The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1890-08-31

'sOh, I suppose not, sir" said Mrs. Piggin, fix
ing her eyes on the rector's face. i've been
schOOlmIstresS in this parish for TWO and twenty
years, an we've done very well without any
grant. I've brought up my children to learn
their catechism and do their duty like their ia
theirs before them. | can't teach French an
drorin' an such like, and much good would il do
them il I could. However, I've saved enough,
thank heaven. to be inderendent of every one,
and Betsy Jane Pugh, stop talkin' and 90 on
The rector listened IN silence, and finally mad g
his escape, thankful that The most disagreeable
palt OF bis duty as refOrmer was over
But his difficulties were 10y no means at an end.
The day after his advertisement appeared, he
received 12T applications for the vacant post;
the next day brought him 2I3; the third day
produced nnety-siX. All the applicants were
able to teach every necessary subject, as well as
several which were not necessary; and every one
was able TO produce testimonials OF The highest
possible character.
In ms despair, tie rector turned to his sister.
in.ldw, Miss jordan, who had Kept his house
since The death Of his wife, and bumbly sued for
her advice and assistance. But Miss Jordan was
an elderly lady, with strong, Od-fashloned pre-
JUDGES, and she objected to the new scheme
altogether Size saicastlcally advised the rein
statement Of Mrs. Piggin-a course which was
plainly out OF the question. MIR. Dowthwaite
en- turned for help to his curate-the Rev.
Augustine Cope-a meek and'gentlemany young
man, who acted as unpaid secretary TO the rector
when there was anything troublesome TO be
done. Mr.. Cope took The mass OF papers home
10 his lodgings, and made an attempt 10 select
few OF tie most promising applications from the
others AT the end of four hours work, how
ever be found that his isl contained no fewer
than fOTty-Hine nanes-an obviously lmpractle-
able number.
AT the next monthly meeting OF the board mat
tiers were no further advanced. The table OF the
morning room at the rectory-whlch served as
board-I Oom-was covered with letters OF aDpli-
cation and copies of testimonials; and the men,
bers OF the board sat gaping at the piles OF d0cu-
ments in helpless dlsuay.
"Well, gentlemen" began Mr.. Dowthwaite,
with very vague notion of what the rest OF his
uTnu ha NpI Of
Interrupted him.
Come ini' he cried.
please, sir" said Thomas. ''there's lady
But l am engaged, Thomas"
But this lady has called about the School
Board"
AN applicant? 1t is rather irregular, Ger.
talnly. particularly mentioned in the adver-
usement that no personal applications were 10
be allowed" said the Chairman 10 bis fellow
labOrers. " However, since the young person is
here we may as well see her. Show her in,
Thomas"
A moment afterward a slim. upright figure. In
dainty summer costume, appeared In tn door
way, aud the farmers present rose lnstlnctively
10 their feet, Only the rector retained his pres
ence OF mind.
Thomas, set a chair" he said.
The young lady bowed with the utmost self
possession, and took The seat which was offered
10 her. she was deydedy pretty. There was
no doubt about that, IA spite OF her paleness and
her thin lips. Her fair hair was brought down
smoothly over a brow as white as any woman
COulu uesltei ~leG features were all QellcaLely
formed, her eyes being especially attractive.
Her age 1t might have been difficult to guests; a
man would have admitted that she might be over
20; woman would have said she did not
look 80.
Your name is-Mss-ah! Miss Grayling?'
asked the rector. referring to the card which
Thomas has handed o him.
1he young lady bowed. AS she lifted her head
she saw that the rector was still scrutnfzlug the
card. and she comprenended the other members
of the board IN one swift glance finishing with
the cutale Mr. Cope dropped bis eyes. Miss
Grayiiug smiled inWardly.
Aud you have come about the vacancy In the
parish school, l understand" inquired The
rector.
Again Miss Grayllng bowed without speaking.
particularly requested that no personal
Applications were 10 De made" said the rector
in an injured tone.
Miss Grayllng gave a little sigh.
II was afraid / had done wrong" she said
with her eyes on the carpet; but l was SO
anxious that my application should not be over
looked. III you would kindly excuse my coming.
] Think you would md my testimonials satlsfac-
tory"