Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1917-11-16

windows was open. 1t was vacation
time, so he felt safe to climb In
through the embrasure. Gresham
found himself in small room con-
tanning a bench, some broken chairs
and stools, brooms, maps and the like.
He lay down on the bench and went
to sleep.
1t was two hours later when Nettie
Dean unlocked the door of the school
house, to be soon Joined by dozen
or more little ones. Once a week she
made it custom to meet her schol-
ars and pass an hour or two in their
company, and the little group were
glad to be with the devoted teacher
they loved.
On this special morning NettIe had
brought with her to read a simple,
touching story. 1t covered the history
Of a Maynard youth, growing into
careless man, who took the downward
path. 1t depicted all he had forfeited
that was best in life. 1t told of the
mother love, Of her influence and pre-
cepts coming back to the culprit at
the darkest moment of his life. The
sweet, impressive tones Of the reader
awoke the slumberer. He sat up, he
listened, he seemed a part of the pic
ture drawn. A clearness Of vision, no
longer blinded by drink, revealed all
his wicked acts in their true light.
For time he sat with his face buried
in his hands. Then, trembling all over,
he stole out through the window, a
mighty purpose in his mind, aroused,
one sentient word on his lips:
Regeneration ~
Burt Gresham went back to the city
and to work. For two successive
years, upon the anniversary of the
day when Nettie Dean had come into
his life as rescuing angel, he shut
himself into his room through all the
twenty-four hours, living over that
blessed one when the sweet tones of
a fair young girl had started him on
a new career. He devoted all his
energy to business. He was made
partner in thriving firm.
The money received from the rail-
way company he had returned. The
man he had wronged, Nate Dolby, by
inveigling him into his dreadful plot,
he reached through lawyer, who put
Dolby on his feet, and reformed. All
his old debts Gresham liQuidated, with
interest.
Then, one day, the new Burt
Gresham made a pilgrimage. Its goal
was the little old schoolhouse where
his regeneration had begun. At the
nearby village he learned that the
last session of a term was on, and
joined the men and women on their
way to commemorate 'the last day of
school," He sought a retired seat.
For the first time he gazed upon the
beautiful face of his hitherto unseen
guardian angel.
A pretty juvenile program was car
ried out. The head of the school
board delivered the usual annual
speech. He complimented Miss Dean
upon her success as q teacher. He
told of the need of a library for the
school, not within the power Of the
board to donate. He suggested volun-
tary contributions. Burt Gresham
stood up electrically.
II will take the responsibility Of the
entire subscription" he said, and sat
down again.
The occupants Of the little room
stared at this munificent stranger
wonderingly.
The children had trooped out, not
impressed in business meeting. Their
CHEEKY voices outside made music for
the heart of the redeemed man.
This is unusual, unexpected"
spoke the head school commissioner,
approaching Gresham and speaking
with warmth.
II would like to tell story to you
good people," said Gresham modestly,
again arising to his feet.
There was a solemn hush in the
room as he began his narration-the
story of his own life. When he came
to tell of the hour of his redemption,
Miss Dean uttered a quick gasp. She
approached him when he had con-
Guided. Her little hand lay within
his own.
"You are a noble man." she said,
and her tear-stained eyes were, lifted
to his. sand, oh the JOY of knowing
that in my little, humble sphere my
words have been blessing to you"
He had won back honor, probity,
and q place among men. How he
longed for her as the browning glad
ness of his life! She read the aspira-
ton in his earnest face, and with true
and tender regard returned his hand