Fred himself offered no comment on his absence.

He seemed anxious to be on especially good terms with all of the upper classmen with whom he usually associated.
During the first period of the morning Ripley had no recitation on.

He sat at his desk studying.

Presently as permitted under the rules, he whispered softly with the boy seated behind him.
Then, suddenly, Ripley rose and tip-toed down the aisle to the desk.

The principal himself sat there in charge.
"Dr.Thornton," began Ripley, in a low voice, "I was away last week, and so didn't hear all the school news.