The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1884-07-23

however, some indulgence may be al
lowed, and Miss Martha, screened from
observation by a huge, easel-mounted
black board, did not stir until the sound
of large bell swung by willing hand,
and the simultaneous opening of many
doors, announced that ~ O'clock and re-
cess had arrived.
Peeping past the blackboard, she saw
the class of little short-skirted geograph-
ers file decorously out of their recitation
room, each turning at the door to courte-
sy after the old-fashioned manner tradi-
tional in the school, and which Miss
Martha insisted should be punctiliously
observed, then bounding away with
many an impromptu twirl and pirouette.
''Dear little hearts," murmured Miss
Martha, rising and taking up again the
book and pencil she had dropped, 'for
them the Sandwich Islands do not exist
Miss Martha stood upon the platform
before the assembled school-sweet Miss
Martha, adored by every girlish heart in
the room. Tall and slender was she, clad
in soft gray gown OF some spring-like
fabric, the full bandeaus of waving au-
burn hair parting in an enchanting double
curve over her smooth, white forehead,
starry hazel eyes, with long, ray-like
lashes, dainty, clear-cut, oval face. red,
mobile mouth, and faint sea-shell tint
in the cheeks; not at all like the ideal
schoolma'am.
~ have note here" she said in that
clear, vibrant voice that never could be
tanned to the conventional monotone, Gin
viting you all to the sociable at the Meth
odist church tonight. Mr.. Rowell in
forms me that an old classmate of his
will be present, and will probably be in
duced to tell the company something of
the mission schools in the Sandwich Is
lands" Miss Martha, looking at the
note as if not quite sure, hesitated lit
tie before pronouncing the last word,
then tore the sheet of paper to atoms.
'You may find it interesting to 60"
she added, with nod to her assistant to
indicate that she had finished.
The assistant struck the bell, and the
room was filled with the rustic of a we'll
ordered rising. Another stroke, and the
girls began to move slowly in single file
toward the door, while Miss Martha,
seated in her armchair, gravely received
their parting salutations.
AT the gate gentleman, who seemed
about to enter, stepped aside, and, lean
ing an arm upon the fence, watched with
a benevolent smile the outgoing tide of
youthful loveliness.
The gentleman, the girls decide,
was of very striking appearance, by
reason of the gray hair that framed
face still youthful in contour
and coloring, and, from his clerical coat
and tie, they at once deduced the Sand
wich Island missionary of the evening.
They passed on in groups and pairs, jost-
ling each other and exchanging whis-
pered comments, accompanied by many
covert backward glances. Waiting until
the last pair was well clear of the gate,
the stranger carried out his original in
tention of entering.
Miss Martha, still seated in her arm
chair, her face turned toward the door,
and the fragments of the note held loosely
in her hand, heard the slow step upon
the cemented walk, but supposing it to
be that OF Washington, the colored jani-
tor, she did not stir.
"Miss Dabney!"
She looked up.
"Oh!" she exclaimed, rising with
startled look, while the bits of paper
huttered unheeded to the door. "Why
it is-a-Mr. Reid"
"Yes, " he said, drawing step nearer.
but still hesitating, as if not quite certain
of his welcome.
But by this time she had recovered her
self, and was once more the self possessed
person she usually appeared. Stepping
down from her platform she advanced to
meet him with outstretched hand, and a
manner that struck just the proper bal
auce between pleasure at meeting a long
absent friend and the reserve naturally
incident to long separation.
II am very glad to see you. didn't
know you were in town. When did you
arrivep
"This morning. l only meant to stop
over one train, but Rowell caught me
and"
Whether courage or inclination failed
he broke off, leaving the conjunction to
hang like broken link upon the end of
his unfinished speech.
"He wouldn't let you go, of course, "
! said Miss Martha with ready tact. "He
wrote me a note this morning, inviting
the school to hear you speak tonight,
but he neglected to mention your name.
He is exceedingly absent-minded.
''You are very little changed" " he said,
abruptly. II should have known you
anywhere. 1t seems strange that we
should stand together again in this
room"
'It does, indeed, especially when we
think how widely separated we have
been for SO many years.
"Has the distance seemed greatl
Have the years seemed long2"
won't you sit downl" she asked turn
ing with suddenly awakened hospi-
tality toward group of chairs. 1T is