At first I only snivelled, but surrendered myself after a few successful ventures, to a loud despairing roar.
I could see the blurred image of Mrs. Handsomebody standing at the top of the stairs. I heard her sharp command to mount them instantly, and I began to grope my way up, hanging by the bannister.
When I had gained the top, her angular hand grasped my shoulder and pushed me before her, into the schoolroom. The Seraph's eyes were large with sympathy, but Angel grinned maliciously. Our governess seated herself beside her desk and placed me in front of her.
"Now," she said, in a voice of cold anger, "will you be good enough to explain your strange conduct? Where have you been all this while?"
"Sittin' on the Cathedral steps," I sobbed.
"That is a falsehood, John. Twice I sent David to search for you there and both times he reported that you were nowhere in sight. Where were you? Answer truthfully or it will be the worse for you."
"I h-hid when I saw him comin'," I stammered, "I was too s-sick to come home." Surely this would affect her!
She stared incredulously. "Sick! Where are you sick?"
"All o-ver."
"Take your hand from your eyes. What made you sick?"