Year: 1869

within the fcllOWiDg narrative. wear az
appearance Of Injustice. the writer can only
remark that he states facts, and cannot be
held responsible for events that actually oc-
Cured but We think there are few of our
readers who will sympat1ize with a tyrant,
or condemn the inhicion upon him Of what
we are disposed to consider well-desery ed
punishment.


In large school-room were assembled
some fifty pupils Of both sexes, all busily
engaged at their studies. The institution
Of learning to which we refer is located il
a f1ourishing town not far from the great
city of New York. These scholars We. {
from eight to sixteen years of age. Among
the females We're several girls whose ages
entitled them to be called young ladies
One of them in particular was exceedingly
beautiful, and even the stern masters face
relaxed into a smile. whenever he looked
toward the corner in which she was seated
The dress and general appearance of tie
young lady in question announced that she
belonged TO most respectable class OF So
ciety. In age she was scarcely over tif-
teen. yet she possessed a matured form,
while her actions were grave and woman
ly. Size never participated in the levity or
whisperings which took place whenever the
masters back was turned: for she was
ambitious to excel in her studies, and had
neither the time nor the inclination to in
dulge in childish folly. The master OF
this school, whom we shall call Mr.. Rath.
burn, was gentleman pretty well in years
and OF a solemn, sanctimonious aspect. He
had several assistants, but with them we
shall have nothing to do, and therefore we
refrain from describing them.


1t lacked but a few minutes to the time
when the school would be dismissed for the
day. when Mr.. Rathburn approached the
Young girl to whom we have referred.


Miss Clarke said he to her in low
tone, "you have been whispering, which
YOU know is contrary TO the rules of this
establishment"


"You are mistaken, sir said the young
girl, respectfully; Il: have not once open
ed my lips during the whole afternoon"


do not contradict me-" rejoined the
master, affecting an anger which he was
far from feeling; ''do not add falsehood to
your other fault. AS a punishment for
your transgression, you will remain in
school after the others have departed. l
shall not whip you this time, but merely
detain you half an hour or so. 1t is nv
object to make you good girl my duty
to your parents requires this. The school
is now dismissed"


many Of the girls casting looks of comical
pity upon Miss Clarke, who was thus ''kept
n after school as punishment.


In few minutes the school room was
deserted save by the master and his pupil.


Mr.. Rathburn seated himself by the side
Of Miss Clarke and taking her unwilling
hand in his, he said to her in tone which
he tried to make tender


My dear Nellie, you must pardon the
plan which I was compelled to adopt in
order to secure a private interview with
you invented the whispering story mere
ly as an excuse for OBTAINING you, 50 that
| might have chance to tell you how |
love you. Yes, you darling little witch l
dote on you to distraction, and you ought
to know it by this time. Yet you always
look cross at me-never smile upon me
and once when we were alone together,
refused to give me even kiss"
Nellie torcibly snatched her hand from
the manipulating grasp of Nj. Rathburn,
and said to, him as she glowed with indig.
nation


"You have no right to talk to me in that
manner, sir. You have long seemed desir-
Gus of playing the part of lover to me,
but l tell you, once for ALL will not allow
it do not like you-and insist on 60
ing home at once. Nay, if you detain me,
| will inform my parents Of your conduct
and they will remove me from the school.


"You are mistaken, Nellie," said Mr.
Rathburn with confdence-"your parents
are not insensible to the advantage of your
securing as husband steady, respectable
man Ike me, in preference to some wild
young fellow who would only make your
life miserable; for, my dear girl, wish to
make you my lawful wife. Only think o
it the wife of gentleman in my posi-
ton, with means to keep you as a lady, and
make you comfortable. You should moi
refuse SO good an otfer-and | am sure yor
will not


/ Il tell you, SIR said Nellie, with in
creased anser-SsI will not listen to YOU
You compel me to assure you that actual
ly hate you, and would not marry you il
you had millions"


''So-you hate me, then," remarked Mr.
Rathburn, with a cold sneer-s'is it on &C.
count of my age?"


"Partly that-and partly because your
manners are distasteful to me. Excuse
me, Mr.. Rathburn l do not wish to be
disrespectful, but you oblige me to speak
plainly.


"Iou have not told me ALL" said the
master, growing furious-''you reject me
chiefly because you are in love with that
notorious young vagabond, Charley Lewis.
am no stranger to your secret meetings
with that scamp; and let me tell you, miss.
that your character will be ruined for eve,
if you continue your intimacy with him."


"Charley Lewis is neither vaeaboud
nor scamp cried the young girl, with
spirit-"and you dare not call him so to
his face. And, as regards my character.
it is more likely to suffer from being seen
in yoor company. What will people think,
my being here alone with you in this school
room? Charley Lewis is my honorable
lover! confess it glory in it: shall