The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1910-07-30

Ihetic little prayer that Miss 10y be POOd-na-
tured to-day only to find Miss Joy more on edge
than ever.
AS Miss Joy worked upon the examination papers
this morning her lips were compressed until onIy
thin line visible to indicate them Presently she
glanced toward Lois desk. .@
why are you not working upon your examination
paper, Lois Chilton?" she demanded.
Il haven't" began LoisS
You haven't what?" broke in Miss Joy.
Never mind me wish to know why you are
not working the other girls are? Answer that
question and say nothing else"
Il gave you-" when again that metallic voice in
terrupted
But poor Lois Chiffon had been goaded Just little
TOO Tar that morning, and amount of training can
be counted upon to withstand the last straw Look
ing MISS Joy squarely in the eyes, her fairly blaz
ing but her mouth tightly closed as though to repress
words struggling to force themselves from her lips she
rose from her seat shoulders squared and head
erect to walk straight up to Miss Joys desk
Like most cowardly, nagging natures, Miss Joy
seemed actually to shrivel the tall girl bore down
upon her in her righteous wrath For some time the
teacher had strven by every arthce of her cold vim
dctlve nature to draw from Lois Chiffon some word
OF impertnence rebelious act; provoke her into
some diScourtesy which would justify sending the girl
to the principals Office. Yet never during all those
miserable months had she succeeded in so doing
Even when Miss JOY was standing Lois lowered head
and shoulders above her, and now the small woman
shrank into herself, the girl seemed veritable per-
sonihcatlon OF outraged justice coming to claim her
rights
She paused directly in front of Miss low and said
IN tone which her teacher had never before heard
from those lips
miss Joy, will you be good enough to open that
desk
Without word, but with slightly trembling hand,
Miss Joy complied In the drawer lay neatly written
examination paper bearing Lois name.
rs rs not that the paper you wish, Miss Joy"
- Certainly; certainly. How, came it here? What
do you mean by taking the liberty of placing it in
my drawer? Miss Joy was recovering herself and
had discovered a mares nest ~ea
One moment if you please Miss JOY The clear
taltered NV mar
was the only one completed when the period bell rang
Yesterday and, at your own request l handed it to
YOU! You hastily opened that drawer and laid it
there And there the period bell to end this reci
tato1 have the pleasure to wish you good morn
She drew back from the desk, let fall the hand
that had been pointing to her examination paper and
stepped into her place in the line which the girls had
already formed at the ringing of the bell
You are nsolent Insoentw cried Miss Joy, be-
side herself with passion Il shall instantly report
you. | shall make this examination so difficult for
you that it will be impossible for you to pass I
you hear me?
But not another word did Lois Chiffon utter as the
class marched from the literature room for the rules
OF the school brooked delay period bell had
rung
An hour later she turned the corner of the street
upon which her home stood All the pretty color had
vanished from her cheeks her eyes looked heavy and
dull her lips had sad little droop, and her step
lacked its usual buoyancy. While still far down the
block she her mother waiting for her upon their
piazza as she had missed waiting since Lois
began school at nine years of age That little meet
ing each day had much to do with Lois sunshine and
this year IT had been mighty safeguard against dis
aster for Mrs. Chiffon by means blind to the
prevailing condition of affairs. She had watched
with msgivings the effect it having upon Lois
physically, mentally and morally, for this daughter was
too precious to be married by outer influences
ICY cold but the lips which rested against her cheek
were hot and feverish. A shadow passed over Mrs
CmItons face to be instantly replaced by bright
Come in to luncheon, Sweetheart; Katy has some
delicious little rolls for US"
Instantly Lois expression changed Flinging her
arms ABOUT her mother she nestled her head in her
neck and cried in little quverng voice which told
all too plainly of the strain to which she had
been submitted.
What precious, precious little mother YOU arel
You always have something happy to say, and seem
TO know when most need it. You couldn't roll me in
wet blanket could you? And you whisk off those
anyone else daEes wrap me in, don't you? couldn't
live single minute without you to brace me upl"
Mrs; Chiffon laughed happy little laugh as she
replied:
Isn't that what mothers were made for? Now
SIT down to your luncheon, and while you are enjoy
ing your rolls I'll tell you some pleasant news Papa
IS gong to take us to Lakewood for Easter. We
Lois let fall the roll she held to clasp her hands
How perfectly splendid! whole week outdoors
ana no Miss Joy! Oh Mumsey, it has been an awful
am going to lose nv Lit. Exam for Miss Tey said
wagged despondently
do;dod ~ your examination because nave
decided to withdraw you from the school. You will
not return after Easter think the tax upon your
strength has been little too severe have writ
ten to Miss Appleton giving my reasons and have
requested her to send me all your papers etc. by
mail on Monday After you have had little holt
day. we will read and study together each morn
ing, and you will lose very little. AS for the out
come OF the examination, you not to worry over
It. You have worked faithfully, and no one can do
better than do their best"
l have, oh, Mumsey have |" cried Lois. az don't
1eel bit scared about anything but the Lit and Miss
JOY SAID today that she would make that impossible
SO dare say it isn't any use to hope for anything
LOIS did not the quick squaring of her mothers
shoulders or the shutting together Of the lips so
exactiy as she herself had done not two hours be-
tore Then Mrs. Chiffon continued:
!, am delighted with the progress you have made
TINS year, and think you have earned your holiday
III any rate cannot spare my unshiny daughter t.,
replace her with an overwrought nervous one
Just tnen the waitress went to answer the door
Dell, and presently returned to say: