andtheMadame—?—Iotpronouncehernameasyoudo.”

    “MissScatcherdishasty—youmusttakeottooffendher;MadamePierrotisnotabadsortofperson.”

    “ButMissTempleisthebest—isn’tshe?”

    “MissTempleisverygoodandveryclever;sheisabovetherest,becausesheknowsfarmorethantheydo.”

    “Haveyoubeenlonghere?”

    “Twoyears.”

    “Areyouanorphan?”

    “Mymotherisdead.”

    “Areyouhappyhere?”

    “Youaskrathertoomaions.Ihavegivenyouanswersenoughforthepresent:nowIwanttoread.”

    Butatthatmomentthesummonssoundedfordinner;allre-ehehouse.Theodourwhiowfilledtherefectorywasscarcelymoreappetisingthanthatwhichhadregaledournostrilsatbreakfast:thedinnerwasservedintwohugetin-platedvessels,whenceroseastrongsteamredolentofrancidfat.Ifoundthemesstosistofindifferentpotatoesandstrangeshredsofrustymeat,mixedandcookedtogether.Ofthispreparationatolerablyabundantplatefulortiooeachpupil.IatewhatIcould,andwohinmyselfwhethereveryday’sfarewouldbelikethis.

    Afterdinner,weimmediatelyadjourheschoolroom:lessonsreenced,andweretiillfiveo’clock.

    Theonlymarkedeventoftheafternoonwas,thatIsawthegirlwithwhomIhadversedintheverandahdismissedindisgracebyMissScatcherdfromahistoryclass,aostandinthemiddleofthelargeschoolroom.Thepunishmeomeinahighdegreeignominious,especiallyfreatagirl—shelookedthirteenorupwards.Iexpectedshewouldshowsignsofgreatdistressandshame;buttomysurprisesheherweptnorblushed:posed,thoughgrave,shestood,thetralmarkofalleyes.“Howshebearitsoquietly—sofirmly?”Iaskedofmyself.“WereI