The Republican journal., 1901-09-26
PLAYING SCHOOL.


/ had to go round by Mrs. Drew's to
carry a pattern for mother. l just
stepped into the kitchen to rest a min
ute, and right on her big table was a
box of honey. guess she saw me look
ing at it, for she asked me if l liked
honey; and l said Yes m, l do, but l
don't have any very often, for we don't
keep bees at our farm
''You know she keeps 'em, and guess
she has lots of honey; for she told me
if | would come again some day she'd
give me some She said l might ask
another little girl to come with me, and
of course | should ask you, for you are
my very dearest, most intimate friend"
Madge responded to this affectionate
compliment by hug which nearly
stifed Dorothy, and exclaimed, Lets
GO next Saturday"
''All right" said Dorothy, "'cause its
four days before then; and that's long
enough to wait isn't it?"
Accordingly, the next Saturday after
noon saw two eXpectant little girls, in
the cleanest of Bingham dresses and
brand new sunbonnets just alike, going
along the country road to Mrs. Drew's
big white farmhouse. Past the long
meadows white with daisies and sweet
Will tlONCl luCF NCllb, llOW ohlppILS
and dancing to the music of the Birds
now playing tag, until, breathless with
running and laughter, they had to sit
and rest on rock by the roadside. I'm
able to bring their eager feet to walk
for more than minute at time, they
soon found themselves at the front
gate.
do you s'pose she will give us the
honey first thing" asked Dorothy.
mo, | guess not" said Madge, whose
sense of propriety suggested that this
was hardly to be expected
They did not have time to talk longer;
Mrs. Drew had heard the faint tap,
tap of the old-fashioned brass knocker,
which Dorothy could just reach by
standing on tiptoe, and came to the
door with cordial greeting.
She invited them into the sunny sit
ting-room, where she was sewing, and
after the pink sunbonnets had been
taken off and Madge and Dorothy made
to feel quite at home, told them stories
about when she was little girl
Now don't you want to look at some
pictures?" she asked.
Yes, thank you?" said Dorothy, in
her polite tone, wondering if Mrs. Drew
meant this to occupy them while she
went after the honey.
But evidently she did not; for, after
handing them the pictures, she resumed
her seat by the window, and began to
sew. The little girls glanced significant
ly at each other as they looked over the
pictures, and their faces grew sober.
Its most four o'clock" thought
Dorothy: land mother told me to be
sure and come home by five"
DO you s'pose she's forgotten the
honey" she whispered anxiously to
Madge.
I'm afraid So" Madge whispered
back.
shall l ask her for it?' again whis-
peTed Dorothy.
oh, no." said Madge. q do not
think that would be polite, do you?'
Poor Dorothy, After all the eager
anticipation of the week to be disap-
pointed now, especially when her dear
est friend had been invited to share her
pleasure! What should she do?
'Oh, there's bee" she cried, a bright
idea striking her, as a busy insect in
search of sweets flew to the honey
suckle by the open window.
Il see him. exclaimed Madge, catch
ing Dorothy's meaning. But Mrs. Drew
sewed on, with only smile at the evil
dent enjoyment of her small guests
Plainly, this hint was not sufficient to
remind their hostess of the forgotten
treat, and they would probably have to
go home without the promised honey
suddenly Madge's face frightened;
and she drew Dorothy toward her for a
brief whispered consultation, at the
close of which Dorothy jumped up and
asked
please may we play school in this
corner, Mrs. Drew"
es, indeed" said Mrs. Drew; and
Madge exclaimed
You be the teacher, Dorothy, and
III be the scholarsr'
A little table was taken for the
teachers desk, and with becoming
dignity Dorothy perched herself upon
the organ stool behind it. Madge quick
ly arranged three chairs, one behind
another, and seated herself on the last.
Then opening book taken from the
what-not, she began to study very hard
First class in spellingv' called the
teacher. Madge closed her book and
came to the front.
Toe the mark" ordered Dorothy.
Madge obediently ''toed" bright
green leaf in the carpet, put her hands
behind her back, and looked up expect
antly,
Spell honey"
Honey, hon, hon, ely, honey; a
sweet fluid collected by bees" Madge
had been taught to define as well as to
spell.
BLESS my heart" exclaimed Mrs.
Drew, rising abruptly and leaving the
room.
The girls looked abashed, and the
spelling class came to sudden end.
Il wonder if she knew we meant it?"
said Madge.
Il guess she did," said Dorothy, ''for
she went out quickern | thought she
would
In few minutes Mrs. Drew returned,
bringing a small tray which contained
a plate of tiny buttered biscuits and
two sauceplates Of golden honey in the
comb. Spreading white cloth on the
teachers desk, she put down her dain-
ties, saying
Il don't see how l came to forget
your honey, but I'm glad enough you
made me think of it before you went
home
Two very meek Thank yous'' were
the only response she received; but
Madge and Dorothy ate the treat with
keen relish, and, after accepting an in
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