Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1873-07-22

Two months later her majesty's in
spector came 10 examine our school and
to his astonishment and our glorification,
every child presented passed triumphant
". We had reckoned on eighty per
cent. we got hundred. But trouble
was coming upon US, and our triumph
was short.ived. One day Mrs. Henry
came to the vicar. and gave notice that
she must leave in three months. In vain
ne en!rcatcd her to stay; offered to raise
her salary; to do anything, in short, if
he would only remain. But she merely
smiled and adhered to her determination.
They told me almost with tears in their
eyes, and | said: "It's all tho bishop"
At which thoy laughed; but | knew
was right. I had seen if they hadn't,
that change had come over our mistress
since the visitation. She was happier.
more at rest the look of strained weari-
ness. so habtual to her face before, was
gone now, and little smiles used 10 come
ripping over the lips that once were set
so firm.
was very sorry to lose her; but | WAS
sure she was going to be happier away
from st. Brdget's. And the evening be.
lore she left us. when went 10 say good
bye, she took hold of my hand and kissed
it, and told me all her story.
Her real name wa, Mrs. Henry Champ
neys. Her husband, captain in the -th
regiment. had been killed by accident in
the hunting field. thus the price of his
commission was lost. and she found
heavy debts. OF which she had known
nothing at all-ready to swallow up the
little money they had left. Her own
settlement of II hundred year was all
she had to depend upon. and there were
two childrsn-bright handsome boys-.to
educate and provide for. So she put
them 10 school, and went into training
for certificate got it without difficulty.
and came TO ST. Bridget's.
"And | had to save every penny. and
be very careful, or the dear boys would
have suffered" she said; "for | wanted
to provide for the future 1t was very
bard work and very lonely. I used TO
write stories in the evening, and some
times the magazines would take them,
sometimes not; but it was my only
chance of getting more money"
MY dear, my poor dear, how could
you do it all? ?" cried, while the tears
ran down my face.
ut was not so very bad. as | had not
been used to a very happy life."
l didn't know anything about Captain
Champncys; but was sure he was
brute after that little speech.
But now are you going to be happy"
/ asked.
"Yes, | hope so,' she whispered.
putting her arms round my neck. "l
knew him years ago before was
married. and-and--he says no never
forgot me-"
"Of course not. How could he ?" l
r,plied. and kissed her again.
When | am gone. and it is over, q
will send you u newspaper,) will you
tell Mr. and Mrs. Ambrose all about it
they have been so kind"
| promised TO do what she wished, and
with another kiss on her little face. and
glance at the shabby dress and quaint
cap which | should never see again. |
went home. and the noxt day she was
gone.
In TOUR days Times arrived by post.
The following was marked:
"On the 23d, ut St. Johns Church,
George street. the Bishop of Southshire.
to Hester, widow of the late Captain
Champneys."
Itook it up to the vicarage. aud said:
al told you it was all the bishop"
What do you mean. Mrs. Acton. eh f?
Our bishop married Who is she, |
wonderPn
"She waS Mrs. Henry" replied.
calmly.
''Who ?" cried the vicar.
Mrs. Henry, our school mistress
And then | gave her message, and
told them all about it.
Mind. we must say nothing" said
Mr.. Ambrose. 1t is their secret. not
ours
To which we assented, and therefore
it is that no one has known the rights OF
the story till now. though 1t happened
full six months ago.