Orange County observer. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1880-1918, 1885-11-28

Woulu lht 10 inquire or you person
ally as to particulars. Will YOU do
me the favor to run over to my house
directly after the close of your school
this afternoon.
SAMUEL WHITTIER"
"What can | have done?" thought
that little teacher. In such a peturbed
state of mind that she corrected John
ny Shows mistake in his multiplica-
tion by telling him seven times nine
was fifty-four. Indeed. she let the
mistake go SO long that every little
hand belonging TO the second primary
class was stretched up in frenzy of
excitement. LET me see; what is it
l have done the past week? switch
ed Bobbie Baker pretty smartly, to be
sure-and | kept Sam Woodruff after
school-and l kept Marion Fisk in
from recess for Whispering; but must
keep order. Well. dear me, | have
tried to do my duty, and won't wor-
ry;" and Miss Wait resolutely went
back to "seven times nine," and so
proceeded in the usual routine.
But she ate no dinner that noon,
and had decided headache as she
crossed the big bridge over the hill to
the mill owners residence
Il shall not back down in anything
where my clear duty and self-respect
are involved" thought she. al have
set up a certain ideal as to what a
teacher of these little common schools
ought to be, and l will, God and my
mind, good courage and health not
forsaking me, bring myself as near to
it as possible. Moreover, | will not
consider, in the premises. whether the
scholars are children of the rich or
! learned, or Of the poor or ignorant.
For the time being God has placed in
my care ragged, dirty little wretches
of factory village, as we'll as clean,
we'll dressed, attractive children"
"Good evening. good evening.
ma'am," said "Old Sam" Whittier, in
his gruff way, meeting the teacher at
the door. GAS l said in my note to
you, heard to-day Of some rather un-
common proceedings on your part.
saw, ma'am. little Tommy Howe in a
new pair of boots this morning. Do
you know how he came by them 2"
Il bought them for him, Mr.. Whit
tier" wondering whether the local
magnate suspected the poor child of
stealing.
"Oh, you did. Are you in the habit
of furnishing your scholars with such
articles? Was the providing of boots
part of your business contract with
| the committee? If it was, | can put
you in the way of buying boots at
wholesale in Boston, where get my
supply for my store
ut will not be necessary, sir" re-
piled the teacher, with dignity. al
-thank you for your kind offer. how
ever"
"Why did you furnish boots in this
particular case, if l may inquirer"
The lad is very poor. His mother
+ as her hands full with the smaller
children. Tommy is learning rapidly;
| zee marks of rare intelligence in him.
1t would be pity to have him taken
out of school at this time when he is
50 much engaged. Should he contin-
ue coming clad as be was in such
weather as this he would be i'll soon.
| | could not take the risk in either
case"
Are you able to let your heart get
the better of you in this way?"
Il have my wages only" replied the
young woman. with dignity.
Then you probably will have to
retrench not little in your own ex-
penses."
"lf / do it will harm no ones purse
or pride but my own. In this instance
it may be the matter of "a pair OF
gloves or an ostrich tip with me
With him the little act may make q
difference that shall be lasting through
time and eternity
You have been attending that
school over to South Hadley, hear: =
Yes, sir"
Have you been through it, or grad
uated. as they call it?
"Oh. no; have attended but two
terms. But l am fully determined t
complete the course
"Hum-all right Miss Wait, you
seem to be doing some good work
among the children over the rive
there. l am going to think it al
over; but look here-if any more o
| lo&