Though she might rail at the impudence of the small fry,

Georgina was not above taking a hint

headmistresses do not lightly brook being kept waiting

so she started at a run up the passage,

turning over in her mind every possible crime which she might unwittingly have committed.

“Can’t remember using the front gate,

or not changing my boots,

or talking on the stairs, or

oh, wow!

Here I am at the library!

Well, whatever I’ve done, I suppose I’m in for it now!

I hope she won’t absolutely wither me up!”

So far from looking withering as Georgina entered the room, the Principal wore an unusually encouraging and benign expression.

She was a handsome, large, imposing woman, with a stern cast of features, and was held in great awe by the whole school.