINAL ADDRESS:        500 Main Street
                         Groton, MA  01471
<PAGE>
 
                                   -2-

PREMISES:                The land and improvements located thereon and
                         consisting of a 33,000 square foot building (the
                         "Building") located at 25 Union Avenue, Sudbury, MA
                         01776 and more particularly described on Exhibit A
                                                                  ---------
COMMENCEMENT DATE:       July 23, 1997

 
FIXED RENT:
 
          Period                          Rent
          ------                          ----
 
  Commencement Date-     $165,000 annually, payable in equal monthly
  3/31/2000              installments of $13,750
  
 
  4/1/2000-3/31/2003     $174,900 annually, payable in equal monthly
                         installments of $14,575
 
  4/1/2003-3/31/2007     $185,394 annually, payable in equal monthly
                         installments of $15,449.50
 
TENANT'S SHARE OF
OPERATING EXPENSES:
 
          Period         Tenant's Share of Operating Expenses
          ------         ------------------------------------

  Commencement Date-     $16,500 annually, payable in equal monthly
  3/31/2000              installments of $1,375
 
 
  4/1/2000-3/31/2003     $17,490 annually, payable in equal monthly
                         installments of $1,457.50
 
  4/1/2003-3/31/2007     $18,539.40 annually, payable in equal monthly
                         installments of $1,544.95
<PAGE>
 
                                   -3-

PERMITTED USE:               Warehousing, storage and distribution of materials
                             in connection with or relating to Tenant's current
                             business as conducted as of the date of this Lease.
                             Permitted Use includes general office use in
                             connection with warehousing, storage and
                             distribution activities.

PUBLIC LIABILITY
INSURANCE LIMITS:            $5,000,000 per occurrence for bodily injury
                             (including death) and $1,000,000 per occurrence for
                             property damage

                                ARTICLE II
                                ----------

                                 PREMISES
                                 --------

     2.1  LEASE OF PREMISES.  Landlord hereby demises and leases to Tenant and 
          -----------------                                                
Tenant hereby accepts from Landlord, the Premises, for the Term of this Lease
and subject to any and all existing encumbrances, conditions, covenants,
easements, restrictions, rights of way and other matters of record and to such
matters as may be disclosed by inspection or survey and subject to and with the
benefit of the terms, covenants, conditions and provisions of this Lease.
Attached hereto as Exhibit B is a copy of a title policy dated July 23, 1997
                   --------- 
insuring the Premises. Landlord makes no representation or warranty concerning
title to the Premises.

                                  ARTICLE III
                                  -----------

                               TERM OF THE LEASE
                               -----------------

     3.1  AS-IS CONDITION.  Tenant agrees that it has inspected and examined,
          ---------------                                          
or caused to be inspected and examined, the Premises and that it is fully
familiar and satisfied with the physical condition and state of repair thereof,
and Tenant does hereby agree to accept the Premises in their existing condition
and state of repair "as is". Except as expressly otherwise provided herein,
Landlord shall have no obligation to do any work or make any installation or
alteration of any kind to the Premises. Nothing in the foregoing sentence shall
be construed to reduce Landlord's obligations under (S)9.1 below. Except as
otherwise expressly set forth in this Lease, any work performed in the Premises
by Tenant shall be done at Tenant's sole cost and expense, in accordance with
the terms of (S)7.2.

     3.2  COMMENCEMENT AND EXPIRATION OF TERM.  The term of this Lease (herein
          -----------------------------------                         
referred to as the "Term") shall commence on the

<PAGE>
 
                                      -4-

Commencement Date, as defined in (S)1.1 and shall terminate on March 31, 2007,
unless sooner terminated as herein provided (the "Expiration Date").

                                  ARTICLE IV
                                  ----------

                                  FIXED RENT
                                  ----------

     4.1  FIXED RENT.  (A) Tenant agrees to pay to Landlord, or as directed by
          ----------                                                      
Landlord, without offset, abatement, deduction or demand (except as otherwise
provided in (S)9.5) the Fixed Rent. The Fixed Rent shall be payable in lawful
money of the United States, in equal monthly installments, in advance, on the
first day of each and every calendar month during the Term of this Lease at
Landlord's Address, or at such other place as Landlord shall from time to time
designate by notice.

     (B)  Fixed Rent for any partial month shall be prorated on a daily basis.

     (C)  If any installment of Fixed Rent, additional rent or any other sums
due hereunder are not paid when due and such failure shall continue for ten (10)
days after notice thereof, Tenant shall pay on demand, in addition to any other
additional charges due under this Lease, an administrative fee equal to 2% of
the overdue payment (the "Late Fee"). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any
installment of Fixed Rent, additional rent or any other sums due hereunder are
not paid by the due date on two or more occasions during any 12-month period,
Landlord shall thereafter have the right to charge a Late Fee if any such sums
are not paid within ten (10) days of the due date.

                                   ARTICLE V
                                   ---------

                                  TAX CHARGES
                                  -----------

     5.1  DEFINITIONS.
          ----------- 

     For purposes of this Article V, "Real Estate Taxes" shall mean all or any
of the real estate taxes and assessments imposed on the Premises for the then
current Tax Year by any governmental authority having jurisdiction upon the
Premises and Building, or any tax or assessment to the extent hereafter imposed
in substitution for such real estate taxes and/or assessments. Real Estate Taxes
exclude income taxes and all estate, succession, inheritance and transfer taxes.
The term "Tax Year" shall mean the period from July 1, 1997 through June 30,
1998 and each subsequent fiscal year thereafter.

     5.2  ADDITIONAL RENT.  Tenant shall pay to Landlord during the Term of this
          ---------------                                                  
Lease, as additional rent, all Real Estate Taxes. If any Tax Year is
<PAGE>
 
                                      -5-

only partially within the Term, all payments pursuant hereto shall be
appropriately prorated, based on the portion of the Tax Year which is within the
Term. Landlord shall send to Tenant copies of the tax bills for the Premises
promptly upon receipt thereof and Tenant shall remit the full payment of such
tax bill directly to Landlord within fifteen (15) days of receipt of such bill.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Tenant may elect to pay all Real Estate Taxes
directly to the applicable taxing authority provided that (i) Tenant shall
notify Landlord within 15 days of its receipt of the tax bill that Tenant has
elected to pay the tax bill directly to the taxing authority; (ii) Tenant shall
deliver to Landlord receipted copies of such paid bills no later than ten (10)
days prior to the date when due; and (iii) any failure by Tenant to pay Real
Estate Taxes as required by this Article V shall be deemed a default under
(S)14.1(A)(1) and Tenant shall be liable for all costs and expenses incurred by
Landlord as a result of any breach by Tenant of its obligations under this
Article V.

     5.3  REFUND OF TAXES.  If Landlord receives any refund of Real Estate
          ---------------                                                 
Taxes for any Tax Year for which Tenant has made a payment pursuant hereto,
Landlord shall (after deducting from such refund all reasonable expenses,
including reasonable attorneys' fees, incurred in connection therewith) pay
Tenant, if Tenant is not in default hereunder, the remainder of the refund.

     5.4  PERMITTED CONTESTS.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein,
          ------------------                                           
Tenant shall have the right, subject to the conditions stated below, to contest
by appropriate legal proceedings the amount or validity of any Real Estate
Taxes. During the pendency of such legal proceedings, Tenant shall not be
required to pay the contested Real Estate Taxes, provided that the following
conditions are satisfied:

     (a)  The proceedings stay the collection, realization or enforcement of any
          such contested Real Estate Tax;

     (b)  The delay in any such payment, does not subject the Premises, or any
          portion thereof, to any liens or possible sale, forfeiture,
          foreclosure or loss (including loss of appeal rights related to such
          contest);
  
     (c)  Tenant shall escrow amount(s) equal to the Real Estate Taxes that
          would have been due and payable but for such proceedings, and any
          interest accruing thereon and any additions thereto;
 
     (d)  Tenant shall indemnify and hold harmless Landlord against any losses,
          damages, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees and
          disbursements) suffered by Landlord as a result of such contest;
<PAGE>
 
                                      -6-

     (e)  Tenant shall not settle any such proceedings on terms that would
          adversely affect Landlord in any respect without Landlord's prior
          written consent;

     (f)  Tenant shall promptly provide Landlord with copies of all pleadings,
          agreements and other written communications resulting from such
          proceedings.

                                  ARTICLE VI
                                  ----------

                              OPERATING EXPENSES
                              ------------------

     6.1  DEFINITIONS.
          ----------- 

     For purposes of this Article VI, "Operating Expenses" shall mean all
expenses reasonably incurred by Landlord, on an accrual basis, for the operation
and maintenance of the Premises and all expenses incurred as a result of
Landlord's compliance with any of its obligations hereunder, and shall include
(without limitation), depreciation of any expenditure for any capital
improvement which is intended to result in a reduction of Operating Expenses and
any and all expenses incurred by Landlord in connection with compliance with any
law, rule, order, ordinance, regulation or requirement of any governmental
authority having or asserting jurisdiction or any order, rule, requirement or
regulation of any utility company, insurer of Landlord or the New England Fire
Insurance Rating Association (or successor organization) first applicable after
the date hereof.

