"They walk out together." "That was not Miss Bousfield you saw me with at all," I explained.
"That was my mother." "Quite time she came to look after you, too.

How did she like your curls?
You should put them in papers overnight, then we shouldn't have to do them every day." Where upon I was seized, and had my locks tied up in wads of blotting- paper, and ordered to sit down and lick envelopes, and not dare to put my hand to my head till leave was accorded me from headquarters.
In this plight my guardian came in and discovered me.
"Please, Mr Girdler--" said I, not waiting for him to remark on my curious appearance.
But Mr Girdler, who was not ordinarily given to mirth, abruptly left the room with a smile on his face before I could proceed.
When he re-entered he was stern and severe.
"Make yourself decent at once, sir," said he.

"No, I don't want any of your explanations.

No doubt they are highly satisfactory.

I begin to understand now why you were sent away from school.