“Two hundred and eighty-seven,” said Tommy, presently.
“Thank you; that's all,” said Mr. Thompson, impassively.
Tommy felt an overwhelming desire to ask the inevitable question, but he also felt in honor bound not to ask anything. This made him rise and leave the room without the slightest delay.
Mr. Thompson smiled—after Tommy passed out of the door.
Just a week later Mr. Thompson stopped abruptly beside Tommy, who sat at his desk, and said, without preamble:
“Look round this room!”
Tommy did so.
“Again—all round the room!” said Thompson.
Tommy obeyed unsmilingly.
“Once more, slowly. Look at everything and everybody!”