Mannie Brown, that school girl, and Edward Kennedy, that college boy / by Mildred Rutherford

IILLI'XS \V1LLBE CHMXUXS--DEV CAN'T GIT
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MANNIE BROWN
That School Girl
AND
EDWARD KENNEDY
That College Boy
.fay. MILDRED RUTHERFORD
Athens, Ga.
Publishers. The Peter Paul Book Company 420 Main Street, Buffalo, New York. J896

COPYRIGHT, 1896 BY MILDRED RUTHERFORD.
FKINTZD AMD BOUND BY I PBTKR PAUL BOOK COMPANY,
UPPALO, N. V.

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PREFACE
THIS little story must not be read with the expectation of finding anything beyond a few real experiences in school-girl and collegeboy life. They were told to entertain my Lucy Cobb girls in the hope of correcting certain habits of speech and manner which I had failed to reach by ordinary means. As it served its mission well, I have been persuaded to tell it to other young people.
Nothing great has been attempted; it is a simple story, simply told. If it interests grown people it is more than is expected; that it can interest some young people has been proven by the requests for its publication.
MILDRED RUTHERFORD.
Athens. Ga.. Dec.. 1896.

INDEX

HANNIE BROWN, THAT SCHOOL GIRL.

PAG*

CHAPTER I. "Dat Chile,"

I

CHAPTER II. "Aunt Polly," .

8

CHAPTER III. Old Lishy, .

12

CHAPTER W. Benton, ....

IS

CHAPTER V. School Days,

20

CHAPTER VI. Cranton, ....

26

CHAPTER VII. A Practical Joke,

33

CHAPTER VIII. Graduation,

4i

CHAPTER IX. Inglehurst, .

.

.

.

46

CHAPTER X. Danger Signals,

49

CHAPTER XL " Auld Robin Gray,"

55

CHAPTER XII. Greenbrier White Sulphur,

59

CHAPTER XIII. Ed Rogers, ....

64

CHAPTER XIV. Charlie Spenser,

67

CHAPTER XV. Jealousy, .

7i

CHAPTER XVI. Sorrow, ....

75

CHAPTER XVII. Convalescence,

79

EDWARD KENNEDY, THAT COLLEGE BOY.

CHAPTER I. Home Life,

87

CHAPTER II. Edward Kennedy, .

92

CHAPTER III. Beautiful -Hearts,

98

CHAPTER IV. Julia Mclntosh,

104

CHAPTER V. The University of Georgia,

108

CHAPTER VI. The Serenade,

114

CHAPTER VII. Lucy Cobb Institute,

122

CHAPTER VIII. Thanksgiving Dinner,

129

CHAPTER IX. A Misunderstanding,

134

CHAPTER X. Holiday Joys,

138

CHAPTER XI. Storm Clouds, .

143

CHAPTER XII. Peace at Last,

CHAPTER I.
" DAT CHILE."
M ANNIE BROWN brought a breath of life to Inglehurst which soon transformed the old place and its inmates into brightness and beauty. A petted and spoiled child from her birth, never having known restrictions of any kind, her guardian was immediately impressed with the fact that his sister would have her hands more than full in this responsibility thrust upon her.
Martin Kennedy was a prominent lawyer of Millersburg, Ga. He was only twenty-one when his mothers death left him the sole protector of a younger sister. The father had ended his life in an asylum for the insane, so that the children felt while he had bequeathed them ample means, he had also bequeathed them inherited insanity. Their home was Inglehurst, a beautiful suburb of Millersburg. Everything that wealth and taste could do to beautify and adorn this home had been done. The brother and sister were great favorites in the neighborhood; they were unselfish ; they were charitable, and above all they were Christians. The poor knew where to find friends who not only said they sympathized with them, but who showed that sympathy by loving deeds.
Mr. Kennedy had resolved as he stood by his mothers death-bed that no political honors, nor heart attachments

