The Pickens sentinel. [volume] (Pickens, S.C.) 1871-1903, 1888-01-26
DOrcas Caledon,
THR HEIRESS OF CALEDON HEIGHTS,
AN AUToBroGRAPHx.
ny FLORENCE T.. DIAMOND,

CHAPTER v.
was already up and dressed when Mag
gle appeared next morning.
"Why, miss, yo'r an early riscr,n was her
cheerful comment. "Young ones don't
generally get up without being called a
dozen times or So" she went on; ''but your
dlfferont kind, Sec"
scarcely knew how to reply to this COM
plment from my friend, SO wisely kept si-
"You VIM como to breakfast now, if you
please,| she said, opening tho door and
etGpping out into tho hall. / followed her
through tho hall and past tho room knew
TO be tho breakfast room of tho family.
You arc making a mistake, Maggie" 1
said, pausing. Maggie hcsitated ono in
slant before she answered me-
"Mrs. Clayton said you wcro to cat with
u.s." she said, hastily, and opening n side
door, led me into tho servants hall, where,
already seated, wcro the other domcstics of
the family. They greeted me in a friendly
manner, and Maggie gave mo n scat by her
side. Grace was said by tho housckccper, q
venerable woman, whose hair aftcrward
learned had grown white in the service Of
the Caledons.
The meal passed pleasantly, and, to tell
the truth, l enjoyed it much more than |
had tho cold silent breakfast had taken
with the family the morning before.
After breakfast, US | was preparing to go
upstairs to the school-room, Maggie in
formed me that it had been decided should
attend day school a short distance away
Mrs. Clayton thought it best" she said.
This then was to be my lot among them
place among the servants and not even to
be taught by tho same teacher. My heart
rebclled at this fresh insult. Child though
was, felt my blood tingc and my checks
burn with pride and anger. But l rcmem-
bored had eS5Pb been dependent upon tho
charity 6f others, and should not complain if
things Wcro not quito to my mind. So [
dressed myself with tolcrablo composurc,
after all. had been supplied with suli-
cicnt clothing since my arrival here, but,
though these clothes were not much soilcd,
! saw ut once they were cast-off garments of
some one, probably Inma Barrett My prido
took fire at this. would not touch them. 1
donned the checked gingham I had worn
ut the homo, prefcrring this to the cast-off
silks or cashmeres Of this scornful little
lady. was not as handsome as she, nor
had as fine raiment, but my pride, 1 am
sorry to say, quite cqualcd her own.
then gathered up the books with which
had boon supplied, and repaired to the
kitchen, Whcro Maggie kindly volunteered
to accompany me to school and get
me settled, as she expressed it. On our
way out l noticed n carriage drawn up be-
fore the front entrance, and standing on
going out. She was attred in some light
blue material that suited her fair skin and
golden hair to perfection. Her little hands
were dainty glovcd and she wore kid boots,
light and small enough for fairy. She was
evidently waiting for some one; but she did
not deign to notice me, even by look, as
passed in company with Maggie. I sighed
How beautiful sho was; "she had every
thing; had nothing at all, said bitterly,
7 trudped on bV Mappic'S side
Tho school building was low, white,
structure standing among the trees and
situated ON the road leading to tho city.
There Wero good many children gathered
around tho steps as we came up; but had
beon used to children oil my life and their
presence did not disturb me. We entered
the schoolroom; pleasant-faccd lady arose
from her desk to greet us, and thought
her voice the sweetest had ever heard.
In a few words Maggie informed her who
/ was and OF my intention OF attending
school, oil Of which the lady listened to with
respectful attention. And then, with kind
smile, badc me welcome to her school, hop
ing would find it pleasant, after which she
looked over my books and designated the
lessons / should learn. And then, Maggie
having departed, sho rang the bell, at which
the scholars came trooping in and taking
their seats q hush fell upon tho school as,
with rapt attention, tho scholars listened to
their teacher who, in tho same sweet voice,
read q chapter from tho Bible, after which
she repeated simple prayer. The scholars
then proceeded to their desks, but with no
hustle or noise, as is common in country
schools. 1t was indeed q pleasant school.
Tho teacher was so kind, her instruction SO
simple and yet instructive and interesting,
I could not help contrasting it with the dry,
dull and irksomo teaching Of the day before.
Our teachers name was Amy Lester; she
lived in q tiny cottage just back Of the
school-house with her mother, who was an
invalid and unable to do work Of any kind.
Amy supported them both by her teaching
and her drawing, for sho was quite an art
ist; and happier, moro contented couple
than Amy and her mother, would have been
hard TO find.
My first day at school passed pleasantly
enough, and / returned home in quito q
cheerful frame OF mind. But alas my
cheorfulness was of short duration. AS ]
entered the yard, l found Tho children en-
1oying themselves under the shade Of a
great horse-chestnut that grow near the
gate. They were engaged in jumping n
rope, and as this was a sport in which
greatly delighted, I stopped moment TO
watch them.
"Why, helloai" cried Irving, when nc
saw me, and then assuming an air of great
friendlness, he wanted mo to Join in the
game. / hesitated, remembering his jcer-
ing remarks Of yesterday; but did so want
to be friendly in this house, where it seemed
destined was to dwell, that 1 was willing
20 venture any thing almost to gain it. Ac-
cordingly, l approached and spoke 70 Bertio,
who greeted me kindly in return. -,
"Here, now, if you want to iump,n cried
Irving. He gave one end Of tho rope to his
sister and they commenced slowly swim ging
tat tho same time urging me to jump. ]