-Laura Collins!
Laura looked up. Mr Seymour looked angry.
-I know that medieval poetry may seem boring, but I must ask you to pay attention in class, miss Collins! said mr Seymour sternly.
-Yes, mr Seymour, said Laura nervously.
She had always been afraid of her English teacher. He was a very strict old man, who often had fits of fury when he wasn't pleased with his students.
-It's not like you to day-dream during lesson, he said. Now what could possibly be more important than paying attention in class?
-I'm sorry, mr Seymour, said Laura. I was just thinking about my future.
-Your future? said mr Seymour. What about it?
-This is my last semester at Englewood's, said Laura. I turned 18 last week, and according to the rules, no girl may stay at mrs Englewood's School for Girls after she turned 18. I'll be asked to leave as soon as this semester is over, in a couple of weeks.
-I see, said mr Seymour. So, where are you going after your graduation?
-I don't know, said Laura. I'll have to find a place to stay... get a job...
-What about your parents? asked mr Seymour.
-They died when I was 5, said Laura.
-It must have beeen hard for you, mr Seymour said coldly, clearly not concerned by Laura's misfortune. I suppose you'll have to find yourself a wealthy husband?
How could she do that? Englewood was a girls-only school, and there were very strict rules concerning the girls' behaviour. Mr Seymour was the first man Laura had seen since she was 5. How would she be able to find a husband, when she didn't know any men?
-I want to see you after class, said mr Seymour. We'll discuss your punishment then.