Wakestone Hall chapter sampler

They were just in time. The huge shape of Miss McCragg appeared in the doorway. The flickering light from her candle made the shadows stretch across the floor. Stella held her breath. She could feel Ottilie trembling. Just above their heads, Agapanthus gave an unconvincing snore. Miss McCragg grunted something and progressed into the dormitory. She passed so close that Stella could have reached out and touched her skirt. Miss McCragg’s apron crackled. Had she noticed the empty beds? She reached the open window, and the girls heard her mutter in an annoyed manner. Then they heard a squeak as she pushed the open window down to exactly two inches. She turned and clumped back out of the room. Her footsteps receded. Agapanthus whispered, ‘Wait,’ and she climbed out of bed, tiptoed to the door and looked out into the corridor. She came back, poked her head under the bed and whispered, ‘She’s gone.’ They crawled out and stood up. ‘Thank you,’ said Stella. ‘What are you doing with that cat?’ asked Agapanthus. ‘He came in the window,’ said Stella. ‘Poor cat.’ Agapanthus patted him. The cat miaowed loudly.

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