Matilda found herself in a group with eighteen other small boys and girls about her age. Their teacher was Miss Honey, and she was about twenty-three. She had a pretty face, with blue eyes and brown hair. She never shouted, but she did not seem to smile. But all the children loved her.
After calling all their names, Miss Honey said, "This is your first day at Crunchem Hall, children. The head teacher is Miss Trunchbull, and when she tells you to do something, you must do it. Never argue with her. If you make her angry she will break you into little pieces and turn you into fish-food. Don't laugh, Lavender! It's nothing to laugh about. Do you all understand?
Yes, Miss Honey, replied nineteen little voices.
I want to help you to learn quickly, said Miss Honey "By the end of this week I want you all to be able to multiply by two. Can any of you do that already?
Matilda put up her hand. She was the only one Miss Honey looked carefully at the small girl with the dark hair and the round serious face. Wonderful," she said. Please stand up and show us.