May turned away and wandered out of the room. Her chest ached and her eyes were stinging and a cold hand gripped her insides. One thought went round and round in her brain. How could this have happened? How could Angel have been taken from her, when she cared for her so much? How would she ever find her again? She found she was still holding the rag doll, which she had intended to give back. She pressed it to her face and felt her tears soak into the fabric.

Her feet took her automatically back towards the chapel and the classroom beneath it, but as she reached it the bell rang for the end of the morning session and the other children came tumbling up the stairs, eager to get their dinner. May stood back, waiting for the line to pass her, intending to follow.

‘May!’

The call came from the line of boys issuing from the room on the far side of the chapel. It was Gus. She waved at him, but he left the line and pushed his way through the girls to reach her.

‘You all right? I heard you got burnt. They wouldn’t let me come see you …’

‘I’m fine,’ she assured him. ‘It’s just my hands. They’ll be better soon.’

‘You, boy!’ It was Miss Bale’s voice. ‘Get back in your line – now!’ Gus gave May a look of helpless appeal and turned away. ‘Now, miss!’ the teacher went on. ‘What do you think you’re doing?’

May swallowed and put her hands behind her. Surely even Miss Bale wouldn’t use the ruler on her now – not with her hands as they were. ‘Sorry, ma’am. I only got out of the infirmary a little while ago.’

‘I know that. You should have come straight to your lessons. You have been looked for. The governor wants to see you.’

‘The governor!’ May stared at her. She had never spoken to the governor, had only seen him passing through the rooms, usually in the company of some important personage. Why would he want to see her? What had she done?

‘Don’t stand there with your mouth open like the village idiot!’ Miss Bale said. ‘Come along, we mustn’t keep Mr Ferguson waiting any longer.’