Year: 1859

words ratified past his ears. There
was no avoiding it. He knew the
source from whence it came, as we'll
as did every scholar that heard them.
He could not pass thoughtlessly along.


The dread alarm had come with
such sudden distinctness as to surprise
him into an involuntary start. Every
pair of eyes in the school room were
turned inquiringly and curiously to his
face. He was forced into doing his
duty. The heavy beard about his
mouth was friendly to him then, for it
covered a suspicious pallor that set.
tied there as he turned about and res.
ted his eyes sternly upon the blushing
piquant face of Anna Hawkes.. She
was the picture OF innocence just
then, with her brown lashes dropped
low upon her checks, and the pearly
white teeth crushed cruelty down up.
on the crimson other lips.


miss Hawkes., can you tell me
who whispered a moment sinceW


"Yes, sir The white lids were
thrown wide open, and the clear eye
fixed frankly upon his own.


"Who :"


81, sir"


"You will oblige me by stepping
this way moment lie led the way
out into the floor.


"Yes, sir, certainly" She followed
him promptly pausing beside the desk
and resting one hand prettily upon its
top.


81 suppose you listened to my rule
this morning?'


"Yes, sir"


"You understand it loo. doubtless


"Yes, sir, perfectly"


understanding it perfectly, then,
you have been pleased to break it,
Can you name my duty!'


at does not admit of question:
Ferrule me, SIR" She commenced
drawing a slender gold ring from her
left hand.


"This hand2' she asked, looking
up into his face.


1--WE have plenty of time, Miss
Hawkes.; don't hurry" he said, eva
ding her question, 81 have something
to say to YOU"


She leaned her elbows upon the
desk, and her burning face upon her
hand.


81 shall be happy to listen to you,"
she said


II will not trouble you but a mo-
ment, only to say that | regret more
than | am able to express that a schol-
ar whom | ever treated with uniform
courtesy and respect, and in whose
advancement had felt a lively inter
est. should by so glaring a misde-
mcanOr, such an utter contempt for
my wishes, avow disregard for me
as a teacher and friend. Such a
display is unpleasant enough if
mere child willfully breaks the rules
of school. but when instead a young
gentleman or lady so far forgets him
or herself, it is intensely painful. !
assure you that deeply regret this"


Anna bowed gracefully, as Mr.. S.
ceased speaking. Again her white
teeth dented into her lip, while the
brown lashcs tremblcd close upon the
deep burning red of her cheeks"


"Your hand, if you please


The little white hand was reached
forth as though it was to receive
caress instead ola blow. As it lay 50
tenderly and trustingly upon the broad
palm of the teacher, he inwardly cur.
sed the stars. lie called himself q
brute, tyrant, monster. He had
a mind to get down on his knees and
pray for big.mouthed earthquake to
come AMI swallow him; for a whirl-
wind to sweep him with rapid rush
ing winds from the face of the earth.
Strike that little dimpled hand with
cruel two inch rule 7 He had rather
cover, aye blister it with kisses, in.
stead. A thought struck him. He
might strike his own hand and shield
Anna's. He was in mood for crack
ing every knuckle that he owned. He
raised the rule. Anna raised her eyes
to his face. His fixed determined ex-
preston startled her. She would
bear this blow without shrinking,
without starting, but she would hate
him so long as she lived AS the
thought passed through her mind. a
gay, dashing sleigh, drawn by a pair
of fine horses, came rapidly up to the
door.


Lucky, Lucky Mr.. Stone, the rule
fell harmless upon the fair rosy palm
of Anna, as he turned his eye towards
the window, and exclaimed hurriedly: