At Miss Lavinia’s open door Tommy paused.
Ruthie laughed. “Come on, Tommy,” Miss Lavinia heard her say as she pulled him towards her, and hand in hand, the two children ran along the street and over the bridge.
Miss Lavinia saw them enter the big iron gates, and saw their hesitation when they were parted. For Tommy had to turn to the right and pass through the doorway, over which “Boys” was moulded in the stonework, while Ruthie walked across the playground to the entrance for the girls.
Miss Lavinia clasped her hands together for a moment. Then, as the clock was striking nine, with firm lips and head erect, she turned from the window and walked slowly to the schoolroom, where Annie Geach, Ruby Dark, Lizzie Wraggles and one little new girl were waiting for her to read the morning prayer.