“It must be that the lesson is ended,” said she. “One would not believe how the time flies! You have not had your full time—I was so late. I think I must go with you to the office and ask if I cannot make this up to you.”
“Never mind,” said he. “Please don’t bother—it doesn’t matter!”
“Ah, but it does!” said she. “You have paid, and it is very important that one should secure what one has paid for.”
She had risen, and went walking briskly along the corridor, an odd little figure in a long, trailing skirt. He followed her into the quiet office, where a severe director sat writing at a desk. He looked up with a surprised air.
“I was late for this gentleman’s lesson,” said the stout little woman. “He has missed much of it.”
“Then why do you waste more time in coming here?” cried the director, with a frown. “Go back, madame, and finish it. Make the best of the time that is left.”
“I thought the hour finished.”
“But on the contrary—the half-hour bell has just rung.”
“Ah!” said she, with a pleased smile. “I did not understand!”
And they walked back again, down the corridor, to the hot little room.