Carl had largely been annoyed by Maryanne’s performance and his expression showed it from the single quirked eyebrow and the way he pulled his glasses down onto his nose, and looked up at her from his text.

The Reverend watched the two girls when Belle recited the words from the piece and raised a single eyebrow, pushing his glasses back onto his nose with the corner of his text and remaining quiet, his lips pursed as he watched the class began to whisper and mutter before he slapped his hand on the desk again, drawing everyone’s attention with the sudden bang.

“Much better than you, it seems, Maryanne. You’re very over dramatic.” Smith said as he stood up from behind his desk and looked down at his copy again, then up at Belle. “I am impressed by that performance, Belle.” he said with an appreciative nod before he closed the book as a bell began to ring out, he shrugged and sighed.

“Though it seems we are at an end, Miss Belle, if you’d be so kind as to wait behind for a moment or two? Don‘t worry about your next class, I can deal with that.”