The Worthington advance., 1882-01-05
ONLY A SCHOOL-TEACHER
But she's only sohool-teaoher!" "a

"ossA Jo" GA AAu ICtaA AuCcp 00U WuS Voxy
particular rs to the set of her dresses.
Moreover there was good deal of the aris.
tocratic element III Miss Vernon's nature,
considerably more than was exactly fitting
tor 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 them" demanded Bob Ver-
non. stoutly. She is as pretty as--I don't
know what she isn't as pretty as! A little
wild-fower~-a violet just openings tiny
white rosebud, that's what she's like"
"Upon my word!" cried Rosa, sarcastic
ally: bob growing romantic! What are
We to expect NEXT"
"The subject is an inspiring one, Miss
Vernon" said Harry Leslie, dryly.
"Does she get one or ten dollars a week."
de !nanded Rosa, with q supercilious toss of
her head. "and does she board around?"
She boards at Squire MAcpherson's,
saio Harry, and as for the salary, l can't
tell you, but if you choose, I'll make in
quir,es."
Aud I'm g"ing round to the squire's this
to Miss Markham--M Mary Markham-isn't it
q sweet na,ne?"
'Bob!" ej4culated bis horrified sister.
would you SO far compromise our social
position as to"
Compromise a fiddlestick!"
But, Bob, nOw, of all times in tho world,
just when Major Taliaferre and his family
wants to retain foremost place in So
ciety."
Hang Major Taliaferre and his family!
How are they any better than Squire Mac
phersons. and the dear little dove-eyed
school ma'am?"
They are very wealthy and aristccratio,
Bob. and they have travelled in Europe,
and there's the majors niece, who will in
herlt all the money, and"
"Oh, is that oil? really can't see the
occasion for falling down and worshiping
Major Taliaferre on nny of the scores you
have mentioned. II his majorship should
excomn'unicate me on account of the Mark
bans, l must submit to the dreadful decree,
and become an outcast, but until then
shall take the liberty of doing precisely as
lplease. Come. Harry"
Then you are actually going to Squire
Macpherson's, place where nobody vis-
its?"
ayes. actually and TRULY"
Rosa's lip curved, but she chose to haz-
Rrd no further remonstrance.
She was in the village drugstore, one af-
ternoon, few days subseq iently, choosing
book from among tho well-1humbed cir
culating library, when Squire Macpherson's
rickety old family sarryali urove up, and
young lady alighted.
Rosa turned and glanced at her with sort
OF languid, insolent curiosity. as if at some
rara auts whom fortune had thrown in her
way:
$50 that is Mable Markham who teaches
the district school?" she thought contempt
uously.
Miss Markham was slight, and fair, and
delicate, with big blue eyes, which looked
ut you with the soft, wondeing innocence
Of a child. skin smooth and pink as 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 cnffs of the most
spotless linen. a bow of blue libbon at her
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 her
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 rectors wife, a
bustling, genial little matron, of forty CT SO,
and Vas hugging and kissing Mabel Mark
ham with empressement.
"how very fortunate that should have
met YOU here, my dear, and how we'll vou
look! All, teaching agrees with you, see
And how is your sick friend, Miss Clare
mont?"
'She is better, Mrs. Wylie."
"1s she? am sure I am delighted to
hear it, for"
Here the chirp;ng little lady broke off
abruptly, fot she had just caught sight OF
Rosa, still glarcing over the Eorn backs Of
the weil-rsad volumes, and yawning behind
her French kid-gloved hands
She ran up to her at once.
"Rose Vernon, you here, too? WHY, YOU
are the very person wanted too see! Cons
and let me Introduce you to my friend,
Miss Markham?"
rs she spoke, but Miss Vernon drew back,
little haughtily.
Excuse me, Mrs. Wvlle, but have no
anxiety to become acquainted with a school
teacher"
Mrs. Wylie looked bewildered.
But, my dear, you do not understand
that"
II do understand all that care to, Mrs.
Wyie--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 had
doubtless heard the whole conversation.
For the crimson current had overspread the
oval cheek turned to ward them, and Mable's
head dropped an Instant.
oh, dear!" cried Mrs. Wylie, in evident
cons ernation, Il do hope she hasn't heard
us!~
1T is quite matter of Indifference to me.
whether she has or not!" said Rosa. "She
is only school teacher"
Mrs. Wyie turned away, hurt and dis.
appointed. and Rosa swept out of the store.
"Mable dearest, You won't mind prtu-
liant child's ill-bred criticism?" she pleaded,
coming close to Miss Markham, and pos
sessjng herself of one slender hand.
No, Mrs. Wylie."
And you will come home to tea with
me?"
But Mabel declined-she had pressing
engagement, she said. Whether that en-
Ragement had anything to do with Mr.. Bob
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 clo,k
3himed eleveni
And the neAt morning Bob proclaimed to
the astonished ears of the family group,
gathered around the breakfast table, that
he was engaged!
Bob! Engaged! And to whom!"
ITO Miss Mab.e NJ .rkham."
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
N the place, and they say she is lovely!"
She canuot be more lovely than my Ma
bel, and do not choose to submit to the
imputation of being fortune-hunter. I
am able to earn my own living and my
wife's, too. You will call on my .dancee,
Rosa, won't you?"
Il will never speak to her."
Then YOU can let it alone," said Robert
Vernon. flushing little; "orly I did not
know YOU were such q fool Ross"