It was Mrs. Tootle. She
had overheard almost the whole of O'Gree's vivid comment upon his
graphic illustration, in silence, until at length she could hold her
peace no longer, and gave utterance to the teacher's name in a voice
which trembled with rage and mortification.
"Mr. O'Gree! Are you aware of my presence, sir?"
The chalk dropped from O'Gree's fingers, but otherwise his attitude
remained unaltered; struck motionless with horror, he stood pointing
to the drawing on the board, his face pale, his eyes fascinated by
those of Mrs. Tootle. The latter went on in a high note.
"Well, sir, as soon as you have had enough of your insulting
buffoonery, perhaps you will have the goodness to attend to me, and
to your duty! What do you mean by allowing the dormitories to get
into this state of uproar? There's been a pillow-fight going on for
the last half-hour, and you pay no sort of attention; the very house
is shaking?"
"I protest I had not heard a sound, ma'am, or I should have--"
"Perhaps you hear nothing now, sir,--and the doctor suffering from
one of his very worst headaches, utterly unable to rest even if the
house were perfectly quiet!"
O'Gree darted to the door, past Mrs.
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