Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1884-1886, 1885-06-09
der book to them, and ind my reward u

der book to them, and ind my reward u
their bright. eager faces
Mabel. / was never SO happy as now.
to me; an unsatisfed longing gave me no
peace. My father must have foreseen this,
and provided the work in which / am now
so thoroughly happy.
1t is my ambition to make this a model
school of its kind. Time will tell.
But as / have been writing, the shadows
have heightened, twilight hovers over the
the mountains, and casts its shade over
the sea so l will close this letter wishing you
could enjoy with me this great scene.
Your friend. JCyIA
Presumably there are busy bodies every
where. There certainly was in Sandy Core,
| and when Junia began congratulating her
self on the harmony with which her school
work was progressing, rumors reached her
ears which, spite OF her efforts TO the con-
trary, had very depressing influence over
her. Time only made matters worse. One
night Widow Ferris noticed that the gloom
had deepened. and as she poured the tea she
remarked: Miss St joan you look tired to-
night or discouraged, which is il"
"a little OF both, l think" she replied,
managing to smile family.
why, hops nothing unpleasant has hap
penei in schools
mo, nothing in SCHOOL, then turning TO
Norman she continued:
Il must explain, and ask your edvice. As
you are one of the directors desire your
approval"
Il think you have it already. / have felt
SO certain OF your success a teacher that
have neglected the school more than | ever
did before. What difficulty has arisen''
in my work here have departed fron
the old routine % teaching, and have tried %
make study real pleasure instead of a dull,
mechanical task. Ny methoi, have been
been discussed by the pupils at home, AMI a
few of the parents have sent me notes OF
disapproval. As paid no attention TO theD
general dissatisfaction seemed TO rise, and
to-day received this" She took from her
pocket a paper and passed it to Norman,
who read in an amused tone:
Miss ST. JoHN:-We employed you to
teach our children those branches which
form the foundation Of all knowledge, and
We respectfully request you to confne your
in,tructi rs thereto, instead Of neglecting
these most important studies to pursue
branches probably OF interest TO yourself,
but far Too advanced for tbs FIN compre.
ben 'ion OF your pupils.
laughed heartily, but seeing the real distre IS
in Junia's face, checked his nirth AMI said
sympatheticaily:
Don't let that trouble you q moment 1t
is evidently the work of some busy"
IT. scandalous" interrupted the widow.
Indignantly. But don't feel down hearte I,
Mi 81. John, Norman will make it all
right I've no doubt it started from Su an
Rittle. she wanted the school, and I'm sure
she couli Int teach anything but the four
rrldiments to save her life. l just hope you
won't give up to EN-"
Il suppose the parents have a right to re-
mon,trats if they think | am doing TN
wisely / wish 10 convince them to the con-
trary. Mr.. Ferris, do you think they would
atteni public examination
Yes; its the very thing. | will write
notices and see that the other directors are
there, if you wish me TO-" replied he, feeling
a new interest in the young teacher whom
lie had hitherto scarcely noticed more than
courtesy demanded.
The day Of the examination came and the
school-houss was crowded Each class was
orally examined The scholars aquitted
themselves 50 cre1itably that malicious
spectators were visibly crest fallen, while
many faces gloomed with satisfaction, and
Us the last class was dismissed the directors
expressed their hearty approval of Mis- st.
john, management OF the school. Then
Junia stepped out upon the platform. and
her sweet, clear voice hal no tone of malice
or oxidation to mar it's purity as she said.
My friends, | thank you for your at
tendance this aftern Don, AMI a | hold u
place OF trust over your, children, I wish
TO explain some OF my past work
which has evidently been misunder
stood. While l have opened before
these pupils new fields of study and
awakened i'll 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.
u Will tell you the truth The first week
taught here | was touched vii pity to sea
the dreamy. mechanical way these children
did their wOrk-the serious, burdened faces
they brought into the school-roon, AMI the
hilarious joy with which they each night
welcomed the close of school In searching
for soms method Of instructing them, re-
mem5ere1 my own happy chilihooi, I'M
trammeiei by the restrictions of a school
room My father was my teacher.
AMI ocean shore, learning the wond-
ers Of nature. and at night studied
the heavens above us without going too far
for my childish mini, or neslectin, neces-
sary ri iiment. When l entered school,
it was only 10 find in the sciences, Old
frienis. The reSelrct which was cherries
druigery to som, was to me a ceaselesS de-
light, full II familiar truths which hal
charmed me years before.
IS adopted my fathers plan in teach
ing Your children, anl As | saw their faces
brighten, All haari thsir eager question
ings, realiz Il anew the benefit of awaken
ing in a chil t1e 1--we for study by giving
him Gimp of tn, wonderful things there
are t. learn. | love my present work, AMI
have deep interest in the welfare of these
children. Il my work is failure. it viii
not lie throu IA lack Of earnest, conscientious
enieavar.
Il go ty your faces that | have Your
sympatav aud good Will. so ! shall resume
my WJrs wan new zeal AMI fresh courage
a loul claer was heartily given and the
examination was over.
You nave had a grand victory Miss ST.
John all Norman they climbed the
cliff pat together
-Yc.." answered. smiling brightly. Il
exIec.e! D.
Nv y IA all yous' qaizzically.
"B'caU,. when we are IN the right we
NAV 81. ways expect success or victory she
answer rontiJertly
Il wish I had your faith.' he remarked
mocdl-. snI the walk was finished in
silence
Going up Ia his den" Norman sat down
b. study "a model. He believed be hal ill.,
vent: a valuable machine
In the right lie murmurel.
YES, | know | am in the right,
but must | wait fog success till neither de-
feat nor victory would have power 10 stir
my dad heart' No, no: this year must enl
the s.ru gle
Aai Junia, flushed with her swn success,
was recalling little contemptuousiy his
last w1rl> - her Wishes he had my faithl
" hat grand success he might make Of life.
| believe IA, lacks energy Whatever he is
trying to d. in sciegces can be better done
in c:ty than IA this out-of-the-way place,
whore there can lie o assistance Of any sort.
But still h. hrries himself here-very con.
tente ily. ! fancy. and cries for more faith!
Her 10 lip wore a scornful expression
and yet She coull not help giving this
earnest, ls.Ush;ful man her hearty respect
Autumn. winter, and spring csme and
went and :, was summer once more. Tae |
year wa nearly gons. and If had been a
harp on, fo- Juuia. Her vacations had |
been 50 .Ei IN thu city. whers She enjoyed I
society Wa 4. new st Bat the summer
was uuu-ulliy warm ami she began 10 long /
for much needed rest
One hot. suitry evening wnen even the
D =.