Four Gates by Amy Le Feuvre

"It is often very profitable, to keep us more humble, that others know and rebuke our faults."

"CAN I see the doctor, Miss Vernon?"

"My dear, what is the matter? Is your house on fire?"

"No; I want to speak to him quickly about one of the boys."

"One of your lambs?"

"It is Roland Gibbons; he was moved away from me last term."

"Then you have nothing on earth to do with him now."

Miss Vernon spoke sharply.

"Everard has been at it all day; there is some rumpus, but I never ask any questions. He has had no lunch; one of the masters kept him closeted in his study for nearly two hours. He went off to his classes after a hasty gulp of soup, and has this minute come in for a quiet cup of tea and, I hope, a little rest. Do for pity's sake leave him in peace."

"I must see him, I am afraid."

Audrey looked anxious and rather agitated. She was in Miss Vernon's drawing-room, and that good lady gave a little pitying smile as she looked at her.

"Oh, you are like all the rest. I am the only one in our community who can keep detached from the school affairs. No boy is worth making yourself so hot and eager over him. But I suppose I must let you have your way. Do you think you can get your business over in ten minutes?"

"It depends upon the doctor," said Audrey with relief in her tones as she followed Miss Vernon into the doctor's study.

He was leaning back in his chair shielding his eyes with his hand. Audrey saw him for the first time looking tired and dispirited. He looked up in surprise when he saw her, but he rose immediately and offered her a chair.

"Are you in difficulties of any sort? " he said.

"I have just heard of the raid on White's shop," said Audrey quickly. "I hear you are going to cane the six, Roland Gibbons amongst them, and I came to tell you-to ask you to let him off. I am positive he is not in the affair; he is shielding somebody else."

Dr. Vernon smiled.

"I am afraid you must trust your boys to me when they come into my school. Roland has left you for nearly two terms."

"But I know the boy better than you do," Audrey persisted. "In the first place, he has never been struck in his life, except on one occasion. He is a peculiar child, with a most violent, uncontrolled temper. A nurse once boxed his ears-his mother told me this-and though he was only five years old, he nearly killed her. He simply goes mad if anyone lays a hand upon him."

"I don't think that would deter me from acting as I thought right," said Dr. Vernon sternly.