Hang it! There's no behaving like a gentleman on twenty-five pounds
a year."

Waymark walked about the streets the greater part of the night, and
the next morning came to school rather late. Dr. Tootle had to
consult with him about some matter as soon as he arrived.

"You seem indisposed, Mr. Waymark," the doctor remarked, when he had
in vain tried to elicit intelligible replies to his questions.

"I am a little out of sorts," the other returned carelessly.
"Perhaps we could talk about these things to-morrow."

"As you please," said Dr. Tootle, a little surprised at his
assistant's indifference.

It was a drawing-lesson morning. As he went upstairs, his ears
apprised him of the state of things he would find m Miss Enderby's
room. The approach of the Easter holidays was making the youngsters
even more than usually uproarious, and their insubordination had
passed beyond all pretence of attending to tasks. When Waymark
entered, his first glance, as always, was towards the governess. She
looked harassed and ill; was in vain endeavouring to exert some
authority with her gentle voice. Her eyes showed unmistakable
gratitude as the teacher appeared, for his approach meant that she
would be relieved from the three elder children. Waymark called
sharply to his pupils to come and take their places, but without any
attention on their part. Master Felix openly urged the rest to
assume a defiant attitude, and began to improvise melodies on a
trumpet formed by rolling up a copy-book.