     6.2  ADDITIONAL RENT.  Tenant shall pay to Landlord during the Term of this
          ---------------                                                  
Lease, as additional rent, Tenant's Share of Operating Expenses (as defined in
Article I hereof) in the same manner as described in (S)4.1 for the payment of
Fixed Rent. Except as otherwise set forth in (S)9.1(B), in no event shall
Tenant's Share of Operating Expenses exceed the amounts set forth in Article I
hereof.

                                  ARTICLE VII
                                  -----------

                                USE OF PREMISES
                                ---------------

     7.1  PERMITTED USES.  (A)  Tenant agrees that the Premises shall be used 
          --------------                                                
and occupied by Tenant solely for the Permitted Uses or for any uses permitted
by applicable zoning laws, provided that Tenant obtains Landlord's prior written
consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -7-

     (B)  Tenant agrees to conform to the following provisions during the Term
of this Lease:

          (1)  Tenant will not place on the exterior of the Premises (including
both interior and exterior surfaces of doors and interior surfaces of windows)
or on any part of the Building outside the Premises, any sign, symbol,
advertisement or the like which is visible to public view outside of the
Premises without the prior written consent of Landlord, which consent shall not
be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

          (2)  Tenant shall not perform any act or carry on any practice which
may injure the Premises or cause any offensive odors or loud noise or cause a
nuisance.

          (3)  Tenant shall, in its use of the Premises, subject to Landlord's
compliance with Article IX, comply with all applicable laws and rules, orders,
regulations and requirements of all governmental and quasi-governmental
authorities having or asserting jurisdiction and any insurer of Landlord or of
all or any part of the Building.

     7.2  INSTALLATIONS AND ALTERATIONS BY TENANT.  (A)  Tenant shall not make
          ----------------------------------------                       
or perform, or permit the making or performance of, any alterations,
improvements, additions or other physical changes in or about the Premises
(collectively, "Alterations") (other than non-structural Alterations to the
interior of the Premises costing less than $20,000 in the aggregate during any
12 month period and not affecting Building systems or reducing the value or
utility of the Building) without Landlord's prior written consent. Landlord
agrees not to unreasonably withhold its consent to any Alterations which are
nonstructural, do not involve the Building's systems and are not visible from
outside the Building, provided that such Alterations do not reduce the value or
utility of the Building. All Alterations shall be done at Tenant's expense and
at such times and in accordance with any reasonable rules and regulations
established by Landlord. Prior to making any Alterations, Tenant (i) shall
submit to Landlord plans and specifications for each proposed Alteration, (ii)
shall, at its expense, obtain all permits, approvals and certificates required
by any governmental or quasi-governmental bodies, and (iii) shall furnish to
Landlord duplicate original policies of worker's compensation insurance
(covering all persons to be employed by Tenant and Tenant's contractors and
subcontractors in connection with such Alteration) and comprehensive public
liability (including property damage coverage) insurance in such form, with such
companies, for such periods and in such amounts as Landlord may reasonably
require, naming Landlord and its agents as additional insureds. All materials
and equipment to be incorporated in the Building as a result of all alterations
or improvements shall be of at least comparable quality to the then existing
improvements. No such materials or equipment shall be subject to any lien,
encumbrance, chattel mortgage, title retention or security agreement.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -8-

All work performed by Tenant to the Premises shall be done in compliance with
all applicable laws and regulations.

     (B)  All Alterations and all fixtures,  paneling, partitions, railings,
equipment and like installations installed in the Building at any time either by
Tenant or by Landlord on Tenant's behalf shall, upon installation, become the
property of Landlord (unless otherwise agreed in writing by Landlord and Tenant)
and remain upon and be surrendered with the Premises unless Landlord, by notice
to Tenant given on or before the expiration of the Term of this Lease, elects to
relinquish Landlord's right thereto and to have them removed by Tenant, in which
event, they shall be removed by Tenant at the expiration or earlier termination
of the Term of this Lease and at Tenant's expense.  Tenant shall repair any
damage to the Premises or the Building caused by any removal of such
Alterations.

     (C)  All trade fixtures, articles of personal property and all business
machinery and equipment and furniture owned or installed by Tenant solely at its
expense in the Premises ("Tenant's Removable Property") shall, remain the
property of Tenant and may be removed by Tenant at any time prior to the
expiration of this Lease, provided that Tenant, at its expense, shall repair any
damage to the Premises or the Building caused by any installation and/or removal
of Tenant's Removable Property.

     (D)  Notice is hereby given that Landlord shall not be liable for any labor
or materials furnished or to be furnished to Tenant. Tenant shall not permit any
mechanic's or other lien for any such labor or materials to attach to or affect
the reversion or other estate or interest of Landlord in and to the Premises.
Whenever and as often as any mechanic's lien shall have been filed against the
Premises based upon any act of, or for work claimed to have been done for, or
materials furnished to, Tenant, or of, for or to anyone claiming through Tenant,
Tenant shall forthwith take such action, by bonding, deposit or payment, as will
remove or satisfy the lien.

                                 ARTICLE VIII
                                 ------------

                           ASSIGNMENT AND SUBLETTING
                           -------------------------

     8.1  PROHIBITION.  Tenant covenants and agrees that neither this Lease nor
          ------------                                                     
the term and estate hereby granted, nor any interest herein or therein, will be
assigned (including, without limitation, by operation of law), mortgaged,
pledged, encumbered or otherwise transferred, and that neither the Premises nor
any part thereof will be encumbered in any manner by reason of any act or
omission on the part of Tenant, or used or occupied or permitted to be used or
occupied by anyone other than Tenant or for any use or purpose except as may be
permitted by (S)7.1, or be sublet (which term, without limitation, shall include
granting of concessions, licenses and the like)
<PAGE>
 
                                      -9-

in whole or in part, without, in each instance, Tenant having first received the
express written consent of Landlord. Landlord agrees that it will not withhold
or delay consent to subletting by a third party if, in Landlord's reasonable
discretion, Landlord is reasonably satisfied that (i) the identity of such third
party is of a type and character suitable for a suburban warehouse/office
building, and (ii) the type of business that such third party proposes to
operate in the Premises is permitted under applicable zoning regulations. If
this Lease be assigned, or if the Premises or any part thereof be sublet or
occupied by anyone other than Tenant, Landlord may collect rent and other
charges from the assignee, subtenant or occupant, and apply the net amount
collected to the Fixed Rent and other charges herein reserved, but no such
assignment, subletting, occupancy or collection shall be deemed a waiver of this
covenant, the acceptance of the assignee, subtenant or occupant as a tenant or a
release of Tenant from the further performance by Tenant of its obligations
hereunder. The consent by Landlord to an assignment or subletting shall in no
way be construed to relieve Tenant or any successor from obtaining the express
consent in writing of Landlord to any further assignment or subletting.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, no consent of
Landlord shall be required for (i) any sublease or occupancy agreement with an
entity controlled by, under common control with or controlling Tenant; (ii) a
pledge or assignment of Tenant's interest in this Lease pursuant to a leasehold
mortgage; or (iii) an assignment of the Lease to any successor of Tenant by
merger, consolidation or acquisition of all or substantially all the stock or
assets of Tenant; provided that (A) Tenant shall deliver to Landlord at least 30
days' advance notice of any such sublease or occupancy agreement or such
leasehold mortgage; (B) Tenant shall provide Landlord with complete copies of
any leasehold mortgage promptly after the execution of any such mortgage; (C) in
the case of a merger, consolidation or sale, the net worth of Tenant's successor
(determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles)
immediately after such merger, consolidation or sale is equal to or greater than
$60,000,000; and (D) Tenant shall remain liable for the performance of Tenant's
obligations hereunder during the balance of the Term.

     In any case where Landlord shall consent to such assignment, subletting or
use, Tenant shall remain fully liable for Tenant's obligations under this Lease,
including, without limitation, the obligation to pay the rent and other amounts
provided under this Lease. At Landlord's election, it shall be a condition of
the validity of any such assignment, that, upon Landlord's request, the assignee
shall agree directly with Landlord, in form reasonably satisfactory to Landlord,
to be bound by all the obligations of Tenant, including, without limitation, the
obligation to pay rent and other amounts provided under this Lease and the
covenant against further assignment, subletting and use.

     8.2  OTHER REQUIREMENTS AND PROVISIONS.
          ----------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
                                     -10-

     (A)  No assignment of this Lease shall be effective unless and until Tenant
delivers to Landlord duplicate originals of the instrument of assignment
(wherein the assignee assumes the performance of Tenant's obligations under this
Lease) and any accompanying documents.

     (B)  No sublease (or other occupancy agreement) of all or any part of the
Premises shall be effective unless and until Tenant delivers to Landlord
duplicate originals of the instrument of sublease and any accompanying documents
(wherein the sublessee (or other occupier) assumes the performance of Tenant's
obligations as to the subleased space). Any such sublease (or other occupancy
agreement) shall be subject and subordinate to this Lease.

