Among many rules at The Hollies there was a law that nothing must be left upon the table, and the bread-and-butter was always severely passed round till the plate was empty. On this particular day I was not hungry, and when the last piece was offered to me I promptly declined it. Cathy quickly and quietly handed it on to Janet, who was in the very act of taking it when Miss Percy's voice bade her pause.
"Did I notice you refuse that piece of bread-and-butter, Philippa Seaton?" she asked.
"Yes, Miss Percy," I replied.
"And why?"
"I'm not hungry," I said nervously.
"But you know the rule?"
"I suppose I do."
"Then why did you not take it?"
"I've had enough, Miss Percy," I blurted out. "I simply can't eat any more!"
She looked at me with infinite scorn.