The commonplace predictability of Pearly’s address was emphasised by contrast with that given by Andrew, who spoke without notes and with a sort of contained urgency. Even the novelty of his diction was an added encouragement to audience attention. ‘Enough has been said about the school’s last 125 years,’ he said. ‘What’s more important is what lies ahead. What is the best that can be done for boys coming to the school now and in the future?’ And he went on to discuss the skills, talents and attitudes necessary in the modern age and the nature of a school capable of developing them. It was a speech that contained judicious criticism of past practices and goals, and not just by implication. A speech shorn of rosy self-congratulation and unexamined parochial complacency. ‘The school has to see itself in a world setting of accelerating knowledge and serious challenge even though it’s here in this small, secure country,’ he said. ‘I make my sincere reply to the toast to the old boys and the school, and also call for higher standards and greater attention to student needs.’

The applause for Andrew was much the same as Pearly had received. Many in the gathering were in such a mellow mood that serious focus passed them by, some resented being lectured by an expatriate, but others were both intrigued and engaged by the points he made. Warwick and Nancy in particular were impressed even though responsibility for change lay largely with them. Andrew’s time in Europe, his international distinction in his field, his sincerity, gave his view conviction. ‘Oh, well done,’ Nancy congratulated him. ‘You’ve certainly given us food for thought.’

‘Maybe it’s not the right forum in which to lay those ideas out,’ said Andrew, ‘but I won’t have any other opportunity. It’s a crunch time for education everywhere. Now more than ever, young people need to develop a discriminating judgement, with so much unverified information and opinion everywhere. A crass, celebrity culture is overpowering reason and individual values. You only have to look at television, for God’s sake.’

‘I’d like to keep in touch and talk over some of the issues. Interesting ideas.’ Warwick rarely extended such an invitation, for demands on his time were pressing.

‘Talk’s easy, criticism is easy. So tempting to point out to others what needs to be done and then walk away.’ Andrew held out the palm of one hand as a disclaimer. ‘I would like to endow an academic prize, though, as something practical. Perhaps something in science. If you favour the idea we can talk about it before I leave.’ The principal did like the idea, and it set off a conversation during which Mrs Hollister interrupted to say that her husband had been thinking along the same lines.

‘Maybe the mayor could come in and make it a scholarship?’ she suggested.