     (C)  Any assignment or sublease shall neither release Tenant from its
liability for the performance of Tenant's obligations hereunder during the
balance of the Term of this Lease nor constitute Landlord's consent to any
further assignment or sublet of this Lease. If a sublease to which Landlord has
consented is assigned or all or any portion of the Premises is further sublet
without in each instance, the prior consent of Landlord, then Tenant shall
immediately terminate such sublease, or arrange for the termination thereof, and
proceed expeditiously to have the occupant thereunder dispossessed.

     (D)  Tenant shall pay to Landlord, promptly upon demand therefor, all
reasonable costs and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable
attorneys' fees and disbursements) incurred by Landlord in connection with any
assignment of this Lease or sublease of all or any part of the Premises.

     (E)  Any profit resulting from any such assignment or subletting shall be
100% payable to Landlord.

                                  ARTICLE IX
                                  ----------

             RESPONSIBILITY FOR REPAIRS AND CONDITION OF PREMISES
             ----------------------------------------------------

     9.1  LANDLORD REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE.
          -------------------------------- 

     (A)  Landlord agrees to keep in good working order, condition and repair
the roof (but not the ceiling in the Building), foundation, exterior walls and
structure of the Building. Landlord shall also be responsible for landscaping of
the Premises and repairs to and maintenance of the common driveways and parking
areas located on the Premises, including lighting of such areas and removal of
snow and ice.
<PAGE>
 
                                     -11-

     (B)  Landlord shall keep in good working order, condition and repair the
existing septic, heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems servicing the
Building in place as of the Commencement Date, (collectively, the "Building
Systems").  Tenant shall pay Landlord, as additional rent, and in the manner set
forth below, (i)for all costs incurred by Landlord in connection with any and
all maintenance performed on the Building Systems during the Term of this Lease
(but not for replacements or other items of a capital nature), and (ii)for all
costs incurred by Landlord in connection with any repairs or replacements
(including without limitation items of a capital nature) made to the Building
Systems during the period commencing on the fifth (5th) anniversary of the
Commencement Date and continuing through the remainder of the Term of this
Lease.  Landlord shall submit to Tenant copies of Landlord's invoices detailing
any such costs and Tenant shall pay to Landlord the entire amount of such costs,
as additional rent, within thirty (30) days of receipt of Landlord's invoices.
Any amounts paid by Tenant under the terms of this (S)9.1(B) shall not be deemed
to be payment of Tenant's Share of Operating Expenses, and shall be in addition
to Tenant's obligations under Article VI.

     (C)  Landlord shall in no event be responsible to Tenant for the
replacement of glass in the Building or for the doors leading to the Building
(except to the extent any damage thereto is caused by Landlord), or for any
condition in the Premises or the Building caused by any negligence or misconduct
of Tenant, its employees, agents, invitees or contractors (including any non-
permitted use thereof). Except as otherwise provided in this Lease, Landlord
shall not be responsible for making any other improvements or repairs to the
Building. Landlord shall not be liable for any failure to make repairs which,
under the provisions of this Section 9.1 or elsewhere in this Lease, Landlord
has undertaken to make, unless Tenant has given notice to Landlord of the need
to make such repairs and Landlord has failed to commence to make such repairs
within a reasonable time after receipt of such notice, or fails to proceed with
reasonable due diligence to complete such repairs.

     9.2  TENANT'S AGREEMENT.  (A) Tenant will keep the Premises in good order,
          -------------------                                                   
condition and repair, reasonable wear and tear excepted, excepting only those
repairs for which Landlord is responsible under the terms of this Lease or which
are necessitated by the occurrence of a fire or other casualty or by the
exercise of the power of eminent domain; and Tenant shall surrender the
Premises, at the end of the Term of this Lease, in such condition.  Without
limitation, Tenant shall maintain and use the Premises in accordance with all
reasonable, rules and regulations of Landlord and all governmental agencies
having jurisdiction and shall, at Tenant's own expense, obtain all permits,
licenses and the like required by applicable law for Tenant's use of the
Premises, other than occupancy permits of general
<PAGE>
 
                                     -12-

application. Tenant shall be responsible for the provision of adequate security
to the Premises and to Tenant's personnel. Tenant shall be responsible for the
cost of repairs which may be made necessary by reason of damage to the Premises
caused by Tenant or its contractors or invitees.

     (B)  If repairs are required to be made by Tenant pursuant to the terms
hereof and are not made within the time periods allowed hereunder, Landlord may
demand that Tenant make the same forthwith, and, if Tenant refuses or neglects
to commence such repairs and complete the same with reasonable dispatch after
such demand, Landlord may (but shall not be required to) make or cause such
repairs to be made at Tenant's expense and shall not be responsible to Tenant
for any loss or damage that may occur to Tenant's stock or business by reason
thereof unless caused by Landlord's negligence or willful misconduct.

     9.3  HEAVY MACHINERY.  Any moving of machinery or equipment by Tenant shall
          ---------------                                                       
be at the sole risk and hazard of Tenant, and Tenant will exonerate, indemnify
and save Landlord harmless against and from any liability, loss, injury, claim
or suit resulting directly or indirectly from such moving.

     9.4  UTILITIES.  Tenant shall pay directly to the proper authorities
          ---------                                                      
charged with the collection thereof all charges for water, septic, gas,
electricity, telephone and other utilities or services used or consumed on the
Premises, all such charges to be paid as the same from time to time become due.

     9.5  INTERRUPTION OR CURTAILMENT OF SERVICES.  Upon reasonable advance
          ---------------------------------------                          
notice to Tenant (except in case of emergency), Landlord reserves the right to
temporarily interrupt, curtail, stop or suspend (a) the heating and air
conditioning services in the Building and (b) the operation of the plumbing and
electric systems in the Building, when necessary by reason of accident or
emergency, or for repairs, alterations, maintenance, replacements or
improvements in the reasonable judgment of Landlord desirable or necessary to be
made, or by reason of difficulty or inability in securing supplies or labor, or
strikes, or any other cause beyond the reasonable control of Landlord, whether
such other cause be similar or dissimilar to those hereinabove specifically
mentioned, until said cause has been removed.  This Lease shall not be affected
or any of the Tenant's obligations hereunder reduced, and the Landlord shall
have no responsibility or liability for any such interruption, curtailment,
stoppage, or suspension of services or systems as in this Section 9.5 above
provided, except that (i) Landlord shall exercise reasonable diligence to
eliminate the cause of same as soon as reasonably practicable; (ii) Landlord
shall use diligent efforts to minimize any interruption of Tenant's use and
enjoyment of the Premises, and (iii) if all of the Premises are rendered unfit
for occupancy by Tenant for thirty
<PAGE>
 
                                     -13-

(30) consecutive days, the Fixed Rent shall abate from and after the thirty (30)
days and until the Premises are again rendered fit for Tenant's occupancy.

                                   ARTICLE X
                                   ---------

                            INDEMNITY AND INSURANCE
                            -----------------------

     10.1  TENANT'S INDEMNITY.  To the maximum extent this agreement may be made
           -------------------                                                  
effective according to law, Tenant agrees to indemnify and save harmless
Landlord and Landlord's agents, affiliates, contractors and the employees of the
foregoing from and against all claims of whatever nature arising from any act,
omission or negligence of Tenant or Tenant's contractors, licensees, invitees,
agents, servants or employees or arising from any accident, injury or damage
whatsoever caused to any person, or to the property of any person, occurring on
account of or based upon the act, omission or negligence or misconduct of Tenant
or Tenant's contractors, licensees, invitees, agents servants or employees or
arising from any breach by Tenant of the terms and conditions of this Lease.
This indemnity and hold harmless agreement shall include indemnity against all
costs, expenses and liabilities (including, but not limited to, reasonable
attorney's fees and disbursements) incurred in connection with any such claim or
proceeding brought thereon and the defense thereof.  Tenant's liability
hereunder shall survive any expiration or termination of this Lease.  Nothing in
the foregoing shall be construed to include indemnity with respect to any claim
of whatever nature to the extent (and only to the extent) caused by the gross
negligence or willful misconduct of Landlord, Landlord's agents, affiliates,
contractors and employees or by a failure of Landlord to perform its obligations
hereunder.  Nothing in this Section 10.1 shall be construed to reduce or
otherwise affect Landlord's obligations pursuant to Article XVII hereof.

