Kathleen

In the chilly halls of an Oxford college, a close‑knit literary circle called the Scorpions gathers for its first night back after vacation. Their host, Kenneth Forbes, is scrambling to finish the opening chapter of a serial story that will set the tone for the whole group. The scene is painted with the warm glow of a coal fire, a tray of anchovy toast and sweets, and the gentle clatter of Hinton, the college porter, delivering refreshments. All the while, the pressures of essays on Danton and Robespierre loom in the background, reminding Forbes that scholarship and amusement must coexist.

The evening promises a lively blend of wit, verse, and friendly competition as each of the eight members prepares to contribute their own chapter. Carter will tackle Rabelais, King will recite ballades, and the atmosphere crackles with the anticipation of clever repartee. Amid the aromas of coffee, whiskey, and candied fruit, the Scorpions settle into a tradition that balances scholarly rigor with the simple pleasure of shared storytelling, setting the stage for a semester of literary mischief.