Morris tribune., 1882-01-05
ONLY A SCHOOL-TEACHER.

particular as to the set of her dresses.
Moreover there was good deal of the aris-
tocratic element in Miss Vernon's nature,
considerably more than was exactly fitting
for daughter of the Republic and she was
perpetually endeavoring to inculcate the
same into her brother, and his handsome
college mate, Henry Leslie.
well, what then?" demanded Bob Ver-
non. stoutly. She is as pretty as-I don't
know what she isn't as pretty as! A little
wlld-hower-a violet just openings tiny
white rosebud, that's what she's like"
upon my world" cried Rosa, sarcastic
ally. bob growing romantic! What are
we to expect nextp"
The subject is an inspiring one, Miss
Vernon" said Harry Leslie, dryly.
docs she get one or ten dollars week."
demanded Rosa, with a supercilious toss of
her head, and does she board around?"
She boards at Squire Macpherson's,
saio Harry. and as for the salary, can't
tell you, but if you choose, I'll make in
quirles."
And I'm gning round to the squires this
very evening, said Bob, "te get introduced
to Miss Markham-Mary Markham-isn't it
q sweet name?"
"Bob!" calculated his Mortified sister,
would you so far compromise our social
position as to"
Compromise fiddlestick!"
But, Bob, Tolo, OF all tunes in the world,
just when Major Taliaferre and his family
wants to retain foremost place in So
ciety."
Hang Major Taliaferre and his familvl
How are they any better than Squire Mac
Phersons, and the dear little dove-eyed
school maam?"
They are very wealthy and aristocratic,
Bob, and they have travelled in Europe,
and there's the majors niece, who will in
herit all the money, end"
"Oh, is that all? I really can't see the
occasion for falling down and worshiping
Major Taliaferre on any of the scores you
have mentioned. If his majorship should
excommunicate me on account of the Mark
hams, must submit to the dreadful decree,
and become an outcast, but until then I
shall take the liberty of doing precisely as
please. Come, Harry"
Then you are actually going to Squire
MacpherSons, place where nobody WIS.,
its?"
"Yes, actually and TRULY
Rosa's lip curved, but she chose to haz-
Grd no further remonstrapce.
She was in the village drugstore, one at
ternoon, few days subseq 1ently, choosing
s book from among the -thumbed cir
culating library, when Squire Macpherson's
rickety old family sarryGu drove up, and o
young lady alighted.
Rosa turned and glanced at her with sort
of languid, insolent curiosity. as If ut some
rarG GriS whom fortune had thrown in her
way.
SO that is Mable Markham who teaches
the district schools" she thought contempt.
uousiy
Miss Markham was slight, aud fair, and
delicate, with big blue eyes, which looked
at you with the soft, wondering innocence
of a child. skin smooth and pink rs an OLE
ander petal, and profuslon of fair, glossy
curls ripping like q golden cataract over
her shoulders,
Her dress was very plain-a dark brown
bingham, with collar and cuffs of the most
spotless linen. u bow OF blue ribbon at he,
throat, and bonnet of fine straw, trimmed
with blue ribbon also.
You could buy it all for five dollars
thought Rosa. scornfully, as she gave hel
own green and gold changeable silk rustic
and glanced at the broad gold bracelets that
she wore.
Why. Mabel, my darling, is it you?"'
Mrs. Wylie had entered at that mo-
ment
Mrs. Wylie was the rector's wife, g
puSilluRI SS0ltk liIllS I4ttIOI, III ADIES CT SO,
and VAS hugging and kissing Mabel Mark
lam with eA1preSSement.
NOW very fortunate that I should have
met you here, my dear, and how well YOU
look! All, teaching agrees with you, I see
And how is your sick friend, Miss Clare,
mont?"
"She is better, Mrs. Wylie."
SIS she? I am sure I am delighted tt
hear it, for"
Here the chipping little lady broke of
abruptly, foc she had Just caught sight O
Rosa, still glancing over the worn backs O.
the well-read volumes, and yawning behint
her French kid-gloTed hands.
She ran up to her at once.
Rose Vernon, you here, too? Why. yo1
are the very person wanted too see! Com
aud Let NE Introduce you to my friend
Miss Markham?"
She laid her hand lightly on Rosa's arm
Ts she spoke, but Miss Vernon drew back
3 little haughtily.
Excuse me, Mrs, WYl1e, but have ne
anxiety to become acquainted with schoo
teacher"
Airs. Wylie looked bewildered.
But, my dear, you do not understand
that"
AZ do understand all that care to, Mrs
Wylie-you will please excuse me from the
introduction"
As she drew coldly back she saw with in
ternal satisfaction that Miss Markham from
her position at the counter beyond ha6
doubtless heard the whole conversation
For the crimson current had overspread The
oval cheek turned toward them, and Mable!
head dropped an Instant.
'Oh, deari" cried Mrs. Wylie, in eviden
CONSERVATION, Il do hope she hasn't heart
us!-
st is quite matter of Indifference to me
whether she has or not!" said Rosa. Ssh
is only school teacher"
Mrs. Wylie turned away, hurt and dis
appointed, and Rosa swept out of the store
Mable. dearest you won't mind petg-
liant childs ill-bred crittcism?" she pleaded
coming close to Miss Markham, and pos
sessing herself of one slender hand.
mo, Mrs. Wylie."
And you will come home to tea will
me?"
But Mabel declined-she had pressing
engagement, she said. Whether that en-
gagement had anything to do with Mr.. Boil
Vernon We don't pretend to say, but Ger.
tain it was that she walked in the moon
light with him that night, under the pop
lars in front Of the gray old Mcpherson
mansion, until the village town clo3l
Ehimed eleveni
And the next morning Bob proclaimed Il
the astonished ears of the family group
gathered around the breakfast table, that
he was engaged
Bob! Engaged And to whom!"
aTo Miss Mable Markham"
Rosa uttered little breathless scream OF
dismay.
@To Mable Markham! Oh, Bob, you
reckless, imprudent fellow-just when Ma.
jor Taliaferro's neice was coming to reside
in the place, and they say she is lovely!
She cannot be more lovely than my Ma.
bel, and do not choose to submit to the
imputation of being fortune-h hunter.
am able to earn my own living and m.
xrifo,n tna Y..r rriil coll or, nv Gnncno