     10.2  INSURANCE.  (A) Tenant agrees to maintain in full force, from the
           ----------                                                        
date upon which Tenant first enters the Premises for any reason throughout the
Term of this Lease and thereafter so long as Tenant is in occupancy of any part
of the Premises, (i) "all risk" property insurance covering all present and
future Tenant's Removable Property and Tenant's improvements and betterments to
a limit of not less than the full replacement cost thereof and (ii) a policy of
general liability and property damage insurance (including broad form
contractual liability, independent contractor's hazard and completed operations
coverage) in respect of the Premises and the conduct or operation of business
therein, with Landlord and any permitted mortgagee under Section 15.13 hereof of
which Tenant has received written notice, including John Hancock Mutual Life
Insurance Company, (and such other persons as are in privity of estate with
Landlord as may be set out in notice from time to time) named as an additional
insured, and with limits of not less than the amount of Public Liability
Insurance specified in Section 1.1.  Tenant shall deliver to Landlord
certificates of insurance and receipts evidencing
<PAGE>
 
                                     -14-

payment of the premiums for such insurance on or before the Commencement Date
and annually thereafter. Each such policy shall be noncancellable and
nonamendable with respect to Landlord and Landlord's said designees without
twenty (20) days' prior notice to Landlord.

     (B)  Tenant hereby waives and releases Landlord from any and all
liabilities, claims and losses on account of damage to Tenant's Removable
Property for which Landlord is or may be held liable to the extent Tenant either
is required to maintain insurance pursuant to Section 10.2(A) or actually
receives insurance proceeds on account thereof. Landlord hereby waives and
releases Tenant from any and all liabilities, claims and losses on account of
damage to the Building for which Tenant is or may be held liable to the extent
Landlord actually receives insurance proceeds on account thereof or to the
extent Landlord would have received such proceeds had Landlord maintained the
insurance required by Section 10.5 of this Lease. Each party hereto shall secure
waiver of subrogation endorsements from their respective insurance carriers.

     10.3  TENANT'S RISK.  Except as provided herein, to the maximum extent this
           --------------                                                       
agreement may be made effective according to law, Tenant agrees to use and
occupy the Premises and to use such other portions of the Building as Tenant is
herein given the right to use at Tenant's own risk; and Landlord shall have no
responsibility or liability for any loss of or damage to Tenant's Removable
Property or for any other property of any kind, nature and description which may
be in or upon the Premises or the Building.  The provisions of this Section
shall be applicable from and after the execution of this Lease and until the end
of the Term of this Lease, and during such further period as Tenant may use or
be in occupancy of any part of the Premises or of the Building.

     10.4  INJURY CAUSED BY THIRD PARTIES.  To the maximum extent this agreement
           -------------------------------                                      
may be made effective according to law, Tenant agrees that Landlord shall not be
responsible or liable to Tenant, or to those claiming by, through or under
Tenant, for any loss or damage that may be occasioned by or through the acts or
omissions of any third parties, except to the extent (and only to the extent)
caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Landlord, Landlord's
agents, affiliates, contractors and employees.

     10.5  LANDLORD'S INSURANCE.  Landlord shall insure the Building against
           --------------------                                             
damage or destruction by fire or other casualties insurable under a standard
"all risk" endorsement in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the
replacement cost of the Building (exclusive of footings and foundations).
Landlord agrees to maintain a policy of commercial general liability and
property damage insurance in commercially reasonable limits.  The costs of all
insurance carried by Landlord with respect to the Premises shall be Operating
Expenses.
<PAGE>
 
                                     -15-

                                  ARTICLE XI
                                  ----------
                         LANDLORD'S ACCESS TO PREMISES
                         -----------------------------

     11.1 LANDLORD'S RIGHTS.  Landlord shall have the right upon reasonable
          ------------------                                               
advance notice to enter the Premises at all reasonable hours for the purpose of
inspecting or making repairs to the Premises, and Landlord shall also have the
right to make access available at all reasonable hours to prospective or
existing mortgagees, purchasers or, during the last 12 months of the term,
prospective tenants of any part of the Premises.  Notwithstanding the foregoing,
Landlord shall have the right to enter the Premises at any time without notice
in the event of an emergency.  Any exercise of Landlord's right of entry under
this Section 11.1 shall be conducted at such times and in such manner as to
minimize interference with Tenant's operations on the Premises.

                                  ARTICLE XII
                                  -----------

                             DAMAGE OR DESTRUCTION
                             ---------------------

     12.1 RESTORATION.  (A) If the Building is totally or partially damaged or
          ------------                                                         
destroyed, thereby rendering the Building totally or partially inaccessible or
unusable, then (unless such damage was caused by Tenant, its agents, employees,
invitees, or contractors) Landlord shall diligently repair and restore the
Building, to substantially the same condition it was in prior to such damage or
destruction and only to the extent of insurance proceeds received by Landlord;
provided, however, that if in Landlord's reasonable judgment such repair and
restoration cannot be completed within ninety (90) days after the occurrence of
such damage or destruction (taking into account the time needed for effecting a
satisfactory settlement with any insurance company involved, removal of debris,
preparation of plans and issuance of all required governmental permits), then
Landlord shall have the right, at its sole option, to terminate this Lease by
giving written notice of termination within forty-five (45) days after the
occurrence of such damage or destruction.  Landlord shall notify Tenant within
45 days whether Landlord intends to repair and whether Landlord anticipates that
repairs to the Premises will exceed 180 days to bring to completion.  If
Landlord's notice states that such repairs are not expected to be completed
within 180 days, Tenant shall be entitled to terminate this Lease by notice to
Landlord given within fifteen (15) days of receipt of Landlord's notice, and
this Lease shall then terminate as if such date were the date of the ordinary
expiration of the Term.  In addition, in the event that Landlord has not
completed the repairs required of it under this Section 12.1(A) within one-
hundred eighty (180) days of the damage or destruction, such period to be
subject to extension pursuant to (S)15.4 (but in no event extended beyond a
total of 270 days), Tenant shall have the right, at its option, to terminate
this Lease by delivering written notice of termination to
<PAGE>
 
                                     -16-

Landlord within thirty (30) days after the expiration of such one hundred eighty
day period, as the same may be extended as set forth above.

     (B)  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Landlord shall not be
obligated to restore the Building and shall have the right to terminate this
Lease if (1) the holder of any Mortgage (as such term is defined in Section
15.13 hereof) fails or refuses to make insurance proceeds available for such
repair and restoration, or (2) the cost of repairing and restoring the Building
would exceed fifty percent (50%) of the replacement value of the Building.  If
Landlord is released from its obligation to restore the Building as a result of
this subsection (B) but fails to terminate this Lease, Landlord shall promptly
notify Tenant and Tenant shall have the option to terminate this Lease by
written notice to Landlord.

     12.2  RENT.  If the Lease is terminated pursuant to Section 12.1 above,
           -----                                                            
then all Fixed Rent and additional rent shall be apportioned (based on the
portion of the Building which is usable after such damage or destruction) and
paid to the date of termination.  If this Lease is not terminated as a result of
such damage or destruction, then until such repair and restoration of the
Building is substantially complete, Tenant shall be required to pay the Fixed
Rent, additional rent and other sums due hereunder only for the portion of the
Building that is fit for Tenant's occupancy while such repair and restoration
are being made.  Landlord shall bear the expenses of repairing and restoring the
Building; provided, however, that Landlord shall not be required to repair or
restore any alteration, improvement or addition previously made by Tenant at
Tenant's expense or any of Tenant's Removable Property.  Notwithstanding
anything in this Lease to the contrary, if any damage or destruction to the
Premises was caused by the act or omission of Tenant or any agent, employee,
contractor or invitee of Tenant, then Tenant shall pay the amount by which such
expenses of repair or restoration to the Premises exceed the insurance proceeds,
if any, actually received by Landlord on account of such damage or destruction.

                                 ARTICLE XIII
                                 ------------

                                 CONDEMNATION
                                 ------------

     13.1  TERMINATION OF LEASE.  If the Premises or the Building or the means
           ---------------------                                              
of access thereto are totally taken or condemned by any governmental or quasi-
governmental authority for any public or quasi-public use or purpose, thereby
rendering the Premises totally or substantially inaccessible or unusable, or are
sold under threat of such a taking or condemnation (collectively, "condemned"),
then this Lease shall terminate on the date title thereto vests in such
authority and Fixed Rent and additional rent shall be apportioned as of such
date.  In the event that either (i) Tenant's reasonable means of access to the
Premises is taken or condemned or (ii) only a
<PAGE>
 
                                     -17-

 "substantial part" of the Premises is taken or condemned, either Landlord or
Tenant, at its option, by delivery of notice to the other party within 30 days
following the date on which Tenant shall receive notice of vesting of title, may
terminate this Lease as of the date of vesting of title. A "substantial part"
shall be 60 percent or more of the Premises. In the event either Landlord or
Tenant does not elect to exercise such termination option, this Lease shall
remain in effect, except the Fixed Rent and additional rent shall be abated as
of the date of vesting of title in an amount apportioned according to the
portion (measured in square feet) of the Premises so condemned or taken, and
Landlord and Tenant shall execute an amendment to this Lease specifying the new
Fixed Rent and additional rent. In the event of any taking or condemnation and
if neither Landlord nor Tenant exercises its option to terminate, Landlord, at
its expense, will restore the remaining portion of the Premises with reasonable
diligence to at least the condition existing prior to such condemnation or
taking.

