These were no longer school children, but "young gentlemen" and "young ladies," and allowed more freedom than in the lower schools.

For a few moments Dr.Thornton tolerated patiently the excited buzz in the big assembly room.

Then, at last, he struck a paper-weight against the top of his desk on the platform.
"First period recitations, now," announced the principal.
Clang! At stroke of the bell there was a hurried clutching of books and notebooks.

The students filed down the aisles, going quickly to their proper sections, which formed in the hall outside.
The tramp of feet resounded through the building, for some recitation rooms were on the first floor, some on the second and some on the third.
Two minutes later there was quiet in the great building.

Recitation room doors were closed.