The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1885-09-24

mountains. and casts its shade over III,
sea so viii close this leitw wishing 70,
oonld enjoy with me this great scene.
Your friend. JUSiA
Presumably there arc busy bodies evsry
where. There certainly ~ in Sandy
Core. and when Junis began conerstulat-
ing herself on the harmony With which
her school work uM progressing. rumorl
reached her ears which. il spits Of hs1
efforts 10 the contrary. bad very deprsss'
ing influence over her. Time only nads
matters worse One night Widow Fsrsia
noticed thAt the gloom had dsepened. sad
- she poured the tea she remarked; (
Miss st. John. you look tired tonight
or discouraged. which is its"
"A little Of both. I think. she replied.
managing to smile family. y
why, hope nothing uapleAsAnt hsu
happened at scboolf' !,
mo. nothing in school," thsa turaing
70 Norman shs continued; II
II must explain, and ask pur adsIes.
A you are one of The directen ] desire
your approval"
II think you have II already. ! have
felt 90 certain OF your ssccess q . teacher
that I have neglected the school moro than
l ever did before. What di1ical.y has
arisen?"
I'm my work here have departed from
the old routine Of teaching, and have tried
to make study real pleasure instead Of !
duh, mechanical task. Ny methods have
been discussed by the pupils Il home, and
= few Of the parent have sent me notes Of
disapproval. As l paid no attention to
them . general Dissatisfaction seemed TO
rise, and today ! received thia." She took
from her pocke. paper and passed IL to
who read it In an amused tone:
Mss 81. Joln;-We employed you to
teach our children those branches which
form the foundation Of III knowledge,
md We respectfully request you to confne
-FOUR instructions thereto, instead OF seg-
Letting those most important studies to
pursue branches probably Of interest to
yourself, but too far advanced for the full
Of your pupils.
Then followed list Of names. Nor
man laughed heartily, but sesing the real
distress in Junia's face, checked his mirth
Ind said sympashetically: s3
Don't let that trouble you moment.
Il is evidently the work Of some busy
'Its scandalous," intercepted the Wild
Nv, Indignantly. "But don't feel down
hearted, Miss st. John, Norman will make
I oil right I've no doubt it started from
susan Rittle; she wanted the school, and
I'm sure she couldn't teach anything but
he four rudiments 10 save her life. Ijust
hope you won't give up TO them"
II suppose Vie parents have right to
'emonstrate il they think I'm doing un-
sisely. I wish TO convince them to the
contrary. Mr.. Ferris, do you think they
would stand public examinstionap
Eyes; its the very thing. Twill writs
notices and see that the other directors are
here, il you wish me TO-. he replied,
ceiling a new interest in the new teacher
whom be had hitherto scarcely noticed
more than courtesy demanded.
The day OF the examination came and
he school house was crowded. Each class
vas orally examined. The scholars aquit-
ed themselves 80 creditably that malicious
pectators we're visibly crest fallen. while
many faces bloomed with satisfaction. and
Is the last class was dismissed the direct.
'rs expressed their hearty appreval oi
diss 81. Johns management Of the school.
Then Junia stepped ont upon the platform
nd her sweet, clear voice had no tone Of
Malice or exultation TO mar ito purity ss
he said. M ~
my friends, ! thank you for your at
sndsuce this afternoon. and - bold
'laoe OF trust over your children, wish
o explain some Of my past work which
las evidently been misunderstood. While
have opened before these pupils new
Ields Of study aud awakened in them gu
interest in various branches. thrust you are
convinced that ! have not neglected the
ommon studies. My object has been to
make the task Of learning pleasure; to
rouse an interest for books and love for
ature." 4f4N
Il will tell you the truth The first
Teek ! taught here was touched with
'ity 10 see the dreamy. mechanical way
hese children did their work the serious
faces they brought into the
chool room, and their bIlarous joy with
Thich they each night welcomed the close
1 school lu searching for some method
4 instructing them, remembered my
wn happy childhood. untrammeled by
he restrictions Of school room. Ny
ather was my teacher We wandered
yer fields, mountains and ocean shore,
earning the wondery Of nature, snd st
light We studied the heavens above ~
rithout going too far for my childish
,ind. or neslecting necessary rudiwents.
When entered school. 1t WAS only to find
be sciences old friends. The research
Thich was cheerless drndgery to some
Jas to me ceaseless delight. full Of
amiliar truths which bad charmed me
ears befors.
80 | adopted my fathers plan 10 teach
ng your children. and I saw their faces
'rignten. and herd thsir eager question
nas, ! realized anew The benefit Of swsk-
ming iD . child ths love for study BY
living him glimpse Of The wonderful
hings there arc 10 learn. love ny pres
ut work, snd hsve deep interest in the