The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-10-17
one DAYS TEACHING.


Jack had toothache and asked me
to take his place at school. I consented
and proceeded to the schoolhouse. NO
one was there but a quiet little girl
sweeping up kindling chips.
your regular teacher will be unable
to be with you today, miss. but will
fill his place with what ability l can
command. What's your manner"
I do not think ever saw anyone look
quite so surprised as that girl did then
However, 1 saw nothing very strange
in the matter, and repeated:
What's your name? l am to teacn
you today"
'.Alice Stanley"
How old are you, Alice?"
Eighteen
"whewl" thought I to myself. "She
doesn't look fourteen
The last bell rang, and Alice Stanley
take the place of your teacher today.
Will some one start a song?
Calling a class, Peter Thompson
failed to come forward. 1 urged him
to no avail.
1 took hold of Peters shoulder. If
commands are not obeyed, use force.
That's my motto. Immediately Peter
gave such yell as I never heard from
mortal lungs. I sprang back as II
had touched off a mine. Peter did not
desist but to the first burst succeeded
an avalanche of blubberings that came
down like the cataract of Lodore. l
with strange suddenness. He sulked
behind his apron. however, till recess
1 took the reader and pointed to the
first letter of the alphabet.
What is the name of that letter."
inquired
They gazed at me in stupid amaze
ment.
You surely know what that letter is.
Munitions of rain in one or two eyes.
Alice Stanley'S hand goes up.
Question, Alice?"
please, sir, teacher uses the word
method
The word method? What might that
be? My course in college so far con-
tanned no information on that point
Perhaps it was in the scientific course
To cover my confusion looked at my
watch. 1t was far past recess time, and
/ rang the bell.
I measured off just five minutes for
the recess. Time was precious IL the
morning programme was to be COM
pleted. Promptly at the expiration or
the time 1 rang the bell, and as the
astonished company hustled back to
their seats I noticed Peter Thompson's
place vacant.
Where Is Peter 2"
HE went home eryin'."
said he'd tell his ma"
Said he warn't goin' to no old
school," volunteered dozen voices. 1
summoned "B geography" This was
a class of intermediate grade, whose
lesson
Right here the door opened wide, and
in it stood little bit of a woman, with
a sunbonnet on her head and mop in
her hand and the cloth frozen stiff She
painted, with one hand on her heart.
where's the schoolmarm?"
HE could not be here today. I take
his place. Is there anything / can do
for you, maam? May I ask your
manner"
I'm Missus Thompson. My poor lit
tie boy just come home a-crytn' as If
his little heart would break, an ia
just like to know who's been misusin
of him. I'd put the law on 'en, I
would! Pretty COINS on in school
house, must say! Oh, there you are.
Miss Stanley Why amt you in your
proper placer"
moment in the lobby" asked Miss
Stanley, while I stood entirely dunn
founded.
"S'pose you may"
While they went out I got my hat
and overcoat and put them on My
brain was in a whirL That little girl!
But. after all, there was a certain air
of maturity about her. And that De-
keleia and the giggling! I was a fool
AS I got into the lobby-how / know
with a broad grin on her face Miss
Stanley held out her hand, with sew
eral roguish dimples playing hide and
seek about her cheeks
pardon me. ! thought at nrSr some
one was trying to play a trick on me
through you, but I fear now I have
been the trickster I was quite tired
and discouraged this morning. H you
were a teacher-pardon me for imagin-
ing that you are not-you would know
how glad I was to rest and hear some
one else teach and learn how" This
last was added slyly.
When she had directed me across the
fields, I lifted my hat and walked off.
AS Miss Stanley entered the school
room / heard tumultuous clapping and
cheering.
I plunged fercely on, reviewing the
mornings experience with burning
cheeks whose fires were none the cool
er by the time I reached my cousins
school, which also, noticed, was front
ed with big elm.
AS went nearer the unmistakable
buzz of a school in session greeted my
ears. Wonderingly I raped at the
door. 1t opened, and, 10, Jack!
"How's your tooth?" savagely said L.
might as well own up. 1t was all
trick I came out here and hid. I was
going to hear you teach all the norm
ing and then disclose myself The boys
were in the secret but when you didn't
come the joke was on me. Where have
you been?"
But that I never told.
Two more days of the discount sale
in Millinery, at Morrison's 507 Kansas
avenue.