Throughout the whole conversation Enid paid rapt attention to each and every word that was spoken. She was astounded to hear that Miss Cackle had actually swallowed Broomhead's fairy tale, along with Miss Bat and Miss Drill. Enid couldn't tell about Miss Hardbroom though, because she could not see her face, but she doubted that, had she been able to look at it, she would have extract any information from her teacher's perfectly controlled expression.
During the whole conversation Enid had sensed a strange air about Broomhead, as if she were that had a secret and was bursting to tell it, but still enjoyed knowing things the others didn't.
If there was a thing Enid could not stand it was a secret. She was hoping against hope that the old woman would tell Miss Hardbroom something that might allow to draw some conclusions.
It was obvious that the younger woman intended to make this "chat" as short as possible, and it was just as obvious that she would rather be anywhere on earth than in this room with this person, for her whole body had stiffened when Broomhead had called out for her.
Now she turned around, her face a carefully controlled mask of politeness, and said: "If I must, Miss Broomhead. But I'd like to let you know that due to this little get-together my time is quite limited, so if you would please make it short and get to the point quickly, I would be more than grateful."
For some moments the words hung in the air like a challenge. Then Broomhead motioned towards the chairs. "Very well. Let's get started then."