Summary

In Chapter 1, Paul faces his guardian, who punishes Paul for his behavior and disgraceful dismissal from Oxford by discontinuing Paul’s allowance and refusing him a home under his roof. Paul is now forced out on his own to seek out a means of livelihood. Despite his lack of credentials and his disgrace, he is appointed as a junior teacher by Dr. Fagan, the principal of the sub-standard Llanabba Castle School in North Wales.

In Chapter 2, Paul arrives at the school, and encounters several of the work’s other characters. These include Captain Grimes, an unlikely schoolmaster, Mr. Prendergast, a former minister, and the irreverent school-boys. One of these is Peter Beste-Chetwynde, who figures in his subsequent adventures. Paul also meets Mr. Fagan’s daughters, Florence and Diana, and Mr. Philbrick, a butler with a surprising amount of attitude.

The reader learns more about...