imperative tone.
"Good morning. Miss Lacey," came the polite chorus.
"Good morning, children," responded Anne in a voice which bore no resemblance to her
own.
Miss Enderby motioned to the children to take their seats. "I should give out paper and
coloured pencils," said Miss Enderby, "as soon as you've called the register6. Keep them busy while
you're finding your way about the cupboards7 and so on."
She gave a swift look round the class. "I expect you to help Miss Lacey in every way," said
the headmistress. "D'you hear me, Arnold?"
The little boy addressed, who had been crossing and uncrossing his eyes in an ugly manner
for the enjoyment of his neighbours, looked suitably crest-fallen.
5 term n
School terms in Great Britain are arranged in the following way:
Usually called
Approximate dates
the first term the antumn term
Sept 5 — Dec. 20
the second term the winterterm or spring term
Jan. 5 — Mar. 25 (or later, depending on the date of Easter)
the third term the summer term
Apr. 15 (or later) — Jul. 20
6 to can the register is used only if the names are called out and the pupils answer. To mark smb. present/absent is often used
in connection with registration. The expression to take the register is also used in the sense of "mark".
In schools the form teacher marks the register every morning before lessons, and often before afternoon lessons too. The
register is a book with a list of the pupils' full names, addresses and dates of birth. When marked, the register is usually kept in the
school office, and not taken to lessons.
In universities and colleges there is generally no formal marking of a register by the teaching staff.
7 cupboard n: a cabinet or closet fitted with shelves.
"If I were you, I should keep an eye on that boy," murmured Miss Enderby. "Broken home —
brother in Borstal8 — and some rather dreadful habits!"
Anne looked with fresh interest at Arnold and thought he looked quite different from what
Miss Enderby said about him. Far too innocent and apple-cheeked to have such a record. But even as
she looked, she saw his pink face express his scorn of Miss Enderby who was giving her final
messages to the new teacher.
"Break9 at ten forty-five, dear," said the headmistress. "Come straight to the staff room. I will
wait there till you join us. I will introduce you to those you didn't meet on your first visit How do
you like the idea of having a cup of tea then? We need rest after all. If there's anything that puzzles
you, I shall be in my room. You can depend on me. Just send a message by one of the children."