Hand County press. (Miller, Dakota [S.D.]) 1882-1893, 1882-03-29

HmPSS 10 appear extremely youthful.
Prof. Sterns was enjoying himself
heartily, and never 30 much az looked
her way. "But," thought she, "'tis
because he is fearful lest the girls should
joke him. But they'll hear it to-mor
row, for I shall tell them myself. After
so many years Of waiting, 1 wish to be
the first to spread tho news of my en-.
gagement.
As the clock sounded the half hour
after Q, Miss Woodward skipped youth.
fully out Of the room down into her own
parior, and few moments later Prof.
Stems also left the room, followed by
many anxious eyes until out of sight.
As he entered her room, the principal
gave little shrek of what was meant
to be joy, and rushed into his arms.
"Miss Woodward2" exclaimed the
astonished man, trying to shake her off.
PRAY explain yourself What has
alarmed your"
"Ol Edward, this moment is too
much for mel Can I believe my own
eycs?" still ciinging TO him like grim
death.
Tho professor could scarcely believe
his senses, but, giving her n decided
shove, sat her down on the sofa.
Now, madam, please explain your
self You wished to see me on business,
and here am What is wanted of
me?"
"Why, Edward" very tenderly,
"there is no need for such secrecy
no one is within hearing but ourselves,
and you know, love, you wished an
answer to your note. 1t is here have
loved you from the moment saw you,
and am willing to be your wife. The
sooner, the better !" and once more she
made rush for his coat-collar.
To say that the young fellow was as
tonished is but feeble expression-he
was simply dumbfounded. And the
note !! What could it all mean? But,
having forcibly seated the too,loving
woman again, he said:
Let me see the letter.
With look of great CONSERVATION on
her face, she produced it, and watched
him closely as he read.
Miss Woodward - after reading
slowly from beginning to end, "be!ieve
me, never saw this before"
"What You didn't write it p
shrieked the almost-frantic woman I;
"then who did? Who has dared to
make such n fool of me? Who has
dared do it, say?'
Now if the professor guessed, he said
nothing, but tried to calm the poor
woman, for he pitied her grief and
rage.
But twas in vain In her raving,
she dropped off her beautiful curls, and
that was tho al straw which broke the
camel's back :" she fell 10 the floor in a
swoon. The young man, thinking she
would be better without him, took hi7
leave, and sent one OF the servants to
her assistance then went to his own
apartments to think it over.
That Nettie Cutler was at the bottom
of the mischief, he was certain, and he
suffered some sharp pangs to think she
cared 80 little for his feelings and those
Of her teacher as to do such a thing.
After much meditation on the subject,
the poor fellow took himself to bed with
. heavy heart.
Miss Woodward was, with some diff
Guilty, tucked away for the night, and
her feelings were pitiable indeed. She
meant to be kind to the girls, and to
think they should do such an act (for
by this time she had thought OF some Of
her pupils as the authors) troubled her
greatly. Then. how should she ever
meet that fellow again? But, while
thinking over these things, she gradual.
ly fell asleep and forgot all her woes.
The mischief.makers themselves were
almost as uneasy as their victims. Not
much was said among them, and they
retired early; but none of them rested
well, and Nettie cried herself to sleep.
The next morning. as Nettie was 60
ing down the corridor, who should she
meet but the professor himself going
up. She attempted to pass with SIM
pie "Good-morning." but he stopped.
"Miss Cutler, could scarcely be-
lieve that you would be guilty of such
deed as you performed at Miss Wood
wards and my expense. have lost
respect for you !"
"Oh Professor we've really didn't
mean to do any harm :" sobbed Nettie;
"and we thought yon'd know twas all
in fun I"
eyes It must be remarkably funny
to hurt the feelings Of your principal as
you have DONE" he said, s.ernly, and
passed on.
Nettie stood gazing after him with
fearful eyes. "If we hadn't had those
horrid old picked lines to eat, we should
never have thought of it. Obi he will
never look at me again I wish I was
dead and buried /"
But, bless you he did; he couldn't
help IL. Tho girls went to their princi-
pal, confessed their crime, and were
punished according TO the deed; but
they were not expelled, to their great
relief and Miss Woodward recovered
from her grief and disappointment in
time.