     13.2  AWARDS.  All awards, damages and other compensation paid by any
           -------                                                        
governmental or quasi-governmental authority on account of any condemnation
shall belong to Landlord, and Tenant assigns to Landlord all rights to such
awards, damages and compensation.  Tenant shall not make any claim against
Landlord or the authority for any portion of such award, damages or compensation
attributable to damage to the Premises, value of the unexpired portion of the
Term of this Lease, loss of profits or goodwill, leasehold improvements or
severance damages.  Nothing contained herein, however, shall prevent Tenant from
pursuing a separate claim against the authority for the value of improvements,
alterations, additions, furnishings and trade fixtures installed in the Building
at Tenant's expense and for relocation expenses.

                                  ARTICLE XIV
                                  -----------

                                    DEFAULT
                                    -------

     14.1  TENANT'S DEFAULT.  (A)  If at any time subsequent to the date of this
           -----------------                                                    
Lease any one or more of the following events (herein referred to as a "Default
of Tenant") shall happen:

           (1) Tenant shall fail to pay Fixed Rent, additional rent or any other
               amounts payable under this Lease, when due and such failure shall
               continue for ten (10) days after notice thereof, except that if
               Landlord gives such notice twice in any period of twelve
               successive months, thereafter no such notice shall be required;
               or
 
          (2)  Tenant shall neglect or fail to perform or observe any other
               covenant herein contained on Tenant's part to be
<PAGE>
 
                                     -18-

               performed or observed and Tenant shall fail to remedy the same
               within thirty (30) days after notice to Tenant specifying such
               neglect or failure, or if such failure is of such a nature that
               Tenant cannot reasonably remedy the same within such thirty (30)
               day period, Tenant shall fail to commence promptly to remedy the
               same and to prosecute such remedy to completion with diligence
               and continuity, but in no event longer than ninety (90) days
               after notice to Tenant; or

          (3)  Tenant's leasehold interest in the Premises shall be taken on
               execution or by other process of law directed against Tenant; or

          (4)  Tenant shall make an assignment for the benefit of creditors or
               shall file a voluntary petition in bankruptcy or shall be
               adjudicated bankrupt or insolvent, or shall file any petition or
               answer seeking any reorganization, arrangement, composition,
               readjustment, liquidation, dissolution or similar relief for
               itself under any present or future Federal, State, or other
               statute, law or regulation for the relief of debtors, or shall
               seek or consent to or acquiesce in the appointment of any
               trustee, receiver or liquidator of Tenant or of all or any
               substantial part of its properties, or shall admit in writing its
               inability to pay its debts generally as they become due; or

          (5)  A petition shall be filed against Tenant in bankruptcy or under
               any other law seeking any reorganization, arrangement,
               composition, readjustment, liquidation, dissolution, or similar
               relief under any present or future Federal, State or other
               statute, law or regulation and shall remain undismissed or
               unstayed for an aggregate of ninety (90) days (whether or not
               consecutive), or if any debtor in possession trustee, receiver or
               liquidator of Tenant or of all or any substantial part of its
               properties or of the Premises shall be appointed without the
               consent or acquiescence of Tenant, respectively and such
               appointment shall remain unvacated or unstayed for an aggregate
               of ninety (90) days (whether or not consecutive);

          (6)  A Default of Tenant shall occur under either (i) that certain
               Lease between Landlord, as landlord and Tenant, as tenant for
               premises located at 31 Union Avenue, Sudbury; or (ii) that
               certain Lease between Theodore Pasquarello,
<PAGE>
 
                                     -19-

               as Trustee of the E. B. Realty Trust (the "E. B. Trust
               Landlord"), as landlord and Tenant, as tenant for the land and
               improvements located thereon at 33 Union Avenue, Sudbury;

then in any such case (a) if such Default of Tenant shall occur prior to the
Commencement Date, this Lease shall ipso facto, and without further act on the
                                    ---- -----                                
part of the Landlord, terminate, and (b) if such Default of Tenant shall occur
after the Commencement Date, Landlord or Landlord's agent may immediately, or at
any time thereafter, without demand or notice, enter into and upon the Premises,
or any part thereof in the name of the whole, and repossess the same and upon
such entry this Lease shall terminate or Landlord may terminate this Lease at
any time thereafter by notice to Tenant, specifying a date not less than five
(5) days after the giving of such notice on which this Lease shall terminate and
this Lease shall come to an end on the date specified therein as fully and
completely as if such date were the date herein originally fixed for the
expiration of the Term of this Lease (Tenant hereby waiving any rights of
redemption under M.G.L. ch. 186, sec. 11), and Tenant will then quit and
surrender the Premises to Landlord, but Tenant shall remain liable as
hereinafter provided.

     (B)  If this Lease shall have been terminated as provided in this Article,
or if any execution or attachment shall be issued against Tenant or any of
Tenant's property whereupon the Premises shall be taken or occupied by someone
other than Tenant, then Landlord may, without notice, reenter the Premises,
either by summary proceedings, ejectment or otherwise, and remove and dispossess
Tenant and all other persons and any and all property from the Premises, as if
this Lease had not been made, and Tenant hereby waives the service of notice of
intention to reenter or to institute legal proceedings to that end.

     (C)  In the event of any termination of this Lease, Tenant shall pay the
Fixed Rent, additional rent and all other amounts payable hereunder up to the
time of such termination, and thereafter Tenant, until the end of what would
have been the Term of this Lease in the absence of such termination, and whether
or not the Premises shall have been relet, shall be liable to Landlord for, and
shall pay to Landlord, as liquidated current damages, the Fixed Rent, additional
rent and all other amounts payable hereunder had such termination not occurred,
less the net proceeds, if any, of any reletting of the Premises, after deducting
all reasonable expenses in connection with such reletting, including, without
limitation, all reasonable repossession costs, brokerage commissions, legal
expenses, advertising and marketing costs, expenses of employees, alteration and
tenant improvement costs and expenses of preparation for such reletting. Tenant
shall pay such damages to Landlord monthly on the days on which the Fixed Rent
and additional rent would have
<PAGE>
 
                                     -20-

been payable hereunder had this Lease not been terminated. Landlord shall use
reasonable efforts to relet the Premises.

     (D)  At any time after the termination of this Lease, whether or not
Landlord shall have collected any damages pursuant to Section 14.1(C), as
liquidated final damages, and in lieu of all damages payable by Tenant pursuant
to Section 14.1(C) thereafter, at Landlord's election, Tenant shall pay to
Landlord an amount which at the time of such election represents the then value
of the excess, if any, of (1) the Fixed Rent, additional rent and all other
amounts which would have been payable by Tenant hereunder (conclusively
presuming the annual payments with respect to real estate taxes and expense
escalation obligations to be the same as were payable for the preceding year)
for the period commencing with the date of Landlord's election and ending with
the date contemplated as the expiration date hereof if this Lease had not so
terminated, over (2) the aggregate fair rental value of the Premises for the
same perio d.

     (E)  In case of any Default of Tenant, reentry or expiration and
dispossession by summary proceedings or otherwise, Landlord may (1) relet the
Premises or any part or parts thereof, either in the name of Landlord or
otherwise, for a term or terms which may in Landlord's good faith judgment be
equal to or less than or exceed the period which would otherwise have reasonable
constituted the balance of the Term of this Lease and may grant reasonable
concessions of free rent to the extent that Landlord considers advisable and
necessary to relet the same, and (2) may make such alterations, repairs and
decoration in and to the Premises as Landlord in its reasonable judgment
considers advisable and necessary for the purpose of reletting the Premises, and
the making of such alterations, repairs and decorations shall not operate or be
construed to release Tenant from liability hereunder. Landlord shall in no event
be liable in any way whatsoever for failure to relet the Premises, or in the
event that the Premises are relet, for failure to collect the rent under such
reletting provided Landlord uses reasonable efforts to collect the rent. Tenant
hereby expressly waives any and all rights of redemption granted by or under any
present or future laws in the event of Tenant being evicted or dispossessed, or
in the event of Landlord obtaining possession of the Premises, by reason of the
violation by Tenant of any of the covenants and conditions of this Lease.

     (F)  The specified remedies to which Landlord may resort hereunder are not
intended to be exclusive of any remedies or means of redress to which Landlord
may at any time be entitled lawfully, and Landlord may invoke any remedy
(including the remedy of specific performance) allowed at law or in equity as if
specific remedies were not herein provided.

     (G)  All reasonable costs and expenses incurred by or on behalf of Landlord
(including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees and
<PAGE>
 
                                     -21-

expenses) in enforcing its rights hereunder or occasioned by any Default of
Tenant shall be paid by Tenant promptly upon demand.

