The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1884-06-04
FlOssy's Success.
IN TWO PARTs-PART II.

The next day at recess, while Professor
Arnold was putting some work on the
blackboard, he was startled by timid
voice at his side.
professor Arnold"
"Well, Miss Flossy," he said, turning
quickly, I" is there anything I can do for
your"
/" Please, Professor Arnold, will you ex-
cuse me from taking part in the prize
essay contest ?"
Excuse you he answered, in tone
of mingled interrogation and exclamation,
"why, Miss Flossy, you are the last per-
son | should ever have thought of as
wanting to shirk piece of work. Why
do you want to be excused ?"
"I cannot tell you; really and truly,
Professor Arnold, it is a good reason.
Please do not think that l am Sinking"
The poor man looked sorely puzzled.
He was disappointed, too, for Flossy was
one of his favorite pupils, being always so
ladylike, very studious, and naturally
bright, with particular talent for writing
essays.
"You would be almost sure to get the
prize, Miss Flossy."
WI AOooy up 1uANCiCu, 0ho ohC
dared not trust her voice to reply. A
moments silence, and then Professor Ar
mold spoke again.
"There is nothing compulsory about
the contest. AS l said in the first place,
no one is obliged to engage in it. Only,
confess, if you back out, / shall be very
much disappointed"
Then he turned back to his work on the
board, and Flossy, after moments hest.
tation, left him.
That Professor Arnold, whose opinion
she so highly valued, should misunder-
stand her, and accuse her of backing
out" was one of the hardest things she
would have to bear with in this new con-
test which she had entered. She followed
her mother into the pantry that afternoon,
after school, to ask
"Mother, may have a party next week
NOT a big affair, but just ten or dozen
couples invited to spend a pleasant, social
EVENING""
81 am sure I have no objection" her
mother answered, only shouldn't think
you could spare the time from your essay
81 have given up writing that" Flossy
answered, in low tone.
"Given it up"
"Oh, mother, don't you misunderstood
me. did it for the sake of-because -
here Flossy stopped short.
"Never mind, Flossy. You need moi
tell me if you would rather not"
But l think she OWNED the reason,
Mothers sometimes do. At any rate she
added, simply: al think / understand
my little girl"
ell. hut .,,a &hAa fax IL
helped Flossy wonderfully.
An untimely call prevented her speak
ing to her brothers until just as they were
going out. She called after them:
ooh, Frank Hal wait minute
We're you going out for the evening ?"
eyes. Why 2" Frank answered, shortly
fearing lecture from his sister.
"Why, 1 am going to get up part,
for week from tonight, and l wantet
you to help me. don't like to work at i
Alone"
"Oh, we'll stay home and help" Franl
answered, condescendingly, though sc
cretly elated at the prospect of party
and greatly relieved at his escape from
lecture.
Hal was only too glad for an excuse b
stay at home. Once costly seated aroun
table with something to do, and tai
about, it was no hard matter to be sociablt
And Flossy was wisely careful to have a
little done as possible, that she Nigh
have something left for another evening
There was the list of names to max
out, the invitations TO write, music, pie
lures and games to be discussed, tha
there might be entertainment to suit a
tastes. And then the refreshments
Flossy even let the boys help plan them
So by using her wits, tact and common
sense-a blessed trio-she kept them 6
home all through the week before th
party. The evening after she dreaded
fearing relapse. But she was ready fc
them.
"Hsl, here is piece of new music, fC
piano and violin, which have been pra
ticing to-day. If you will learn the violi
part we will play it together after a while
Then turning to Frank she said, Goa
ingly:
"Frank, bought set Of chess, but