Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1857-08-19
thai they had been studying all the morn.

ing with Miss Fleming. informed her
that l should sit with them in the after
noon, as | wished to see what progress
they were making. The look with which
she received this announcement plainly
Indicated that | should be an unwelcome
llsiener TO her lessons, and for a few
moments my heart so failed me, per-
plexed by her cOntemptuous glances, that
| half determined TO have nothing TO do
witt the children, but leave them to her
since she was so jealous of them. But
my better spirit prevailed over me-
"Tley are mine now" | thought, ''for
I am their fathers wife, and all his are
mine. Their interests must be mine"
After dinner, Miss Jane and the chill.
dren repaired Immediately to the cham
Der which was used as a schoolroom.-
In few minutes l followed them, and
quietly took a seat at the desk. She
was drilling them in Arithmetic, sending
enc after another to the blackboard and
talking all tho time in loud, petulant
tone.
ELLEN, if you make such awkward
figures I'll put you back TO the begin
ming of the book May, will you stand
s.rairht, or be sent 10 bed? Decide
noWi"
al cannot understand this sum, Aunt
Jane, sighed May.
"Sit down then until you can"
"Do you not explain what they can
not understand" | asked.
"All that is necessary" she replied.
"May could understand her sums if she
attended to me-
An hour passed. during which May
silently hung her head over her slate,
played with her pencil, Miss Jane offer
ing no explanation. Harry alternately
counted with his fingers, the buttons on
his jacket and marks Of knife upon
his desk. Ellen, whose strong mind re-
ceivcd knowledge, intulively, studied
licr iesson quietly and without difficulty.
Presently she gave her book to her aunt.
and recited her lesson perfectly.
every well, Ellen." said Miss Jane.
"You may go into the garden and amuse
yourself"
"Do they not play together?" inquir-
ed |, with astonishment, not pleased
with the idea of solitary, mirlhless ex-
ercise.
"Nct unless they learn their lessons
equally well. she answered. Harry!
if 1 live the boy is going to sleep!-|
Stand in the corner, Harry, until you
re awake"
Harry colored, and went to the COR
ner, rubbing his eyes. l felt disgusted
at the total lack Of system, order and jus.
tice, which prevailed in this mock school.
l was growing frightened at The work
before me, fearful that Jane Fleming
had sown more tares than l could ever
root out.
Seeing that Harry was crying. went
to him in his corner.
eco awayr' he sobbed. when | laid
my hands on his head. "Go away
You are not my mother!'
l made no reply to this, but a,ked
him why he cried.
"Bccause | am tired" he answered,
"and you and Aunt Jane won't let me
sit down"
"I and Aun! Jane. Harry?"
"Yes," he sobbed out. "Aunt Jane
says you are come here TO live always,
and will make me mind you"
alt is not true, Harry" | whispered. |
al love you, and want you to love me.
Won't you love me, darling?'
But he only thrust out his little hand
sullenly and turned his face away from
me.
The next morning Captain Fleming
left for six months voyage in his new
barque, the May Fleming. His parting
with the children was most tender and at
fectionate, even tearful-Hilh me it was
kind. After he was gone, stole up to
the room, and spent the morning in Bit
ter weeping and sadness. What would
become OF me, if should fail in trying
to make my self beloved by his children
If their hearts were irrevocably steeled
against me? Would not his own grow
gradually colder and colder toward me?
Fearful prospect!
CONCLUDED NEXT WEEK.