At St Oswalds a long-established boys grammar school in the north of England a new year has just begun. For the staff and boys of the school a wind of unwelcome change is blowing. Suits paperwork and Information Technology rule the world; and Roy Straitley the eccentric veteran Latin master is finally - reluctantly - contemplating retirement. But beneath the little rivalries petty disputes and everyday crises of the school a darker undercurrent stirs. And a bitter grudge hidden and carefully nurtured for thirteen years is about to erupt.