The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1873-06-24

1t all went off nicely the luncheon
was charming; the bishop affable, the
clergy in full attendance. Only one dis.
appointment occurred.
Our singing in church was not up to
the mark. Mrs. Henrys voice was not
heard once during the service and at
luncheon some of the visitors noticed the
omission,
Have you lost your lovely contrallo,
Mrs. Ambrose, inquired the rural dean !;
i did not hear her today
'Oh, no, our mistress is still with us. |
don't know why she did not sing; per-
haps she has cold replied Mrs. Am
brosc.
Then the conversation driited into cd
ucationa channels, aud Mrs. Henry was
forgotten.
But knew that she had not a cold. |
had heard her singing magnGceptly, as [
passed the church when the choir were
practicing an hour before service, aud her
silence puzzled me.
Presently the bishops courteous voice
was heard saying i hear your school is
doing remarkably WELL Mrs, Ambrose ;
will you take me to see it presently o.
Certainly, my lord
And as soon as the general gathering
had dispersed, Mr. and Mrs. Ambrose
and myself accompanied the bishop to the
school-house. Neither the chaplain nor
the rural dean came with us, for which
we were afterwards thankful | entered
with the vicar, the bishop having lingcr-
ed a moment at the door with Mrs. Am.
brose to admire the view of the Southsire
Wolds, with the sea glittering beyond
them in the distance.
Here is the bishop come 20 see the
school, Mrs. Henry said the vicar bland.
ly.
As he spoke, he glanced round the
room, to see that all was in order. I,uoi
thinking Of the school was looking al
Mrs. Henry, She flushed crimson, and
then turned white to the lips. With a
hasty movement, she passed round to the
other side Of the great black board on
which she had been drawing map aud
the strange thought came into my head
is she trying to conceal herself?'
But the bishop was in the school By
this time, and the children stood at at.
tention, and stared at his apron and silk
stockings with wound -ayod o~,~---- a.
lie turned to the mistress with civi
little speech of congratulation. Half.hid
den behind the board, she swept cour
tesy. but did not raise her eyes and the
lower part Of her face was covered, as il
accidently, by her handkerchief. His
lordship walked about among the child
rem, and the Ambroses were delighted
but ever as he moved, Mrs Henry KEEP
behind him.
Would you like to hear them sing, my
lord p inquired Mrs. Ambrose cheerfully
What could the bishop do but say thai
he should like it?
"A short song, please Mrs. Henry sal,
the vicar, as he ranged up to the fireplace
where the bishop stood with his hand
behind him.
Mrs. Henry still on the other side o
the great black board, made sign to tn
children, who put their hands behin'
them Hers were quiet as usual, bu
they were trembling The song began
only some common school melody, but j
startled the bishop.
God bless mer he cried hufriedly
stepping forward and looking round tn
black board.
Mrs. Henry had not sung ten note:
Once started, the children went on b
themselves, and her voice was silent bu
the bishop had heard enough
Straight round the black board he wer
with long eager strides, and in ahothe
minute he had his hands on Mrs Henry
shoulders, forcing her to look up.
Il knew it, he said emphatically,wh
Mrs. Ambrose and | and tn, vicar stare'
and the children sang on noisily,
He was holding her hand in both {
his now, as if he never meant to let it {
again.
My lord, you forget" said she, ,ryir
to escape.
Hester Murray, l remember i" was a
he said, but her eyes sank, and the col
came flushing over her face. Notwit
standing the quaint cap and hideous gov
she looked beautiful then.
Mr.. Ambrose came to his senses frs
and covered the situation. Luckily Il
I children had not heard word,
' My lord, should like to have yo
opinion on enlarging the school, "
think of throwing out classroom ov
q there
+. And he pointed vaguely to the 9th
end, while all the children turned thu
heads in the direction indicated, and Ike
them there while the vicar talked on
three minutes about alterations Of viii
| had never before heard word n
c have since.
n All replied the bishop in compos
e voice, if You want more accommodation.
will be best gained there, How does
,r look outside :?
Is And, followed by Mr.. Ambrose,
ii went through the door, and ventnrcd
n look at Mrs Henry.
G. She was standing in her place, Il
10 making the children form classes as
d nothing had happened, Her face betray
no sign of emotion ; aud when took NJ
nr Ambrose's arm and wished her good
ot ternoon, she replied in her usual vol
q. the little scene We had witnessed mil
to have been dream for all traces it
tn behind. got Mrs. Ambrose out, q
n. was thankful that the door closed beh
70 us before she made remark.
on My dear, what does it mean?'
n. whispered ncrvously, as we stood in
yard.
'e, Never mind only don't talk about
no | replied in the same voice for the b
&C. op and the vicar were coming round
hit corner.
rs i think you dine at seven, Mr., 4
hrosa Q, sail his lordshin earanolv