d ended the
block on its southern or seaward side. One roof, indeed, covered him
in and out of school: and the Vicar, as one of the Managers, had been
heard to lament this convenient provision. "It never allows the
fellow to forget his chain: he talks to me as if I were a class of
forty."

Mr Rounsell himself answered the door. He had been gardening, and
was in his shirt-sleeves. At sight of his visitor he became
exceedingly prim and scholastic, with a touch of defiance. He was
short in stature, and, aware of this, often paused in the middle of a
sentence to raise himself on his toes. He made a special study of
what he called "Voice-Production," and regulated his most ordinary
conversation by the laws (as he understood them) of that agreeable
science.

"Doctor Mant?"

"Ah, it's yourself, is it?" chimed Dr Mant, whom the Schoolmaster's
accent always sent back, and instantly, to a native brogue.
"Well, and it's a fine row of sweet peas you have, Mr Rounsell, at
the edge of the garden by the stream. I note them every time I drive
by: and how in the world you contrive it, year after year, in the
same soil--"

"You take me at some disadvantage, sir," said Mr Rounsell stiffly.
"My daughter being from home on a holiday, and few people coming to
this door at any time, unless it be to ask a small favour."

"Well, and you've hit it: for myself's one of that same," Dr Mant
assured him cheerily. "But business first! Jago's child has the
measles. Had you any reason to suspect measles, or anything of the
sort, in your school before you closed it a week ago?"

Mr Rounsell, who had seemed to be arming himself against a very
different approach, sensibly relaxed his guard. He was punctilious
by habit in all official responsibilities. He considered for a
moment before answering.

"Had I done so, I should have reported my--er--suspicions. I cannot
tax my memory, Dr Mant, with having observed a symptom in any child
which pointed--er--in that direction. With regard to the child
Jago, I was the less likely to be forewarned of such an--er--shall we
say?--eventuality, seeing that he is the most irregular attendant of
my infant class, and, so far as my recollection serves me, his
attendances during the past quarter amount to but twenty-three point
four. I leave you to judge."

"Right--O! What about his attendance the week before breaking up?"

"I can look up the Register if you wish, sir. But, speaking at
off-hand