"What... did he say?" he queried, enunciating his words with difficulty. Surely, it must be a jest, he countered inwardly. Was his day not already fraught with enough tribulations? Perhaps it was another Dahioh he had referred to when he mentioned having to attend to matters at his institution of learning.
The principal named Sak scowled at the anxiety of one of the finest pupils he had ever taught.
"May I ask if thou art acquainted with her?"
"No..." he replied, casting a fleeting glance at Rebekah, who was whispering to him, inquiring about the situation. "No, sir," he coughed. "I do not know her. But... may I be permitted to use the lavatory?"
"After the new student arrives," the principal retorted, and Elijah persisted. "Very well," he acceded, with a resigned air. "Go ahead and do not tarry," he added, and Elijah rose from his seat and exited the classroom.
