Are you sure you have plenty of chalk?
I think there is an abundance of school necessaries.
Oh, no! Oh dear, no! said Mr Chute, with a pitying smile. Youll find lots of things wanting. Theyre very stingy over them; and if it wasnt for old Burge, I dont know what we should do. You are sure you have plenty of chalk?
Please, teacher, theres a whole boxful in the cupboard, said Miss Potts.
Silence! How dare you speak when you are not asked? said Mr Chute fiercely; and Miss Potts began to hurry away, terribly alarmed, back to her place, but watched her opportunity to turn and squint horribly at the visitor, to the great delight of the other girls especially of Ann Straggalls the fat, who, poor girl, seemed to suffer from an infirmity; for no sooner did she see anything mirth-provoking than she exploded loudly, no matter where she was, into a boisterous laugh a laugh that was a constant source of trouble to her; for which she had suffered endless punishments, besides having been ordered three times out of church by Miss Rebecca Lambent, who would rise spectrally above the red curtains of the organ-loft, and stand pointing at the door till the trembling girl had gone.
Ann Straggalls horrified Hazel upon this occasion by giving vent to one of her explosions, and then turning purple as she tried to hide her face.
Ah, youll have to punish her, said Mr Chute. Oh, by-the-way, Miss Thorne
If he would only go! thought Hazel, for the girls were getting very lively and boisterous, seeing their teachers attention taken off, and catching a little of the infection from beyond the partition shutters.
I say, youll have a deal of trouble over the school pence Mr Chute was a prophet in this case, though he did not know it theyll try all sorts of plans to get out of paying a few of them will; but dont you be imposed upon by their excuses. Its only a penny a week, you know. Theres the Simmss never will pay, and they ought to be turned out of the schools, for it isnt fair for some children to pay and some not, is it?
Of course not, replied Hazel. Oh, why wont he go? Surely he must see that my time is wanted.
Just then the noise in the boys school became furious, and Mr Chute made an effort to let his rebellious subjects know that, though invisible in body, he was present with them in spirit, by going on tiptoe across the school and rapping on one of the sliding shutters sharply with his knuckles.
The effect was magical, and he came back triumphant.
Thats how I serve them, he said, with a self-satisfied smirk. They know I wont stand any nonsense; and, I say, Miss Thorne, if you hear me using the cane, dont you take any notice, you know. Its good for them sometimes. Youll have to use it yourself.
I hope not, said Hazel quietly; and she glanced towards the door.
Ah, but you will, he said, laughing, and in profound ignorance of the fact that Feelier Potts was imitating his every action for the benefit of her class, even to going across and pretending to tap at the partition.
I believe in kindness and firmness combined, Mr Chute.
So do I, he said, as if lost in admiration. Thats exactly what I said to Lambent; and I say, Miss Thorne, just a friendly word, you know. You back me up and Ill back you up; dont you stand any nonsense from Lambent and those two. Theyre always meddling and interfering.
Those two? said Hazel, thinking of Ophelia Potts and Ann Straggalls.
Yes; Rebecca and Beatrice, Lambents sisters, you know. Rebel and Tricks we call them down here. Theyre as smooth as can be to your face, and they go and make mischief to Lambent. You must have your eyes open, for theyre always telling tales. Beatrice is going to marry the young squire at Ardley, at least she wants to, and Rebecca wants old
Burge, but he cant see it.
You really must excuse me now, Mr Chute, said Hazel. I have so much to do.
Yes, so have I, he said pleasantly; but he did not stir. You are sure you have plenty of chalk?
Oh yes, plenty.
And slate-pencil? I believe the little wretches eat the slate-pencil, so much of it goes.
I will send for some if I want it, said Hazel; I must go now to those classes.
Yes, of course, but one minute. My mother wants to be introduced to your mother, as we are to be neighbours, you know, and if theres anything household you want, mind you send for it.
Yes, certainly, Mr Chute. Oh, I wish he would go!
May I bring my mother in to-night to see you?
Not to-night, please, Mr Chute; we are hardly settled yet.
No, of course not. Well, good-bye; I must go now.
He held out his hand.
For some time past Miss Lambent and her sister had been waiting. They had entered the boys school to leave a message, and for a while their presence had acted as a brake upon the spirits of the young gentlemen; but waves of noise soon began to rise and fall, growing louder as the time went on.
Masters in the girls school, one of the boys had said. Should he fetch him?
No, boy; go on with your lessons, said Miss Beatrice; and she exchanged glances with her sister. Then they settled themselves to wait, standing like a pair of martyrs to circumstances, listening to the increasing noise, and at last marching together out of the boys school and towards the girls.