                                  ARTICLE XV
                                  ----------

                           MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
                           ------------------------

     15.1  EXTRA HAZARDOUS USE.  (A)  Tenant covenants and agrees that Tenant
           --------------------                                       
will not do or permit anything to be done in or upon the Premises, or bring in
anything or keep anything therein, which would increase the rate of property or
liability insurance of the Premises or of the Building above the standard rate
applicable to Premises as of the Commencement Date being occupied for the
Permitted Use; and Tenant further agrees that, in the event that Tenant shall do
or permit any of the foregoing, Tenant will promptly pay to Landlord, on demand,
any such resulting increase.

     (B)  Tenant shall not (either with or without negligence) cause or permit
the escape, disposal or release of any hazardous substances, or materials.
Tenant shall not allow the storage or use of hazardous substances or materials
on or in the Premises in any manner, nor allow to be brought into any portion of
the Building any such materials or substances except for hazardous substances or
materials disclosed in writing to the Landlord for use in the ordinary course of
the conduct of the Permitted Use, all such substances or materials to be used
and stored in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Tenant shall not
store any flammable substances in the Premises, unless such flammable substances
are stored in areas with in-rack sprinkling. Any such hazardous substances or
flammable substances shall be stored, used and disposed of in accordance with
all applicable laws and regulations. Without limitation, hazardous substances
and materials shall include those described in the Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, 42 U.S.C. Section
9601 et seq., M.G.L. Chapter 21E and any other applicable federal, state or
local laws and the regulations adopted under these acts. If any lender or
governmental agency shall ever require testing to ascertain whether or not there
has been any release of hazardous materials as a result of a breach by Tenant of
the provisions of this (S)15.1(B), then the reasonable costs thereof shall be
reimbursed by Tenant to Landlord upon demand as additional charges. In addition,
Tenant shall execute affidavits, representations and the like from time to time
at Landlord's reasonable request concerning Tenant's best knowledge and belief
regarding the presence of hazardous substances or materials on the Premises. In
all events, Tenant shall indemnify Landlord from and against any and all
Environmental Damages (as defined in (S)17.1) asserted by any third party or
governmental authority and either resulting from any violation by Tenant (or its
employees, agents, invitees, or contractors) of any environmental laws
pertaining to the Premises or caused by Tenant (or its agents, employees,
invitees, or contractors) or persons acting under the
<PAGE>
 
                                     -22-

direction of Tenant or by any third parties' storage, use or release of
hazardous substances or materials on or in the Premises during the Term of this
Lease (except to the extent caused by Landlord or persons acting under the
direction of Landlord). The within covenants shall survive the expiration or
earlier termination of the Term of this Lease. Nothing in this Section 15.1
shall be construed to reduce or otherwise affect Landlord's obligations pursuant
to Article XVII hereof. In the event of any conflict between this Section and
Article XVII, the provisions of
Article XVII shall control.

     15.2  WAIVER.  The failure of either Landlord or Tenant to insist in any   
           -------                                                       
one or more instances upon the strict performance of any one or more of the
obligations of this Lease, or to exercise any election herein contained, shall
not be construed as a waiver or relinquishment for the future of the performance
of such one or more obligations of this Lease or of the right to exercise such
election, and such right to insist upon strict performance shall continue and
remain in full force and effect with respect to any subsequent breach, act or
omission. The receipt by Landlord of Fixed Rent, additional rent or other
payments due hereunder or partial payments thereof with knowledge of breach by
Tenant of any obligation of this Lease shall not be deemed a waiver of such
breach.

     15.3  COVENANT OF QUIET ENJOYMENT.  Landlord covenants that, if Tenant
           ----------------------------                                    
shall timely perform all of its obligations hereunder, then, subject to the
provisions of this Lease, Tenant shall, during the Term of this Lease, peaceably
and quietly occupy and enjoy the full possession of the Premises without
hindrance by Landlord or any party claiming through or under Landlord.

     15.4  FORCE MAJEURE, ETC.  (A) If either Tenant or Landlord is in any way
           -------------------                                             
delayed or prevented from performing any of its obligations under this Lease
(excluding any monetary obligations of Tenant, including without limitation
Tenant's obligation to pay Fixed Rent and additional rent) due to fire, act of
God, governmental act or failure to act, strike, labor dispute, inability to
procure materials, war or any other cause beyond such party's reasonable control
(whether similar or dissimilar to the foregoing events), then the time for
performance of such obligation shall be excused for the period equal to the
period of such delay or prevention and extended for a period equal to the period
of such delay or prevention.

     (B)  In no event shall either party be liable to the other for any indirect
or consequential damages suffered by either from any cause whatsoever.

     15.5  ASSIGNMENT OF RENTS AND TRANSFER OF TITLE.  (A)  If Landlord shall
           -----------------------------------------                   
assign Landlord's interest in this Lease or in the rents payable hereunder to
the holder of a mortgage covering the Premises (regardless of whether or not
such assignment is conditional in nature), then such
<PAGE>
 
                                     -23-

assignment shall not be construed as an assumption by the assignee of any of the
obligations of Landlord hereunder unless such assignee (1) by notice sent to
Tenant, specifically otherwise elects, or (2) forecloses on its mortgage, or (3)
takes possession of the Premises.

     (B)  In the event of any transfer of title to the Premises by Landlord,
Landlord shall thereafter be released from the performance and observance of all
covenants and obligations hereunder occurring after the date of such transfer
and the transferee shall be deemed the Landlord under this Lease from and after
the date of such transfers, except for the provisions of Articles XVII and XX
(which shall not be binding upon the transferee), provided that in no event
shall the original Landlord be relieved of any obligations pursuant to Article
XVII, which obligations shall survive any such transfer in the manner and to the
extent set forth in (S)17.1.

     15.6  RULES AND REGULATIONS.  Tenant shall abide by all reasonable rules 
           ---------------------                                       
and regulations reasonably established by Landlord from time to time for the
operation of the Premises. Landlord agrees to use reasonable efforts to insure
that any such rules and regulations are uniformly enforced, but Landlord shall
not be liable to Tenant for the violation of any such rules or regulations by
any other tenant or occupant of the Premises or persons conducting business with
such tenant or occupant.

     15.7  ADDITIONAL CHARGES.  If Tenant shall fail to pay when due any sums
           ------------------                                           
under this Lease, Landlord shall have the same rights and remedies as Landlord
has hereunder for failure to pay Fixed Rent.

     15.8  INVALIDITY OF PARTICULAR PROVISIONS.    If any provision of this 
           -----------------------------------                           
Lease or the application thereof to any person or circumstance shall, to any
extent, be invalid or unenforceable, then the remainder of this Lease and the
application of such provision to persons or circumstances other than those as to
which it is invalid or unenforceable shall not be affected thereby.

     15.9  PROVISIONS BINDING.  Except as herein otherwise provided, the
           ------------------                                           
provisions of this Lease shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of
the parties hereto and each of their respective successors and assigns, subject
to the provisions herein restricting assignment or subletting.

     15.10  NOTICES.  All notices or other permitted or required communications
            -------                                             
hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed duly given when delivered in
person (with receipt therefor), or when sent by Express Mail or overnight
courier service (provided a receipt will be obtained) or by certified or
registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid to the following
addresses:

<PAGE>
 
                                     -24-

     If to Landlord, addressed to Landlord at Landlord's Address (or to such
     other address or addresses as may from time to time hereafter be designated
     by Landlord by notice).

     If to Tenant, addressed to Tenant at Tenant's Original Address.

     15.11  WHEN LEASE BECOMES BINDING.  The submission of this document for
            ---------------------------                                     
examination and negotiation does not constitute an offer to lease, or a
reservation of, or option for, the Premises, and this document shall become
effective and binding only upon the execution and delivery hereof by both
Landlord and Tenant.  All negotiations, consideration, representations and
understandings between Landlord and Tenant are incorporated herein and this
Lease expressly supersedes any proposals or other written documents relating
hereto.  This Lease may be modified or altered only by written agreement signed
by Landlord and Tenant, and no act or omission of any employee or agent of
Landlord shall alter, change or modify any of the provisions hereof.  This Lease
shall not be recorded, but Landlord shall, on request from Tenant, execute and
acknowledge, a Notice of Lease pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 183, (S)4.

     15.12  PARAGRAPH HEADINGS.  The paragraph headings throughout this Lease
            -------------------                                              
are for convenience and reference only, and the words contained therein shall in
no way be held to explain, modify, amplify or aid in the interpretation,
construction or meaning of the provisions of this Lease.

