South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1870-07-15
Our New School Ma'am.

kind o. stuff she is made Of She is n VIC
man, you know, and we can't put her out
doors, as we did Old Thompson last winter
nor can We give her such thrashing as
we gave that Edwards, who came after
Thompson; but as for being ruled by
,coman, we will just show them trustees
we won't do it, AS If to emphasize the
words, handsome John Howard gave the
door fierce blow with the poker, aud
shook back tue heavy curls from his white
forehead
That's SO, John. The idea, any way,
Of their sending woman to keep school
for such great big boys as We are i don't
care how big she may be, don't stand itp
And Ed. Conger looked as if he could do
I'll he said.
The other boys were about agreeing to
follow suit, when little Alice Bell came
running in, saying Itbat the school ma am
was coming with Mr.. Braddon.
Remember, boys, be civil a day or two
continued John Howard, as crimson
dress aud white apron made their appear
ance in the doorway.
Full forty pairs Of eyes were bent on
the new teacher, as she walked leisurely TO
the desk, took eff her gloves, unwcund the
fieecy white cloud from around her rosy
face, hung her shawl on nail, and ,heu
came to the stove, saying to Mr.. Braddou,
but looking at the group gathered around
the stove
and these are the scholars, are they z
'Yes, Miss Tsner, and | hope with
great stress on the hcpe) that you will 6ud
them goal scholdrs'
They look as though they might be-
she said with a smile at us all
well, children, don't disappoint your
teacher this winter. She expects great
thing Of you and wishing good morning
to her, lie bowed himself out
Immediately she took the school bell,
and going to the door, rang it loudly, call
ing the scholars in and school to order.
We bad little time to say anything, but
there was much head shaking and many
contradictory looks, as we went to our seats
in sbufilpg, disagreeable way, wondering
what next would be done.
We expected an introductory lecture,
such as our teachers had always opened
school with but, without one word, she
went to her satchel, took out small pee
kct Bible (our school-bouse did not contain
such book as thaD, opened il, and began
10 read, in a clear, sweet voice, about the
infant Jesus.
1t was an unheard. Of proceeding, and t
kept every one of us perfectly still till the
chapter was through, when, to astonish us
still more, she asked all Of us who were
willing, to fold our hands while sho asked
@ DDS blessing.
10 spite Of ourselves, every scholar, from
Old to young, clasped their hands together
in an attitude Of prayer, while our teacher,
with bowed head and low, sweet voice, re.
cited the Lord's prayer. l am afraid We
forgot the port of the words, we were
all so intent in watching her; but the ex-
ample was the same. All day long we
watched her, and did as we were bid,
aud when night came, the younger scho-
lars, boys aud girls, went bame shouting
and laughing, tossing up their bats and
baskets; f.r the schoc-teacher had burned
up ali the sticks and rods that day, aud
how could she wAip them hereafter?
we will be careful and not need any
whipping said little peaco-maker Allie.
Bat We older ones got together 10 com
pare notes aud resolve what should be the
order Of to. morrow.
but how is any one going TO do any
thiug with such morsel Of humanity as
she j.? growled Charles Simpkins, in any
thing but good humor with himself
she sstoutor, probably, for being small,
snapped Ed. Conger
well, I'd, there is one thing posiiiye.
She is lody, and lady has got u be re-
specte1.' Honest Benny Warwick's face
giowed with admiration.
You're fool, Ben, aud lose your heart
for every pretty face, returned Ed Conger,
Grossly.
Hush, boys, wait day or two longer
urged John Howard I'VE can't tell aoything
about Miss Tanner yet
And so, as John was the leader in all
this, everything went on quietly for a
week or two, when one day one Of the BOYS
wanting some question answered, stepped
up to tho teacher, when she was near the
stove, and called her attention 10 what be
wanted, dropped handful Of red pepper
on the stove
Some Of the scholars knew what was
coming, and suxiously watched Der. l
think she greW a shade pAler for a moment;
Tor she was we'll aware Of the reputation Of
the school then, conquering her fears, she
said, cheerfully:
Edward, think you must have iuten.
tionally dropped this pepper on the stove
just now
NO l didn't, he exclaimed, angrily.
Pardon me, Edward, she answered, q
ought TO have known that you would never
have done such thing Il was said 20
kindly; and then she took the broom and
brushed it all away before any Of US began