Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1898-06-23
HIS WORST PUPIL.


lCdut ShthSiNu uiOuiN thS WV VI
the schoolh)use, watching eagerly for
the appearance OF the new teacher.
They say he is immensely rich,
said pretty Alma Embry, land tina,
he teaches for the enjoyment he finds
in it. They say, too. that he is awful
ly handsome, and"
But further comments were cut
short by the appearance of the new
teacher himself, and the report that
he was handsome was not in the
least exaggerated. Possibly a little
above the average in height, with a
pair of expressive eyes OF chestnut
brown, and perfect head of coal
black hair, he could not be truthfully
called anything else.
As he passed the little crowd, he
lifted his hat in an easy. graceful
mnaner, and with polite Good
morning." he entered the school,
house. Soon he rang the bell and the
crowd. now augmented by several
others. entered for the days work.
The handsome young fellow APP
parently about % years of age, in
tr duced himself to them as Mr..
Floyd, made a short talk. informing
then that while he would demand
the strictest obedience, he hoped they
would, one and all, become friends Of
his" and then settled down to the
work of the day.
Presently Alma's class in geometry
was called to the recitation seat, and
were sent to the board to demon
strate the proposition for that day.
All succeeded admirably, with the
exception of Alma herself, who, IL
must be confessed, was woefully igno-
rant in regard her geometry lesson
for this particular day. though, In
justice to her, it must be stated that
she was considered by the class itself
as its most apt member.
"Why should miss my lesson this
Of all days." she said to herself. But
| guess he won't notice it,"
She was mistaken. When the reci-
tation was finished, and the class had
seated themselves, Mr.. Floyd said: II
want to compliment the class upon
the thorough manner in which they
nave learned today's lesson, with the
exception of Miss Embry, who will, |.
trust, be better prepared tomorrow.
We will now take up the class in
history"
Alma blushed furiously. There had
been several teachers--all but one
being of the "sterner sex in charge
of the school since she had been at
tending, and not a one had spoken to
her as had this proud, handsome
young fellow, who was her teacher.
She was intently high-spirited, was
this pretty young lady, scarcely out
of her teens" and she immediately
resolved not to learn her lesson for
the morrow.
But the surprise the teacher had
given her was quickly followed by
another. for when she reached home
after school she was informed BY her
mother that he had engaged board
with her. This alone upset poor A.
ma, How in the world am | going to
live in the same house with that
man." she questioned herself. 81
won't do so tonight, at any rate. I'll
Just go over and spend the night with
Maud Sommers," and this she did.
That night at the supper table,
when the teacher asked for Alma and
was informed of her whereabouts, he
bit his lip and said nothing. for he
knew perfectly well the cause of her
absence.
The next morning, as he left the
house for school. he noticed her in
The front yard, under one o the ire S.
Intently reading a novel. Mr. Floyd
was troubled in mind as he wendell
ms way to the school room. that
bright sunny morning.
There's bound to be trouble be-
tween us before many more DAYS
have passed." he thought. as he
walked with quick, energetic step.
toward his destination. ~ must bc
gentle with her, and vet firm. what.
ever the cost may be-"
Alma came in that morning as the
geometry class was called for recita.
lion. As on the preceding morning.
she was perfectly ignorant on the
subject before the class.
Mr.. Floyd frowned, hesitated n mn.
nent, and looking her intentlv in the
lace, he said:
Miss Embry, did you study this
mornings lesson very hard?o
mo, sir"
Did you even look at the lessop?"
NO, sir"
Miss Embry, I am compelled to
'ay that your conduct for the first
.wo days ! have taught you has been
exceedingly Notifying. You will
please be so kind as to prepare your
essen for tomorrow, or you will have
o suffer the consequence"
This will be"
10 remain one hour after school
las been dismissed" he interrunted
Ter. THE class in history will come
Onward"
With heightened color, and with
Ter head erect, she walked slowly IN
Ter seat. The eyes of the entire
'chool were upon her, and every ono
wondered what would be the outcome
VI the affair