The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1851-02-19

"Sister Annie, the coach is coming,
shouted little rosy checked urchin, as
withallthe Importance ola business man,
he threw back the door of an humble, yet
neat cottage, situated in the suburbs Of the
city cf B. The mother, an interesting
looking woman, clad in deep mourning, a
fair gil, delicately formed, and some three
or four little ones were within. The merry
boys gaiety was checked the moment he
saw his mother had been weeping, and
that Annie, in her plain, neat travelling
dress was seeking to comfort her, with an
assurance that she would write to her often,
very often, and that she would be quite
contented. 81
,"Henry," said Annie, as she stopped to
kiss her little brother, of whom she was
extrayagantly fond. "be good boy, and
obey and assist your mother" Alter be.
slowing kiss on each Of the little ones,
with, fearful eye and faltering step she left
the cottage and entered the stage coach.
AS the stage coach rolled away, Henry
brushed his hand over his eyes and shout
ed, "Don't cry, Annie, ! will take care Of
mother" s..g.-,.. ...i.
Annie Harlow had not yet seen nineteen
wears. All through her childhood she had
been tenderly reared, but wasting disease
had fastened upon her father, and just
eight months, previous TO the commence.
ment Of our story, his sorrowing family had
seen the earth heaped over his loved re-
mains. The little cottage and few hun
dreds was all that was left them, and only
by the strictest economy could Mrs. Har-
low hope to sustain her family. AS yet
Annie was the only one capable Of render.
ing assistance, and nothing but stern ne
cessity had induced her 10 yield to her
daughters solicitations to leave home for
this purpose. ,
Annie possessed qualifications and ac-
complishments that fitted her for teaching
something beyond the rudiments Of com.
mon English education, but now that mis-
fortune was upon them, when most they
needed sympathy, they were forgotten by
the friends OF their prosperity, and among
them all not one was found willing to assist
the worthy orphan TO employment better
fitting one Of her delicate organization.
Cheeriully she renounced one after anoth-
or of the privileges to which she had been
accustomed, and now without murmur,
even without hopeful heart, she resolved
on undertaking the arduous duties Of a
teacher in public school.
"A solitary spot indeed was that TO which
Annie was called; but then she loved the
country, and Just as the glorious sun was
ushering in bright spring morning, she
fastened forth to view the surrounding
scenery. Grove, hill, and valley, lay all
around her, with here and there white
washed cottage or an old farmhouse. The
cir was laden with fragrance, and the
woods were vocal with the songs Of birds.
In her rambles she soon discovered the
school house. Though rude and timeworn,
she was charmed with its appearance.
Even the yellow moss that had overgrown
its dark, unpainted walls, was an object Of
interest. The shining oak and maple
waved their bright branches around her.
and the limpid waters Of little brook,
with its low, soft murmurings, soothed her
ear. She seated herself on large, fiat
stone step at the door. Engrossed in her
own reflections, she did not happen to see
old farmer Goodwell, who happened to
pass that way with his cattle.
"a" Well, Susy," said the old man to his
wife, as he entered the house, 81 s'pose |
have seen the new schoolmarm.s And if
it isn't the greatest imposition ever seen.
Why, instead of a great strapping woman,
they have sent us baby. Pretty as a
pink, to be sure, but what can she do with
all those great boys, SO bad that big Miss
Blarney, with her sour, cross face, and
great cowhide, couldnt manage them.
Here's job" continued he, turning to their
hired boy, .'turned out Of school last win
tor, and I've promised his father he shall
20 this term. 'Twon'tbe the least use on