The herald. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1905-1953, 1919-09-04

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-miIe run when the car
drew up before a low, old-faShioned
cottage. Though it was the month Of
September, the grass was still lovely
green, and the dahlias, gladiOli and
other late foliage, in their mingled
glory of yellow, pink and red, seemed
TO nod a bright welcome to the girl.
AS they started up the graveled path
the front door was opened and a
plump, pleaSant-faced woman smiled
welcome to Lillian.
"We1l not require an Introduction"
said Mrs. Gray as she pressed the
girls hand.
After a 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's family consisted Of her
husband, genial, Woodworking farm
er, 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 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! Well, how goes 1t,
TedY and so on as the man greeted
each smiling face.
When they had all assembled in the
schOolroO1n the superintendent arose
and said: 'Boys and girls, this is our
new 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 acquiescence, and Lillian
Thornton knew her first battle was
won.
Days flew by into weeks and, with
the teachers city training, the little
school was fast becoming a model
classroom.
In the meantime the superintendent
had become a frequent caller at the
Gray homestead, and Lillian looked
forward with pleasure to his evening
calls.
One afternoon In midwfnter q 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
youngster-"tell us the answer to one
plus one"
The boy thought for a moment, then
replied: "One"
The teacher looked askance. "Why,
Richard, one plus OneT'
"One," he returned again. Then with
quivering lips and fearful eyes, Il
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 n litter, then a
burst Of laughter was heard from a
roOmful of lusty young throats; and,
worst of all, came the low chuckle Of
man.
Lillians head came up from the
desk in double-quick time, and her
flushed face and angry eyes met the
laughing gaze of Smiley Ramsey, as
he was lovingly named by his many
little friends.
"My dear little girl" he laughingly
whispered, why should you be so
angryT
The school was adjourned one hour
before closing time and then many Of
the older girls came up to comfort
poor teacher.
The following autumn there was &
pretty wedding In which % little chill
dren gave their small blessings to
Mr.. and Mrs. Douglas Ramsey; and
a lovely new house was erected near
the little SchOolhOuse; but the pupils,
and the parents, tOo-wOuld have none
Of it until its mistress had consented
to teach another year.
Copyright. 1919. by the Mcclure News
paper Syndicate)