Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1885-07-21

ana soul as -JunIa was uOlnS was OeyOnu
her comprehension. SO it was with a
good deal of curiosity that Mabel, few
weeks later, broke the seal of Junia's first
letter and read:
SANDY COVE.
DEAR MABEL: | have purposely de-
layed writing. that first impressions might
settle into convictions, in order that my
letter should convey no wrong ideas.
One can make no mistake about the
scenery. 1t is grand. A view of the sea,
a sharp rocky coast line, with tiny core.
around which the village nestles. A
back ground of magnificent old trees, be-
yond which lie the small rocky farm and
pasture lands. while against the near hori-
son. rise the grand old mountains-the
everlasting hills.
| The cool sea breeze floats in through
the window. bringing me the low, sad
music of the breaking waves. look out
and see below me (our house is on the
cliff the village with its clustering cottag-
es, the weather-worn church and school
house standing a little apart The sun
shines warmly down upon the sparkling
water where the fishermen's boats are
idly drifting. and upon the silvery beach .
where children are playing with merry
laughter. and shouts of glee.
You would not consider my present
home elegant, but it is the best in the vii
lage, is very neat, comfortable and cheer
full. To be sure, my window might be
larger. the walls of my room higher. but
as long as this delicious breeze lasts,
will not complain.
"Widow Ferris" has boarded the teach
err for years. The family consists of her
self, maid of all work, and Mr. Norman
Ferris. whom she persists in calling my
boy. Norman" although he is chief man
OF the village. must be twenty five, is not
less than six feet tall and strong enough
to pick up his little mother with ease
He is of scientific turn of mind. and
has .den" in the kitchen chamber. His
mother is worried over his strange pro.
pensites, and was not little comforted
when told her nv father had a fondness
for scientific studies. The widow herself
is fine specimen of New England WON
anhood. hiding under her natural reserve
: a wealth of devotion and motherly kind
ness. Since her husbands death she de.
ponds wholly upon Norman, who, with
the exception of a couple years at school
has cared for the farm, and now has con
tentedly settled down here for life teal
y be lacks energy to launch out and make
his mark in the world.
wish yon could visit my school. II
would afford you rare amusement, and g
r description can never do it Justice. Schol
ars Of all ages and all degrees of intelli
t gence; some agreeable, some otherwise
' some unruly. some obedient; but am SC
: interested in them. | take them ou
a among the rocks and give them simple
lessons in geology or out on the beach anC
). talk to them of nature. history, and the
treasures of the sea. 1t is like opening
fairy wonder book to them. and find m,
: reward in their bright eager faces
!. Mabel. | was never so happy as now
d My useless, frivolous life was humiliatinf
e to me an unsatisfed longing gave me n,
y peace. MY father must have foreseeI
l. this, and provided the work in which an
now so thoroughly happy.
4 1t is nv ambition to make this mode
school of its kind. Time will tell.
But as have been writing. the shadow
have heightened. twilight hovers over tn,
mountains, and casts its shade over tn,
sea so | will close this letter wishing vol
j, could enjoy with me this great scene
e Your friend. JUNIA.
: Presumably there are busy bodies every
E, where. There certainly was in Sand
e Core. and when Junia began congratulate
d ing herself on the harmony with whic
E. her school work was progressing, rumor
l. reached her ears which. spite of her effort
to the contrary. had a very depressing in
tluence over her. Time only made mat
- tiers worse. One night Widow Ferris no
d ticed that the gloom had deepened, and a
y. she poured the tea she remarked: mis-
n St. John you look tired tonight or dis
# couraged. which is t?''
d "A little OF both. Think she replied
managing to smile family.
e why, hope nothing unpleasant ha
!. happened in schoolP''
q No, nothing in school," then turnin,
q to Norman she continued:
Il must explain, and ask your advice
As you are one of the directors desir
= your approval"
81 think you have it already. hav