Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1904-07-21


her scholars pictures, with speech
by the squire, and lastly the good-bys.
This finale was too much for poor
Angles composure. for as the little
ones began to file by in due order,
each to give and receive a kiss, her
feelings gave way, and her face became
shower cloud. When the old folks
turn came, she could not speak, and
after they had departed. and only
Stella Phinney and Martin remained,
she was still sobbing. To leave the
room for the last time was almost as
much a tax as parting from the school,
for the ten years had imprinted every
nook. Granny, and outline of that lit
tie temple on her heart. and when the
door was closed and locked by Martin
and the three drove away, she was
still unable to speak
The affair was a tribute she might
we'll be proud of. for never before had
its like occurred in Greenvale, and yet,
when the horses hoofs struck the old
red bridge on their way home, to Angie
they sounded like tho rapid fall of
clods upon a coffin.
Il can't undo my heartstrings," she
said to Martin that night, and to-
Ways experience has made me feel that
am like a ship without a rudder |
have lived with the growing ambitions
of my little men and women so long,
they have chung to me. and loved me,
and them, all these years, that they
are part CT my life. I am sure shall
feel like the prisoner who. after spend
ing 40 years in one cell each night,
was released. only to 20 back there in
month aud beg for the privilege OF
entering it again.
But Christmas day brought another
mood to this more than lOvable girl,
and also a surprise TO Martin. He had,
rs might be expected, almost filed her
home with presents for all its men,
bcrs, list too long for mention. and
they had all eaten banquet dinner at
the doctors and with music and
games passed the afternoon. II was
not day celebrated as Thanksgiving
was, and when nightfall came. Aunt
Comfort led the way homeward.
Il shall see you this evening. | hope"
Angie whispered W NuIllu ere size lOl-
lowed; at least want to. I've a lit
tie Christmas present waiting for YOU"
What il was he could not even guess
in fact did not expect any. His
evenings there were usually passed in
the sitting room. for the paIIor was
SLOW to warm now winter ha1 come,
and Aunt Comforts presence was no
bar to conversation with Angie. She
alsO--like the wise mother she was
retired early, and did so tonight
Then. for a charming hour, Angie and
Martin had the room to themselves.
No mention of his own feelings or
hopes was made by him-he had since
the first abandoned that sutherland
the school farewell. with books and tho
latest gossip. furnished topics. 1t was
almost time for separation, and yet no
mention of the Christmas token had
been made by Angie.
Il thought / was to receive a pres
ent" he said at last. or was it joke? ?"
1t may prove sorry one. she an
swered, but have one for you. and
will go out and get it. When | return,
I'll knock; YOU must then arise, close
your eyes. and promise not to open
them until say the word
Somewhat mystitied, he promised
and for a long half hour he watched
the fire and listened to the clock. And
that half hour seemed likely TO never
end.
At last came the knock, and he arose
and dutifully closed his eyes. Soon
he heard the door softly open and
close, then gentle. rustling step, and
when, Now You may look was
whispered lie opened his eyes And
what a vision greeted him. for there,
glowing with bushes and half con-
cealed beneath a veil stood Angie n
bride in dress and pose, with hands
folded and eyes doWncast. \ woman
beautiful as a sculptor's dream,
Here is your present. she whis-
pered at last. raising her love-lit eyes
to lis, YOU have robbed me of my
school and-and-I must have some
one To care for in place Of it.
And now did he. or did he not con-
slider hat veil superhuous? Let me
assure you, kind reader, III never tell