Lapping it up on sand

OH DEAR - Professor Lapping needs a holiday. His scorn ("thoroughly lower second") was unworthy of him. He has had a hard year; perhaps a fortnight on the beach at Teignmouth with a knotted handkerchief on his head and a cask of scrumpy at his side will allow him to regain his customary serenity and forget even the depressing prospect of Dearing.

Peter Rice-Evans

Royal Holloway

University of London