The Campus Trilogy Read Online Free PDF Page A

employment in London; she was one of the speakers and was exhausted. I was a bit disappointed to see that she had made no special efforts to dress for the occasion: she was wearing an old leather jacket with a hole in one sleeve and a bright green jumper. Her earrings were pink and black with dangling silver bells. Surprisingly, she had the latest sleek mobile telephone which she placed on the table. “Just in case I get a call,” she announced. Pilkington was late. He was wearing a brown suit with a wide polyester striped blue tie. I noticed that his socks were sludge green. He was accompanied by Wanda who was wearing a mauve two piece suit and a cream blouse, offset by a paisley silk scarf. Her lipstick was a strange shade of mauve which made her seem paler than normal. Neither looked friendly.
    Before we began the meeting, Pilkington announced that he had spoken to the Vice-Chancellor about the accusation we were to discuss; he had been instructed to tell us that the university was taking the matter very seriously and that the Student Union would be informed of the outcome. Wanda took some papers out of her black leather briefcase as Pilkington continued. The meeting was to be an informal discussion, he explained. Although Provision 24 was being invoked, this did not mean that disciplinary action would necessarily follow. Onthe contrary, he went on, it was his intention to see if the matter could be resolved without recourse to formal action.
    He then read out a statement from Lisa in which she alleged that I had fondled her breasts and kissed her. This, she stated, was clearly sexual harassment which, according to university regulations, was a grave offence and should result in dismissal. Pilkington then turned to Wanda.
    â€œI am most perturbed by this situation,” she announced. “As Dean, it is my responsibility to ensure that students are not subjected to irresponsible action on the part of staff.” So, she said, she felt it necessary to sit in as the Head of Department’s representative. Although she did not intend to contribute very much to the discussion, she wished to make notes of what was said.
    I hoped that Penelope would respond, but she remained silent. I realized I would need to defend myself.
    â€œSo Harry,” Pilkington began, “can you tell us what you think happened?”
    This was all most embarrassing, but I tried to respond calmly. “Nothing happened,” I said. “The whole thing is a pack of lies. She asked if she could see me about the course I am teaching. She wanted to get credit for it on the basis of a single essay she wrote at her previous university. Then she said, whatever that meant, that she would make it worth my while.”
    â€œWhat do you think she meant?” asked Wanda.
    â€œI didn’t know, and I didn’t want to know. I told her I would read the essay and see her about it later. When I examined it, I realized that she had almost certainly copied it off the internet. So when I saw her again I told her she would have to fulfil the obligations of this university to get credit for the course, and I warned her of the dangers of plagiarism. She stamped out of the room slamming the door and that was the end of it. I in no way harassed her sexually. If anything, she harassed me.”
    â€œSo it’s not true that you kissed her and touched her breasts?” Pilkington asked.
    â€œCertainly not!” I said
    â€œThen why did she say she would make it worth your while?”
    â€œI have no idea!”
    â€œYou don’t think you encouraged her to think you were attracted to her?” Pilkington could be very persistent.
    I felt myself go red, but I was determined to give no quarter. “Certainly not!” I said again.
    â€œSo,” Pilkington continued, “This whole thing is a complete fantasy on Miss Gold’s part?”
    â€œThat,” I said, “or a malicious lie!”
    At this point