The Irish standard., 1888-02-04
CHAPTER y.

Iscarcely knew how to reply to this COM
pliment from my friend, so wisely kept ST.
]encs.
:;You will come to breakfast now, if you
pIease'' she said, opening the door and
stepping out into the hall. I followed her
through the hall and past the room I knew
to be the breakfast room OF the family,
<You are making 81 mistake. Maggie I
said, pansng. Maggie hesitatcd one in
stant before she answered me.
ssMrs. Clayton said you were to eat with
u.s." She said, hastily, and, opening side
door, led me into the servants hall, where,
already seated, were the other donestics OF
the family. They greeted me in friendly
manner. and Maggie gave ne seat by her
side. Grace was said by the houscEceper,
venerable woman, whose fair [ afterward
learned had grown white in the service OF
the CaicQcns.
The meal passed pleasantly, and, to tell
the truth, enjoyed it much more than
had the cola silent breakfast I had taken
with the family the morning before.
After brealsfas as ] 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.
':AIrs Clayton thought it BEST" she said.
This then was to be my lot among them
a place among the servants and not even to
be taught by the same teacher My heart
rchelled at this fresh insult. Child though
was, felt my blood tingle and my checks
burn with pride and anger. But re1nenl-
bcred had ever been dependent upon the
charity Of others, and should not complain il
things We're not quite to my mind. so L
dressed myself with tolerahle co1nposure,
after ALL l had been supplied with s7'fii~
cient clothing since my arrival here, but,
though these clothes We're not much so1lcd,
saw ut once tney were cast-oif garments OF
some one, probably Inlna Barrett. Ny pride
took fire at this. would not touch them
donned the checked giugham had worn
at the home, preferring this to tho cast-off
silks OF cashmeres Of this scornful little
lady. Twas not as handsome as she, nor
had as 1ine rai1nent, but my pride, am
sorry to say quite equaled her own.
then gathered up the books with which
had been supplied, and repaired to tho
kitchen, where Maggie kindly volunteered
TO accompany me to school ano geT
me settled. as she expressed It, On our
way out { noticed carriage drawn up oe-
fore the front entrance, and standing on
the balcony WAS lrma Barrett, dressed Tor
going out She was attired in some light
blue material that suited her fair skin and
golden hair to perfection. Her little hands
were d&is1jly glove;d and she wore kid boots,
light aad small enough for fairy. She was
eyi,cnt!y waiting for some one; but size did
not dcign to notice me, even by q look as
passed in Company with Maggie. sighed.
How beautiful she was; ''she had every
thing; had nothing at ALL" said bitterly,
as trudg ged OH ],y Maggie's side.
The school building was low, white.
structure standing among the trees and
situated on the road leading to the city.
There were q good MANY children gathereJ
around the steps as we came up; b!;5 haQ
been used TO children all my life and their
presence did not disturb me. We entered
the school-roon1; plcasant-faced lady arose
from her desk to greet US, and l thoIght
her voice the sweetest I had ever heard.
In 81 few words Maggie informed her who
T was and Of my intention Of attending
school, all of which the lady listened to with
raspettful attention. And then, with a kind
smile. l,ade 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, si.;, rang the bell, at Which
the scholars came tl'oopng in and taking
their seats hush fell upon the school as,
with rapt attention, the scholars listened to
their teacher who, III the same sweet voice,
read a chapter from the Bible, after which
she repeated a simple prayer. The scholars
then proceeded to their desks. but with 40
hustle or noise, rs is common in country
schools 1t was indeed pleasant school.
The teacher was so kind, her instruction SO
simple and yet Instructive and Interesting,
I could not help contrasting it with the dry,
duh and irkso1ne teaching of the day before.
Our teachers name was Amy Lester; she
lived in a tiny cottage just back Of the
sphool-bouse with her mother. who was an
invalid and unable to Go work Of any kind.
Amy supported them both by her teaching
and her drawing. for she was quite All art
ist: and a HAPPIER more contcnted couple
than ANY and her mother, would have been
hard to find.
My first day at school passed pleasantly
enough, and I returned home i'll quite &
cheerful frame OF mind. But alas! my
checrfulness was Of short duration. AS ]
entered the yard, I found the children en-
loving themselves under the shade Of a
great horse-chestnut that grew near the
gate. They were engaged i'll jumping q
rope, and as this was a sport i'll which !
greatly delighted, slapped moment to
watch them.
"yyhy, helloa?n cried Irving when nc
saw me, and then assuming an air Of great
friendliness, be wanted me to join in the
game. Ihesitated, remembering his jeer-
ing remarks Of yesterday; butI did so want
70 be friendly in this house, where it seemed
destined was to dwell, that ] was willing
to venture any thing almost to gain it. Ac-
cording ely, approached and spoke TO BERTHE,
v;ho greeted me kindly in return.
.;h.res now, if you want to Jump" cried
Irving. Ee gave one end of the rope to his
sister and they commenced slowly swinging
it at the same time urging me to jump.
advanced, and by quick movement gained
the center, but at that instant, with wicked
laugh, Irving threw the rope and tripped
me. throwing me to the ground with such
force that lay for All instant completely
stunned, but not for long. With a scream
Of rage l was upon my feet, and, scarce
knowing what did, flew at Irving like a
wildcat. He was a wel-grown boy OF
twelve; i was rather an undersized girl OF
ten; but he was taken completely by sur
prise, aud before he could defend himself
had marked him for recognition by several
rather ugly scratches, and brought away as
. trophy a handful Of hair. But his anger
was Hndled, and he struck me fiercely, q