But the girl turned round with her face to the wall and refused to speak.

“Eight o’clock, young lady,” he cried brusquely. “Breakfast will be ready in a quarter of an hour.”

For answer she only pulled the bedclothes more tightly round her neck.

“If you haven’t time to wash or do your hair, you must come down as you are. Where’s your dressing-gown?” And he looked vaguely round the room. “Hurry up, now!” he added. “Remember all that’s going to happen today.”

There was a movement under the twisted sheet.

“You’re a wretch!” she gasped, in a muffled voice.

“Never mind what I am. Keep your scoldings till you get downstairs. I’ve got an exciting piece of news for you.”

This brought her round with a jerk.