"I'm counting the flies," he said; "they're more interesting than sixes and sevens."
"Very well," said Miss Morgan, "as you are determined not to do that sum, you will stand in the corner till you are sorry for your idleness."
Noel did not like this at all, but he pretended he did. He marched off to the corner and stood with hands behind him and his face to the wall.
Then he began to mutter to himself. Miss Morgan told him to be quiet.
Presently he spoke out loud:
"I'm telling God about you, how unkind you are to me."
"You're displeasing God very much. Ask Him to take away the naughty spirit who is making you idle and disobedient."
"What's his name?" asked Noel, turning round with interest on his face. "Is it Satan?"
Miss Morgan made no reply. Diana giggled.
And then, with a sudden rush, Noel dashed at the door, opened it, and tore downstairs as fast as his two feet could carry him. Down the garden he went, through the little gate into the churchyard, and from there into the quiet silent church.