“Perhaps Mr. Stone will have something to say,” said Ben, doubtfully.

“He won’t dare to,” said Godfrey, confidently.  “He knows my father could get him kicked out of school.”

“He’s rather spunky, the master is,” said Ben, who, toady as he was, understood the character of Mr. Stone considerably better than Godfrey did.

“I’ll tell you all about it to-morrow morning,” said Godfrey.

“All right.”

“I expect he’ll apologize to me for what he did.”

“Maybe he will,” answered Ben, but he thought it highly improbable.

“Did you give my note to Mr. Stone?” asked his mother.

“Yes.”

“What did he say?”

“He said he’d come around.”

“How did he appear?”

“He looked a little nervous,” said Godfrey, speaking not according to facts, but according to his wishes.

“I thought so,” said Mrs. Preston, with a look of satisfaction.  “He will find that he has made a mistake in treating you so outrageously.”

“Give it to him right and left, mother,” said Godfrey, with more force than elegance.

“You might express yourself more properly, my son,” said Mrs. Preston.  “I shall endeavor to impress upon his mind the impropriety of his conduct.”

At half-past seven, Mr. Stone rang the bell at Mrs. Preston’s door, and was ushered in without delay.

“Good-evening, Mrs. Preston,” he said, bowing.  “Your son brought me a note this afternoon, requesting me to call.  I have complied with your request.”

“Be seated, Mr. Stone,” said the lady frigidly, not offering her hand.

“Thank you,” said the teacher, with equal ceremony, and did as invited.

“I suppose you can guess the object of my request,” said Mrs. Preston.

“I think you stated it in your note.”

“I desire an explanation of the manner in which you treated my son this forenoon, Mr. Stone.”

“Pardon me, madam; your son is in the room.”

“Well, sir?”

“I decline discussing the matter before him.”

“I cannot understand why you should object to his presence.”

“I am his teacher, and he is subject to my authority.  You apparently desire to find fault with the manner in which I have exercised that authority.  It is improper that the discussion upon this point should take place before him.”

“May I stay in the room, mother?” asked Godfrey, who was alarmed lest he should miss the spectacle of Mr. Stone’s humiliation.

“I really don’t see why not,” returned his mother.

“Madam,” said Mr. Stone, rising, “I will bid you good-evening.”

“What, sir; before we have spoken on the subject?”

“I distinctly decline to speak before your son, for the reasons already given.”

“This is very singular, sir.  However, I will humor your whims.  Godfrey, you may leave the room.”

“Can’t I stay?”