Alice—I shan’t. You shan’t touch her.
Frank—(stepping to her side) No indeed, you sha’nt. Let her alone. (All gather around them, and Dad and Mom seize the opportunity to sneak off platform, encouraged by nods and gestures from Frank.)
Spankety Man—Will you move aside?
Alice—No.
Spankety Man—Then it will have to be postponed till next Friday, for here comes the Teacher.
Frank—I’m glad of it. She’ll make you behave.
Knarf—No, she won’t. She’s a he, and we make him behave. (to Spankety Man) Get your ruler ready.
Alice—(to Marg) Do you know your lessons?
Marg—I don’t have to. I don’t have to ask the questions, nor answer them. The children ask them and the Teacher answers them. If he misses, he’s punished.
Frank—Just as I’ve always wished it might be. I’ll ask the first one.