South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1878-05-03
Bessie and Deacon Fox.
Hor to Mike q Real Nice Apology.

peered round tho side Of his old buggy.
On the road stood q little girl, the top
OF her head about even with the wheel
Of the deacon's carriage, and by her side
was big basket, iruch too heavy for
her little arms.
What's all this. what's oil this?''
cried The deacon, sharply. "What are
you stopping me 90 the road for, eha"
III thought perhaps you would give me
ride" said the littic girl, looking rath-
er frightened. 1--WE are both going tho
same way. and mybasket. is awful hea.
w; just lit it and seeR
The deacon stared. ,i9s mr.
May get in ?.,s she coutinusd. scram-
blpg up, basket and all. and taking the !
empty seat beside him.
And never q word did the deacon
say Out ne gave old Dobbin, who had
been plpcidly switching the flies off
with his tail. such q sharp touch Of the
whip that away they went rafting a
long the road. and almost bouncing out
OF the carriage. Then the deacon turn
ed and looked at his little companion,
beginning with the pink sun bonnet, and
conhding blue eyes beneath, and end.
ing with the little dusty boots that were
resting on the lid of the basket.
Hum y said the deacon, "are You
one Of the school chldrenp"
Yes. said Blue eyes, looking up, 81
am Bessie Bly,. Don't you remember
missed In the multiplication table when
you examined us? But l knew it; it
was only because you hurried me so.'
"Well, well, WE'LL" said the deacon,
things have come to q pretty pass"
and he shook his head sadly. 81 won.
der what this generation will be up to
next"
You see the deacon had no little
girls or boys Of his own. and the school
Children generally crossed the road
when they saw him coming, for they
all felt an awesome dread of Mr.. Fox.
1t was he who examined them at the end
OF school. 1t was he who punished the
naughty boys. and reprimanded the
naughty girls; and it was he who all
ways asked them such terrible quest
ions when he came TO cal, upon their
mamas. so it was strange sight to
see the old deacon, with his keen eyes
twinkling beneath his bushy eyebrows
ant his stern, hard face. driving. in his
old buggy, with one Of the school chill
dren, and q market basket by his side.
ihey drove along some little distance
In silence. and then the deacon felt his
sleeve pulled by gentle aud rather tim
id fingers. lie looked down and two
large blue eyes met his.
Are you cross" said Bessie, zoos
asked for a rider
Tut, tut, child" said the deacon.
Then il You amt, why don't YOU
talk to meT continued Bessie, and ask
me who discovered America? You all
ways ask us that
Then it is to be hoped you know by
this time" said the deacon. "Do you ,
so 20 Sunday school, child?"
''Oh, yes" said Bessie, folding her
hands and crossing her thumbs as |
though she were about to repeat lesson. |
What do you learn there?" asked the
deacon.
81 learn TO do unto others as wonld |
they should do unto me- replied Bes-
sic, glibly, and to. love my neighbor as
myself"
$50 you learn all that" said the dea
con. We'll. that's something and who
s your neighbor? Does he 90 black Der.
'ying with your"
"Oh, yes" said Bessie, laughing, but
hen lie is my real next door neighbor,
you know. 1t don't mean am to love
lin. for. OF Course, should do that. but
{ means | am to love everybody. Ev-
IN you"
WELL said the deacon, looking down
1t her, show are you going to manage
about thai?'
why, must love you, Of course"
'aid Bessie. do you mind very
nuch?"
I'VE must do as the Sunday school
'ays." replied the deacon, then he laugh
ut , though what there was 20 laugh at
Bessie couldn't for the life of her think.
On they went, old Dobbin. Bessie
md the deacon, now up hill, and now
Town, till they came 10 tiny cottage
tanding under the shadow Of big hill.
Heres where ] hye," said Bessie,
'riSkly, land there's where you live.
sn't IL convenient" and she kissed
lcr hand 10 the deacon and skipped
Town. He handed her the ba sl<et, and /
Jessie opening the gate and calling ont.
good by walked up the little path
hat led to the cottage door.
VII Jue SJep sat 10Y, llJJle Digger
ban Bessie, whistlinG to himself.
Turn around" he said TO her as she
rev near. Il want 10 look at your
wings"
Wings" repeated Bessie, her eyes
giid with amazement.
Yes, wings. Haven't you been rid.
ny With the deacon? | expected no ,
ess'
81 have had a very pleasant ride" ,
aid Bessie with dignity, and she passed
Icr brother and entered the house. 4
well Bessie" said her mother who,
With teakettle in hand. was making the !
en-, Il am glad TO see you back.
ave been thinking Of you all the after ,
loon, walking so far with the heavy i
'asket; sit down, child, and rest"
But before Bessie could answer Aunt