Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-04-25
THE DAILY NOVELETTE,
4 Lore Problem
BY MONA DORR
As THE train drew into Med6eld,

LILLIAN Thornton glanced apprecla-
lively around the quiet little station. Its
cleanliness had impressed ber when en- .
tering the town
Having come all the way from the
city of Jamestown TO teach at the dis
trict school, the rural scenery gave her
feeling of contentment
Glancing out through the window in
the tiny waiting room she saw a small
runabout stop, and tall man spring
out.
He came into the station, and step
ping up to her, hat in hand, asked;
'Is this Miss Thornton"
! AS the girl nodded, he continued
I'm Douglas Ramsey. supcrintend-
cnt of schools. Mrs. Gray asked me TO
meet you. You know the roads are so
muddy" He threw her reassuring
smile as he picked up her bags and led
the way to the car.
On the ride TO Mrs. Gray's she learned
that her companion was Mrs. Gray s
near neighbor. living with his parents.
The beautiful scenery and lovely fields
impressed Lillian. who had been used
TO city life. and the ride had not
seemed two mile run. when the car
drew up before low. old fashioned cot o
tage. Though it was the month of
September, the grass was still lovely
green. and the dahlas, gladioli and other
late foliage. in their mingled glory Of
yellow. pink and rcd seemed to nod
a bright welcome TO the girl
As they started up the graveled path.
the front door was opened and plump.
pleasant faced woman smiled VOL
come to Lillian.
'Wp'll not require an introduction.
said Mrs. Gray as she pressed the girl S
hand.
After few words. Superintendent
Ramsey departed with the promise to
call for Lillian the next day, to intro
duce her to the new duties at Kelsey
School.
Mrs. Gray. family consisted Of her
husband, genial, hard working farmer.
and her six year old son Richard. who
would start into school with the new
teacher.
Lillian retired happy that night with
the assurance of a pleasant home. one
good scholar and the anticipation of
several others.
Tuesday morning, found Lillian and
small Richard starting out for the
school. which stood down the road a
short distance. On the way Douglas
joined them. and as they reached the
schoolhouSe they saw a group of eager
little figures patiently waiting.
Hello. Johnny. We'll, how goes it,
Tcd?" and so on as the man greeted
each smiling face.
When they had all assembled in the
schoolroom the superintendent arose
and said: Boys and girls. this is our
now teacher. Miss Thornton How many
are going to do their very best to make
this model school this year,
Twenty five ready hands shot into the
air in acQuicscence. and Lillian Thorn
ton knew her first battle was won.
Days few by into weeks and with the
teachers city training, the little school
was fast becoming model classroom.
In the meantime the superintendent
had become frequent caller at the
Gray homestead, and Lillian looked
forward with pleasure to his evening
calls.
One afternoon in midwinter knock
was heard. and one of the scholars ad :
mitted Superintendent Ramsey Need =
less to say, books were laid aside and
attention was claimed.
"Now," said the teacher smilingly.
1--WE will have recitation" And there
followed quick sums in arithmetic which
were readily answered by the older
pupils.
Finally the work was switched to
the younger children.
"Richard this to the little Gray
youngstcr-"tel us the answer to one
plus one"
The boy thought for moment then
replied "Oncn'
The teacher looked askance: "Why,
Richard. one plus onc?"
"Onc," he returned again. Then with
quivering lips and fearful eyes, 81
know. teacher. YOU said twas two; but
my mother said if-if, SMILEY mean
Mr.. Ramsey kept comm to see you, you
two'd be one, so l thought that was
an example. You always say to give an
example
There was a strained silence for one
minute, when a litter, then n burst of
/ laughter was heard from roomful OF
lusty young throats; and worst of all
came the low chuckle of a man.
Lillian's head came up from the desk
ia double quick time, and her flushed
face and angry eyes met the laughing
gaze of Smiley Ramsey, as he was