should ever draw his thoughts from the care of this muchloved sister. It seemed singular then, that when his friend Edward Brown died, leaving to his guardianship a child of tender years, that he should have accepted the trust with out any apparent thought of the trouble that it would bring to this sister.
Mr. Brown when dying said ; "I leave Mannie to your care and protection She will have more than is necessary for her support, so will only be dependent upon you for love. Advise her as you would a daughter. She is young and thoughtless, but her heart is right." He placed a sealed packet into his friends hand with the injunction to give it to his daughter as a wedding gift. After a few moments he passed away, and Mr. Kennedy only remained long enough to see him buried, and then returned to his home.
Mannie had not been present when her father died. She was living with a maiden aunt who had taken charge of her at her mothers death, and at Miss Browns request it was agreed that she should continue that care as long as her strength would permit
Several years had past when the news came that Miss Brown was dead. Nothing now remained but for the child to be placed under her guardians immediate care. Mr. Kennedy then for the first time realized the responsibility of his trust. When he told his sister the day that she might expect their charge, she reminded him of the fear of insanity ever present with her and advised him to make other arrangements.
" It was stupid of me not to think of this," her brother

THAT SCHOOL GIRL.

3

said, stooping to kiss her. "To tell the truth I never dreamed that circumstances would ever compel me to bring the child here. How can you ever forgive me, sister mine, for involving you in this trouble?"
" I was not thinking of the trouble, Martin. I am willing to take any amount of that, if I can aid you in any way ; but do you think it wise with this threatened sorrow over our lives to have the care of any child ?
" No, of course not. I was an idiot not to think of it." His sister watched him anxiously as he paced the floor rapidly. After a while she said smiling brightly, " Never mind, Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. When will the child come?" To-morrow at noon. So soon as that ? How old is she ? " " Why, she must be ten or eleven years old." " I thought her a mere baby by the way you spoke of her." "Well, Jennie, she is a baby, I suspect her father told me that she had never been controlled. This old aunt has indulged her and petted and spoiled her. I really fear that you will have a hard time." I hope she is not a tomboy. "Well," replied Mr. Kennedy laughing, "that is the very expression her father used. The next day Mannie came, and their worst fears were realized. She was full of impulses, and ungoverned in will and spirit. She had not been in the house one hour before Miss Kennedy said with a very grave shake of her head, "Very boisterous, and exceedingly rude." Mannie made

herself at home in a short while, roaming over the house and grounds, making acquaintance with everything and every body about the place. " Aunt Polly" the cook, watching her as she went from place to place said, " Miss Jinny gwine to have hard times wid dat chile, sho;" but Aunt Lishy her mother, for whom Mannie had just drawn a bucket of water, replied, " Hush yer mouf, Polly; chilluns will be chilluns; dey cant git growed in a minit."
Miss Jennie tried very hard to be patient, but the childs uncouth manners fretted her beyond endurance. She gave vent to some of her grievances one evening after Mannie had gone to bed.
" Why, Martin, she actually doesnt know how to eat properly. Was Miss Brawn a lady ? If so, how could she allow her niece to grow up with such table manners 1 I really fear she will swallow her knife, for she puts it so often into her mouth ; she cuts her food as though she thought it would run away from her; she drinks her coffee with the spoon in the cup -- now you know none but a cracker would do that, and besides she makes a dreadful noise when she sips it. Did you hear what she said this morning when I pressed her foot as a reminder did you hear her say, Mind out, Miss Jennie, Ill step on your foot first thing you know ? Now what am I to do with the child ? I can not make her keep her finger nails dean nor make her brush her teeth regularly."
Mr. Kennedy smiled at this list of Mannies failings in hopes of cheering his sister, and when she ceased he said, "Dont fret, Jennie, she will learn better. I remember mothers distress over my table manners. Dont scold her

