Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1879-11-21
3 glsasaut $targ.
ADELINA.

1880
clear Tuesday morning-that | diaconso-
lately wendell my way 10 school, wishing
that holidays came oftener and stayed longer,
and regretting that out of fifty-two there was
only one week of uninterrupted pleasure.
The old school house stood at the juno
ton Of three roads, and a. raised the little
hill just before reaching II, saw, coming
from the opposite direction, little black
clad figure that looked like moving blot on
the unbroken whiteness of the snow-covered
landscape.
never could tell what actuated me TO
linger on her movements as did, or why
she so strongly attracted me, but from the
first think must have loved the child,
even before l was old enough TO slightly
understArd tho meaning Of The word.
We reached the worn, old doorstep to-
gether, and, being boy, not at oil afraid to
speak TO any one, much less timId little
girl, very coolly asked her II this was her
first day at school.
"Yes. and dread Il so much.'
1t was the sweetest voice had ever heard
or have ever heard since. The peculiar rising
infection on the last word was like the short,
clear, low notes of bird, and as purely
natural
"Do you come every dayY'
"Havn't missed day this winter"
"Oh, am 80 glad
"Why are you so gladY"
Because you are good boy. Won't
you please tell me your manner"
Edward Dumnd"
II like the name" she said, sweetly, and
boy as was, wondered how any mortal
ever came by such an angel smile. All this
time she had been trying 70 unite the round
worsted strings Of her hood. but had only
succeeded In drawing them into harder
knot
won't you please unite II for me, Eddie r.
She held up her little cold chin, and with
out a moments hesitation bent down and
did rs she requested. II was such tender,
confding little iace-who could help loving
itY Ipatted encouragingly the rose-red cheek
turned toward me in gentle truthfulness. and
babe her not be afraid, for she had Is good
right 10 come TO school rs any one.
"Hallol where did that little black bird
come from Y" cried kind-hearted Ben Phil
fps, as we entered. "Come along, little
girl, and get warm, for you look half frozen"
A general tittering and nudging followed
Ben's energetic seating Of the new scholar.
and one saucy little mink, not understand
ing It's significance, asked pertly;
"What are you looking 80 like crow for 7
hate black dress"
"Hush r. reproved an older girl, who over
heard the remark. Flush, Sue; don't you
see she in mourningr
The voice that 40 charmed me In the en-
try answered the question 10 strangely
quiet way.
my father Is dead r.
A hush Of death fell upon the noisy group
gathered around the old crscked stove. The
unwonted silence was broken by the en-
trance Of the teacher. who Immediately
raped Us 10 order. after which he briskly
called up the new scholar.
"what Is your namef'
aAdelina."
Mr.. Pike looked wise.
"Adelina Lagrange, ! suppose and you
are the daughter Of the lady who has re-
Gently taken the Baldwin cottagcf"
ayes, sir"
"weil, you may take this scat" pointing
10 bench not Gar from where was sitting,
and without further questioning AdeIina
had passed through the trying ordeal Of Q
'frst day" and was duly counted one Of rs.
Her mother, IL was rumorsd, was . lady
Of refinement and culture, but very proud
and reserved In her demeanor Cor q person
who h Obliged 10 teach music for Q living.
Mrs Lagrange, Of any rate, was young.
handsome. and recently widowed-as least
the length and newness Of her veil indi-
Gated 10 observing feminine eyes that the
bereavement was recent. and tina, Is oil the
gossips knew about her.
The summer term brought Adelina again
70 the old red school house. but 10 changed
ouswardiy tina, we hardly knew her for the
sober -blackblrd" Of the previous winter.
She nutiered In one morning dressed In
white. with sash and shoulder-knois of
cherry ribbon--the loyliest creature ! ever
saw.
Al noon she came 10 me and said, very
gnvely: