Once, I kiss Miss Shepherd in the cloak-room.

Ecstasy! What are my agony and indignation next day, when I hear a flying rumour that the Misses Nettingall have stood Miss Shepherd in the stocks for turning in her toes! Miss Shepherd being the one pervading theme and vision of my life, how do I ever come to break with her?
I can't conceive.

And yet a coolness grows between Miss Shepherd and myself.

Whispers reach me of Miss Shepherd having said she wished I wouldn't stare so, and having avowed a preference for Master Jones--for Jones! a boy of no merit whatever! The gulf between me and Miss Shepherd widens.

At last, one day, I meet the Misses Nettingalls' establishment out walking.