But I have always been very
easily overawed by a schoolmaster.
The game had been a long one, and at half-past nine, when supper came in,
we had each of us a few pieces remaining. "What will you take for
supper, Dr Skinner?" said Mrs Skinner in a silvery voice.
He made no answer for some time, but at last in a tone of almost
superhuman solemnity, he said, first, "Nothing," and then "Nothing
whatever."
By and by, however, I had a sense come over me as though I were nearer
the consummation of all things than I had ever yet been. The room seemed
to grow dark, as an expression came over Dr Skinner's face, which showed
that he was about to speak. The expression gathered force, the room grew
darker and darker. "Stay," he at length added, and I felt that here at
any rate was an end to a suspense which was rapidly becoming unbearable.
"Stay--I may presently take a glass of cold water--and a small piece of
bread and butter."
As he said the word "butter" his voice sank to a hardly audible whisper;
then there was a sigh as though of relief when the sentence was
concluded, and the universe this time was safe.
Another ten minutes of solemn silence finished the game.
Pages:
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201