Four Gates by Amy Le Feuvre

"A humble knowledge of thyself is a surer way to God than a deep search after learning."

"DEAR DR. VERNON,

"I have been thinking over what you said to me last night, and I have come to the conclusion that I am unfit for my position, so will you release me from it? I cannot do what you ask me. You must get someone else who will be able to carry out your wishes. I cannot pretend to be what I am not, nor teach what I do not practise myself.

"Yours truly,

"AUDREY HUME."

It was at luncheon time that Dr. Vernon received this note. He knitted his brows after reading it, slipped it into his pocket, and went through his daily routine of work as if he had not received it.

Audrey waited all that day for his reply, but did not get it. She was shy of a personal interview, and hoped he would write his answer. Her work also occupied her. The weather was stormy and cold. After evening preparation, the little boys were allowed half an hour's play before going to bed. They were clamorous this evening for Audrey to join them in a game of "blind man's buff," and, feeling restless and ill at ease, she threw herself into the game with unusual zest. The clamour was at its height, the schoolroom in darkness and confusion-and fourteen boys' throats can make no slight noise when raised in excitement-when the door suddenly opened and the doctor's voice was heard:

"Is Miss Hume here?"

The electric light was turned on, and Audrey, who was "blind man," tore her bandage off in consternation. Her hair was most dishevelled, her cheeks flaming, her skirt was tucked up high above her petticoat. Never had she been taken so by surprise.

"I am afraid I have interrupted some fun," said the doctor, smiling at the small boys, who stood mute and awed at the appearance of their headmaster.

"Our time is just up," said Audrey, with an effort to speak calmly. "Bobby and Frank, you must come to bed. Will you give me a few minutes' grace, doctor? For these little wretches have been pulling me to pieces."

She left the room with the two smallest boys.

Dr. Vernon sat down and began chatting in his easy, happy fashion to the boys who remained.

When Audrey returned five minutes later, she found a little group surrounding the doctor, listening with delighted faces to a stirring story of adventure and experience of the doctor's boyhood.

"Oh, Miss Hume, do listen! " exclaimed one of them. "You would love to hear this; he was almost as bad as you and your brother used to be."

"Shut up, you rotter! " was the whispered reproof of another. "The doctor isn't a he!"

Audrey and the doctor laughed in unison. Then he got up from his seat.

"Can you give me a little of your time, Miss Hume? I came over after dinner, as I thought these youngsters would be in bed, but I am a little early."

"I fancy we are a little late," said Audrey. "Will you come into the drawing-room?"

She led the way, feeling rather nervous of the prospect in front of her. The room was empty. Dr. Vernon wasted no time.