The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1860-04-06
"No, fhopo not, unless you will consent
beforehand to engage me as q medical advis-

"No, fhopo not, unless you will consent
beforehand to engage me as medical advis-
cr."
did not answer him. I was in q poor
mood to bear his teasing. Indeed, i could
hardly keep back the tears at thought OF the
many weeks torture that they were planning
out for me. For SIX weeks (half Of the sum.
mer term) l had been trying to keep down
the rebellion, and had hoped to worry
through the rest Of my allotted time without
serious outbreak. But now, I could not
hope for 1t. "war was inevitable, It must
come" Before the thought, my good reso-
lutions OF tho day before vanished like empty
air. 1t to be mistress of the school.room I
must use stick, whip and rule, then would
WELD them. would conquer or be con-
quered. did not resolve upon this fully
until was informed that the school would
be heightened out six weeks into autumn,
allowing vacation ofone week in tho mean
time.
So the days dragged along, not one passing
without DR.. Eldridge making his appearance
somewhere in my way. Sometimes was
pleased to see him, perhaps always; but h.
that worked against my temper constantly.
l think he liked my little fits Of passion, how
ever, or he would not have provoked them
continually.
And the school! Dear me what school
it was The trial Of it wore me thin as a
shadow. But affairs came to q climax one
day. This was the way 1t was brought about.
While hearing recitation, one hot, sultry
afternoon, drew my chair into the middle
of the floor, where there was faint show oi
q breeze. was directly in front of one OF
the aisles, and 30 seated that could not sec
what was going on behind me. After dis.
missing the class, made an attempt to rise,
when to my utter dismay and horror found
myself, or my drcs, made fast to tho chair
tried to,be cool and collected, as released
myself, but my hand trembled violently, and
know that my face was white with an
ger.
"Can any one tell mo who pinned my drcs'
to the chair?" asked.
There was dead silence. ! repeated the
question. Still no answer. could inter.
prct that easily enough. Not scholar in
school dared tell tale Of Frank Eldridge.
"You may walk this way, Frank" l said
As though marching to o military drum
he came to the floor.
"Ishall bear your impudence no longer,
began. "Either you or must bo at the
head of this school. lfmy arm and ruler
are rs trusty us think, / shall be mistress
here"
"You don't dare ferulc me; my father
he began.
"Let your father como here, and I will
fernle him too," said, interrupting him.
"I'll tell him of that" he cried out.
"Do so, by all MEANS" | answered.
And so thrashed Frank Edridge, sound
ly and smartly, till he begged for mercy like
u three year old baby, and promised as hum
bly, as could wish to do better. There was
great nproar, in consequence of 1t, both IN
-chool and out. But what made tho matter
ludicous.. in the extreme. was that the fact OF
my threatening to whip DR.. Eldridge (hand.
some, idolzcd DR.. Eldridgc, the awe of the
whole village, and the pride OF the whole
town) was noiscd about. At last it reachd
the doctors ears and rs had feared he came
just at tho close of school, the next afternoon,
to remind mo of my threat.
al have come for my whipping" he said
in in a low tone, as l answered his loud rap at
do not know why, but the tears sprang
to my eyes at this. II seemed unkind in
him, almost cruel. Twas afraid that he would
notice how was moved, and SO turned my
head away, us answered:
81 am very busy now, can you come in
and wait"
"Until after school do you mean ~
"Just us you please-I have no time to
spare now-I suppose you have come to undo
my work Of yesterday"
"Not l, believe me"
"Walk in, ifyou please" said interrupt
ing him. lie was speaking 80 pleasantly and
kindly that the tears were coming to my eyes
again. .
"Now my whipping, Miss Lakin," he said
after the last class was dismissed, and we
were alone together in the old school.house.
"Dr. Eldridsc, how unkind Of you," I
said.
"But I insist upon it," he answered, pass
ing me my rule.
How exceedingly foolish felt. How
wrctchedly he tcased me. But there was no
escaping from him, 90 said, laughing and
crying altogether, "Givc me your hand?"
1.-THE right, I believe, is the one always
claimed by ladies. But are you serious,
shall really give 1t to your"
EYES," answered, coloring.
Taking the tips Of his fingers in my left
hand, gave him quick blow.
"A kiss for blow" he said, raising my
hand to his lips. "Strike away, dear, l shall
never weary"
So struck him again, once, twice, thrice.
"See which hand will get blistered first,
yours or mine," ho said, in high glee. "How
happy you mako me, and how good am
getting"
"And how bad I am growing every day."
cried, bursting into tears, and dropping my
head upon the desk.
"Heaven forbid, Lizzie" no said, tender
ly, the mockery going quito away from his
voice." | know that have worried and
troubled you; but my heart has been, and is,
all right, my child. DO you remember what
YOU said to me long time ago, about marry
ing again2 And do you know, that in spite
Of reason and prudence, (for you arc young
and pure-heartcd YETI hoped and prayed
that sometime you might be the light and love
ofmy bad ,darkened heart my darkencd home?
love you, that is all can say in pleading
my case. :, :,
And that was enough. That blessed
knowledge for moment expiated oil my sui.
ferings in tho turbulent school-room ay, all
- n L. 4 =.