The lane runs beside the schoolyard, bordered by low stone walls and a row of dusty herbs. Becca reaches its shade while children gather behind the garden railings.
Tom Brown
Come back, you ridiculous bird! I only needed you for one little experiment.
Tom Brown stays behind the gate, rubbing his pecked fingers and trying to look authoritative. His red cap hangs crookedly over one eyebrow.
Tom Brown
Nobody saw that properly. Nobody tell Master Ellis.
A few schoolchildren laugh from the garden. One points toward the lane, but the others turn when the warning bell rings inside the school.
Tom Brown
Go on, then. Run along.
The bell echoes across the afternoon, sending the children toward the doorway. Tom lingers a moment longer, watching Becca from behind the gate before hurrying after them.