Lewisburg chronicle, and the West Branch farmer. [volume] (Lewisburg, Pa.) 1849-1849, 1849-09-19
THE SCHOOL MISTRESS.
BY MRS. E. NJ. SEYMOUR,

{" The school ma'am's coming III
school ma'ani's coming" shouted doze
e voices, at the close of half an hours faith
d fol watching TO catch glimpse of on
e teacher. Every eve was turned toward
:, her. with the most scrutnizing glance, 20
= the children As well as others always lorn
an opinion Of a person, particularly Of ihei
teachers, at first sight.
, How tall she is !. exclaimed one. "Oh
don, she look sweet" cried another. '.IIo
| aln't afraid of her, nor a duzen like her,
cried the biz boy of the school. Nor
either" cried The big boys ally. 81 could
lick her easy enough, couldn't you, Tom ?
= Yes, and will too. If she goes to touch
me-" Hush - cried one Of the girls
" she ,,ill hear you" By this lime she
had nearly reached the door, round W hicil
we were clustered, and every eye was fixed
. upon her face with al eager, We; half BASH
iu gaze. unceartain, as yet, what verdict
TO pronounce upon her.
1" Good morning, Children" she said, in
the kindest voice in The world, while her
face was lighted With the sweetest smile
imaginable. This is beautiful morn.
iug TO commence school, IS il not -
81. I LII L.. .
little pc, IL ny ear.
! We all folio sed her into the schoo! room,
except Tom Jones ami his ally, who waited
until the rest were seated, aud then came
IN with staggering. noisy gali, and a
sor, of dare devil, saucy look, as much as
TO say, Who cares for you
Miss Wesco,t looked at them kindly, but
appeared not to notice them farther. After
a short prayer and reading a chapter in
the Bible, she passed round the room, and
made some inquiry of each one in regard
to themselves and their studies.
1 And what Is yoiir name :" she asked,
laying her hand on Toms head, while he
SAT with his hand in his pockets. swinging
his feet back ward, and forwards.
Tom jones'" shouted he, at the top of
his voice.
"How old are YOU, Thomas 7" she
asked. "Just as old again as half ans
wered Tom with a saucy laugh.
What do you study, Thomas ~
Morning.
What books have you :"
None"
Without appearing at all disturbed by
his reply, Mss Wesco,t said, am glad
am to have one or two large boys in my
school you can be Of great assistance to
me, Thomas, and if you will stop few
minutes after school. this afternoon, we
will talk over little plan have formed"
This was mystery TO all. and par,icu-
larry Tom, who could not comprehend
how he could be useful to any one. and Cor
the first time in his life he felt that he was
Of some importance in the world. He had
had no home training; no one had ever
told him he could be of any use or do any
good in the world. No one loved him,
and of course he loved no one, but was one
Of those who believed he had got to bully
his way through the world. lie had al
ways been called the "bad boy' at school,
and he took sort Of pride and pleasure in
being feared by the children and dreaded
by the teacher.
Miss Wescott at once comprehended his
whole character, and began to shape her
plans accordingly. She maintained that
boy who at twelve years old made himself
feared among his school.lelIows. was ca
pable Of being made something OF. Here.
tolo,e all influences had conspred to make
him brd, ,and perhaps desperate character;
she was determined to transform his char
acter by bringing opposite influences to
work upon him, and TO effect this, she
mus, gain his confidence, which could be
done in no better way than by making
him feel that she placed confidence in him.
When school was out, more than half the
scholars fingered abou, the door wondering
what Mss Wesco,t could be going TO say
10 Tom Jones. He had often been bid to
remain after school, but it was always TO
receive a punishment or severe lecture,
aud nine times out Of ten he would Jump
out of the window before hall of the schoI.
ars were out Of the room but it was ev-
iden'ly for different purpose that he was
10 remain now, aud no one wondered more
what il could be than Tom himself
Don't you think. Thomas, that our
school-room would be a great deal pleas.
anter il we had some evergreens to hang
around il, something to make il look
cheerful p inquired Miss Westco,t.
Yes'm. and know where can get
# than