too much for you may lose your influence over her. Example is better than precept." I find the child very truthful, and that redeems many failings. I asked yesterday what had killed my young chickens. Pete answered that he supposed a hawk must have done it, when Mannie called out, No, a hawk didnt, Mr. Kennedy; I did it myself to see what their insides were made of. I scolded her, and told her she must never do it again, and instead of pretend ing that she would not, she answered saucily, Ill do it if I want to. I did not allow her to see that I heard her, so I quickly attacked Pete for chopping my apricot tree. She called out, Im the little George Washington you neednt be fussing at Pete. Mother used to say Give me a truthful boy and I can make a man of him, and I say, if Mannie is truthful we can make a woman of her."
Several mornings after this as Mr. Kennedy walked down the avenue leading to the gate, Mannie rushed into his arms her hat was off, her hair was untied, and her skirt was ripped from the waist and dragging behind her. She was followed by Dash, the large Newfoundland dog, who dropping one of Mannies slippers from his mouth was rushing apparently to get the mate from her foot
" Oh, my !" she screamed as she grabbed Mr. Kennedy and pulled him first this way and then that to put him between her and the dog. "Oh! dont let him catch me, please don't. Aint this fun, Mr. Kennedy?"
And the dog evidently thought it was, for he was making desperate efforts to get at Mannies foot.
" Oh, there he comes, there he comes ! " and she whirled Mr. Kennedy around and around so that the strong man became powerless in the hands of the laughing girl.

6

MANNIE BROWN,

" Mannie, do let me go," he said as he tried in vain to unclasp her hands, but she laughed the more, and screamed the louder at the antics of the dog. Fortunately for Mr. Kennedy, and more fortunate still for the tails of his coat, a large dog passing by attracted the attention of Dash, and off he darted to make his acquaintance. The two advanced bristling and snarling. It was evident they had met before and had some old grudge to settle, for with a bound they sprang at each others throat.
"Oh, dont let them fight, dont!" screamed Mannie. " It is that old hateful Thompson dog. He whipped Dash yesterday, and nearly bit his ear off. Oh, please, separate them, Mr. Kennedy, please ! " and she shook her guardian frantically.
The dogs were now in full encounter, Dash first on top, then the other dog, with vociferous snarlings and snappings in turn. Finally the Thompson dog caught Dash by the throat, which forced him to relax his grip upon the ear, and over and over they rolled in the dust. Mr. Kennedy darted forward to strike them with his cane, but Mannie was before him. She seized the Thompson dog by the collar and was givir.g him some lusty blows with the heel of her slipper, when the old gate-keeper ran out and dashed a bucket of cold water upon the struggling parties. Mannie received her share of the buckets contents, and mistress and dog, drenched and dripping, went toward the house wiser and perhaps better for the fight
The crowd that had collected to witness the scene dis persed, and Mr. Kennedy continued his way to the station. In his mind he was wondering what poor Jennie would ever

THAT SCHOOL GIRL.

7

do with that child. And "poor Jennie" was at that moment having a contention with her over her dilapidated appearance.
" You are entirely too old, Mannie Brown, to act in any such childish way. I am heartily ashamed of you."
" Now dont say that, dearest," the girl retorted hurry ing toward her as though to embrace her in her muddy arms. Miss Jennie warded her off " And look at that dress !"
" Thats all right its my dress, and theres plenty more where this came from."
Tut, tut! child, where are your manners ? " In my pocket, I specs." Then seeing Dash she threw her arms around his dirty neck. " Didnt we have a good old time, doggie? Oh, it was too funny. Tell Miss Jennie about it, old fellow," and Dash rubbed his muddy self against Miss Jennies spotless dress in spite of her many remonstrances.

