Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1859-08-04
nliGttllaneaus.
LEAVES FROM THE LIFE OF
"A Kansas School Marm."
BY BELLA NC -

1t was bright, dewy May morning, that
bent my tired footsteps toward the little
school-house in D.
had taken the school, but the children
were, with few exceptions, rude and in
tractable; with but small hope of making
them any better and was weary both in
! mind and body. | thought Of the happy
hours had spent in my old home, of the
bright, happy faces that used to greet my
coming there, and contrasted them with the
lonely, weary life then led.
looked on y on the dark side Of every
thing. A teachers life seemed a dull and
thankless life to me, and would then glad
ly have laid down beside my sister in the
churchyard on the hilltop; but the thought
Of my helpless mother nervcd me. / was
poor and mast toll. Oh the poor have ma
ny hours of agony, of utter hopelessness-
many bitter murmurirgs against the God
that made them poor and proud, that the ia
vored ones of earth know not OF. did not
hear the birds sing, nor heed the soft wind
that kissed my check. When reached the
school-room, it was carly, and there was no
one there. sat down, and leaning my head
upon my hands, the tears came unrestrained.
did not heed n timid, stealing footstep,
nor look up, until soft, cool, little hand
was laid on mine, and sweet voice spoke
"P,easc, Miss Bella"
/ looked up quickly-was it mortal or an
angel that stood there, looking up so plead
ingly. She went on
''rhis is the first rose that bloomeG, and
Mamma said l might bring it to you," and
she held up bright, fresh rose to me.
took it mechanically.
! "Thank you, dear but why didn't you
leave it on the bush it will wither now in a
few hours. Didn't you think of that? p
"Ycs, ma'am, but ] wanted to bring il fol
you, you looked so sorry yesterday"
The sunbeam was shining lower down in
my heart. l took the little one in my lap,
and stroked back her golden hair lovingly.
"What is your name. darling?" She look
ed up curiouslly.
You asked me that before"
"Did l.? Well, l lave forgotten ; tell
me again."
.'Leonora Adams; but Willie calls me No
re-"
"And is that great boy, who gives Inc SC
much trouble, your brotlier?'
"Yes, Ma'am; Willie is wicked at times
but he loves me-"
Love her how could he help it great
rude boy as he was. All that day felt bet
ter. happier for the presence of that child
The sunbeam shone full upon my heart, and
l was happy in its influence.
Week after week rolled by, and still she
was my comforter. my sunbeam. My school
did not seem so hard to manage, and little
Norie's brother, Willie, seemed different
boy. Each morning saw him leading Noris
| by one hand, and the other full of flowers
having exercised his boyish taste in the Sc.
lection. Candy holly-hocks, and the brill
liant little Gill-flowcrs generally formed the
bouquet.
Autumn came--the leaves wero falling
and the old d'scontent was taking possession
of my heart. Norie had been absent two
days, and was growing lonely. and my heart
dark without any sunbeam.
That evening Willie came, "Norie was
sick, dying, and called for me-"
wrapped shawl around me, and hurri'
cd away. ltwas wet, sobbing October
evening, and the wind noancd cheerlsssly