A few more boys made up the unfortunate party, but they were all little ones, and so there was no companion for Forbes, who evidently felt the added degradation of being alone.

The hour arrived; the school was dismissed; the master strode out, locking the door behind him; and the defaulters were left alone, to chew the bitter cud of ill-cooked Theology.
For some time a dreary silence reigned.

Alec sat with his elbows on his desk, biting his nails, and gnawing his hands.

Annie sat dividing her silent attention between her book and Alec.

The other boys were, or seemed to be, busy with their catechisms, in the hope of getting out as soon as the master returned.