Smewgy bars the prep room door with quiet authority, his spectacles catching the gaslight. Lewis and Parsley stop at once, as if the corridor itself has called a halt.
Smewgy
Gentlemen. You will explain why you are abroad instead of at your work.
Parsley stiffens beside Lewis, clutching his books too tightly. Any answer that sounds weak may cost them both.
C. S. Lewis
This is the sort of question that can become a trap.
Lewis sees the open prep room behind Smewgy, the desks waiting, the sanctioned shelter from the older boys. If he can get inside, he has a chance to work, and to keep Parsley from being sent back into the corridor alone.
Smewgy
Unless you have been assigned elsewhere, you will come in and set yourself to your lessons. Idleness in this house is never wise.
The threat is mild in tone, but plain in meaning. In Malvern, a missed chance at work becomes a reason for punishment, and punishment becomes another tool for the older boys to use.
✓ Quest Accepted
Deflect Smewgy's suspicion
“I acknowledge Smewgy courteously, and explain to him that I have been working on my Latin, French, literary knowledge, and Geometry.”
SUCCESS (Good Etiquette, rolled +2)
C. S. Lewis
Good evening, sir. I have been occupied with my Latin, French, literary knowledge, and geometry.
Lewis keeps his voice level and his posture tidy, as though the answer belongs in the room as naturally as the desks do. The note from Blugg stays hidden away from sight, and Parsley goes very still beside him.
Smewgy
That is a proper answer. Work first, wandering second, if wandering is permitted at all.
Smewgy's gaze shifts from Lewis to Parsley, then to the open desks inside. The suspicion in the doorway eases into inspection, not gone, but no longer hungry.
Smewgy
Take your places. If you are industrious, there will be no need for reports.
C. S. Lewis
The trap gives way to a schedule.
Lewis and Parsley are allowed through at once. The doorway stops being a barrier, and becomes an entrance to lawful quiet.
Quest Complete
Deflect Smewgy's suspicion