The Unreal past English Course Lesson 78

Peter goes into the office of Doctor Hernandez with a completely neutral look on his face so that no one would catch on to why he had come.

That’s one thing about the English, they do tend, not only, to hide their feelings but also their real opinions. He was determined not to blurt out straight away so that he could see if this course was really for him.

He certainly was not going to come out with any rash statement. If he was honest with himself, he was looking more for reassurance than anything else. Fortunately, Peter was blessed with a certain self-confidence so it was unlikely that he would dry up before he could get across his feelings to the tutor. He was shown into a modern office by a secretary and was told that if he wanted a coffee, he had only to ask. The doctor who came in introduced herself and asked Peter to state the reason for the interview. She supposed that it was due to the age gap but she did not want to shout Peter down and that she wanted him to put across his point of view. Peter said he would get around to talk over the reasons for his visit. It was unlike him to be ambiguous and he would cut to the chase without any further ado. 

Doctor, you have already caught on to the reason for my visit. I am here because I seem to be the only mature student on the course.

What would you do if there was a more mature crowd to mix with?

It’s not the social aspect that bothers me. It is more the desire to mix with clever people hoping that something might rub off on me. Is there a more mature set at the university apart from the professors themselves?

You might not have been so pessimistic had you visited the FAQ page of our website.

I know it is slightly hidden and it’s a shame we don’t boast a bit more.

There would be a lot more mature students if they had been told about all the facilities. We are not assertive enough in this domain, as we have quite a few mature students and we even have a bar and kind of social club for their exclusive use. We do not bring it to people’s notice and people, with less forthright as you, usually abandon the course.

It is situated in the semi-basement of this building and is open most days until midnight. I will confide in you that they have the best dining facilities and I can confirm that the prices are reasonable.

So I am glad that you came so quickly to pass on your feelings.

Should you continue to think in such a negative way, you would have been best advised to do something else.

However, If you put something in, something comes out.

If you invest in the course now, you will see the benefits before the end of the term.

You are right, were I to make an effort, it would take a small amount of time to get into the swing of things.

As long as you try, I will be more than happy to help you.

Providing that you are available.

In case of me not being available, at a moment’s notice you can always send me an email.

If you stay with us for the first term at least, I am pretty sure you will not regret it.

Yes, here I am out of the rat race and you have succeeded in talking me round to making a go of thing.

I would like to thank you for the clarification and your comprehension.

A question, were you born in London? Because I am fascinated by some of the colloquialisms.

I would be more than happy to explain some of them in context on condition that you explain the subjunctive.

Sounds like a fair deal.

So I wish you a good day and I look forward to talking to you again.