The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1891-11-14

WIN iliN tiiiD 3 thAtt S~~4@N-
Your friend, JUNIA.
Presumably there are busybodies
everywhere. There certainly were
in Sandy Cove, and when Junia be-
gan congratulating herself on the
harmony with which her school
work was progressing rumors
reached her ears which, despite her
efforts to the contrary, had a very
depressing influence over her Time
only made matters worse. One night
Widow Ferris noticed that the gloom
had deepened, and as she poured
the tea she remarked
Miss St. John, you look tired to-
night or discouraged, which is it
A little OF both, think, she re-
piled managing to smile family.
Why, l hope nothing unpleasant
has happened in school?
No, nothing in school. Then turn
ing to Norman, she continued
must explain, and ask your adj
vice. As you are one Of the direc-
tors, | desire your approval.
| think you have it already.
have felt SO certain of your success
as teacher that l have neglected
the school more than | ever did be-
fore. What difficulty has arisen?
In my work here l have departed
from the old routine of teaching,
and have tried to make study real
pleasure instead of dull mechanical
task. My methods have been dis
cussed by the pupils at home, and a
few of the parents have sent me
notes of disapproval. As paid no
attention to them, general dissatis-
faction seemed to rise, and to day, |
received this.
She took from her pocket paper
and passed it TO Norman, who read
in an amused tone
Miss St JoHN-Weem employed you
to teach our children those branches
which form the foundation OF all
knowledge, and we respectfully re
quest you to continue your instruc-
tons thereto, instead OF neelecting
these most important studies to pur
sue branches probably OF interest to
yourself, but far too advanced for the
full comprehension of your pupils.
Then followed a list of names.
Norman laughed heartily, but seeing
the real distress in Junia's face,
checked his mirth and said sympa-
thetically-
Don't let that trouble you a mo-
ment. 1t is evidently the work OF
some busy
It's scandalous ? interrupted the
widow Indignantly. But don't feel
downhearted Miss St. John. Nor
man will make it all right. I've no
doubt it started from Susan Rttle;
she wanted the school. and I'm sure
she couldn't teach anything but the
four rudiments to save her life. l
just hope you won't give up to 'em.
Isuppose the parents have a right
to demonstrate if they think | am
doing unwisely. l wish to convince
them to the contrary. Mr. Ferris do
you think they would attend a pub
lie examination
Yes; it's the very thing. | will
write notices and see that The other
directors are there, if you wish me
to, replied he. feeling a new interest
in the young teacher, whom he had
hitherto scarcely noticed more than
courtesy demanded.
The day of the examination came
and the schoolhouse was crowded.
Each class was orally examined.
The scholars acquitted themselves
so creditably that malicious specta-
tors were visibly crestfallen, while
many faces CLEANED with satistac-
ton; and as the last class was dis
missed, the directors expressed their
hearty approval OF Miss St. Johns
management of the school. Then
Junia stepped out upon the platform,
and her sweet, clear voice had no
tone of malice or exultation to mar
its purity as she said:
My friends, | thank you for your
attendance this afternoon and as I
hold a place of trust over your
children, l wish to explain some of
my past work, which has evidently
been misunderstood. While | have
opened before these pupils new fields
of study and awakened in them an
interest in various branches, | trust
you are convinced that | have not
neglected the common studies. NY
object has been to make the task of
learning pleasure; to arouse an in
terest for books and d love for
nature.
will tell you the truth. The first
week | taught here l was touched
with pity to see the dreamy, me-
chanical way these children did
their work-the serious, burdened
faces they brought into the school
room, and the hilarious joy with
which they each night welcomed
the close of the school. In searching
tor some method Constructing them,
| remembered my own happy child
hood, untrammeled by the restric-
tons of school-room Ny father
was my teacher We wandered over
fields, mountains. and ocean shore,
learning the wonders of nature; and
at night we studied the heavens
above us, without going too far for
my childish mind or neglecting
necessary rudiments. When |
entered school, it was only to find in
the sciences old friends. The re