Page:Girls of Central High on the Stage.djvu/112

102 "Not there!" exclaimed Gee Gee, and was there a spice of satisfaction in her voice?

But Laura dropped upon her knees, ran her arm to the shoulder into the aperture where the last drawer came out, and drew forth the missing packet of papers, which lay crowded back upon the carpet.

"There!" said Mr. Sharp, quite in a matter-of-fact tone, "I have suggested to the Board of Education more than once that all these old unsanitary desks should be done away with. The only roll-top desk fit to use in the schools are those which stand upon feet, the bottom of the lower drawer being a few inches from the floor. Thank you, Miss Belding! We will now go on with the afternoon session."

But he rested his hand for a moment upon Laura's shoulder, as she was about to step down after returning the drawers to their places in the desk.

"The counsel for the defense did very well," he whispered, and then left the room as quietly as he had entered it.

Mr. Sharp had relieved Miss Carrington of the embarrassment of his presence; but she certainly was troubled by the untoward incident. Laura returned to her seat by the way of Jess's and boldly squeezed her hand. And Jess thanked