     15.13  RIGHTS OF MORTGAGEE AND GROUND LESSOR.  (A)  This Lease is subject
            --------------------------------------                            
and subordinate to the lien, provisions, operation and effect of all mortgages,
deeds of trust, ground leases or other security instruments which may now
encumber the Building or the Premises (collectively, "Mortgages";  individually,
"Mortgage"), to all funds and indebtedness intended to be secured thereby, and
to all renewals, extensions, modifications, recastings or refinancings thereof.
The holder of any Mortgage to which this Lease is subordinate shall have the
right (subject to any required approval of the holder of any superior Mortgage)
at any time to declare this Lease to be superior to the lien, provisions,
operation and effect of such Mortgage and Tenant shall execute, acknowledge and
deliver all documents required by such holder in confirmation thereof provided
such documents are in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Tenant.  The
holder of any Mortgage placed on the Premises after the date of this Lease may
elect to subordinate this Lease to such Mortgage, provided that the holder shall
deliver to Tenant a Non-disturbance and Attornment Agreement, on a commercially
reasonable form, whereby such holder agrees not to disturb Tenant's rights under
this Lease provided that Tenant is not in default beyond applicable cure periods
hereunder.  Tenant acknowledges that The First National Bank of Boston (the
"Bank") is a permitted mortgagee of the Landlord under this Lease.  The notice
address of the Bank is:  100 Federal Street, Boston, MA 02110,
<PAGE>
 
                                     -25-

Attention Elise Pricone. Landlord agrees to use reasonable efforts to obtain
from the Bank, a Non-disturbance Agreement, on form reasonably satisfactory to
the Bank, within 90 days of the Commencement Date of this Lease.

     (B)  In confirmation of the foregoing subordination, Tenant shall at
Landlord's request promptly execute any requisite or appropriate document.  If
the Premises are sold at foreclosure or transferred by a deed-in-lieu of
foreclosure, then, at the request of such purchaser, Tenant shall attorn to such
purchaser and shall recognize such purchaser as the landlord under this Lease
provided that such purchaser agrees not to disturb Tenant's possession of the
Premises and agrees to be bound by and assume Landlord's obligations hereunder
except such purchaser shall not be (1) bound by any payment of the Fixed Rent or
additional payments due hereunder for more than one (1) month in advance, (2)
bound by any amendment of this Lease made without the consent of the holder of
each Mortgage existing as of the date of such amendment provided Tenant had
notice of such Mortgage, (3) liable for damages for any breach, act or omission
of any prior landlord, and (4) subject to any offsets or defenses which Tenant
might have against any prior landlord.  Within fifteen (15) days after the
request of such purchaser, Tenant shall execute, acknowledge and deliver
confirmation of such attornment and non-disturbance agreement in form reasonably
acceptable to Tenant.

     (C)  After Tenant receives notice from any person, firm or other entity
that it holds a Mortgage on the Building or the Premises, no notice from Tenant
to Landlord alleging any default by Landlord shall be effective unless and until
a copy of the same is given to such holder, provided that Tenant shall have been
furnished with the name and address of such holder. Any such holder shall have
thirty (30) days after its receipt of notice from Tenant of a default by
Landlord under this Lease to cure such default before Tenant may exercise any
remedy hereunder. The curing of any of Landlord's defaults by such holder shall
be treated as performance by Landlord.

     15.14  ESTOPPEL CERTIFICATES.  At any time and from time to time upon not
            ----------------------                                            
less than fifteen (15) days prior written notice, Tenant and each subtenant or
assignee of Tenant or occupant of the Premises shall execute, acknowledge and
deliver to Landlord and/or any other person or entity designated by Landlord, an
estoppel certificate (1) certifying that this Lease is unmodified and in full
force and effect (or if there have been modifications, that this Lease is in
full force and effect as modified and stating the modifications), (2) stating
the dates to which the rent and any other charges have been paid, (3) stating
whether or not, to the best of Tenant's knowledge, Landlord is in default in the
performance of any obligation of Landlord contained in this Lease, and, if so,
specifying the nature of such default, (4) stating the address to which notices
are to be sent, and (5) certifying to such other matters as Landlord may
reasonably request.  Tenant acknowledges
<PAGE>
 
                                     -26-

that time is of the essence to the delivery of such statements. Upon request,
Tenant agrees to furnish Landlord with Tenant's current annual reports and any
other financial information of Tenant as Landlord may reasonably request from
time to time.

     15.15  REMEDYING DEFAULTS.   Upon five business days' notice to Tenant,
            -------------------                                             
Landlord shall have the right, but shall not be required, to pay such sums or
perform such acts which may be necessary or appropriate by reason of the failure
or neglect of Tenant to perform any of its obligations under this Lease beyond
any applicable notice and grace period hereunder.  If Landlord, in connection
with the foregoing, makes any reasonable expenditures or incurs any obligations
for the payment of money, Tenant agrees to pay to Landlord within five (5) days
of demand all such sums.  After a Default of Tenant in the payment of Fixed
Rent, additional rent or other amounts payable hereunder, such amounts shall, at
the option of Landlord, bear interest from the due date thereof at a rate equal
to five percent (5%) over the rate of interest reported from time to time in the
Wall Street Journal as being the "prime rate" then in effect and shall be
payable by Tenant to Landlord on demand by Landlord.  Notwithstanding anything
to the contrary contained herein, the interest to be paid by Tenant to Landlord
hereunder shall be limited to the then maximum legal rate thereof.

     15.16  HOLDING OVER.  If Tenant does not immediately surrender the Premises
            -------------                                                       
upon the expiration or earlier termination of the Term of this Lease, then
Tenant shall become a tenant by the month and the rent shall be increased to
150% of the monthly installments of Fixed Rent, additional rent and all other
amounts that would have been payable pursuant to the provisions of this Lease if
the Term of this Lease had continued during such holdover period.  Such rent
shall be computed on a monthly basis and shall be payable on the first day of
such holdover period and the first day of each calendar month thereafter during
such holdover period until the Premises have been vacated.  Landlord's
acceptance of such rent shall not in any manner adversely affect Landlord's
other rights and remedies, including Landlord's right to evict Tenant and to
recover damages.

     15.17. SURRENDER OF PREMISES.  Upon the expiration or earlier termination
            ----------------------                                            
of the Term of this Lease, Tenant shall peaceably quit and surrender to Landlord
the Premises in good order and condition, together with all alterations,
additions and improvements which may have been made or installed in, on or to
the Premises prior to or during the Term of this Lease (subject, however, to the
provisions of Section 7.2(B)), excepting only ordinary wear and use, eminent
domain, and damage by fire or other casualty.  Tenant shall remove all of
Tenant's Removable Property and all items specified by Landlord pursuant to
Section 7.2(B) and shall, at its expense, repair and restore the Premises to the
condition existing prior to installation and repair any damage to the Premises
or the Building due to such removal.  Any of
<PAGE>
 
                                     -27-

Tenant's Removable Property which shall remain in the Building or on the
Premises after the expiration or termination of the Term of this Lease shall be
deemed conclusively to have been abandoned, and either may be retained by
Landlord as its property or may be disposed of, at Tenant's sole cost and
expense, in such manner as Landlord may see fit.

     15.18.  PAYMENTS BY TENANT.  All amounts payable by Tenant under the terms
             -------------------                                               
of this Lease, including without limitation, all payments of Fixed Rent,
additional rent under Articles V and VI and all payments under (S)9.1(B), shall
be paid to Landlord without offset, abatement, deduction or demand.

                                  ARTICLE XVI
                                  -----------

                                   BROKERAGE
                                   ---------

     16.1  BROKERAGE.  Landlord and Tenant each represent to the other that it
           ---------                                                          
has dealt with no broker in connection with this Lease.  Landlord and Tenant
each agree to indemnify and hold the other harmless from any brokerage
commission, and any other loss, damage or expense, including reasonable
attorneys' fees, resulting from any dealings by such party in breach of the
foregoing representation.

                                 ARTICLE XVII
                                 ------------

                             ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
                             ---------------------
                                        
     17.1  INDEMNIFICATION.  Landlord shall defend (with counsel selected by
           ---------------                                                  
Landlord) and indemnify Tenant from and against any and all Environmental
Damages (as defined below) asserted by any third party (including, without
limitation, any sub-tenant, assignee or other successor to Tenant's interest
hereunder but only to the extent Landlord would have been liable to Tenant
hereunder in the absence of any such sublease, assignment or other transfer) or
governmental authority.  Landlord's obligations under this Article XVII shall
survive and continue in full force and effect (subject only to any applicable
statutes of limitations) for a period of three (3) years from the expiration
date of this Lease (the "Termination Date"), except that Landlord's indemnity
obligations under this Article XVII as to matters caused directly by Landlord or
persons acting under the direction of Landlord during the Term of this Lease
shall survive beyond the Termination Date and that if there are any pending
claims under the terms of this Article XVII existing on the Termination Date
(whether or not asserted in a case of law) or if there is any response action
which Landlord is obligated to perform under (S)17.3 and of which Landlord has
received notice on or before the Termination Date, Landlord's obligations under
this Article XVII solely as to such pending claims or such
<PAGE>
 
                                     -28-

response action, shall be extended until such time as the pending claims have
been resolved or such response action has been completed, respectively.

     "Environmental Damages" means all claims, judgments, damages, losses,
penalties, fines, liabilities (including as well strict liability),
encumbrances, liens, costs, and expenses of investigation and defense of any
claim, whether or not such claim is ultimately defeated, and of any good faith
settlement, of whatever kind or nature, contingent or otherwise, matured or
unmatured, foreseeable or unforseeable, including without limitation reasonable
attorneys' fees and disbursements and consultants' fees and response costs, any
of which are incurred at any time as a result of the existence of oil or
hazardous materials upon, about or beneath the Premises and/or any properties
downgradient from or cross-gradient to the Premises, or migrating or threatening
to migrate to or from the Premises, and any violation by Landlord of any
applicable environmental law pertaining to the Premises (except as specifically
provided in the next paragraph).

