In due time Mr Ladislaw appeared, and the case for the prosecution forthwith opened. My misdemeanours for the entire day were narrated, culminating with this last heinous offence.
“Batchelor,” said Miss Henniker, “repeat to Mr Ladislaw word for word what you were writing when I came to you.”
I know not what spirit of meekness came over me. I did as I was told, and repeated the sentence verbatim down to the words, “The sweets you gave me have been stolen by that horrid old—”
“Old what?” said Mr Ladislaw.
“Old what?” said Miss Henniker, I hesitated.
“Come, now, say what you were going to write,” demanded Mr Ladislaw.
“Old what, Batchelor?” reiterated the Henniker, keeping her eyes on me.
I must be honest!
“Old beast,” I said in a low tone.
“I thought so,” said the lady. “Batchelor has called me a beast twice since he came here, Mr Ladislaw.”