'Oh, well, it's all much the same really. And there's the bell. Oh dear! oh dear! I believe that loathsome little man's taken my gown.
* * *
Two days later Beste‑Chetwynde pulled out the vox humana and played Pop goes the Weasel.
'D'you know, sir, you've made rather a hit with the fifth form?
He and Paul were seated in the organ‑loft of the village church. It was their second music‑lesson.
'For goodness' sake, leave the organ alone. How d'you mean "hit"?
'Well, Clutterbuck was in the matron's room this morning. He'd just got a tin of pineapple chunks. Tangent said, "Are you going to take that into Hall?" and he said, "No, I'm going to eat them in Mr Pennyfeather's hour." "Oh no, you're not," said Tangent. "Sweets and biscuits are one thing, but pineapple chunks are going too far. It's little stinkers like you," he said, "who turn decent masters savage."
'Do you think that's so very complimentary?
'I think it's one of the most complimentary things I ever heard said about a master, said Beste‑Chetwynde; 'would you like me to try that hymn again?
'No, said Paul decisively.