I set off as fast as my legs could carry me; and the nearer home I drew,
the greater became my fear of Mrs. Handsomebody. What would she say? Dinner
would be over long ago I knew. My steps began to lag as I reached the
Cathedral corner. The great grey pile usually so friendly now rose before
me gloomily. Inside, the organ boomed like an accusing voice. My heart
sank. Mrs. Handsomebody's house with the blinds drawn three-quarters of the
way down the windows seemed to watch my approach with an air of cold
cynicism.
Softly I turned the door-knob and entered the dim hall. All was quiet, a
quiet pervaded by the familiar smell of old fabrics, bygone meals, and
umbrellas. The white door of the parlour towered like a ghost. I put my arm
across my eyes and began to cry.
At first I only snivelled, but surrendered myself after a few successful
ventures, to a loud despairing roar.
I could see the blurred image of Mrs. Handsomebody standing at the top of
the stairs. I heard her sharp command to mount them instantly, and I began
to grope my way up, hanging by the bannister.
When I had gained the top, her angular hand grasped my shoulder and pushed
me before her, into the schoolroom. The Seraph's eyes were large with
sympathy, but Angel grinned maliciously. Our governess seated herself
beside her desk and placed me in front of her.
"Now," she said, in a voice of cold anger, "will _you_ be good enough to
explain your strange conduct? Where have you been all this while?"
"Sittin' on the Cathedral steps," I sobbed.
"That is a falsehood, John. Twice I sent David to search for you there and
both times he reported that you were nowhere in sight. _Where were you?_
Answer truthfully or it will be the worse for you."
"I h-hid when I saw him comin'," I stammered, "I was too s-sick to come
home." Surely this would affect her!