The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1898-08-10

mistress" teaching twelve big hunts
men in scarlet jackets.
"a Iessonl A lessonr cried the
huntsmen.
Certainly said the schoolmistress,
with misehievous twinkle in her blue
eyes 81 will give you lesson on man
ners.'
"FairIy well hit, in faithg' cried
Frank Cowley, with a roar Of laughter.
perhaps, gentlemen" she said, in a
clear, decisive tone, as If she were de-
livering lecture, perhaps you have
not been told before that it is extremely
rude for gentlemen to wear their hats
in room where there are ladies'
The huntsmen looked at each other
rather sheepishIy, and pulled Off their
caps hastily.
you also seem to be unaware of the
fact continued the schoolmistress,
with triumphant smile at her success,
''that no gentleman has right to be
seated while a lady stands, without
first obtaining her permission"
Lord Willowbrook rose from his seat
with a stately bow, and his companions
followed his example.
Thirdly and lastly" continued the
schoolmis:ress, sit is the height of bad
manners to intrude ones self where
one is not wanted.n
The dozen or So young squires went
off into prolonged laughter, during
which the schoolmistress resumed her
place at her desk with much dignity,
but with smile lurking at the corners
of her mouth.
When the laughter had subsidized
Lord Willowbrook stepped forward
and bowed low before the fair instruct
ress.
MADAM, he said, my companions
will, l am sure, join me in apologizing
profoundly for the grave breach of eti-
quette of which we have been guilty,
and beg TO assure you, in their name,
and in my own, that we will not forget
the lesson which you have given u.s."
The huntsmen applauded vigorously
and cried "Hear, hearw with much en-
thusiasm.
'I beg to second my friends speech, !"
said Frank Cowley, land thank you
heartily for your valuable instruction.
Before we take our leave, however, we
must not omit the payment of so great
a favor"
"Hear, hearr' shouted the huntsmen.
''The paymentw
"As payment continued the par
sons son, with much gravity, "I pro-
pose that before we take our leave We
each and severally give our fair school
MISTRESS kiss.'
"a kiss. A kissr' shouted the young
fellows, enthusiastically
The sehoolmlstress turned pale and
retreated behind the blackboard.
"At your peril, gentIemen~ she cri-
ed, Indignantly.
They were about to carry out their
intention when young Lord Willow
brook sprang forward and placed him.
self between his friends and the black
board.
"Stop, gentlemenP' he shouted au-
thoritatively.
His companions started back, sur
prised and angry.
"FaithI You're not going to be fool
enough to spoil sport ?'' said Mr.. Frank
Cowley, irritably.
"Gentlemen, said the young lord Of
the manor deterIninedly, "I will horse
whip any one who dares to touch this
lady. Iappeal to your sense Of honor.
We are dozen against one, and it
would be unmanly to insult this lady
after so well-merited lesson as she
has given u.s."
The huntsmen looked at each other
with hesitation. WiIlowbrook evil
IDENTIFY meant what he said, and he
was not the sort of a man to tackle.
''Oh, well don't let's quarrel over il, {"
said Cowley, at length. Kisses are not
so scarce that they are worth fighting
over. Come on, you fellows; let us turn
back and get something TO drink" So
saying, the young men sauntered out
of the schoolroom whistling carelessly.
His fellow huntsmen scowled angri-
ly at Lord WilIowbrook, but followed
their companions lead, and, swinging
into their saddles, cantered back to
Willowbrook village.
Lord Wiliowbrook rode behind them
for little way, but when he came to
the bend of the road by the old mill
he suddenly turned his horses nose
and galloped back to the little school
house on the hill. He tied his horse to
the stump of tree and sauntered into
the school again. It was Saturday.
half holiday-and all the children had
gone, but the schoolmistress was en-
gagged in putting away the books.
She started at the clatter Of Willow
brooks spurs on the threshold and
blushed deep crimson when she saw
who was her visitor.
"May ask what-what is the cause
of your return?" she said, nervously.
Madam" said the young man,
smiling pleasantly and with a gallant
bow. II have come for the favor of a
kiss"
The schoolmistress retreated hastily
and placed herself behind a desk.
"I-I do not understand you sir
After your generous defense, for which
/ thank ycu much, am sure you do
not mean what you say. Perhaps you
are joking?'
''No, madam" said the young hunts
man, with cool assurance, ''that is the
inconsistency of human nature. Be
cause / do not permit my friends,
Frank Cowley, Tom Hardy, William
Eccles and the others TO salute your fair
cheeks with kiss is no reason why l,
Austin Willowbrook, lord OF the Manor
should deny myself that pleasure"
"My lord, / am sure you viii do no
such thing" said the schoolmistress.
Madam, I most assuredly shall"
said the young man.
The sehoolmistress looked for some
means OF escape, bot Lord Willow
brook stood with his back to the door.