Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1878-07-16

to the office, asked her "how she came 10
know SO many people" But his sister
smiled and kept her secret. One day an
answer came which pleased her, for she
rode into town and talked q long time
with dealer in real estate, and in less
than a week wealthy man came out and
made MIR. Moss an offer for Bush Cottage.
He wished TO fit il up as q summer resi-
dence for his only son. The price WAS
agreed upon and the debt cancelled but
the Moss family were homeless.
at will not be long now" said Berry,
"before we have a better one, and father
strong and we'll once more. We will go
West. and give the boys fair chance
Then Berry read letter she had from an
old neighbor, who had found a place near
! his own in Michigan. ard would be only
too glad TO see Mr.. Moss once more.
But your college. Berry 7' said her
father, anxiously.
"Yes, pa, the college. l know the
class have graduated without me; but
God has colleges OF many kinds, and |
may graduate YETI
Dear child" said her father, teuderly,
lyon deserve a diploma for your unself-
| ishness."
The spot in Berry's heart was very sore
yet concerning the diploma but no one
knew it, as she passed her hand caress-
ingly through her fathers hair. and said {:
"Only think, papa. am so young yet.
there is time enough after you are on
your feet again"
The new home in Michigan proved to
be the very thing they required-a good.
small farm. not too far from town, and in
good ueighborhood.
/ The house was large enough for com
/ fort. and the outbuldngs were in good
order.
As soon as the family were we'll settled.
Berry began hor own work. She built
neat and comfortable schoolhouse with
her own money, and sent out her printed
circulars far and near. Her old teachers
could not say enough in her praise, and
ner new friends soon loved and respected
her. "Rexford Academy" became SO pop
ulsr that an addition was soon necessary,
and other teachers required. Baberry
never forgot her old friends, and two OF
her classmates were glad to come and
share her labors.
This is not "A school belonging to one
system or another she said to her
friends. 81 have plans OF my own to
carry out. The boys and girls must not
be crammed with knowledge of the past,
without any preparation for the active
present.
Just outside OF her school building she
added Two more rooms-one fitted with
workmen's tools, the other with indus
trial appliances for girls. Every day the
pupils spent their mornings in the school
room and every afternoon they worked
each in some particular department,
suited to the particular taste of the pupil.
The boys made plain chairs at first, under
the direction OF an experienced workman
then carving was introduced. and both
sexes Joined in ii. The girls painted ta-
be-tops or panels, bedsteads or bureaus,
as they were needed, and almost before
the family knew it Moss Il Co.'s furniture
factory was doing business the like OF
which the little town never dreamed Of.
Poor workmen could never be employed
| by Miss Moss as teachers, either in her
workshops or schoolroom. Farming was
under her fathers care. "Ephie" super
intended the factory, a stout young ma
chinist taught the boys the mysteries OF
his craft, and the girls 10 Rexford became
not only famous housekeepers. but ex-
cellent scholars and artists.
One year, during the long vacation.
Bsberry went abroad, taking Stephen,
the youngest with her. When she re-
turned, it was not alone, for sweet
voiced German girl came with her, TO
teach the little ones The beauty and soul
growth of the kindergarten. Stevie re-
manned to study, while the sister worked
on.
ave can never reach the best OF chill
dren unless we take them as babies.
said Baberry land l cannot rest satisfied
with finishing over q beautiful house on
poor foundation" Then the little
ones were happy and Rexford grew
more popular than ever.
Berry" said MIR. Moss one evening,
when the children were snug in bed and
the father and daughter were sitting on
their piazza for little coZiness before
bedtime, 'you are rich girl now.
Hadn't you better leave the rest OF US to
work out your plans, and 60 away for q
good rest, or try for that diploma you
turned your back on3"
81 could never be satisfied with one,
father" said Berry, laughing. 81 feel
now as if had earned Dozen"
True said Ephraim, who was CON-
ing up the steps, land every one has q
different seal, which man cannot make.
Berry held out her hand. Another
design P' asked she. why, Ephie,
these Youngsters of ours do wonders. :"