THE SENTINEL

AWAY WITH WORDS

By Tessa Harvey

    Esmay wasn't fooled, but declared, "I am delighted to see you. However, could you possibly endure a cup of soup, tea or coffee first and maybe a sandwich or biscuits? Just until I have settled some new children.

    Avoiding further declarations of being absolutely fine, the principal smiled warmly and exited the small room with her usual firm grace.

    "I am Hazel Phillips," the sick bay attendant ventured. "Look, this morning has been very hard. Could you possibly come with me to my rooms next door? I certainly need some lunch and have time. If not, I will make time."

    To her relief, the older lady let Hazel help her stand and they left the neat area of several beds and locked cupboards of medicine. The matron's rooms were as sun-filled as the sick bay and much more comfortable.

    There were cosey armchairs and even a vase filled with late autumn flowers of mixed cornflowers, some ragged robin, lupins and raw parsley.

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