"What an idea!" ejaculated the schoolmistress, descending from her desk. "Tom, how can you talk such nonsense?"
"Don't mind her, Milly. It's only jealousy," said Moore. "Boys, this fight is postponed till after hours." Then he added, in a whisper, "I 'll referee it myself. Go to your seats."
"Each of you boys will remain in an hour after school is dismissed," said Bessie, severely.
Moore stepped quickly to the desk where she had seated herself preparatory to continuing the session.
"Oh murder, no!" he expostulated in an undertone. "How can I talk to you, Bessie, if they are here?"
"Do you wish to talk to me, Mr. Moore?" asked the guileless maiden, as though surprised.
"I am dying to, Bessie," said he.
"On second thoughts, boys," she announced, "since Mr. Moore has interceded for you, you need not stay in, but there is to be no more fighting after school. I don't like quarrelling."
"Then you have made up your mind to be an old maid, have you?" murmured Moore.
Bessie tossed her head disdainfully.