Chapter 1 Summary

Ted Mawson, the deputy head of the school, formally introduces Sheba, the new pottery teacher, to the staff in the break room. Barbara is sitting in the far corner of the staff room when Mawson and Sheba enter. She has the perfect view for watching the two of them make the rounds. Barbara thinks teaching pottery is the perfect job for Sheba. When Bill Rumer, head of chemistry, notices Sheba's physical appearance, Barbara realizes how pretty Sheba is. She also notices that the other women see what Bill sees. The only exception is Elaine Clifford, an alumnus who teaches biology to the younger classes. Elaine stands close to Sheba and bombards her with chatter and questions. Mawson notices Barbara and calls her over. Mawson says that he has no idea how the school would survive without Barbara. Sheba reaches out a large rough...