Read Online (6/13) Gossip from Thrush Green by Miss Read - Free Book Online

if you like they could cut some out and start scrap books.'
    'That's most generous of you,' said little Miss Fogerty, pink with pleasure at the thought of such riches. With such small joys are good infants' teachers made happy, which may explain why so many remain ever youthful.
    Later that evening, Miss Watson routed out the magazines from the landing cupboard, and the two ladies were busy leafing through them when the telephone rang.
    Miss Watson retired to the hall and was there for some time. Agnes was just wondering whether a splendid picture of an African family wearing only long ear-rings and a spike through the nose was quite suitable for her infants, when her headmistress returned. She was breathing rather heavily.
    'That was Ray,' she said. 'They are just about to set off on this Cotswold tour they had to postpone because of that wretched dog of theirs.'
    'Is it better?' asked Agnes.
    Unfortunately, yes! They propose to bring it with them - which I consider a mistake, and told Ray so - but, as you know, they are quite besotted with the animal and fear that it might pine in kennels.'
    'Won't it be difficult to find hotels willing to take a labrador? I mean, it's such a large dog.'
    'It is indeed, and this one is completely untrained, as you know. That is why Ray asked if they could stay here for two or three nights.'
    'Oh! Can we manage?'
    'We cannot !' said Dorothy Watson firmly. 'I told him so last time he mooted the question, and I suppose he thinks that I may have changed my mind. Well, I haven't. I have invited them to tea on the day they arrive in Lulling, and the dog can stay in the car while they eat it.'
    'But, Dorothy, it may be a cold afternoon,' pleaded Agnes. 'Perhaps it could stay in the kitchen?'
    'Well, we'll see,' said Dorothy, relenting a little, in the face of her friend's agitation. 'But I make no rash promises.'
    And with that little Miss Fogerty had to be content.

    She spent the night comforting herself with the thought that dear Dorothy's bark was always worse than her bite, and with another thought, equally cheering, that blood was thicker than water, and even if The Fleece forbade animals, The Fuchsia Bush always allowed pets to accompany their owners at lunch or tea.
    The last of Agnes Fogerty's hopes was somewhat dashed the next morning by Willie Bond, the fat postman who shared the Thrush Green post round with gaunt Willie Marchant.
    'Heard the latest?' he enquired, passing over three manilla envelopes obviously from the Education Office, and a postcard from America which, no doubt, was from the Hursts.
    'No, Willie. What is it?'
    Agnes could hear the kettle boiling, and was anxious to return to her duties.
    'They say the old Fuchsia Bush is packing up.'
    'Never!' gasped Agnes. 'I can't believe it! It always seems so busy.'
    'Well, there it is. Can't make it pay, seemingly, and them girls wants the earth for wages, no doubt, so it'll have to put up its shutters.'
    'We shall all miss it,' said Agnes.
    'Your kettle's boiling from the sound of things,' said Willie, making slowly for the gate. 'Be all over the floor by the time you gets there.'
    'Yes, of course, of course!'
    Agnes hurried down the hall and met Dorothy entering the kitchen. She told her the dread news.
    Miss Watson took the blow with her usual calm demeanour.
    'I've no doubt that story is greatly exaggerated, Agnes, and I shan't waste my time believing it until I have heard officially. Willie Bond was always a scaremonger, and I remember that he was always given to tall tales, even as a child.'
    'But I wonder how he came by the story?' wondered Agnes, tapping her boiled egg.
    'Time alone will tell,' responded her headmistress. 'Could you pass the butter, dear?'

6. A Turbulent Tea Party
    A S Miss Watson had surmised, Willie Bond's tidings were grossly exaggerated, although, even in the modified version, the truth was quite upsetting enough to the inhabitants of Lulling and Thrush Green.
    The Fuchsia Bush, it seemed, was going