The daily Green Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1861-1865, 1863-06-29

q aus, however, was an uncOmmonlv oooI
reader; her clear voice, correct tones onJ
distinct enunclatlon, greatly enhancing tha
merits of her essay. and eliciting marked An
plause 1t was now Ahce's turn hpt wbd.
her name was called, she did not rise. Tbo
poor girl had been greatly disturbed from tho
outset by the thought of facing the unwelcome
gaze OF the crowd ; but hor own convictions
as well as her mothers assurances that she
had succeeded we'll in writing her piece. had
helped to conquer her reluctance to read il
just as Jane had concluded, however, and re.
sumed her seat, and Alice was about to rise
cruel whisper from one in the seat behind
the latter, reached her ear. 1t was addressed
, to Jane, and the whisperer said: You're sure
of the prize, Miss Bradford, What can that
miserable hump-back do? l should think
she'd be ashamed to be SEEM
Jane turned her head to frown upon thu
rude and thoughtless speaker, and was shocked
to see that the cruel words had been heard bv
Alice Carlton, and had cut her to the heart.
A deep flush, succeeded by deadly paleness.
swept across the salow face of poor Alice,
and when her name was called, she did not
attempt to rise. The teacher hastened to her
and in a low voice tried to persuade her to read
her manuscript. But she burst into tears, and
crushing the paper in her hand, said can
mott cannot-it is no matter-I shall never
try again
James gentle heart was deeply panied. She
whispered to her mates earnestly, Some of
US ought to read her piece for her. I'm sure
she has written a good one.
1t would be DO kindness to her, poor
thing, said one CT the girls, in reply. Not
one of US could read it decently before all
these people, unless it is yourself and that
might lessen your chance for the prize for
Alice Carlton as a good writer
No such motive ought to hinder me, or
shall, replied Jane and with new light in
her eye, and a generous glow upon her cheek,
she moved quickly to the side of the weeping
girl.
Alice she softly said, it will disappoint
us all not to hear your composition. 1t is do
ing injustice both to yourself and the class to
withhold it. Will you allow me to read it
for you ? | will do my best by it,
The genuine kindness and tender sympathy
of Jane made their way to the heart Of the
sensitive girl and with no words, but only a
fervent pressure Of the hand which Jane had
taken, Alice gave the paper into her keeping
and covered her face while the piece was read
1t was an admirable theme The Uses of
Stud ~ AS Jane read her interest in the sub
ject, quickened by her tender compassion for
the writer, became deep and fervent. Both
heart and soul were thrown into the exercise
her own perception and feeling kindled thai
of others the most eager attention followed
every word the noble sentiments, as well as
the beauty and force with which they were
expressed touched the hearts and minds Of
the listeners and its conclusion drew thu
warmest applause of the admiring audience
The prize committee whispered few mo.
ments together and then the chairman an
nounced their decision. In adjudging, be
said, as we must for its rare literary excel.
lence, the offered prize in composition, to that
written by Miss Alice Carlton, we desire tc
say that in our opinion, an equal testimonial Is
richly due to another and that if two prizes,
instead Of one, were ours to bestow, we should
most heartily give the second to the young
lad whose own we'll. written theme was only
surpassed by that which she had the grace
and kindness to read for another. We are
sure that we do both parties pleasure and
an honor, when we request that Jane Brad
ford present, the offered prize to Alice Carl
ton
The bright beamiug face of Jane, as sht
received and bore the coveted testimonial tt
Alice, and the grateful sensibility of the lat
ter as she modestly received it, showed to ev