Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1885-10-28

to form mending school. No fee re-
quired, but each pupil requested to
bring two cents as a nucleus tor fund
with which to purchase thread and
needless
The name of the hall followed. and
the evening on which it would be
opened.
1t was raw and chilly night when
Mrs. Christian first entered the hall,
which was steamheated and gas-lighted
and, though unpretending in ,,other
respects, really looked cheerful and
pleasant. At one end was small plat
form which held cabinet organ, used
by societies which frequented the place.
Mrs. Christian saw with pleasure that
it was unlocked, and then spied an
anteroom which she decided would do
excellently to deposit outer garments
in, and thereupon hung her own bonnet
and shawl on some hooks, of which
there was an abundant supply. She
had scarcely done so when footsteps
sounded on the stairs leading to the
hall. and she walked toward them to
receive the newcomers. She could
not be otherwise than handsome and
stately, for so had nature endowed her;
but she was also blessed with winning
smile and sweet voice, and the group
of five young women that appeared,
budding together in embarrassment,
thawed from somewhat sulky and
silent demeanor, and responded with
some degree or courtesy to her greet
ing. They advanced into the hall and
seated themselves in bashful silence, and
! another group presented itself. then a
girl alone, others in twos and threes,
Mrs. Christian all the time remaining
near the door and receiving as hostess
would her guests, till about forty were
| present, when the influx suddenly
ceased. and but two or three came
later. When she turned away from
the door, she found her visitors looking
expectant, and she scarcely knew what
step next to take, for though she had
some experience in mission schools
and reformatories, here were
neither children nor criminals.
Love and enthusiasm taught
her tact, and she went forward ''into
the midst of them,'' like a mighty
teacher of old, and said, in a voice
clear and cordial, II am very glad to
see each and every one of you, and I
hope this is the first of series of meet
ings in this hall that will aid us to be-
come we'll acquainted and perhaps
teach us all something. l am going to
open mending school, and if you will
each bring your weeks mending to this
hall, / will show you how to do it in the
best manner and help you to do it. 1t
will not cost you anything except for
needles and thread.'
II know how to mend my clo'es we'll
enough growled sulky young wo-
man behind her.
''Then you are just the person
round promptly. "For if as many
come as hope, you see I shall need
help in teaching; so, mayI depend on
you?"
The young woman muttered an awk-
ward ''Maybe'', and two or three gig
gled.
Did yer name we d darn our stockin' s
fer us?' said slim and small person.
Eyes, if you can not learn to do it
YOURSELF said the lady.
"Shame on yer, Katy O'Neil!" said
several voices.
"Not at all" said Mrs. Christian. Il
will show you, Katy, next Saturday
night.''
I'D be glad to get dress CUT re-
marked another.
THAT may come later, but first we
will do all the mending.'
Saturday nights we goes to dances. y
volunteered a young girl with banged
hair and long brass earrings.
''This hall will be as warm and pleas
ant as the dance hail. answered Mrs.
Christian. with smile at the speaker.
II guess I amt going to work all
day and sew all night. I'd rather take
a walk, or go to the theatre.''
''1t will soon be too cold to take eve
ming walks" said the undiscouraged
teacher, land you will find it agreeable
to be in a warm room with pleasant
company. If there is anybody here
who needs stitch taken tonight. it
would make a good beginning she add
ed. II brought needles and thread with
me-
A girl standing near had been swing
ing her bonnet by its ribbons while list
ening and gazing and one had broken
loose. This she held up shyly, urged
thereto by her companions with visible
pushes and audible whispers, "You,
Lizzie!' and go ahead, why don t
you?" and a dozen crowded round
while Mrs. Christian seated her in a
good light, selected thread and needle
and uttered aphorisms familiar to those
whose youth blossomed in the day
when hand sewing was a necessity.
| Thread the end that comes off the
spool first. Thread has right and
wrong way like everything else. A
short thread and long needle. To
put the needle in slowly and draw it
through quickly makes easy, durable.
and beautiful sewing.''
Asmothered laugh was heard and an
other girl showed torn lining in her
sacque, and was promptly seized by
Mrs. Christian. The contaglon spread;
pinned ruffie was sewed up, hole in
somebody's pocket mended, a ragged
cuff neatly repaired, and conversation
spread among the workers, while laugh
ter now and then indicated good humor
Some, however looked lonely and sat
aloof and it was to reach these that
Mrs. Christian said, after while: II
think little music would be pleasant
before we separate. l will sing to you
first and then perhaps you will sing
with me- The wind blew and the
frost stung out-of-doors, but she struck
a few chords on the organ and sang a
song full of the hum of bees, the rustic
of leaves and the song of birds. Then
the plaintive notes of chat song of songs,
Sweet Home,' tlembled in the air,
and after this teacher and pupils part
ed. Mrs. Christian took pains to speak
to each separately, inviting them to
come again and bring work next time,
and went home herself with light in
her eyes and glow in her heart.
| She perceived there would be room
for more than one teacher, and invited
several young ladies to join her. One
was Miss Freeman, the daughter OF
that potentate, the president of the col