As I went up to my airy old room, the grave shadow of the staircase seemed to fall upon my doubts and fears, and to make the past more indistinct.

I sat there, sturdily conning my books, until dinner-time (we were out of school for good at three); and went down, hopeful of becoming a passable sort of boy yet.
Agnes was in the drawing-room, waiting for her father, who was detained by someone in his office.

She met me with her pleasant smile, and asked me how I liked the school.

I told her I should like it very much, I hoped; but I was a little strange to it at first.
'You have never been to school,' I said, 'have you ?' 'Oh yes! Every day.' 'Ah, but you mean here, at your own home ?' 'Papa couldn't spare me to go anywhere else,' she answered, smiling and shaking her head.

'His housekeeper must be in his house, you know.' 'He is very fond of you, I am sure,' I said.
She nodded 'Yes,' and went to the door to listen for his coming up, that she might meet him on the stairs.