I have also been caned hard on both hands for writing to dear Mrs Hudson, and for calling Miss Henniker bad names.

I hope you are very well.

Believe me, dear uncle, your affectionate nephew,-- Fred.

Batchelor.
With the exception of striking out the "dear" before Mrs Hudson this letter was allowed to pass.
In due time and to my great relief the bell rang for bed, and glad of any chance of forgetting the hateful place, I went up stairs to the dormitory.
The new boy, I found, was to occupy the bed next mine, at which I was rather pleased than otherwise.

I could not make out why I should take a fancy to Smith, but somehow I did; and when once during the night I happened to wake, and heard what sounded very much like a smothered sob in the bed next mine, I at least had the consolation of being sure I was not the only miserable boy at Stonebridge House..