The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1860-07-25
TIE AUrocRAT IN THE SCHOOL ROOM.
By MRS. r. c. GERRY.

DclOrt entering upon MS new u"'Ics, nc ""S
a long and confidential chat with the "pru-
dental committee" and asked if the school
would be difficult to govern.
" Not very," replied Mr.. Ladd. " The
big boys will do well enough, don't doubt,
and the little scholars you'll manage without
any troubles but there's one you'll have to
let do about as she's mind to, or have a
fuss"
And who : that, pra!s" inquired the
young man.
X" Katie Keech.''
A girl. then 7"
Yes; and nobody can do anything with
her. If they try. they give up beat"
Describe her to me, so that can know
her at glance"
"Weil.' began Mr.. Ladd but at this mo.
ment lie was called away, and Russell did
not have an opportunity to resume the con-
versatlon.
The next morning. however, he found him
self in the desk ot the schoolhouse, with
scores of pupils seated around him. The
opening exercises over, he proceeded to take
the names Of his scholars. and classify them
according TO their respective ages and ac-
quirements. Whenever he came across
coarse, sullen, oyergrown girl. he mentally
concluded that was Katie keech; but none
gave the name which was linked with such
unpleasant associations. As he proceeded
with his task, he often heard it repeated.
Stopping bya seat which had only one occu-
pant, and was the best in the schOOlroom, he
SAID TO the girl who sat there
This seat is not toll, aud others are
crowded; YOU must not appropriate the
whole to yourself"
Please, SIR" replied the maiden, +" ka-
tie Keecll wanted me 10 keep her place for
her; she always sits here, but she could MT
come todai."
Very WELL" said Russell, and passed on.
In few moments. however, the name
which had awakened such prejudice again
struck his ear. While asking pupil what
studies she intended to pursue, she sentured
TO add To an already long list -..
And il Katie keech comes to be in the
class with me, should like to stldy Natuial
History" .-.
AL recess, ton, he heard somebody mutter,
Welt, this new master thinks he III do
great things, but he won't make Katie keech
mind, know.
:" We snail see" replied Russell. half au-
dtbly; and when he left the schoolr0om at
night, he took care TO gather tew rotls from
thicket near by. lie had laid them in his
desk, aud was regarding them with stern sa-
tisfaction, when be heard step" light as the
fall Of flower" lie looked up; there stOud
the most beautiful slsinn that had ever cross
ed his path-a Young girl, with form which
L. ~. /. al. - fian n
complexion Of dazzling fairness. and flushed
cheek with peaehy blnom; large, laughing
blue ewes, and proiusinn OF golden hair
floating lrum a c0quettlsh head. Her thick
blanket shawl had fallen back. revealing a
blue merino dress, with tfill Of delicate lace
sbhut the slender neck, aud black silk apron
with velvet trimmings; while her boois aud
gloves we're faultles.. Frank Russell bowed
low, aud asked, gallantly:
To whom am | indebted lor this unex.
pected musing:
20. am K4lie krech." :" murmured sweet
low yuice.
Katie Keech /" calculated the astUnished
pedsgngue. /" VII, you do not 10 the least
particular realize nv idea Of that iormida.
ble persouage'
Your idea! Ynn heard Of ne, then :" and
the girls face erimsoned as she spike.
Yes
And what did you think was iike!"
"An osergrosn girl. with sullen lace
/ aud fromsy hair"
katic laughcd--a most sweet, silyery laugh
and continued:
what did they tell you about me !"
THAT yOu--ynu were-the autocrat
Of The schouIroOm, and would have your own
way."
I" la, ha, ha! won't have the name with.
out the game fejoined the girl and with
coquetiish toss oi the head that sent the
golden enrls al over her bright face, she dar.
ted away TO an opposite corner.
Thither Frank Russell followed her, and
she went on chattering like blarkbirl.
/ al wunder il Sarah Graham kept my seat.
as I asked her TO. like TO SIT here, because
| can see everything that 5 going on in the
srhoolruom. aud take peep al the stage.
coach, too"
Your friend reserved the seat" replied
/ the pcdagogue.
"well. then. II put my books in ! ran
over on purpose"
/ She arranged the books to suit her, AM
/ then skipped across the room. hnmming
i" Away with melancholy" Saddcnly she
stopped opposite the masters desk" aud
said. nai,ely.
May peep IN"
80. yes"
The next moment he bad raised the heavy
iii. aud she was taking bids eye visw o.
I the contents.
What are tlase for !" she queried, point
ing al the rods lie had gathered.
= To punish refractory pupils. DO 20,
know was thinking of certain Katie keecl
when got them /"
"Ahl Well, suppose you try them now /
aud she drew OF her glove, and extended
dainty hand, white ss a lily and soft - vel
-. nn...lI helJ m che rod IA ,nork an