10 Bill and Miss Peters
Most of the third-formers were now almost settled in to their term’s work. Alicia, however, was restless, missing Betty, and not finding that Darrell quite made up for her old friend. Darrell was steady and loyal and natural—but she hadn’t Betty’s witty¹ tongue, nor her daredevil ways. Still she was better than anyone else. Alicia hoped that Sally wouldn’t be back till Betty came!
Bill was restless too. Bill got the idea that Thunder was pining for the other horses at home, and she was always disappearing to be with him.
“How you do coddle that horse!” said Alicia, in disgust. “I wonder he puts up with it.”
Miss Peters was always pouncing² on Bill for dreaming in class. Bill’s standard of work was very uneven³. She was brilliant at Latin, which she had taken continually with her brothers. She knew very little French, much to Mam’zelle’s despair. She didn’t know much maths because her brothers’ tutor had devoted⁴ all his time to them at this subject and had not bothered much about her.
“He didn’t think we did much maths in a girls’ school,” explained Bill. “But I do know my tables, Miss Peters.”
“I should hope so!” groaned⁵ Miss Peters. “You will simply have to have extra coaching at maths, Wilhelmina.”
“Oh, I can’t,” said Bill. “I spend every minute of free time with Thunder.”
Miss Peters had known for some time now that Thunder was Bill’s horse. She had seen him and admired him, much to Bill’s delight. She had also marvelled⁶ at Bill’s magnificent horsemanship. The girl rode as if she and her horse were one. She was never happier than when she was out riding with the others, galloping⁷ over the lovely country that lay behind Malory Towers.
But she was annoyed because she was only allowed to ride out with the others for company. She was not allowed to take Thunder out alone.

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