Until it happened I could not find courage--" Mr.Simeon's eyes wandered to this side and that, as though they still sought a last chance of escape.
"The facts, if you please ?" The Master's voice had of a sudden become cold, even stern.
He flung the words much as one dashes a cupful of water in the face of an hysterical woman.

They brought Mr.Simeon to himself.
His gaze shivered and fixed itself on the Master's, as in a compass-box you may see the needle tremble to magnetic north.
He gripped the arms of his chair, caught his voice, and went on desperately.
"This afternoon it was.

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