The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1885-06-02

"Are you really going, June r
"Cer.ainly. 1t was my fathers last
wish that should spend this year teach.
ling district school, and shall do so if
possihle."
"Wtat a strange request 1t WAS! And
wouldn't like to see the elegant Miss
st. John rustling her RIGA robes among
the battered benches of district school
house."
10, stop, Mabel Bryne! give me credit
for better sense than that. My ,rustling
robes will be packed away in Cousin
James store room. Why, have com
plete outfit in perfect keeping with sal
ary of $50 month"
"Oh, horrible! and you expect to en-
Joy itf"
"Why not, Mabel2 1t will be relief
to forget that / am an beiress. Even my
nights are hideous with dreams of for
tune hunters, but how happy l shall be
as poor teacher"
"Junia, what will be your next freak 7
II you must leave US all and bury your
self IN a place that was never heard OF
before way must you make dowdy OF
yourself2"
eDon't worry, dear; my dresses are
pretty, in good taste, and suitable for the
place in which l expect to wear them.
What next ?"
"Wh at will our gentlemen friends think
OF you, June1 The star they worship
sinking out of their sky to shine over a
ldsrct school!"
"Their opinions make no difference to
me, Mabel. should have mole respect
for them all il they would do little
honest work once in while. Ii l were
man would scorn useless life. A
few of our acquaintances read Law an
hour or two day, others watch their
speculations, the majority lounge IN their
library, or billiard hall, drive in the park
or read novels till time to dress for din
ner or ball. The greater part of life is
spent in saying pretty nothings to pretty
society girls. No wonder such men mar.
ry for money; 1t is the easiest way they
know OF to earn their living. 0 for
manly menT'
| "Mercy! how you 60 on, Junia! II
your father had requested yon to give o
course of lectures IN your 18th year ]
should not have wondered"
! Mabel could not understand her
| friends freak az she termed it Ons
would expect her to observe her fathers
last wish, and she could skim over q yesl
; OF teaching in . lsdy-like way in some o
ltbe schools near home, but to go 10(
miles away, and enter into the work witt
. heart and soul as Junia was dong, wal
! bcyond her comprehension. So it wal
! with . great deal of curiosity that Mabel
few weeks later, broke the seal OF Ju
MAS Grst letter and read:
i "SANpY Cow, -,-.
"DEAR MABEL: have purposely de
llayed writing, that 6rst impression
:. might settle into convictions, in orde'
that my letter should convey no wron,
ideas.
:. .One can make no mistake about tn
scenery. 1t Is grand. A view OF tn
sea, a sharp rocky coast line. with tin.
|, cove around which the village nestles.
back ground OF magnificent old trees, be
yond which lie the small rocky farm an
pasture lands, while against the near hor
tizon rise the grand old mountains-th
!. everlasting hills.
"The cool sea breez re floats in throug
the window, bringing me the low. ga
music OF the breaking waves. ! loo
!, out and see below me four house is o
1.-THE cliff the village with its clusterin
cottages and weather-worn church an
Ischool-house standing little apart Tn
sun shines warmly down upon the spark
ling ,water where the 6shermeh's boat
Iare idly drifting, and upon the silver
beach where children are playing wit
merry laughter and shouts OF glee.
"You would not consider my preser
home elegant, but 1t is the best in th
village, is very neat, comfortable an
lcheeriul To be sure my window Nigh
be larger, the walls of my room higher
but as long as this is-delicious breeze last
| will not complain
"WidOw Ferris has shoarded the teact
! err for years. The family consists c
} herself, the maid of all work and'M
Norman Ferris, whom she persists
calling my boy, Norman although h
I is chief man Of the village, must be 2!
is not less than 6 feet tall, and stron
enough to pick up his little mother wit
y ease.
"He is of scientific turn OF mind, an
has sden' in the kitchen chamber. II
mother is worried over his strange Or,
pensities and was not little comforte
}. when I told her my father had fondnes
is for scientific studies. The widow herse
IL is 6ne specimen OF New England W,
manhood, hiding under her natural r
- serve q wealth of devotion and mother
Of kindness Since her husbands death 81
g. depends wholly upon Norman who. wi
er the exception of couple Of years
school. has cared for the farm and no
ID has contentedly settled down here f
Of life. fear he lacks energy to iaun,
II. out and make his mark in the world.
- AT x,,,b yan -oould vir;t nm oahonl