     The foregoing indemnity shall not apply to any Environmental Damages
resulting from, relating to, or arising out of the release or threat of release
of oil or hazardous materials resulting from Tenant's (or its employees',
agents' invitees' or contractors') violation of any environmental laws or caused
by Tenant's use, operation, or occupation of the Premises or from any breach by
Tenant of the provisions of (S)15.1 of this Lease or by any third parties'
storage, use or release of hazardous substances or materials on or in the
Premises during the Term of this Lease (unless directly caused by Landlord).

     17.2 THIRD PARTY CLAIMS.
          ------------------ 

     (A)  If any third party shall notify either Landlord or Tenant with respect
to any matter (a "Third Party Claim") which may give rise to a claim for
                  -----------------                                     
indemnification against Landlord under this Article XVII or a claim for
indemnification against Tenant under (S)15.1, then the party receiving notice
shall promptly notify the other party in writing; provided, however, that no
                                                  --------  -------         
delay in notifying the other party shall relieve that party from any obligation
hereunder unless (and then solely to the extent) such party is prejudiced.

     (B)  Landlord agrees to defend Third Party Claims which arise solely out of
Landlord's indemnity obligations under (S)17.1 and so long as Landlord is
conducting the defense of the Third Party Claim in accordance with Section 17.1
above, (i) Tenant may retain separate co-counsel at its sole cost and expense
and participate in the defense of the Third Party Claim, (ii) Tenant will not
consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement with respect
to the Third Party Claim without the prior written consent of Landlord, and
(iii) Landlord will not consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into any
settlement with respect to the Third Party Claim without the prior written
consent of Tenant (not to be withheld unreasonably).
<PAGE>
 
                                     -29-

     (C)  If Landlord does not defend against the Third Party Claim as required
by (S)17.2(B), however, (i) Tenant may defend against, and consent to the entry
of any judgment or enter into any settlement with respect to, the Third Party
Claim in any manner it reasonably may deem appropriate (provided that Landlord
may participate in any such action, at its own expense, and Landlord shall have
the right to reject any settlement proposal by Tenant), (ii) Landlord will
reimburse Tenant promptly and periodically for the costs of defending against
the Third Party Claim (including reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses), and
(iii) Landlord will remain responsible for any Environmental Damages Tenant may
suffer resulting from, arising out of, relating to, in the nature of, or caused
by the Third Party Claim to the extent (and only to the extent) provided in this
Article XVII.

     (D)  Tenant agrees to defend Third Party Claims which arise out of Tenant's
indemnity obligations under (S)15.1 and so long as Tenant is conducting the
defense of the Third Party Claim in accordance with Section 15.1, (i) Landlord
may retain separate co-counsel at its sole cost and expense and participate in
the defense of the Third Party Claim, (ii) Landlord will not consent to the
entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement with respect to the Third
Party Claim without the prior written consent of Tenant (not to be withheld
unreasonably), and (iii) Tenant will not consent to the entry of any judgment or
enter into any settlement with respect to the Third Party Claim without the
prior written consent of Landlord (not to be withheld unreasonably).

     (E)  If Tenant does not defend against the Third Party Claim as required by
(S)17.2(D), however, (i) Landlord may defend against, and consent to the entry
of any judgment or enter into any settlement with respect to, the Third Party
Claim in any manner it reasonably may deem appropriate (provided that Tenant may
participate in any such action, at its own expense), (ii) Tenant will reimburse
Landlord promptly and periodically for the costs of defending against the Third
Party Claim (including reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses), and (iii)
Tenant will remain responsible for any Environmental Damages Landlord may suffer
resulting from, arising out of, relating to, in the nature of, or caused by the
Third Party Claim to the fullest extent provided in this Article XVII and in
Section 15.1.

     17.3 RESPONSE ACTIONS.  If Tenant or Landlord is required by applicable law
          ----------------                                                      
to remediate oil or hazardous materials on or under the Premises or migrating or
threatening to migrate through, under or beyond the Premises, or to take any
other response actions related to the Premises and/or any migration or threat of
migration, then Landlord shall promptly undertake all such response actions in
accordance with all applicable laws.  Upon completion of each response action,
Landlord shall reasonably restore any affected portion of the Premises to the
condition existing prior to the
<PAGE>
 
                                     -30-

commencement of such response action. If the response action is the result of
any breach by Tenant of the terms of (S)15.1 or otherwise results from any
environmental condition occurring during the Term of this Lease for which Tenant
is responsible under the terms of (S)15.1, Tenant shall reimburse promptly and
periodically Landlord, as additional rent, for all costs incurred by Landlord in
connection with such response action.

     Tenant agrees, upon reasonable prior written notice from Landlord, to grant
Landlord or its contractors access to the Premises to carry out such response
actions as Landlord deems appropriate, provided, however, that Landlord shall
use reasonable efforts to prevent any interruption of Tenant's (or any permitted
subtenant's or assignee's) conduct of business at the Premises.  Landlord agrees
to coordinate its activities with Tenant so as to minimize any inconvenience to
or interruption of the normal use and enjoyment of the Premises by Tenant and by
any permitted subtenant and/or assignee consistent with Landlord's obligations
hereunder and under any applicable judgment, decree or settlement.

     17.4 SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.  This Article XVII is binding upon and inures
          ----------------------                                               
to the benefit of Landlord and Tenant only.  The parties acknowledge that
certain of Landlord's obligations under this Article XVII are secured by a
limited Guaranty of Theodore Pasquarello dated March 31, 1997.  In the event
that this Lease is assigned or the Premises are sublet by Tenant as permitted
hereunder, then Landlord's obligations under this Article XVII shall thereafter
be owed only to New England Business Service, Inc. and not to any of Tenant's
subtenants, successors, transferees, or assigns.  In the event the Premises are
acquired by a mortgagee of the Premises at foreclosure sale or by a deed-in-lieu
of foreclosure, the provisions of this Article XVII shall not apply to such
mortgagee.

                                 ARTICLE XVIII
                                 -------------

                              EXCULPATORY CLAUSE
                              ------------------

     18.1  LIMITATION ON LIABILITY.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
           -----------------------                                           
herein, Landlord's liability for its negligence or failure to perform its
obligations hereunder including all of Landlord's obligations under (S)17 shall
be limited to its interest in the Premises.  Tenant shall neither seek to
enforce nor enforce any judgment or other remedy against any other asset of
Landlord or any individual who holds any interest in Landlord.

     18.2  ACTIONS AGAINST LANDLORD.  In any claim made by Tenant against
           ------------------------                                      
Landlord alleging that Landlord has acted unreasonably where Landlord had an
obligation to act reasonably, Tenant shall have no right to recover damages
(except as permitted under (S)19.2) from Landlord and
<PAGE>
 
                                     -31-

Tenant's sole and exclusive recourse against Landlord shall be an action seeking
specific performance of Landlord's obligation to act reasonably.

                                  ARTICLE XIX
                                  -----------

                        SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION, ETC.
                        --------------------------------

     19.1  GOVERNING LAW.  This Lease shall be construed in accordance with the
           -------------                                                       
laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  All actions or proceedings relating,
directly or indirectly, to this Lease shall be litigated only in courts located
within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  Landlord, Tenant, their partners,
trustees, and their successors and assigns hereby subject themselves to the
jurisdiction of any state or federal court located within the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts.

     19.2  RECOVERY OF FEES.  If either party commences any action or proceeding
           ----------------                                                     
against the other in connection with this Lease and such action or proceeding is
disposed of, by settlement, judgment or otherwise, the prevailing party shall be
entitled to recover from the other its reasonable disbursements (including
reasonable attorneys' fees) and the reasonable fees and disbursements of
consultants or experts incurred in connection with such action or proceedings.
<PAGE>
 
                                     -32-

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of Landlord and Tenant has caused this Lease to be
duly executed as of the date first written above

   
                                        LANDLORD:

                                        By: /s/ Theodore Pasquarello
                                           -------------------------
                                                Theodore Pasquarello, not
                                                individually but as Trustee of
                                                The Paris Trust

                                        By: /s/ Eileen Pasquarello
                                           -----------------------
                                                Eileen Pasquarello, not
                                                individually but as Trustee of
                                                The Paris Trust


                                        TENANT:

                                        NEW ENGLAND BUSINESS
                                         SERVICE, INC.

                                        By: /s/ John F. Fairbanks
                                           ----------------------
                                        Name:John F. Fairbanks
                                        Title:V.P., Chief Financial Officer
<PAGE>
 
                                LIST OF EXHIBITS

EXHIBIT A    Legal Description of Premises

EXHIBIT B    Title Policy