February 5, 2015

Winston was pleased that his father’s racehorse, L’Abbesse de Jouarre, had won the Manchester Cup. He was not so pleased with the demands of the Army Class which required two hours of his time each day. As he put it: “Harrow is a charming place but Harrow and the Army Class don’t agree.” He would have preferred to take his military training in the militia. He received an admonishing letter from his mother. “You work in such a fitful in- harmonious way . . : your work is an insult to your intelligence. If you would only trace out a plan of action for yourself and carry it out and be detemtined to do so – I am sure you could accomplish anything you wish.” Winston replied that his mother’s letter had “cut me up very much” and, once again, he promised to do his very best in what remained of the school term.