Mary had feared opposition on the part of the Padre, and was agreeably surprised at the number of Catholic children committed to her care.
One morning early in October, having finished her household duties, she repaired to the schoolroom for the day.

Florence was already at her post, though suffering from violent nervous headache.

Mary seated herself with her back to the door, and called one of her classes.
Arithmetic it proved; and if the spirits of the departed were ever allowed to return in vindication of their works, the ghost of Pythagoras would certainly have disturbed the equanimity of the "muchachos," who so obstinately refused the assistance and co-operation of his rules and tables.

In vain she strove to impress on one that 2 from 8 left 6.

Like the little girl that Wordsworth met, he persisted "it was seven." Despairing at last, she remanded the class to their seats.