Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1873-07-17

hands behind him.
Mrs. Henry, still on the other side OF
the great blackboard, made a sign to the
children, who put their hands behind
them. Hers were quiet as usual, but they
were trembling. The song began; only
some common school melody, but it start
led the Bishop.
"God bless me!' he cried, stepping
| forward, and looking round to the black
| board. 8.'t e3J9y
Mrs Henry had not sung ten no es.
Once started, the children went on by
themselves, and her voice was silent; but
| the Bishop had heard enough.
|, Straight round the BLACK board he went
lWith long, eager strides, and in another
miiiate he had his hands on Mrs. Henrv's
shoulders, forcing her to look up
II knew it," he said alphabetically
while Mrs. Ambrose and | and the Vicar
stared, and the children sang on noisily.
He was holding her, hand in both OF
his now, as if he never meant to let it GO
again.
my lord, you forgetr' she said, trying
to escape.
chester Murray, I remena5er!" was all he
sale, but her eyes.-sanla,s and the color
came. flushing over 2her& face. SNotwith.
standing the quaint cap and hideous
gown, she looked beautiful then.
Mr.. Ambrose came to his senses first,
and covered the situation. Luckily, the
children had not heard a word
"My lord, I should like to have your
opinion on charging the school. We
think of throwing out a classroom over
there
And he pointed vaguely to the other
end, while all the children turned their
heads in the directions 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 a composed
voice, ifyou want more accommodation,
it will be best gained there. How does it
look outsider"
And, followed by Mr.. Ambrose, he went
through the door, and | ventured to look
at Mrs Henry.
She was standing in her place, and max
ing the children form classes as if nothing
had happened. Her face betrayed no sign
OF emotion; and when | took Mrs. Am
broses arm and wished her good after
noon, she replied in her usual voice The
little scene we had Witnessed might have
been dream for all traces it left behind.
| got Mrs. Ambrose out, and was thankful
that the door closed behind us before she
made a remark
My dear, what does it mean ~ she
whispered nervously, as we stood in the
yard.
"Never mind; only don't talk about it,
L replied in the same voice; for the Bish-
OPP and the Vicar were coming round the
corner.
Il think you dine at seven, Mr.. Am
broses" said his lordship serenely.
Yes my lord"
"Then l will take little stroll have
hardly had enough walking to-day, and |
should like to see a little more of your
beautiful neighborhood."
Without another word he marched
away down the hill, and few minutes
later we saw his shovel hat going, along
the field pathway to the river : E
j We three went home in silence; but as
we parted at the vicarage gate, Mr. Am
brose said, ave always knew that she was
lady"
80, my dear Justin | had forgotten
that exclaimed his wife, in a relieved
tone Then you don't think It anything
imprOper?" a8
Heaven knows what terrible things the
poor lady had been imagining during our
silent walk; but the Wears ringing laugh
swept them all away
Improper. No. 8 It's AL right, of
course; only it's 20 business OF ours
That was quite true; but nevertheless l
could not help thinking of it all the time
| was having my tea, and while | was
dressing for dinner; for of course | was
going to meet the Bishop. And thought
Of it again later; for as my fly passed the
school-house door, the Bishop, who had
evidently returned from his walk, Twas
coming out of it, and | heard him say;
Il shall see you tomorrow morning, Hes
ter"
Don't; you had better not replied
Mrs. Henry's voice.
''Nosense!" said the Bishop. q.
And I privately believe that he ran all
the way to the ,yicarage; for he was there
before 1 was, and only kept US waiting
five minutes for dinner
CHAPTER "