The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1909-09-22
Modern Waterloo

wreck from OVerStudy. He had plan
ned great things for the future, and
though filled with ambition he was
glad to accept the post of district
school teacher in one of the Western
States. He hoped that year spent in
the pure air of that far country with
the simple duties would restore him
to his former good health. True,
when he found the school numbered
about 90 pupils in classes ranging
from primer to graduation he was
hlled with some foreboding.
Certainly the report and rapid re-
treat of the former teacher were not
encouraging; but old Mr.. Slocum had
not come fresh from college with con-
fidence in his own powers. In fact,
anything that savored of difficulty
rather attracted the younger mans
nature, and the same dogged strength
that had carried him through to gain
his sheepskin would be with him in
this venture, so he determined to win
out, come what might.
1t was now near the closing Of the
year and everything had gone smooth
ly since the first big storm. when he
had shown his calm strength and re-
serve force in, dealing with some of
the larger boys bent on making mis-
chief. But to-day ne had to acknowl-
edge to himself defeat. though to I'll
outward appearances he had been VIC
torious. The cause Of all the trouble
was still sitting ut the rough desk at
his request. She sat calm and ab-
sorbed, while the others studied with
that hushed air following excitement
of any kind.
She looked the embodiment of
health and youth, girl of perhaps IS
years. Her features were bold and
perfectly chiselled, and her skin was
Of that pure bronze tint found in
windy localities. Her hair was soft
and dark and she wore it loosely coll
ed at the back OF her head. A few
stray curls at the temples softened
the otherwise strong face--too strong
for perfect feminine beauty. On ac-
count of her height. she occupied the
last seat in the corner and was so far
advanced in her studies that she con-
stituted a class OF her own. That
afternoon Philip had asked her for her
algebra lesson and she had replied
that it was not ready.
Then bring me what you have fin
ished."
Il haven't any ready" was her con.
tinued reply.
Don't Won understand ito"
Yes"
YES"
Then what have you been doing?"
Silence followed and the girl made
no attempt to explain. An expectant
hush pervaded the whole room, all the
pupils wondering what would happen.
Philip waited; somehow he did not
understand himself. He was not an
cry, but a great wave of love and
pity for the girl before him rose up
In his heart. 1t seemed a critical mo-
ment, and he realized that the future
discipline of the school hung on mis-
conduct for the next few minutes.
flushing the pleading of his heart, he
steeled his voice and said, Miss Wal
lace will please remain after school,"
1t was with relief that Philip saw
the hand of the clock near the hour
of dismissal, and soon the last eager
foot had left the building. lie sat at
his desk correcting exercises, while all
the street country sounds called to
him through the open windows. The
girl was staring out of the window.
Glancing at her, Philip saw her face
was drawn and flushed. Gathering
up his papers he left his desk and
went slowly towards her. She neith-
er moved eye nor muscle until he ask
ed for the work. Silently she handed
him the neatly-fgured paper and he
as silently looked it over and marked
it correct.
Miss Wallace, I don't think you
realize how hard you made it for me
to-day. Your example has a great in
fuence on the other pupils, and I had
hoped for your cooperation. Now will
you please show me what you were
doing this afternoon when you should
have been working?"
Il should rather not" answered the
girl, covering with her hand block
of paper in front of her.
But / insist" he said gently but
firmly, taking the paper from her.
Turning it over he saw a finished pen
Gil sketch of himself. He was very
much surprised. 1t was a clever
piece of work, and only an artist could
have caught the expression of the
proud face and portrayed the charac-
ter Of the man as this did. The GIRLS
head dropped and the tear-laden eye
lashes swept the burning cheeks.
Slowly Philip drew his watch from his
pocket and opening the back lid said
very gently, Helen, look"
Something in the tender vibrating
voice made the girl turn her head. In
cased in his watch was her own proud
face.
The long-restrained tears now fell
freely, but somehow they were not un-
happy ones. for her smiling tear
stained face and rufhed hair were
pressed close to his heart "Am