Monday began as usual. It wasn't until the third-graders reached their classroom that they noticed a new ______. She was tall and straight with grey hair and witch's cold eyes, carrying a plant and a book.

"I'm Miss Orville. I've taught for forty-six years," she warned. "I know lots of your tricks, ______ I advise you to try none. You're to be in my charge until your teacher returns. Since I don't know you, let me look at your ______ first. Completed it? Take it out. Now!"

"You call THIS homework?" R-r-rip! A page was torn out and thrown at ______ owner. "Do it again."

Roger opened his schoolbag. ______, it fell off. Books, pencils spilled out. Cards, toys, balls.... "Ah, we've come to play, have we?" She fixed her witch's gaze on him.

The third grade was the last to ______ school. The children looked strangely defeated. Roger pulled his mother. "We don't have a new teacher but a witch named Miss Awful. Hurry, I have much homework!"

Finally, on Friday Miss Orville said, "Your teacher will return. This afternoon will be my ______ class." At lunch, the third grade talked about nothing except how to ______ Miss Awful. Joey suggested, "We could tie a string in front of the door. She'd fall down if she walked over."

"No. She's old," Roger said, "we ______ hurt her like that."

"How about taking off the ______ of that plant?" advised someone.

Roger didn't want to do that, not understanding why. It was a feeling he couldn't explain.

"Well, you worked hard last week," Miss Orville began her class, "Attending school is like a priceless gift. If I've been ______, it was for your benefit. The world needs good citizens. ...."

She stopped suddenly, staring at the plant ______ its leaves. She faced the class, looking sad. "Whoever is responsible, I only wish you to be ______."

After class, she said goodbye to the students. They ran out, some regretful, some silent, others cheerful. Only Roger stayed behind. He ______ her, rubbing his hand up and down his coat. "Yes?" Miss Orville asked. Roger lifted his head straightly. "Flower, f-l-o-w-e-r. Castle, C-a-s-t-1-e. I've learned ______ you taught us." He smiled to Miss Awful whose eyes were wet.