“Dear Sir,—I am a little shocked at a message I received from you yesterday by Clairmont.
“This message is, ‘That you were the proper judge whether my reasons from detaining him from school were sufficient.’ To this I cannot agree.
“The authority of the tutor is in my opinion derived from that of the parent, and cannot supersede it. I could never consent to lay my reasons for detaining him before you for your approbation.
“I should, however, be exceedingly sorry to be wanting in any sort of attention or on ceremony. If the meaning of your message is, that you would wish to receive a line beforehand, requesting leave for his absence, I will cheerfully comply whenever it is possible, which is not always.—I remain, etc.,
