§ 5
Punctually at five Mr. Weston locked his desk and prepared to observe the solemn ritual of dismissal. It was in three movements.
“Attention!” called Mr. Weston, and the class looked at him eagerly.
“Stand!” called Mr. Weston, and the class stood. But there must have been some flaw in the standing, for Mr. Weston immediately said, “Sit down again!” They sat down again.
“Now stand!” cried Mr. Weston, after a suitable pause, and this time the manœuvre met with his approval.
“Three!” continued Mr. Weston, and at this mysterious direction the class took a side-step into its respective gangways.
“First row—forward!”
“Second.”
“Third.”
When the last row had dissolved into the disintegrating chaos of the corridor, Mr. Weston took up his hat and umbrella and walked through the masters’ gateway into the frowsiness of Downsland Road....