None of them took any notice of Annie; so she was left to study the outside of the school.

It was a long, low, thatched building, of one story and a garret, with five windows to the lane, and some behind, for she could see light through.
It had been a weaving-shop originally, full of hand-looms, when the trade in linen was more prosperous than it was now.

From the thatch some of the night's frost was already dripping in slow clear drops.
Past the door, which was in a line with the windows, went a gutter, the waters of which sank through a small grating a few steps further on.
But there was no water running in it now.
Suddenly a boy cried out: "The maister's comin'!" and instantly the noise sunk to a low murmur.

Looking up the lane, which rose considerably towards the other end, Annie saw the figure of the descending dominie.

He was dressed in what seemed to be black, but was in reality gray, almost as good as black, and much more thrifty.