‘What was the matter with you?’ asked Mr. Brandiston.
‘I had a headache, sir,’ was the answer.
‘Did you go and see Mrs. Podmore’ (the matron) ‘as I was not in?’ said Mr. Brandiston.
‘No, sir,’ replied Gerald.
‘Why not?’ asked Mr. Brandiston.
No reply.
It was not known to Mr. Brandiston that Gerald Eversley and Mrs. Podmore had been for some time sworn enemies. Mrs. Podmore was ‘a woman with a temper.’ Most good servants, it is said, have bad tempers.
Mr. Brandiston proceeded.
‘Did you, in fact, “stay out” next morning?’
‘No, sir,’ answered Gerald.