The Lexington intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1901-1949, 1907-09-07
.MARGARET
D|SOBEDIENCE.
By MARY A. DENIsoN
IcOpyrIght. by Joseph 3. BOwIes.l

Wis 1CAs 1AeAA1AAo1@AA HNR1NN 49,
papers aside with An angry motion, so
that one or two of them fell to the
floor.
mo, it will never do" she murmur-
ed, with an air of reflection. Il must
make an example of her or she will
presently be taking the reins in her
own hands, and rule me-
Mrs. Gen. Lansingham was the prin-
cipal of Glenwood, a flourishing sem
mary for young ladies. Glenwood
seminary never lacked patronage.
Among the pupils was a girl by the
name of Margaret Sangerford, an or
phan, under the guardianship of the
professor of mathematics.
The principal rose from her seat
after a long silence, and rang a little
silver bill that stood on her desk. A
door near Immediately opened, and a
neatly dressed girl, evidently n OF
the under teachers, made her appear
ance.
Miss Lawson" said the principal,
Il wish you to send Margaret Sanger
ford to me-"
Yes, madam" said the girl. 81
will find her and tell her at once"
THE thing must be looked int"
murmured the madam. THE girl
goes after hours and to a common,
low neighborhood. 1t is time for me
to assert my authority. The credit
of my school is at stake"
Presently there sounded a light Tap
at the door,
Come in" said the madam, look
ing up a little %uneasily. The task be-
fore her was evidently an unpleasant
one.
A slender figure, clothed in black,
with only fine lines of white showing
at throat and wrists, made its appear
ance. The young girl was exquisitely
fair.
Margaret's face was calm, sweet
and impressive, and the principal paid
involuntary homage by a long, admir-
ing glance at the dark eyes, the rich
creamy tints of the complexion, the
lovely, mobile lips. 1t was some time
before she could gather courage tc
speak and make the charge which she
held against her. When she did, the
young girls face changed. Her com
plexion seemed to thicken, purple
veins married the symmetry of hel
forehead, and an angry light burned
in her eyes.
Who has been spying upon me-
Who told you that?" she asked, scorr
in her voice and contempt in her mar
ner.
1T is nothing to you who told me
Miss Margaret. l only wish to heal
the truth from your own lips. A sim
pie denial will answe Were you on.
at that hour, and did you go to tina.
placer"
81 decline to answer" said the girl
%resolutely, but her lips twitched, anC
her hands were clasped together NOR,
tightly.
Then | shall have to put the mat
ter in other hands" said the madam
Il must send for your guardian"
mo! no. cried the girl, making
step forward, a deadly pallor over
spreading her face. Then the colo
rushed back under the keen gaze di
rected upon her.
Miss Margaret, l give you the op
portunity to answer for yourself,
said the madam coldly.
Il did go out and it was afte
the time allowed by the rules,
said Margaret, and l had good an,
sufficient reasons for what | did"
Good and sufficient reasons for
deliberate and fragrant disobedience,
said the madam, in icy tones, goo,
and sufficient reasons for rebellion
Very we'll, then you certainly canno
object to tell me those reasons"
81 do object" said Margaret, des
perately, almost sharply. She did no
mean to be disrespectful, but she wa
evidently absorbed in her own di:
tressful thoughts.
Miss Margaret, your tone and mar
ner are impertinent," said the prime
pal, her face r%eddening. you owe
to me, to yourself, your guardian an
the school, to explain this matter flu
ly, and I insist that you do So"
'T-cannot, madam" the girl r.
piled, catching her breath, and he
expression was like that one some
times sees on the face of a grieve
child.
"That is, you will not. Very well
l shall employ other means, then, t
bring the matter to the light. Be al
sured l shall leave no stone unturne
to get at the facts. Till then you wi
remain in your room until you chang
your mind or are sent for"
Margaret's c%ountenance fell. Sh
turned slowly, after casting one in
Dloring glance at the face before he.
as if to ask for mercy, but madam
countenance remained unchanged
Then she slowly left the room.
An hour from that time, DR.. Mar
ton, professor of mathematics, ser
eor HE ward Tho Oil u,ant 4rar,I