CHAPTER II.
"AUNT POLLY."
THE next day Polly came rushing into the sitting-room, puffing and blowing ( for Polly was of no small dimensions) to pour forth her grievances to Miss Jennie. She was very much excited, and flourished in one hand a large iron spoon, while she held in the other a long hickory switch. When she could catch her breath she panted:
" I declar to gracious, Miss Jinny, I aint a gwine to stan dat chile no longer, Ijest ain't. She is de mos tarnasiously spilte piece I ever is had anything to do wid.
"What has Mannie been doing now, Polly?" asked Miss Jennie as she drew a long sigh.
She done tuk all my cake batter, every smiggin, and fore I knowed it she done cooked it all up in dem egg shells, and she and Pete done eat it clean up. When I wants my cake batter, I says, says I, Whars my cake batter gone ter ? I wants no circumfrunsin now. Whar is it, I tell yer ? Den she rolls up dem big eyes of hern, and says she Aunt Polly, I lowed as how me an Pete done eat up dat cake batter. I jest picked up dis here hickry switch what I keeps for Pete, and I says, says I to her, Now you jest look here Mannie Brown, I aint gwine to be fooled wid no longer, and ef you and Pete dont leave dis here kitchen quick, Ise gwine to drap timber on yer sho, and I would

THAT SCHOOL GIRL.

9

ha done it, Miss Jinny, I sholy would, fur Ise tired of dare foolishness. Mannie Brown is de onrudess chile dat ever I seed in all my born days."
Polly left the room, her wrath somewhat cooled by having given vent to it in words. Miss Jennie very soon followed her, and in the hall met Mannie, and such a sight! The eggs and sugar were smeared all over her face and hands. She had caught up the egg shells filled with batter, when "Aunt Polly" threatened to "drap timber" on her, and had thrown them into her lap regardless of consequences. Miss Jennie reproved her severely and sent her to her room to remain until called.
" Well, kiss me dearest, before I go," and ere Miss Jennie was aware, she had thrown one arm around her neck and kissed her with her sticky mouth. Then darting up the steps to avoid the slap she knew she well deserved, she ran to her room laughing merrily.
Miss Jennie could not help loving the child, but was in despair as to the best means of disciplining her. When her brother came to dinner she rehearsed the scene for his benefit. He laughed heartily over the picture of Mannies appearance and Pollys wrath, but added, "She must be corrected for it for Polly may be tempted to strike her and that would never do."
"Well, Martin, what am I to do? If I scold her she kisses me, and if I punish her she thanks me. I never saw such a child. I have told her not to go to the kitchen; she says, Yesm and then in the coolest way possible walks right in. She is so open and above board in her badness that I cant find it in my heart to be very severe"

IO

MANNIE BROWN,

" She ought to be at school," said Mr. Kennedy, "but the term is so advanced I thought it best for her to wait. Suppose, Jennie, you teach her for the present"
Miss Kennedy realized that it would be no easy task to teach Mannie, still to please her brother she said she would try. The next day the lessons were assigned. There were the reading and spelling, the geography and the arithmetic lessons. Miss Jennie unfortunately used the expression, "go over them carefully," when giving her directions to Mannie.
Apparently the child went to work in earnest, and seemed a very biddable scholar. Miss Jennie was called from the room for a few moments, and turning suddenly saw Mannie in the yard.
"Why have you left your work so soon?" she asked her.
" Because I have finished, dearest." " Finished ? Why, my child, you have not had the time to go over one lesson much less four ." "I just declare I have been over them ten times," she said, standing with arms akimbo looking intently into Miss Jennies face. "Mannie!" "Maam?"
" How could you, my child ? "
" Why, lovely, I stepped over them. Ha, ha, ha, isnt that a grand old joke? " She turned on her heel and ran down the yard with Dash following her. When she returned she noticed Miss Jennies perplexed face.
" Thats a good old way to learn, isnt it, Miss Jennie? "

THAT SCHOOL GIRL.

II

" Oh, Mannie, I dont know what to do with you," she said despairingly.
"Whip me, lovely, whip me. Thats the way to manage children. I am going to beat mine well."
She gave Miss Jennie a real bear hug, saying, "I do love you so hard."
The teaching the next day met with no better success, nor for many days following. Miss Kennedy tried to interest her in such books as Miss Alcotts, the Pansy books, Young Marooners or the Elsie Books but she would always ask, "Are they true?" If told they were not wholly true then she would say, " I wont read them then." She did become interested in "Tom Sawyer," but Miss Jennie regretted having urged her to read it, for she became the victim of as many practical jokes as were ever played by Tom upon his unsuspecting Aunt Polly.

