Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1878-05-03
Little Bunch,

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her real name was Marion. 1 suppose
some one gave her the name because she
was so short and fat. She was scarcely
four years old, and 1 would not have al
lowed her in the school if she had been
much trouble. She really was little
bunch of goodness and smiles. Her
mother was a very hard working woman,
and was glad enough to pay fourteen
cents per week to have her little girl
taken care of every morning, even if she
did not learn much.
taught her the letters, but that was
about all. She had been in the habit
of taking a nap every day, and I noticed
each morning, about half past ten, her
eyes would begin to grow heavy and her
head would bob about, and one day she
sorry for her, and, taking some shawls
and rolling them for a pillow, 1 would
place her near me on q small settee and
she would sleep, sometimes an hour.
She was very pretty, and the scholars
called her "Beauty Bunch" and
"Sleepy Bunch" and she answered to
both loving little names.
One day after had put her to bed,
she seemed very restless and almost
ready to cry.
"What is the trouble, Bunch ?" ask
ed.
"I's so lonely. I do wish I had my
dolly" said she. "Mamma always
dives it to me when 1 have nap."
The children began to laugh at this,
but shaking my head at them, told
her not to cry and I would make her
one. So pinned up handkerchief for
a white face and put shawl about it
for dress, just as I had remembered
seeing my mother do, and taking it to
her, said
"Little Bunch, here is nice dolly"
She opened her eyes wide and looking
at it steadily said:
"Bunch doesn't want it. 'Tisn't
pretty bit"
! I thought for moment what I could
do to get my baby asleep, and then cut
from some paper an animal and said:
"Well, here is little rabbit that
wants to be cuddled to Sleep"
knew she was fond of rabbits and
thought she would be pleased but,
looking very much astonished she said:
"That rabbit! He isn't white, and
he looks awful hungwy."
A happy idea struck me /; 1 had some
small white beans which I used to teach
the little ones to count with, and taking
handful said:
ct think he is hungry; and YOU are
such kind little girl I am sure you will
feed these to Bunny, and then you can
both go to Sleep"
The dear little girl said:
"Well, dess 1 will. rs sorry for
him."
Soon she was fast asleep with the
brown Bunny close by her neck. It
was sweet little picture, and was glad
I had made her happy.
I returned to my lessons, but in less
than half an hour we were startled by a
little scream from Bunch, who, with a
frigh tened look, cried out
81 don't want Bunny. He spit in
my eyes,"
"Spit in your eyes. Why, my little
girl, you know better. It's only paper -
[ replied.
"But he did, and want him put on
your desk"
I placed Bunny on the desk and won
dered if the child had been dreaming,
or if she was going to be sick. Scarcely
had turned my back when she called
again:
go, do come twick and see what is on
my cheek p
/ hurried to the child and sure enough,
stuck fast on her fat rosy cheek was a
large spitball. L took it off and quoted
her. Then, turning to the scholars, |
asked each one separately if they had
thrown it ; every one said "no." Oh
course [ knew some one had told a lie,
aud 1 tried to think how to find out the
guilty one.
Ny class had increased to thirteen,
but only three of the number were boys.
One was very quiet; the other two had
to be watched pretty closely. Both
had been taken from the village school
and were boarding near to attend my
school. Edgar on account of i'll health
Henry, a year younger, our ministers
son, was sent here because so much
complaint was made of him at the pub
lie school. He was good-natured
bright boy, but brim full of mischief,
was very fond of him however.
Now, as Edgar ibid not like to study
and Henry was full of play, I made UT
my mind it was one of the two who had.
disturbed little Bunch with the spitbal
I said nothing more about it that day.
The next I went out at recess, as was
often my custom, to have good time
with the children.
4 They were having grand time coast
| ing. Henry did not see me immediate
? ly, but Edgar came to me and said
: "Have ride with me first, Mis-
c Dolly"
81 shall be happy to, if you told MI
t the truth yesterday" said I, watching
, him closely.
Q His eyes quickly filled with tears as h,
s answered honestly:
4 81 did, every word. Please don
: ask me any more ?"
: "No, 1 prefer every one to speak TO
themselves. 1 will ride with YOU"
4 Down we went at fine speed. Whel
1 we reached the top of the hill Henri,
r was waiting, as I had expected, his fac,
/ all aglow.
s "My turn nextp cried he. CIV,
9 the best sled OF the lot; beats 'em ever,
g time |"
4 Looking at him, I said very quietly
: "Harry, do you suppose would lik,
= to ride with boy who would tell me
: lie2"
9 He dropped his head and turned yer,
/ red in the face, then looked at me agaii
r as if determined to deny it but befor,
= he had chance, said "Think befor,
s you speak"
: He did think and, taking off his cap
: said manfully: "Miss Reed, you looked
e the truth right out of me. did throw