The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-09-02

Polly was FIVE years old and her papa
and mamma had decided to send her to
school, Now, 10 the town where Polly
lived there was no Kindergarten for the
little folk, so they were sent 10 the big
schoolhouse on the hill, where they were
taken In charge by the primary teacher.
Polly's home was In plain view of the
schoolhouse, so her mamma knew she could
see the little daughter at recess when
she should come out to play with her
little comrades on the big play ground.
Polly was dressed in a pink lawn frock.
covered by a shining white apron. She
wore her white canvas shoes, for the
school opened the first week In Septem-
Der while 1t was still summer.
Polly felt very proud as she walked
toward the schoolhouse, hand-in-hand
with Marie, a neighbor girl, who was
Two years older than Polly, and who
knew all about going to school. Polly
carried under one arm a fine new book
md slate, while In her apron pocket
there reposed a long, brilliantly painted
slate pencil, with a very sharp point.
In the same pocket was an apple Tor
Polly to eat at forenoon recess, for Pol
Tvs mamma knew 1t would be too long for
her little grille to walt till noon without
some light refreshment.
On reaching the schoolhouse Polly was
made acquainted with several little girls,
friends Of Marie's. The introductions
came about in this way: Marie would
halloo to some small acquaintance, who
In turn would come running to Marles
side. Then the newcomer would look at
Polly, whisper a question In Marie's ear,
to which Marie would answer in loud
whisper: IT'S Polly. This is her first
day at school," Then would follow an
exchange of glances between Polly and
the little stranger; then each would
say q few words to the other; then they
were no longer strangers, but the best
of friends.
who's she going to sit wlthr' Sally
asked Marie, pointing toward Polly, who
stood holding tightly to her book and
slate. Sally was the last little girl to be
introduced to Polly, and the question
was asked just as the last bell rang to
call them Into the schoolhouse.
IT don't know who she'll sit WITH"
answered Marie. For I've promised to
sit with Oracle. She's my bestest chum.
what knows all my secrets"
"Come and sit with me- said Sally,
addressing Polly. 81 haven't chose any
seatmate yet. You may sit next the
window, II you want to. You see, 1
came early and picked my seat before
the other girls got here. I'm where you
can look out and see everything"
"AlI right" said Polly, removing her
hand from Maries and giving 1t to her
new-made chum, Sally. Then they
formed In line and marched, like soldiers,
into the primary room, where the teacher
smiled very sweetly and said: Good
morning to you all, my little dears."
Pretty soon everything was moving
along school-fashion; classes were formed;
new pupils examined and placed where
they belonged. Polly was called to
teachers side and asked TO read some
words that were written on the black
board. Polly could read with ense the
words cat and dog" and hat" But
when 1t came to words of four letters
Polly had to shake her head.
Then Polly took her seat and found
Marie drawing pictures on her slate.
Marie was a real little artist, and could
make the funniest pictures Polly had