Chapter X Summary

In 1900, old Meldrum, who had taken Wetherby's position as Headmaster of the school died of pneumonia. Chips was appointed interim Headmaster until a suitable replacement could be found for Meldrum. Chips held hope that he would receive the position permanently. But those thoughts were dashed with the appearance of the young (age 37), new Headmaster. Chips did not like the young headmaster's remote and rigid style.

Chips reflects on the years with the new headmaster. He recalled when the severe young Headmaster Ralston called everyone to the Assembly Hall to announce that King Edward VII had died. He remembered when the railway workers went on strike. Some of the strikers Chips had known for years and would not dream of ignoring them. His friendliness with the strikers was controversial—but with a smile he thought of how proud Kathie would have...