Seventieth Session

Richard met Mrs K. on the road. He had been hiding behind a gatepost and jumped out at her as she passed. He watched her closely to see whether she was frightened or angry, and seemed reassured by her remaining unconcerned. Referring to a cyclist who was just passing, Richard said that man would think he had been jumping at Mrs K., attacking her, and doing her harm. In the playroom he wanted to know whether Mrs K. had arranged to see his mother; she had expected Mrs K. to ring her and discuss a time when they could meet to have a talk.

Mrs K. told him that she had rung his mother and that she was going to see her on the following Monday.

Richard seemed relieved that it was not to be postponed any longer. He asked for the pad and also for the new one Mrs K. had prepared. He was disappointed that the new one was different and said that the paper was not quite the kind he liked, but preferred it to the thin yellowish paper Mrs K. had brought on a previous occasion and which had not been used since. He again outlined some coins on paper.… He looked worried and tense and remained silent.

Mrs K. referred to Richard's suspicion on the previous day that she would after all advise his mother to send him to a big school, which he thought would be cruel.

Richard agreed that this would be cruel, because Mrs K. must know best how terrified he was of bigger boys. Suddenly he burst out: ‘Could you do something for me? Don't do work about it just now. Promise first that you are not going to suggest a big school to Mummy.’

Mrs K. reminded him that she had already promised this yesterday, but that this had not reassured him at all about her evil intentions.

Richard said appealingly, ‘Please promise it again.’

Mrs K. repeated that she did not think it a good plan to send Richard to a large school just now, and that she had told him so. Therefore his distrust of her, even though in some ways he thought of her as helpful and liked her, must have other causes. She rep