Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1901-02-21


This was conclusive; but Beryl felt
positively sinking from weakness and
fatigue. She looked at the loaf OF
bread and buns, and finally asked the
damsel in charge II she could have
some refreshment-"a cup Of tea or
something"
The fires out, I expect. You can
have a glass Of milk and a plate OF
bread and butter, II you like"
The fare was plain. but 1t revived
the traveller. The attendant gave her
plenty Of local information while she
ate and drank. Mrs. Tanner had not
been at Easthill-on-Sea long. There
wasn't much opening for a school;
there were very few residents, and nat
urally visitors didn't want to send their
children to school when they came
down in the summer.
"You do look tired" she concluded
But it's not much further now. The
end of this street leads to the front,
and Mrs. Tanners is the last house
on the right"
Beryl found the house easily; but
her heart sank as she looked at 1t. II
was so new that at the back the piece
OF waste ground called garden was
not yet fenced off, and the front rail-
ings had not yet been fenced of
Woodlands looked as though 1t had
been built elsewhere, brought to East
hill on trolley, and just popped down
on the first vacant space. The wind
howled round it. the waves which
dashed over the shingle seemed to
laugh derisively at it, and even to poor
Beryl the huge board over the front
windows-"Ladies' School"-seemed
grotesque in such a place.
She rang the bell. It was so stiff
her fingers could hardly move 1t, and
when at last 1t rang 1t made such a
noise she decided Mrs. Tanner would
think her new teacher very impatient.
There was not the least sound Of move
ment in the house, and Beryl was
actually contemplating a second ring
when the door was flung suddenly
open, and a very small servant in a
very big white apron stood regarding
her curiously.
"Is Mrs. Tanner at home? I think
she is expecting me. l am the new
governess."
You're to come this way" said the
child-she really was very little more.
And Beryl followed her across a good
sized hall to small sitting-room at
the back. the door Of which her guide
opened encouragingly.
You go straight in" she COM
manded.
1t was very small room, and rather
sparsely furnished; but what Beryl
saw first was tall. slight woman in
widows weeds, who came forward to
meet her with such a frightened face
that the girl felt compelled to take the
initiative.
Il am afraid I am later than you
expected, Mrs. Tanner; but 1t is a long
walk from the station, and l came
slowly so as not to lose my way"
you look cold and tired" said Mrs.
Tanner gently. "sit down and warm
yourself. Rhoda will bring tea soon;
waited for you"
TT was very kind OF you," Beryl
began, and then she broke down help
lessly and cried as though her heart
would break. OF course 1t was behay-
ing disgracefully, 1t was most unschol-
astic and childish; but those few kind.
ly words had been the last touch.
Mrs. Tanner did not seem in the least
angry. She took Beryl's hand and held
1t for minute or two. then she said
gently:
II don't wonder at your being upset,
my dear. When first came. here in
January I loathed the place quite as
much as you can do. l came from a
pretty country rectory, with a dear
old garden and trees that had stood the
test of centuries, and this bleak, des-
olate place seemed terrible to me; but,
Miss Lindon. work is the best cure
for sadness, and even Easthill-on-Sea
seems brighter when one is busy"
please forgive mel" said Beryl,
pleadingly. Indeed, l am not discon-
tented; it was only that you were so
kind to me-"
Did you expect me tobe an ogress?"
asked Mrs. Tanner. When you have
had some tea and feel rested / will
tell you all about things. am afraid
you will find plenty of rough places
at Woodlands, but they won't be of
my making"
Tea was delightful. With curtains
drawn and the lamps lighted, the room
seemed quite snuggery: and Mrs.
Tanner saw that Beryl had plenty of
the fare provided.
Il would rather tell you everything
before you see my sister," she said,
when Rhoda had taken away the
things. My husband died last Novem-
Der. He was the best and kindest man
who ever lived. but he wasn't bust
nesslike, and when all the expenses
we're paid had only ego and the fur
niture to keep myself and the children.
OF course I knew I should have to
work; but had never had to earn my
living. and did not know how to set
about It. My sister Is the only near
relation have. She Is very rich, and
she likes to manage. She decided !
had better keep school. then the
twins could be educated for nothing.
Her husband has good deal Of prop
erty round here. and they offered me
this house rent free for three years.
"of course'-she flushed painfully
the Wilmots are in a very good posi-
ton here. and 1t would not do for II
to be known any one connected with
them had to keep a school. 90 I prom
Used Mary l would never mention the