Матильда

           ThemotherwasjustoutofsightaroundthecornerinthekitchenmakingMr.Wormwood’sbreakfastwhichalwayshadtobetwofriedeggsonfriedbreadwiththreeporksausagesandthreestripsofbaconandsomefriedtomatoes.

           AtthispointMr.Wormwoodcamenoisilyintotheroom.Hewasincapableofenteringanyroomquietly,especiallyatbreakfasttime.Healwayshadtomakehisappearancefeltimmediatelybycreatingalotofnoiseandclatter.Onecouldalmosthearhimsaying,"It’sme!HereIcome,thegreatmanhimself,themasterofthehouse,thewage-earner,theonewhomakesitpossibleforalltherestofyoutolivesowell!Noticemeandpayyourrespects!"

           Onthisoccasionhestrodeinandslappedhissononthebackandshouted,"Wellmyboy,yourfatherfeelshe’sinforanothergreatmoney-makingdaytodayatthegarage!I’vegotafewlittlebeautiesI’mgoingtoflogtotheidiotsthismorning.Where’smybreakfast?"

           "It’scoming,treasure,"Mrs.Wormwoodcalledfromthekitchen.

           Matildakeptherfacebentlowoverhercornflakes.Shedidn’tdarelookup.Inthefirstplaceshewasn’tatallsurewhatshewasgoingtosee.Andsecondly,ifshedidseewhatshethoughtshewasgoingtosee,shewouldn’ttrustherselftokeepastraightface.Thesonwaslookingdirectlyaheadoutofthewindowstuffinghimselfwithbreadandpeanut-butterandstrawberryjam.