A Civil Servant Collects
Arnold finally meets young Jennifer after being set up by Headmaster Reggie. A sequel to Civil Servant’s Perks and Dear Fusspot from Blushes 1. His conscience was something Arnold always had to deal with on occasions such as these, before he could be sure of not letting himself down in a way that he would kick himself for later. Coming down on the train it had been easy enough to slide the photograph out of the envelope behind a copy of Scientific American and run his eyes — and imaginary hands — over the delightful, youthful, and reportedly thoroughly available shape of the girl on the netball court whose name was Jennifer. Savouring the prospect of actually meeting her, he had felt himself taking on already the authoritative characteristics the girl would no doubt expect to find in him, thinking of him, as she would be led to do, as a very senior member of her school’s hierarchy, and therefore someone to be obeyed without que