The Monitor. [volume] (Woodstown, N.J.) 1884-1892, 1890-02-14
MISS DUNBAR.

the circumstances that necessitate the
rearing of a large family in SO secluded a
spot. Mountain air and scenery are
doubtless important factors in the devel.
opment, physical and otherwise, of the
young, but the loneliness and dreariness
of the shut-in life during a large part Of
the year appeal to ones sympathy.
An occasional glimpse of the outside
world is given through the summer tour
list; but it is only the echo of the throb and
whir of life that is heard among the lonely
hills. For the children educating and eul-
tiyating influences are not easily obtained.
The little school-house, half a mile away,
holds its sessions less than half the year,
and the process of running wild" during
the remaining SIX months is not helpful to
intellectual development. The busy moth
er finds little time for any thing outside
the daily round of duty, and the only
grown-up daughter is a teacher in an adj
joining town.
Soon after my arrival l was conscious of
a change IN the household. A breath
from the outside world had surely reached
this lonely home. | recognized it in the
modern dress of the children, and in their
observance of the little amenities of life
which / had hitherto missed. The ar
rangement of the table vas not the same:
the home seemed more CHEEKY, and even
the father and mother had evidently been
aroused and frightened. | attributed
these changes to the influences of Jennie
the teacher, and wondered at the delicscy
of touch her practical hand had acquired.
knew that painting had not been one of
her accomplishing nts, and seeing a lovely
sketch upon a shell in the hands of the
youngest child, | asked by whom it had
been done.
ssMiss Dunbar painted it for Katie was
the reply.
"And who is Miss Dunbar9n l asked.
"Why, don't you know Miss Dunbar?
She's just our Miss Dunbar" was the
childish answer.
A little later, going out under the trees.
where Julia vas swinging in a luxurious
hammock, I remarked upon its unusual
size.
sIt's Miss Dunbar's hammock; we're
just keeping it until next summer" re-
piled Julia.
"And who is Miss Dunbar" l again
asked.
why, she is our summer boarder;
didn't you know VI had a summer board
er, cousin Mary?:"
The tone of surprise and proprietorship
was evident also in Julia's voice. An in
%terruption prevented further question; but
when | returned to the house l inquired
concerning Miss Dunbar. She was a
teacher from the city, l was told, who,
needing rest and change after illness, had
advertised for a home among New Hamp-
shire's hills.
II disliked the thought of taking a
stranger into my family: but it seemed
best to make the trial, and Miss Dunbar
proved a blessing to US all, said my cous-
in.
ga summer boarder a blessing. There
are few who fndthem So" l exclaimed.
There are few like Miss Dunbar; in
deed she is a rare woman. 1t was a pleas
ure to have her here, and a pleasure to
serve her"
Then | heard ofthe kind hearted woman,
who for rest and change. entered into the
simple country life of the family, benefit
ting every member, and leaving a memory
that shall never be effaced, though she may
never pass that way again" Every
where, within and without the home, /
found traces of Miss Dunbar. The rocky
fernery, and the rough seat under the elm,
had been made under her direction.
Georges collection of insects and the de-
yeloping taste for natural history were the
fruit of her influence; the pretty dresses
had been made by Jenny, aided by her taste
full snggestiona. Had she sacrificed much?
| am sure she would scorn the idea of sac
riff ce. A little time, a few hints here and
there were all that were needed to direct
skilful fingers in the mysteries of fashiona-
BILE dressmaking. An idle hour under the
trees had been whiled away in guiding
Charley to the correct rendering OF a fav-
orite poem, and the quiet of the 'child-
ren's hour" in teaching winsome little Ka-
tie the sweet song.
Happy Miss Dunbar! The recollection
of her vacation must be sweet to her. /
was not surprised to hear that health re-
turned and that her ~sojourn among the
hills was prolonged until the latest day Of
vacation. Does she know that the little
tea party. to which the benefit of her larger
experience was given, has had its influence
upon at least half a dozen families? That
the little study of wild flowers painted by
her skillful hand is leading to appreciation
of the common things of nature? That the
song echoes again and yet again through
the lonely farmhouse?
Happy Miss Dunbar, Her time could
have been spent with her books in the
large, airy chamber. Seated in the old