Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1873-07-22
PARIS MAINE, TUESDAY, JULY %, 1873.

nasty mOhtiiSnI, sIc 1toSeu lOuuu W tiic
other side OF the great black board on
which she had been drawing map, and
the strange thought came into my head
as she trying to conceal herself?"
But the bishop was in the school by his
time. and the children stood all attention.
and stared at his apron and silk stockings
with round eyed amazement. He turned
to the mistress with civil little speech
Of congralulalion. Hall-hidden behind
the board she swept courtesy. but did
not raise her eyes; and the lower part Of
her lace was covered. rs if accidentally.
by her handkerchief. lis lordship
walked about among the children, and
the Ambroses were delighted; but ever
as he moved. Mrs. Henry kept behind
him.
Would you like 10 hear them sing my
lord ?" inquired Mrs. Ambrose cheeriully.
What could the bishop do but say that
he should like it.
"A short s,ng, please. Mrs. Henry"
said the vicar, as he ranged up 10 the
fireplace, where the bishop stood with his
hands behind him.
Mrs. Henry, still on the other side OF
the great black board, made sign 10 the
children 10 put their hands behind them.
Hers were quiet rs usual. but they were
trembling. The song began; only some
common school melody. but il started the
bishop.
God bless me i'' he cried hurriedly,
stepping forward. and looking round the
black board.
Mrs. Henry had not sung ten notes.
Once started. the children. went on by
themselves. and her voice was silent /;
but the bishop had heard enough
Straight round the blackboard he went
with long eager stlides, and in another
minute he had his hands on Mrs. Henry's
shoulders. forcing her TO look up.
al knew it," he said emphatioally while
Mrs. Ambrose and and the vicar stared,
and the children sang on noisily.
He WAS holding her hand in both of his
now. rs if he never meant to lot il 90
again.
My lord, you iorgot2 ?" she said. trying
To escape.
Hester Murray, remember :" was
all Ire said, bat her eyes sank, and tho
color came flushing over her face. Not
withslanding the quaint cap and hideous
gown. she looked beautiful then.
Mr.. Ambrose came TO his senses first.
and covered the situation. Luckily tho
had not heard a word.
My lord, should like TO have your
opinion on enlarging The school. We
think of throwing out class room over
there"
And he pointed vaguely TO the other
end. while all the children turned their
heads in the direction indicated, and
kept them there while the vicar talked on
for three minutes about alterations of
which | had never before heard word
nor have since.
"Ah." replied the bishop in II COM
posed voice, iii you want more accom-
moiation, it will be best gained there.
How does it look outside? ?"
And, followed by Mr.. Ambrose, he
went through the door. and ! vcntured
TO look ut Mrs. Henry.
She was standing in her place, and
making the children form classes as if
nothing had happened. Her face betray-
cd no sign OF emotion; and when took
Mrs. Ambross's arm and wished her good
afternoon, she replied in her usual voice.
The little scene we had witnessed might
hsve been dream for all traces it left
behind. got Mrs. Ambrose out, and
was thankful that the door closed behind
us before she made q remark.
''My dear. what does il mesn?" she
nervously. as we stood in the
yard.
Never mind; only don't talk about
it," | replied in the same voice; for the
bishop and the vicar were coming round
the corner
Il think you dine at seven, Mr.. Am.
brose ?" said his lordship serenely.
"Yos, my lord"
Then will take little stroll. have
hardly had enough walking to-day. and
| should like 10 see little Of your bcauli.
full neighborhood."
Without another word he marched
away down The hill. and a few minutes
later we saw his shovel hat going along
the field pathway to The river.
We three went home in silence; but rs
we parted at the vicarage gate, MIR. Am.
brose said: 1--WE always knew that she
was a lady"
80. my dear Justin, | had forgotten
that" exclaimed his wife, in relieved
tone. Then you don't think it anything
Improper
Heaven knows what terrible things the
poor lady had been imagining during our
silent walk; but the wears ringing laugh
swept them NIL away.
Improper! No. It's all right. oi
course only its no business of ours"
That ,ra. nniia frnn. hnt neYcl lheless