News and citizen. [volume] (Morrisville, Vt. ;) 1881-current, 1905-02-22

are going to SCHOOL,"
eyes, and Pm not sorry" replied
Jack.
mot sorrye' cried Mrs. Scratchley,
holding up her hands in a sort of pious
horror. "This is ingratitude for you!
Why, I've been a slave to that boy"
eff you have, you've been paid for
it." Jack said boldly.
Mrs. Scratchley gasped for breath.
paid for it!' she repeated. "Was
there ever such audacity?"
"Leave him to me, my dear" Mr.
Scratchlcy exclaimed mildly. 81 will
question him. Young man, by whom
have we been paid? Answer me that"
81 don't know; by somebody"
"Who told you 500"
"The neighbors. They say your kind
ness, as you call it, to me is not disin-
terested. You were paid for adopting
me: that is all | know. They may be
right; they may be wrong. give them
the benefit of the doubt"
you are Il most precOcious youth"
observed Mrs. Scratchley.
HE has been too much with grown
up people, my dear" said her husband;
'that is what has spoiled him. But, de-
pend upon it, he will get the nonsense
Knocked out of him at school. The
finest thing that could happen to the
mischievous imp is to go to good
school"
of it is a good school" replied Jack.
"What do YOU mean. sir"
81 am afraid ii is too cheap to be
good. | saw the advertisement of Pc
mona House You have underlined. and
| must tell you don't think much of
It. But y0u need not attack me on the
day am gcing away. thank you for
all you have done for me. am afraid
have given you some trouble
Il should think YOU had. Not until
you have gone shall know what peace
u.s." said Mrs. Scratchley.
Leave him to me, my dear. | wish
you would not put your oar in," ex-
claimed her husband.
"a nice way to talk to me. Mr.
Scratchley," answered his spouse in
dgnantly. Put my oar in, indeed.
believe the boy has only been imperti-
nent because you have encouraged
him"
There were two cats on the hearth
asleep Jack took them up and, stand
ing them on their hind legs, made them
fight, exclaiming, 60 it one; go it
s'nthnr" .., ,.,.toa M
Scratchley.
81 was only talking to the eats,
returned Jack.
you are incorrigible, and l shall re
quest that extreme measures be taker
with YOU" continued Mr.. Scratchley
81 am your guardian and your bene
factor, in spite OF what mischief max
ing neighbours may say, and | will def!
any one to prove that you do not ca
Che bread of charity. Prepare your
self to leave this house with me foI
your new school in two hours time
That is all you have to do. 1t is nov
10. At Il l shall be ready for you"
Jack had done his breakfast and, get
ting up, left the table, rather glad to b
released than otherwise. When in dis
grace upstairs, he usually went into tn
Kitchen. He did so on this occasion
and the housemaid said, Mrs. Marsh
next door but one, wants to see you
Master John, before you go"
Does she? How did she know
was going" answered Jack.
ME and cook at Mrs. Marshs ar
friends, and l told her"
"YOu women are always chatterin
about something" he said.
ooh, you ungrateful!' cried Saral
''Here have | and missus been packin
you UP all the morning, and cook
made a cake"
rs. it plummy?"
Beautiful And the grocer Ia
Brought oranges and nuts and marina
Iade. You'll have such hamper"
"For the other boys to eat, | SUI
pose But I'll go and see Mrs. Marsh.
Jack got down from the dresser o
which he had seated himself and, tai
ing his hat out of the hall, went
Mrs. Marsh This was an elderly Wit
ow, with no family and supposed to
rich, who had often shown the orpha
boy acts of kindness. He found her
the morning room feeding her canarie
of which she had several in a larg
handsome case.
"G6od morning, John" said Mr.
Marsh. 80 they are going to send 20
to school at last|
eyes" replied Jack; ''to receive
sound commercial education with otI
er sons of gentlemen at Pomona Hous
where are provided all the comforts
a home"
He was quoting from the advertis
ment
at is my belief that you are the sc
Of gentlefolks, whatever Mr.. and Mr.
scratchley may say to the contrary
Mrs. Marsh replied. "You have it
your appearance. l fancy there
some secret about your birth and tn
your guardians are well paid for ia
ing care Of you"
~ told Mr.. Scratchley so this NOR
ing" remarked Jack.
what did he say?'
Called me ungrateful and imp
Gent"