Lewis does not leave at once. He remains beside the crowded desk, allowing Parsley a rare interval in which survival may be considered without dressing it in the language of honour.
C. S. Lewis
You might begin by observing what Fribble needs from you, and what he merely pretends to need. The distinction may preserve your strength.
Before Lewis can continue, heavy boots sound along the dark corridor. Their measured tread approaches without haste, announcing authority long before the figure reaches the doorway.
The Housemaster pauses at the threshold, an elderly man of average build in a charcoal-grey frock coat, stiff white collar, and dark silk cravat. His lined face remains impassive behind the gaslight.
the Housemaster
Gentlemen, why are you not at your assigned duties? The hour is not set aside for lingering in the prep room.
Lewis straightens beside the desk. The Housemaster’s gaze passes over the abandoned books, the cluttered worktables, and finally settles upon the two boys with quiet expectation.
C. S. Lewis
He has asked plainly. Any answer will become part of the record.
✓ Quest Accepted
Give the Housemaster an explanation for our absence
“I tell the Housemaster that actually Lewis was hard at work on his Latin prep, at which Lewis is well known to be talented and diligent, and that it was my fault for distracting Lewis.”
FAILURE (Mediocre Oratory, rolled +0)
Parsley
Sir, Lewis was hard at work on his Latin preparation. I distracted him, and the fault for his lingering is mine.
Parsley keeps his voice respectful, but the admission lands poorly. By taking responsibility for the interruption, he also confirms that Lewis had been working outside his assigned hour.
the Housemaster
You have not improved matters by offering yourself as an excuse. Lewis, were you engaged in Latin preparation, or merely using it as a respectable cover?
C. S. Lewis
I was working on the assigned translation, sir. Parsley did distract me, but the preparation was genuine and nearly complete.
The Housemaster’s eyes move to the open Latin book. Several lines are covered in Lewis’s neat annotations, giving the defence a solid fact even though Parsley’s apology has not secured pardon.
the Housemaster
Very well. Lewis will finish the translation here and bring it to me. Parsley, you will report to your assigned duty and will not turn misconduct into a performance of self-sacrifice.
The rebuke stands, but the Latin book remains open under the gaslight. Lewis has been given a clear chance to prove his diligence, while Parsley has been given a definite order and no further argument to make.
Quest Complete
Give the Housemaster an explanation for our absence