Page:Duer Miller--The charm school.djvu/90

 The new-comer was Mr. Browning, the writing-master, a pale, bearded man, who came to complain that the young ladies did not take his course seriously. "I wish you'd speak to them, Mr. Bevans, especially to that little Italian girl; she's the worst; she is a very lawless element in this school."

"Lawless?" cried Austin.

"Yes, sir, lawless. Don't be deceived by that gentle manner. She has great influence with her companions, and she twists Miss Hayes round her finger. And she writes a very bad hand."

"I'll see to it," said Austin.

The writing-master made way for a parent—male, this time. Mr. Doughty, severe and middle-aged.

"I wish to see Mr. Bevans."

"I am Mr. Bevans."

"The head of this school?" "Yes."

Mr. Doughty bowed with the manner of a man who had seen many strange things in his time. "I suppose I may smoke," he said, biting off the end of his cigar.

"No," said Austin. "I'm sorry, but you may not. I never allow smoking in my office in the morning." It was a rule he