The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1898-07-15

S&ther sheeplShly and pulled of 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 a right to be
seated while lady stands without first
obtaining her permission"
Lord Willowbrook rose from his seat
with stately bow and his companions
followed his example.
Thirdly and lastly" continued the
schoolmistress, ''it is the height of bad
manners to intrude ones self where one
is not wanted"
The dozen or so young squires went
which the schoolmistress resumed her
place at her desk with much dignity.
but with a smile lurking at the corners
of her mouth.
When the laughter had subsided Lord
Willowbrook stepped forward and
bowed low before the fair instructress.
Madam" he said, "my companions
will. am sure, join me in apologizing
profoundly for the grave breach of eti-
quette of which we have been guilty,
and l beg to assure you, in their name,
and in my own, that we will not forget
the lesson which you have given lis"
The huntsmen applSuded vigorously
and cried Hear, hear!" with much en-
thusiasm.
II beg to second my friends speech"
said Frank Cowley, "and thank you
heartily for your valuable instruction.
Before we take our leave, however. we
must not omit the payment of so great
favor"
Hear, hear!" shouted the huntsmen.
"The payment"
"As payment" continued the par
sons son. with much gravity, 81 pro-
pose that before we take our leave we
each and severally give our fair school
mistress-a kiss!"
"a kiss! \ kiss!" shouted the young
fellows, enthusiastica
The schoolmistress turned pale and
retreated behind the blackboard.
"At your peril, gentlemen" she cried,
Indignantly.
They were about to carry out their in
tention when young Lord Willowbrook
sprang forward and placed himself be-
tween his friends and the blackboard.
"Stop, gentlemen!" he shouted au-
thoritatively.
His companions started back. sur
prised and angry.
"Faith! You're not going to be fool
enough to spoil sport?" said Mr.. Frank
Cowley, irritably.
"Gentlemen," said the young lord of
the manor, determinedly, II will horse
whip anyone who dares to touch this
lady. 1 appeal to your sense of honor.
Weare 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. Willowbrook evidently
meant what he said, and he was not the
sort of man to tackle.
"Oh, well, don't let's quarrel over it,"
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 angrily
at Lord Willowbrook, but followed their
companions lead, and, swinging into
their saddles, cantered back to Willow
brook village.
Lord Willowbrook 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 schoolhouse
on the hill. He tied his horse to the
stump of tree and sauntered into the
school again. 1t was Saturday-a half
holiday-and all the children had gone,
but the schoolmistress was engaged 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 l ask what-what is the cause
of your return?" she said, nervously.
Madam" said the young man, smil-
ing pleasantly and with gallant bow.
II have come for the favor of kiss"
The schoolmistress retreated hastily
and placed herself behind a desk.
Il do not understand you, sir. Aft
er your generous defense, for which l
thank you much, 1 am sure you do not
mean what you say. Perhaps you are
joking?"
mo, 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 will do no
such thing" said the schoolmistress.
MADAM. most assuredly shall!" said
the young man.
The schoolmistress looked for some
means of escape, but Lord Willowbrook
stood with his back to the door.
"Well, my lord, you must first catch
your hare!" she said, defiantly, and
made a little dart for the blackboard,
behind which she took refuge.
THAT is easily DONE" said Lord Will
lowbrook, with an agreeable sense that
he was an accomplished sportsman, and
that this was very easy game.
But it was not so easy as he thought;
every time he got round one desk the
little schoolmistress darted behind an
Nv I.