But what about Arthur?
He never went to a public school, so he doesn't belong to the Harrow and Eton crowd; he studied at the University of London, which means he's not under the protective umbrella of the Cambridge and Oxford alumni, either.
Even so, the University of London is still a fairly influential force in scientific circles. If Arthur were to stand on their side, and given that his own ability is first‑rate, there'd really be no need to worry too much about this new‑member election.
However, if Arthur jumps out now to "betray his teacher and ancestors," then he'll have thoroughly turned himself into a man with no father, no mother, and no clan.
Darwin probed cautiously, asking, "Arthur, the Royal Society election is next month. Have you got your letters of recommendation ready?"
Arthur's reaction was unexpectedly calm, as if he hadn't taken the matter to heart at all: "Not yet. Didn't they say we only need to submit them by mid‑month? What's there to be anxious about?"
