Evening star., 1937-04-25
A drama of hate and cruelty and
love, played very politely under
the agonized eyes of a little boy.
A gallant and tender story
by RICHARD HOFFMANN

h led put on everything the butler had
~ laid out on the cleaning four pos
ter: clean underclothes, stockings,
shirt, the Eton collar, the dark Sum-
day suit. 1t wasn't Sunday either But Mother
had said to try and see what Uncle Val ex-
pected and then do it. And if the butler laid
out the clothes like that, Ned was undoubtedly
expected to wear them. He looked very neat
and felt all wrong when the butler came to
say his Uncle Valentine was waiting in the
library.
There weren't any stairs in the place - the
apartment; but it had magnitlcenCe that
suggested the movies all the same: unClut
tered space and soft rugs and everything
busted and polished and untouchably in posi-
ton. 1t seemed utterly hopeless that the man
vino commanded all this, lived with it, would
notice Ned, let alone think we'll enough of
him to send him to the School The pit of his
stomach was taut with intimations OF calam
ity, like the time he'd had to 60 to fierce old
Miss Doane, confess he d broken the window,
and offer to work out the cost.
This way" said the butler. Ned walked
numbly into the largest room he'd ever seen
lived in; it was lined with books and was noise
less underfoot, its rich details lighted by end
less discreet lamps, any one of which would
have been feature in the homely, familiar
living room he'd left yesterday.
Your nephew, sir the butler said into the
room.
Ned looked all round once and saw no one.
Then something drew his anxious eyes back
to the fireplace, and there was white shirt
front before it, with two thin lines of white
cuff above bulged black pockets. He looked
up to ruddy, full-feshed face which held
two dark shining eyes, intent in steady amuse-
ment Ned took long, lumpy steps forward,
holding out his hand and hoping hopelessly
he didn't look scared.
Good evening to YOU said deep, sure
voice, also amused - possibly at Ned's not
having seen anyone in his first look.
Good evening, Uncle WAL" Ned said.
"You had more flesh on you for your size
last time saw you, Uncle Val said.
Ned was ready to take his hand away, but
his uncle held it.
Glad to be here?" Uncle Val said
"Yes, sir" said Ned MY mother sent you
her - her love-"
I'm delighted said Uncle Val. She sends
it rarely, but I'm delighted whenever she
does. | spose she told you what you we're sent
for"
Ned got his hand back, put it behind him
with the other one, and prayed for something
to say. "She said it was to - to visit you
Didn't say anything about Tavistock
School, s'pose," said Uncle Val, lips and
bright eyes smiling steadily. Didn't put you
on your best behavior so that something
might be arranged for this fall Come now,
eh?"
Mother had said such things but in quite
another way - not with these curious infer
ences Uncle Val didn't know Mother we'll;
that's why he could talk as if -. Anyway,
here it was settled, finished. Folly ever to
have thought he, Ned, could walk into these
sumptuous surroundings, confront this robust,
knowing man, habitually amused at the
shifts of others, and win help to make the
dream of School come true.
"She =" Ned swallowed, tried to keep his
eyes from blinking. She said if you thought
was the kind of - kid that could get in,
why you might you might -" He blushed
and gave it up. miserablv.