But one day he got into sad trouble over his lessons, and Mr. Murdstone was very angry, and took him away from his mother and beat him with a cane. David had never been beaten in his life before, and was so maddened by pain and rage that he bit Mr. Murdstone's hand! Now, indeed, he had done something to deserve the punishment, and Mr. Murdstone in a fury, beat him savagely, and left him sobbing and crying on the floor. David was kept locked up in his room for some days, seeing no one but Miss Murdstone, who brought him his food. At last, one night, he heard his name whispered at the key hole.
"Is that you, Peggotty?" he asked, groping his way to the door.
"Yes, my precious Davy. Be as soft as a mouse or the cat will hear us."
David understood she meant Miss Murdstone, whose room was quite near. "How's mamma, Peggotty dear? Is she very angry with me?" he whispered.
"No—not very," she said.
"What is going to be done with me, dear Peggotty, do you know?" asked poor David, who had been wondering all these long, lonely days.
"School—near London—"
"When, Peggotty?"
"To-morrow," answered Peggotty.
"Shan't I see mamma?"