Democratic messenger., 1911-07-22

7 !
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Miss Fleming adjusted the spectacles
on her thin nose and peered nearsight-
edly at the principal Of the Lakeland
school. There was look OF greedy
expectancy In her little eyes as she
waited for his response.
"What shall ! do about the matter.
Mr.. Freeman. or do you want Miss
Lands to make her own rules? or
course the other teachers are making
the usual preparations for the OBJ
servance Of the anniversary of the
birth of our glorious emblem Of free
dom"
"You say that Miss Lands refuses
to carry out the program I have out
linedT he asked at last.
"Yes."
what is her reason?"
"Why, she says it's asking too much
of an Englishwoman to celebrate the
birth Of a flag that brought defeat to
her countrymen."
"Please send Miss lands to me. and
l will talk with her"
After the assistant principal had de-
parted Paul leaned back in his chair
with certain pleasurable expectancy
in the coming interview. The shy re-
serve Of the youngest teacher had
proved great attraction for the grave
young man, and the occasional glimpses
he had caught OF her violet eyes un-
der the thick fringe Of lashes had been
bittersweet lessons In a study that
had not been included In the curricu-
lum of his university.
The door opened, and Angela Lands
entered the little Office.
"You sent for me. Mr.. Freeman
she inquired in her low vibrant voice.
He turned his dark. thoughtful face
toward her; It was almost stern in its
self repression. "Yes, Miss Lands. Is
it true that you have refused to carry
out the Flag day program assigned to
your roomi"
"Yes," she said.
do you not call that insubordlna-
tion?" he asked quietly.
yes"
"You know the penalty for that. Miss
Landis?"
1.-The culprit shall be called before
the board and IL found guilty shall be
dismissed" returned the youngest
teacher promptly. quoting from the
rules that hung In each classroom.
Paurs lips twitched little. Il hope
l shall be spared that unpleasant duty,
Miss Lands. Can't We compromise
| the matter?'
| She looked out of the window at the
tumbling bees. and her eyes clouded
with sudden concern. 1t would be a
serious catastrophe II she should lose
her position In the Lakeland school. II
would mean the breaking up OF the
| tiny home she and her widowed mother
had made in the new country and their
removal to another town and the con-
sequent expense. which they could III
afford.
The color faded from her cheeks, and
frightened questioning glance came
into the violet eyes.
| "You are troubled. Miss lands. Per.
haps may be able TO help you out"
suggested the principal In his pleasant
voice He had read In her face the
| problems that confronted her. TEL
me what you did last year on the i4th
OF JuneT'
| II was not here then. came at the
| same time you did. Mr.. Freeman-ai
the opening Of the fall term in Sep.
| tember."
| The principal drew n sheet Of paper
| from a drawer In his desk and studied
the penciled memoranda he had made
| Of the exercises for Flag day. He
looked up. and his brown eyes caught
hers with one OF his rare smiles.
II see that your class is not called
upon to perform many deeds OF pa.
triotism ON the l4th They are TO
assemble In the hall with the rest Of
the school. and three Of your children
are to recite poems about their-your-
our dag, Miss Lands Except for
| JOluluS III tue btuEtub Va p~eaAees~
songs they have nothing else TO do.
Surely you cannot object to drilling
them In these poems. and the music
instructor will take charge OF the sing
ing"
Miss Lands rose and stood before
him. her red lips curving rebelliously.
"I do object TO carrying out these In.
structions. MFR. Freeman. but | must
submit because am afraid will lose
my position. But you don't know how
| hate this country" She turned fash.
ing eyes on him in which all the gen
tleness had given place to contempt.
IL wish you would tell me why you
hate It." he said calmly.
"You cannot understand" she said
bitterly. 81 was born and bred In
England. Until FIVE years ago ] had
never seen America. Then my moth
er married again. and she married an
| American whom | deteeted He talk.