[…] In addition to school lessons, most of my playfellows had piano practice to do in the evening, as I had also, for I had two quarters at 5/- for twelve lessons, and was doing quite nicely. I had three pieces of sheet music at the end of the six months, and that was the yardstick of success. There was a “Jolly Haymakers’ Ride” and a still jollier Winter Sledging affair—I donned a pair of elastic wrist bands with bells attached, to do justice to this: the third, a religious piece, I don’t recall, somebody’s deathbed hymn, if the old tendency persisted! But I was now having regular homework to do, so I foolishly begged mother  to cancel further lessons, and she, even more foolishly agreed.  I expect the five shillings fee so saved was put to some good immediate use.