The fight was stopped just as I was about to get pulverised, Miss Fleetwood, stately institution and headmistress glided effortlessly into the ring of children, pulled us apart, with an impartial slap for both combatants.
Miss Fleetwood had the loudest voice of anyone I have ever known.
RSMs and town criers would kill for a voice like hers.
Some children had been known to faint if she even looked at them.
If they had looked a little closer they would have seen a twinkle in her eyes.
She was when you got to know her, a battleaxe with a heart of pure gold.
Later that day we got a grand visit from the headmistress.
I remember her regal tour of the classroom a word of praise here and there. I knew what the real purpose of her visit was.
She stood close behind me with Miss Ross.
I was pretending to be fully occupied in writing, this was their conversation as near as I can remember it.