The age-herald., 1899-05-28
/

  HIS WORST PUPIL. w.
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He wended his way to school next morn- ing with troubled heart and clouded brow.
 T will hear the class in geometry today the last thing before school is dismissed," he announced.
 Every one waited in suppressed eagerness for what they were sure was coming.
 At last the time for the recitation of the geometry class rolled around, and they were called for the regular recitation.
 T had intended to send you to the board this afternoon, Miss Embry," he said in slow, measured tones, looking straight at her, "but I would like to inquire first if you are acquainted with the contents of today's lesson?"
 "No sir?"
 "And why not, pease?" Simply because did not choose to study 1t, I suppose" she replied tauntingly.
 "Very well. School Is now dismissed.
 The pupils will please file out quietly, with
 the exception of Miss Embry, who will re-
 main"
 This had been spoken while the class was
 at the recitation seat. The geometry class,
 including Alma, went to their seats Her
 face was of crimson hue. She had deter
 mined that she would not stay. Seeing
 that she was making preparations to leave
 with the rest of the pupils. MT. Floyd
 walked quickly in her direction.
 "Where are you going Miss Embry!' ne
 asked.
 "To my home, sir Did you fancy that l
 was actually going to remain after school
 this afternoon simply because you so com
 manded?"
 Miss Embry, will not be disobeyed in this fragrant manner. Be so Kind as to take your seat at once.' "Good afternoon, MT. Floydl' and she
 was gone.
 Sitting down on one of the hard. uncom- fortable desks, Oscar Floyd began to thlnk | over the events of the past few days' ms wealthy handsome, well educated young | fellow, who had never known care or Wor- ry urged on by some mere whim, had lett his home in Boston and had taken charge | of this village school. "just for the run l there would be in it," as he expressed IL. He, who had been so accustomed to nav ing his own way in everything-he Whose smallest wish had never been denied him he was now boldly and successfully defied by this pretty, winning little country maiden. whom he already loved so pas sionately. , Meanwhile Alma, on her way home, hao begun to feel quite repentant. "Ohl guess he must despise me- and l couldn't blame him after treating him so shamefully. I do hope he will forgive me As she entered the house she noticed a card with "Oscar Floyd" on it, written Tn a bold, dashing hand, laying just lnsloe the | front door where he had accidentally drop- | ned 1t that morning. What was 1t that made her press the card silently to her lips, | and then place it within her bosomE At length Oscar Floyd picked up his hat | from the desk and walked slowly home | ward. debating in his mind what course ne | should pursue. By the time he had reach | ed the house he had come to the conclusion to resign immediately and return to his home
 Entering the house. he wrote at some length to his father, informing him Of the r,
 home in a day or two. Then, taking his
 hat. he walked rapidly out of the yard and to the office of Judge Taylor. the pres ident of the board of trustees of the little school.
 "Good afternoon, sir" was the judges l cordial greeting as he entered. Every one
 seemed to take naturally to this hand some young professor. who was rich and l simply teaching for "the fun of it." Ar l ter replying to the judges salutation. Floyd
 commenced speaking rapidly. "Judge Taylor, I find that through una l vodable circumstances, which are unneces- l sary to explain, will be compelled to ten l der my resignation, with the understanding | that it be accepted at once-right now. | The judge argued with him for quite a while but seeing 1t was useless, ne gave III, | and promised to lay the matter before the
 board, which was to meet that night. .. q will teach for you tomorrow, and shall | leave for home the next day" Floyd said in 1 conclusion "I suppose you will be able to fill the vacancy without much trouble?' ne l said
 "Yes," replied the judge 'There is | young man in the place-a nephew Of mine who will be glad of the place, and who can take hold at once." After walking past the postoffice and re- l ceiving a letter from his father, imparting l the information that he would gladly be 1 welcomed home, he walked rapidly to his l boerding house Mrs. Embry and Alma | had just finished supper when he arrived l for 1t was growing late by this tlme-ano l he ate the meal alone.
 After supper he lit a fragrant Havana l and walked out into the broad front yaro' | But he was restless, nervous. Truth 10
 tell. he did not enjoy the prospect of leav-
 ing the girl he loved. He soon threw away | the half-fnshed cigar and set engaged in | deep meditation.
 Soon he was startled by hearing low
 sob, He listened intently, and hearing 1t l repeated, he walked in the direction rom | whence the sound came To his immense
 surprise he came upon Alma, whom he l could but faintly discern in the dim l twilight. It was she who was sobbing lie
 hesitated but a moment.
 Miss Embry."
 Alma looked up, startled. Seeing who 1t | was standing beside her, she turned to 1 flee to the house, but he stepped forward and engaging one of her hands, held 1t Tn
 a firm grasp. Alma hung her head, and | .,o- ,,is;o1x, o citated hut made no reply.