Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1885-07-22
Gales and Skftthes.
JUNIA'S NINETEENTH YEAR.
Continued from yesterday


Yes; it's the very thing. ] will write
notices and see that TIE other directors are
there, if YOU wish me to-" replied he,
feeling a new interest in the young teach
er whom he had hitherto scarcely noticed
more than courtesy demanded.
The dav of the examination came and
the school house was crowded. Each
class was orally examined The scholars
aquitted themselves so creditably that ma
licious spectators were visibly crest fallen,
while many faces glOoned with satistac-
ton. and as the last class was dismissed
the directors expressed their hearty APP
prevail of Miss ST. Johns management of
the school. Then Junia stepped out upon
the platform. and her sweet, clear voice
had no tone of malice or eXaltatiOn to mar
lis purity as she said:
MY friends. thank You for your at
tendance this afternoon. and as | hold
place of trust over your children. | wish
to explain some of my past work which
has evidently been misunderstood. While
have opened before these pupils new
fields of study and awakened in them an
interest in various branches, ! trust YOU
are convinced that have not neglected
the common studies. My object has been
to make the task of learning pleasure;
to arouse an interest for books and love
for nature.
II will tell you the truth. The first
week taught here | was touched with
pity to see the dreamy, mechanical way
these children did their work-tne serious,
burdened faces they brought into the
schoo-room. and the hilarious JOY with
which they each night welcomed the close
of school. In searching for some method
of instructing them. | remembered
my own happy childhood. untram
meled by the restrictions of a school
room. Nv father was my teacher. We
wandered over fields, mountains and
ocean shore, learning the wonders of ma.
ture, and at night we studied the heavens
above us without going too far tor my
childish mind. or neglecting necessary
rudlments. When entered school it was
only to find in the sciences, old friends
The research which was cheerless druid
gerry to some. was to me a ceaSeleSs de-
light, full of familiar truths which had
charmed me years before.
$50 adopted my fathers plan in teach
ing your children. and as | saw their
faces brighten. and heard their eager
questonings, realized anew the benefit
of awakening in child the love for study
by giving him glimpse Of the wonderful
things there are to learn. love nv pres
ent work. and have deep interest in the
welfare Of these children. If my work is
a failure, it will not be through lack of
earnest, conscientious endeavor.
81 see by your faces that have your
sympathy and good will, so shsll resume
my work with new zeal and fresh cour-
age"
A loud cheer was heartily given and the
examination was over.
lyon have had a grand victory, Miss
st. john" said Norman as they climbed
the cliff path together.
"Yes,' She answered, smiling brightly,
Il expected it."
"Why should vou?" quizzicallv.
because when we are in the right we
she answered, confidently.
81 wish had your faith" he remarked
moodily, and the walk was finished in
silence
Going up to his "den," Norman sat
down to study model He believed he
had invented valuable machine.
"ln the right - he murmured.
Yes. know | am in the right but
must | wait for success till neither defeat
nor victory would have power to stir my
dead heart? No, no; this year must end
the struggle"
And Junia. flushed with her own sue
cess. was recalling little contemptuously
his last words to her. "Wishes he had
my faith! What grand success he might
make of life believe he lacks energy
Whatever he is trying to do in sciences
can be better done in a city than in this
out f-the-way place, where there can be
no assistance of any sort. But still he
buries himself here-very contentedly, |
fancy, and cries for more faith Her rosy
lips wore a scornful expression, and yet
she could not help giving this earnest
thoughtful man her hearty respect.
Autumn, winter. and spring came and
went and it was summer once more. The
year was nearly gone, and it had been a
happy one for Junia. Her vacations had
been spent in the city, where she enjoyed
society with a new jest. But the summer
was unusually warm and she began to
long for much needed rest
One hot, sultry evening when even the
sea seemed faint and still, Junia's low
room was oppressive. She looked long
ingly down on the little box of balcony
under her window. which Swallowed the
| front door. and wondered if it would bear
her weight. Knowing that the lattice
work beneath was quite substantial. she
threw out some rugs and ventured out
upon the boards. Although they creaked
with every motions as if resenting her
freedom. she curled down on the rugs and
delightedly drank in the quiet beauty of
the night
Presently there were footsteps along
the hall. and Norman. evidently in an I'M
usual mood. threw himself down on the
bench with so much emphasis as to shake
the little portico. much to Junia's terror.
The den must have blown upp" she
declared mentally. Il never before knew
him to spend an evening out OF it. What
can be the matter"
For an hour or more she remained al
most motionless. for the cresking structure
might betray her, and she could not COM
promise her dignity by letting any one
know she had climbed through a window
With a sense of relief she heard the wild
ow. shutting doors and windows for the
night. approach the hall
why Norman you here came near
locking You out. why ar'nt you at work
as usual p
II can't do any more till get some
money, that's ALL was the low reply.
How much will do Norman I have