Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1895-01-08
SCHOOL DIPLOMACY.

On a morning in the early part of De-
cember, in the year 1876, 25 or 80 pu-
pills, comprising boys and girls of differ
ent ages, were standing in front of n
country schoolhouse in central Illinois.
They were awaiting their new teacher,
who was on this day to open the winter
term of school.
The young people were all engaged
in conversation. There were many spec
ulations as to the appearance of tho per-
son who had been intrusted with the
tutorship of the rising generation in
district No. G. Numerous opinions were
expressed oss to the success or failure of
tho forthcoming term.
A short distance from the main body
of pupils five big boys were congregat-
cd. These talked in earnest tones The
Oldest as we'll as the largest of the
group was Sam Gaines, coarse boned,
robust looking fellow of 90 years. He
was the center of attraction and did
most of the speaking. 1t was evident
that his comrades looked upon him as
sort of leader.
''The directors of this deestrict can't
hev much of an eye for bizness, +" said
Sam. LAS winter we cleaned out three
strappin schoolmasters. The year before
we licked one man and sent him away
with scars and bruises, while three wo-
men left a-bawlin. Now they hev hired
city belle, and 1 s'pose she is badly
stuck up, but. I reckon Well soon show
her the ways of deestrict No. g."
''You Just bet your life" said john
Sanders, who was in size ranked next
to Sam. eff the purity girl doesn't know
the history of No 6, she will be treated
to fine s'prise party"
Suddenly a girl made her appearance
in the yard and walked briskly toward
the schoolhouse She was perhaps not
more than IS years of age, slight Of
stature and handsome. One could per-
ceive at glance that she was endowed
with a keen intellect.
The pupils craned their necks to catch
q glimpse of the newcomer, who was
Miss Laura Thomas, the teacher. Tho
young lady bowed graciously to all and
smiled sweetly. Then she hastened into
the schoolhouse.
Having arrived in the schoolroom,
Miss Thomas seated herself in the arm
chair behind the teachers desk and
looked around with the greatest compo-
sure. She knew full well the unsavory
reputation of the school which she was
about to manage. She had learned ere
she signed her contract with the direct
ors how her predecessors had fled from
their duties in confusion. Indeed she
had been warned by the very men who
employed her to consider carefully the
step she was taking But this caused
her little concern. She apprehended no
difficulty. Her heart was filed with
confidence.
The pupils came into the house and
eyed the instructress. The big boys es-
pecially regarded the schoolma am with
expressions of mingled curiosity and dis
dain.
Miss Thomas studiously inspected the
latter, as if attempting to single ont a
particular one in the group. Finally she
arose and approached Sam.
"Mr. Gaines, will you be so kind as
to bring in bucket of waterF' she ask
| ed, with smile
The manner and wording of this
speech completely amazed the big boy.
He nodded assent, and grasping the buck
ct hurried away, followed closely by
his four companions, who snickered
loudly when they were on the outside.
you stop your laughin, - said Sam,
displaying considerable embarrassment.
"This girl understands eterquette.
There's nothin Nsanny about that, as
can see. )"
When Sam returned to the room, the
teacher heartily thanked him. At the
same time she seized the opportunity tc
inform the young man that she desired
to converse with him alone for mo-
ment. Waving all the other pupils
away, she spoke to Sam in low voice.
''It is quite an undertaking to teach
this school, !" she said. "There is much
hard work before me, and would like
to do it well. 1 have taught school fol
two years, and my efforts have always
been crowned with success. This viii
be my last term, and should greatly
regret making failure. 1t would be {
terrible humiliation. There is one way
by which 1 can succeed. 1t is by yom
aid. With your help it will be an easy
task to teach this school take you tC
be q gentleman, MIR. Gaines May not
hope to have your unqualified co-opera
tion?''
Sam Gaines looked admiringly intC
the beautiful face before him. and his
eyes met the girls, which imploringly
rested upon him. he was deeply moved
by the eloquent plea He began TO fee
a genuine pity for the teacher, and wher
he gazed at the frail form his compas
sion was emphasized. The marked con
sideration which Miss Thomas haf
shown him also took effect in anothei
direction. 1t produced in Sam senti
ment of profound respect for the young
lady.
81 have always been unruly II
school, he said, ''and many IS tn
teachers rs hev feared me. But you ap
near like a lady, and as far as am con
cerned you shall hey no trouble. An'
1nebbe / can even assist you in keepii
others quiet Atany rate, you need no
be afraid that you win be rudely treatet
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