Rupert Eustace Psmith

[close] Rupert (or Ronald) Eustace Psmith, schoolboy and young man in Mike, Psmith in the City, Psmith Journalist, Leave It to Psmith. Very tall, very thin, with a solemn face and immaculate clothes; wears a monocle. Was at Eton, and in the cricket XI, before coming to Sedleigh. Son of the Smith who used to own Corfby Hall, Lower Bedford, near Much Middlefold, Shropshire. Decides to add a silent P to his family name while buying a penny butter-scotch from a machine in Paddington Station while on his way to Sedleigh for the first time in Mike: "It seemed to me that there were so many Smiths in the world that a little variety might well be introduced." Embraces Socialism on his arrival at Sedleigh: "You work for the equal distribution of property, and start by collaring all you can and sitting on it." Shares a study at Outwood's with Mike Jackson in Mike. Educated expensively until his father dies, leaving only debts; supports himself for a time working in his uncle's fish business. Member of the Drones and the Senior Conservative Club in Psmith in the City, but remains a practical Socialist of sorts: "Others are content to talk about the Redistribution of Property. I go out and do it." Addresses people as "Comrade." Enters and leaves employ of the New Asiatic Bank in Psmith in the City. Visiting America with Mike Jackson in Psmith Journalist after their first year at Cambridge together, becomes sub-editor of Cosy Moments in New York under Billy Windsor. Named Ronald in Leave It to Psmith to avoid confusion with Rupert Baxter, whom he succeeds as Lord Emsworth's secretary, and successfully courts Eve Halliday. According to PGW based on Rupert D'Oyly Carte, son of the impresario.