Miss Morgan went after him, but could not find him. She did not think of going into the church.
As she came back from a fruitless search in the garden, she met Mrs. Inglefield. In a few words she told her about Noel.
"He really is extremely naughty this morning," she said. "He won't do his lessons, and now he has run away."
Mrs. Inglefield looked distressed.
"He has been spoiled by his ayah in India," she said. "He has never been made to do things he doesn't like. Don't spend your time looking for him, Miss Morgan. Leave him alone. He must be punished when he comes back."
She sighed a little, for punishment of any sort was a painful necessity to her.
It was some time before Noel came back to the house. His mother caught sight of him stealing across the garden on tiptoe.
She met him at the garden door.
"Why are you not at lessons?" she asked gravely.
Noel stood still, his gaze irresolute, then he smiled, and when Noel smiled he was adorable.