Page 56 - of-human-bondage-

dle. She had curiously thick lips and a small round nose.
Her eyes were large and black. There was a singular cold-
ness in her appearance. She seldom spoke and smiled more
seldom still. Her husband introduced Mr. Carey to her, and
then gave Philip a friendly push towards her.
‘This is a new boy, Helen, His name’s Carey.’
Without a word she shook hands with Philip and then sat
down, not speaking, while the headmaster asked Mr. Carey
how much Philip knew and what books he had been work-
ing with. The Vicar of Blackstable was a little embarrassed
by Mr. Watson’s boisterous heartiness, and in a moment or
two got up.
‘I think I’d better leave Philip with you now.’
‘That’s all right,’ said Mr. Watson. ‘He’ll be safe with me.
He’ll get on like a house on fire. Won’t you, young fellow?’
Without waiting for an answer from Philip the big man
burst into a great bellow of laughter. Mr. Carey kissed Phil-
ip on the forehead and went away.
‘Come along, young fellow,’ shouted Mr. Watson. ‘I’ll
show you the school-room.’
He swept out of the drawing-room with giant strides,
and Philip hurriedly limped behind him. He was taken into
a long, bare room with two tables that ran along its whole
length; on each side of them were wooden forms.
‘Nobody much here yet,’ said Mr. Watson. ‘I’ll just show
you the playground, and then I’ll leave you to shift for your-
self.’
Mr. Watson led the way. Philip found himself in a large
play-ground with high brick walls on three sides of it. On