CHAPTER III.
OLD LISHY.
O LD LISHY, Pollys mother, was taken suddenly very ill. Polly ran, out of breath for Miss Jennie. " Fur de Lords sake, Miss Jinny, come quick, mammy is a dyin! She is powerful bad off. Shes done tuk wid one ov dem conniption fits, and has a misery in her side, and de tonsils in her throat. Shes bound to die fore she gits through. Oh, Lordy, Miss Jinny, run quick ! "
Miss Kennedy threw down her work and followed Polly as fast as she was able. Mannie outran both and was rub bing the old negro when Miss Jennie and Polly reached the cabin.
"Bring some hot water, as quickly as possible," Miss Kennedy said as soon as she saw the condition of old Ltshy. Polly stood as one dazed; it was Mannie who rushed for the water. When she reached the kitchen, the kettle was empty: quick as thought she filled the tub with cold water and jerking off the hot stove lids she threw them into the water. The steam nearly scalded her hands and face, but nothing daunted, she ran with the tub to the cabin. The water was hot if not clean and it saved Lishys life.
Mannie thought no more about the matter, but "Aunt Polly" did. Her sharp eyes saw the burnt hands and the

THAT SCHOOL GIRL.

13

scorched apron. She told Mr. Kennedy about it a few days afterward, "to splain to him," as she said, "dat dat chile want no fool. She has a plenty ov good hard common sense horse sense I calls hit."
Fright had threatened to bring on one of Miss Jennies attacks once before her mind had given way, and she had been sent to the Asylum, so her brother carefully guarded her from anything exciting. He now became seriously alarmed about her, and felt a change of some kind was imperative.
"Ill send Mannie to boarding school and Ill insist upon Jennies entering her."
With this thought in his mind he sauntered towards the orchard, his hands in his pockets, a favorite position of his, wondering how Mannie would like the new arrange ment. Just as he passed under a large apple tree, he was struck violently and almost stunned. He threw both hands to his head and staggered as he did so. Mannie sprang from the tree above, and pulling his hands from his face said, " I didnt mean to throw so hard, honor bright I did not. I thought it would be so funny to hit your nose, you did look so consequential" and the little witch began to laugh.
" I see no fun in having ones nose hit, I must say." " Oh, thats because its your nose; if it was mine you would you have such a good nose to aim at. I wish I had hit it"
Mr. Kennedys temper was somewhat ruffled by this time.

14

MANNIE BROWN,

If you have nothing better than this to do I think it full time that I should find you something. You may prepare to go to school,"
" Well, Ill not go to school, thats all there is about it." "As your guardian Ill see to that." " Guardian or no guardian, Im not going to school. Do you hear me?" She moved nearer to him and gently stroked his nose as she was speaking. " Does your nose hurt? " " Marmie, you mustnt speak so to me." " Well, then does your proboscis pain you ? " Mr. Kennedy, pretending not to notice her last remark, said, "And the sooner you go the better." "All right, good-bye," and she darted from him across the orchard. In a few moments he heard her calling to Dash and they passed in full pursuit of a rabbit " Sic him, sic him, old fellow." She tripped and rolled over and over in the grass. Mr. Kennedy started towards her, thinking she was hurt, but she was soon on her feet pursuing the rabbit again. She is ahead of anything dreamed of in heaven or earth. I really feel sorry for Jennie."

