human
Mrs. Morrison, I presume?
gpt
I am Miss Norton, was the reply.
human
Mrs. Morrison is away to-day, and has left me in charge. Can I do anything for you?
gpt
I've come to see my sisters, Marjorie and Dona Anderson, and to ask if I may take them in to Whitecliffe for an hour or so.
human
I'm sorry, freezingly,
gpt
Yes, of course I know they're not usually allowed out, but the Mater--I mean my mother--wrote to Mrs. Morrison to ask her to let the girls go.
human
Mrs. Morrison left me no instructions on the subject.
gpt
But didn't she give you my mother's letter?
human
She did not.
gpt
Or leave it on her desk or something? Can't you find out?
human
I certainly cannot search my Principal's correspondence, returned Miss Norton very stiffly.
gpt
It is one of the rules of Brackenfield that no pupil is allowed out without a special exeat, and in the circumstances I have no power to grant this.
human
But--oh, I say! The girls will be so awfully disappointed!
gpt
I am sorry, but it cannot be helped.
human
Well, I suppose I may see them here for half an hour?
gpt
That also is out of the question. Our rule is: 'No visitors except parents, unless by special permission'.
human
But the permission is in my mother's letter.
gpt
Neither letter nor permission was handed to me by Mrs. Morrison.
human
Excuse me, when I've come all this way, surely I may see my sisters?
gpt
I have said already that it is impossible, replied Miss Norton, rising.
human
I am in charge of the school to-day, and must do my duty. Your sisters will be returning home next Tuesday, after which you can make your own arrangements for meeting them. While they are under my care I do not allow visitors.