The Montgomery tribune. (Montgomery City, Mo.) 1892-1910, 1903-03-06
HERAWKWARDP PUPIL

ran through the Olu Dullulng. Mys-
FERROUS boxes were delivered, and
drcssmakcrs came and went. Twcn-
ty girls were in the fiutter Of their
lives. At least a hundred more were
p%alpitating and thrilling and CULVER
ing in sympathy. The great hall was
being decked out with roses and
daisies and palms and delicate vases.
The dormitory was all confusion
from packing. In one of the pretty
rooms a dozen girls sat chatting.
Some one Knocked at the door. The
ch%attcring ceased and several voices
cried: "Come in"
There was a momcntary hush as
Miss Charters entered. A hush al
ways attended her first appearance.
She was so beautiful and 80 stately.
Swanlike, the girls called her, and
indeed her swaying motions we're ele-
giant and graceful. The heavy braids
of chestnut hair seemed to weigh
down the little head so proudly held.
Her coloring va. lovely and her eyes
were deep blue. But they were sor-
rowful eyes. full Of tender softnc.s.
She smiled upon the girls. 81
thought you were all here she said.
81 wanted to see YOU again. To-
morrow YOU will all be- far away"
$50 will YOU, | suppose" said one
Of the girl. ,imidly. They adored
Miss Charters. but were n little in
awe Of her. She shook her head. ~
shall spend the summer just here"
she said, slowly. my aunt Is the
only neal relative | have. and she is
in Europe. A. for going of alone to
some watering.placc or country ho-
tel, cannot endure the idea" She
leaned back in her chair with the dig
nifty Of a queen.
But am interested in all ofyou,"
she said. "What are YOU going to do
now that the lcsson-timc is oyer."
How many plans we're unfolded!
One girl was going to Europe. an
other TO Mt. Desert. n third to Colora-
do. Most OF them would "come out"
in the winter. a fcw were going TO
college. Many Of them had asked for
a visit during the summer from Miss
Charters; but she had refused them
all, She listened to their plans with
smiling lips and ready interest.
What young things they were, and
how short the time since she. too. had
looked upon the world from their
point Of view. A feeling of pity rose
in her for their innocence and hope
fulncss which the world would surely
disappoint some day.
The girlish voices died away.
Only one had not spoken. Amy Beau
fort stood in an inconspicuous cor
ner. She was tall and thin and an
gular. She was painfully bashful.
The color came and went in her
cheeks. Her very breathing was en-
barrassed and she twisted her long
fingers neryously. Isabel Charters
glanced toward her. half-amused,
Multiplying. There had been but
little intercourse between her and
this pupil during the year, and il had
been marked by what was called sui
lenness on Amy, part and lire
pressed impotence on her own. Now,
however, the teacher addressed her
kindly and pleasantly in her sweetest
voice:
you haven't told Us Of your plans,
Amy"
The girl flushed and gasped, with
ing as if in agony. 81 have none,'
she blurted out finally, and bolted
from the room.
Miss Chartcri, looked troubled,
the girls indignant.
Now, isn't she a pig!' cried an
impetuous little brunette.
"Horridl' "No manners" "A
great gawk," came in an excited cho-
rus.
Girls, you are unjust" said Mis-:
Charters, slowly rising. "Amy il
suffering from b~ashfulness as she
wouId from n disease. She i all RIGHT