Seventy-Fourth Session

Richard again came to meet Mrs K. on the way to the playroom (recently he had waited for her outside the playroom). He told her that he had been trying to meet her as early as possible and that he was so glad to see her. He appeared to be very depressed and unhappy. Mrs K. asked whether anything had happened and Richard

said no; he was apparently determined not to complain.1 On the way he was puffing like a train and said that he was on a train with Mrs K.

Mrs K. asked where the train was going to.

Richard replied that it was going to London. When Mrs K. stepped a little aside, he asked her not to get off the rails or she would not be with him on the train. As soon as they arrived in the playroom, Richard started to play with the toys; but he was very much in thought and silent, and gave the impression of withholding what worried him.

Mrs K. suggested that perhaps he did not like staying with the Wilsons, but had made up his mind not to complain. She asked whether this was because he was afraid that she might repeat it to them, or that she would not like to hear anything unpleasant about them.

Richard without hesitation said, ‘Both.’ Then he explained that there were things he disliked. For instance, he did not want to be made to finish his food if he did not like it. He also said, obviously trying to be fair, that the Wilsons were quite nice in some ways; but it was clear that he was sad and was restraining his criticism. Suddenly he said with strong feeling that he wished he could stay with Mrs K.; that would be so nice and why couldn't he? Then he begged Mrs K. to let him stay with her.

Mrs K. asked when this wish had ocurred to him.

Richard replied that he was thinking about it all the time.

Mrs K. said that it was not possible for him to stay with her if she was to continue doing this work with him.

Richard had in the meantime arranged the station, this time close to Mrs K. and himself. (In the previous session he had put it as far a