noon
After a brief interval , more papers were given out , and the examination in arithmetic began . He did not trouble himself to look at the questions . Ordinarily he might have pulled through such an examination , but in his present state of mind and body he knew it was impossible . He contented himself with burying his face in his hands and hoping for the noon hour . Once , lifting his eyes to the clock , he caught Bessie looking anxiously at him across the room from the girls ' side . This but added to his discomfort . Why was she bothering him ?