The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1885-09-19

stretched up in frenzy of excitement.
'Let me see; what is it have done the
past week. | switched Bobbie Baker
pretty smartly, to be sure--and l kept
Sam Woodruff after school-and kept
Marion Fisk in from recess for whisper
ing; but must keep order. Well, dear
me, have tried to do my duty, and
won't worry" 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.
81 shall not back down in anything
where my clear duty and self-respect
are involved" thought she. Il have
set up a certain ideal as to what a
teacher of these little common schools
ought to be, and | will, God and my
mind, good courage and health not for
saking ME, bring myself as near to it
as possible. Moreover, | will not con-
slider in the premises whether. the schol-
ars are children of the rich and learned,
or of the poor or ignorant. For the
time being God has placed in my care
ragged, dirty little wretches of facto-
tory village, as well as clean, we'll
dressed, attractive children"
Good evening, good evening,
ma'am," said "Old Sam Whittier, in
his gruff way, meeting the teacherat the
door. Gas IsaidI IN my note to you, heard
to-day of some rather uncommon pro.
ceedings on you part. | saw, ma'am,
little Tommy Howe in new pair of
boots this morning. Do you know how
he came by themP"
81 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
articlesP Was the providing of boots a
part of your business contract with the
committeeP If it was, l can put you
in the way of buying boots at wholesale
in Boston, where | get my supply for
the store"
at will not be necessary, sir, y re-
piled the teacher, with dignity. 81
thank you for your kind offer, how
ever"
"Why did you furnish boots in this
particular case, if may inquirer"
"The lad is very poor. His mother
has her hands full with the smaller chill
dren. Tommyis learning rapidly; see
marks of rare intelligence in him. 1t
would be a pity to have him taken out
of school at this time when he isso much
engaged. Should he continue coming
clad as he 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 wayP"
81 have my wages only" replied the
young woman, with dignity.
Then you probably will have to re.
trench not q little in your own ex-
penses.
"If | 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 hin
the little act may make difference thai
shall be lasting through time and eter-
nlty."
you have been attending that schoo
over at South Hadley, hear?"
Eyes, sill"
"Have you been through it, or grad
uated, as they call it?"
ION, 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 anon!
the children over the river there. | an
5 going to think it all over; but look here
if any more of those little rascals neet
5 boots, let me know. Ishall consider i
, a privilege to provide them. You know
= can obtain them at wholesale-ha! hat
4 and the now greatly relieved teacher
interview with the mill owner ended.
l If she goes on teaching on and of
and then taking term Of and off a
i Mount HolYoke, she can't graduate TO
+ years, ruminated Old Sam Whittier, a
| he watched her tripping on over tn
t hill; lit ridiculous"
And so it came to pass, when Mis-
Wait was paid her small salary at tn
> end of the term, she found in the enve
ope containing the order on the tow
u treasurer a check with slip of pape
=. pinned to it. reading thus:
VI This may be an uncommon proceeding
S but ] thought it over and have conclude
that you had better go right along in yOt
), studies at South Hadley until you gradual
n After that, with your pluck and principl
o you will be able to invest in boots or book
=, or in any way you see fit.
. Very truly yours, .,
II SAMUEL WHITTIER"
j. Ileave this true little sketch withou
:. comment. 1t carries its own lessor
both to struggling young teachers wit
o hearts and brains, and TO prosperor
" men of affairs who may lend helpin
n hand to deserving ones. -Philad.lphi
70 CAL.
W What would be thought if Il
4 Metropolitan Opera-house of New You
4