Compulsive habits are habits that are impossible to control. According to Maxwell,
children on their way to and from school must place their feet squarely on the centre of
each paving block; they must touch every seventh upright of the iron railings, or pass to
the outside of every second lamp post. Such were the compulsive habits of children.
Opposite to Maxwell's flat, there was a single-storied primary school. Along its frontage
ran a low wall some two feet high. On its way home, Mij would tug Maxwell to this wall