The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1895-09-12

ing passed by pleasantly, though there
was a suppressed excitement notice
able among the children. Still, that
was to be expected; a twenty-two-
pound safety was an unheard-of event
in Harmon.
At recess they all delightedly ex-
amined it. The boys, in the afternoon,
were equally enthusiastic, and before
nightfan there was not a man, woman
or child in Harmon that had not heard
of the school-teacher's wheel
Late the next afternoon, when she
had returned quite tired from her
work. she was sitting out on the
veranda of the little house where she
made her home, talking with Mrs,
Haydn, with whom she lived, when a
carriage drove into the yard.
Its Mrs. Preston" said Mrs. Haydn,
hastily rising. I'll just slip in and
see if Peggy has that cake done; 1 will
be back in moment" So Jessie was
left alone to meet the formidable cen
sor of Harmon's social laws
She assisted the lady carefully from
her carriage.
rs it not a lovely day?" she said.
MRS. Hadyn will be here in a mo-
ment. VIII you come indoors, or do
you prefer the veranda? The air is so
lovely"
Thank you, said the lady. 81 will
not go in. l just stopped by for mo-
meut."
They seated themselves in the rock
ers on the porch, and in the silence
that followed Jessie longed for Mrs.
Haydn's arrival
II suppose l may as well tell you
what l stopped about" said Mis- I'M
ogen, as most of the county called her,
though she had been married for thirty
years.
Yes, indeed" murmured Jessie.
Can | do anything for you? l should
SO like to-
mo, but I have been talking with
several of our friends about your rid
ing that-that-"
My bicycle" supplied Miss Jessie,
as Mrs. Preston did not seem able to
bring herself even to pronounce the OBJ
jectionable word.
Yes" Mrs Preston answered, in a
relieved voice, land we think it is
hardly dignifed, hardly ladylike, so to
speak, my dear Miss Jessie, for you to
use it going to your school duties, or
anywhere else, in fact, holding the
position that you do"
Il would not do it for the world if l
thought it undignifed, Mrs. Preston, ;"
Jessie answered, Strengthening her
little figure and ceasing to rock.
Now if it We're a horse,' said the
lady, lit would be different. The wom-
en- of the Prestons. the Phillips and
the Payson-Smiths have always RIDDEN,
but not one of them has been seen on
"a bicycle"
But, you see, l cannot afford a
horse or to keep one if l had it. and
my uncle gave me this wheel partic-
ularly to use in going to school, for
the walk is very long for me twice a
day"
'Of course, of course, but one must
think of appearances. A woman must
always consider them, and we decided
that some one had better speak to you
and advise you to give it up, if you
wish to continue to hold your present
position in our school"
Il do not think I shall give it up
said the girl, slowly, until l can see
the harm in it.
The lady rose, and just then Mrs.
Hadyn appeared, with Peggy lowering
in the background, bearing a tray of
tea and cakes; but for once the colonel's
lady did not wait to partake, though
she thanked Mrs. Haydn effusively,
and she left, not altogether satisfied
with the impression she had made
The little school-teacher was so gentle
that sitting on her did not seem to
affect her at all; she was as placid and
sweet afterward as before. But it did
affect her, although she rode TO school
again the next day, and when the les
sons were all over, and she had dis
missed the class she was tutoring, she
laid her sunny brown head on the desk
before her and cried softly. She was
afraid she would have to give it up.
after all. She could not afford to
throw away the position she held. and
she did not see any chance of convinc-
ing the social leader of Harmon that
riding a bicycle was entirely compati-
BILE with her school duties and the dig
nifty of her position. 1t was one of her
greatest pleasures, and it seemed hard
that from simple prejudice she should
be deprived of it. OF course, it was
foolish to cry, but she was very tired.
AS she sat there alone some one
came into the room, and, seeing the lit
tie teachers distress, went softly up to
her.
1t was Cary Phillips, one of the bows
getting ready for college, tall, sturdy
fellow of seventeen, afraid of nothing,
always in some scrape, but with big,
generous heart, and una BILE to see any
one in trouble without Offering his
help and sympathy.
Come, Miss jessie" he said, stand
ing a bit awkwardly beside her,
won't you tell a fellow what is the
matter?"
She looked up smiling, ashamed of
her tears.
II have got to give it up, guess"
she sale.
What do you mean-your bicycle?"
She nodded, her lips quivering a lit
tie. She was scarcely more than a
child herself