5/13 They did not even excuse themselves, but were proceeding with a surly and ostentatious defiance to their seats, when Mrs.Martin was obliged to look up, and--as the eldest Hardee filed before her--to demand an explanation. The culprit addressed--a dull, heavy-looking youth of nineteen--hesitated with an air of mingled doggedness and sheepishness, and then, without replying, nudged his companion. It was evidently a preconcerted signal of rebellion, for the boy nudged stopped, and, turning a more intelligent, but equally dissatisfied, face upon the schoolmistress, began determinedly:-- "Wot's our excuse for coming an hour late? WE don't call it an hour late--WE don't. |