CHAPTER IV.
BENTON.
W HILE Miss Kennedy highly approved of the plan of sending Mannie to a good boarding school, she refused to take her herself, so Mr. Kennedy was forced to doit.
On account of the reputation for strict discipline, he selected " The Young Ladies French and English School" at Benton, and after all arrangements had been made he notified Mannie that they would leave the following Thurs day.
He expected her to make some objections, but to his surprise she did not. She went around that morning tak ing leave of everything on the place. She put her arms around Dashs neck and patted and patted him.
" Dear old doggie, youll miss me, wont you? Dont forget your mistis, hear?" And Dash in true dog-fashion wagged his tail to tell her he never would forget her. Then she went to tell old Lishy good-bye, and she climbed the apple tree and swung her feet as she sang,
" Nobody knows de trubble I sees,
De trubble I sees, Nobody knows, and nobody cares."
Then she went to the kitchen to beg " Aunt Polly " to send her a box of cake " A great big box, ' Aunt Polly, and I
IS

16

MANNIE BROWN,

promise you Ill never steal cake batter again." And when Aunt Polly promised, she charged Pete to keep her well reminded of it.
" Mannie, Mannie, youll be left, come on," called Mr. Kennedy.
" Ill be glad of it" she answered, as she hurried to Miss Jennies room. Miss Kennedy although glad to be relieved of the care of the child, could not help crying when the moment came to part with her. Mannie too, seemed very sorry to leave her. After kissing her good-bye and getting to the door, she darted back for a farewell squeeze then hurried to the pony phaeton where Mr. Kennedy was impatiently awaiting her. Polly watched them from the kitchen window, and Miss Jennie heard her say as she wiped her eyes on the corner of her apron:
"Ef she is a bad chile, Ill miss her all de same. I sholy is sorry to see her go. I done miss her already," and she sat down in a chair and began to cry. When a few moments afterwards Pete came in and said, Sic ye, mammy, whats yer cryin fur ? She gave him a sound box on the ear and said, I aint cryin bout nothin. I aint a-thinkin bout cryin bout nothin. Some niggers are mighty aggervating."
Neither Mr. Kennedy nor Mannie seemed inclined to talk during the drive. When they reached Millersburg and he was helping her from the phaeton he noticed that her shoe was unbuttoned.
" Button your shoe, Mannie. That looks careless." Mannie immediately proceeded to button it, and while in a stooping position looked up into his face and asked, " Mr.

THAT SCHOOL GIRL.

IJ

Kennedy, did you know you had a freckle on your nose ? " " Oh, do, Mannie, be serious !" "Well, I am serious. Bless life if there isnt Old Mary
Iverson ! I despise her. She told a story on me once. I wonder where she is going.
" Where did you ever know her ? " her guardian asked. "She lived next to Aunties. Her father looks after mens soles." " Do you mean that he is a minister?" " Oh, dear no, he is a shoemaker." When they were seated in the train, Mannie nodded her head in the direction of a young man sitting opposite to them, who was staring rudely at her. " Why did he move there? I wish he would change his seat." Mr. Kennedy said : He has as much right to sit there, as you have to sit here," and he frowned and shook his head reprovingly. It had no effect upon her however, for she continued, " Mr. Kennedy, did you know that it only takes two feet to make one yard." " No, nor you either." "Well, I didnt know it until to-day," and she fastened her eyes upon the feet across the aisle. There is nothing like having a good understanding, is there?" " Hush, Mannie ! " Mr. Kennedy said in a low but stern voice. " He nose a good deal too, dont he?" and she stroked her nose as she spoke. At this the young man moved his seat.

18

MANNIE BROWN,

" That jarred the baby !" " Mannie, thats slang, and it is horrid ! " exdaimed her guardian greatly shocked. " But it is so expressive. Mr. Kennedy before you be came soproperish did you use slang? " No, and I am sure you would not if you knew the origin of these expressions. " I verily believe Mary Iverson is chewing gum." " Do you add that to your accomplishments ?" he asked in a sarcastic tone. "I m no goat. I am going over to talk to Mary Iverson. " I thought you said that you were angry with her? " " Well, I am, but I am just dying to know where she is going. Good-bye." "Consistency thou art a jewel ! " "I didnt say her name was Consistency ! It is Mary Iverson," she retorted with a mischievous shake of her head as she left her seat. The two girls chatted as though they were the most inti mate of friends, and Mr. Kennedy sat watching them, and thinking about school girls in general, and Mannie Brown in particular. In a short while he picked up his paper and began to read and was soon oblivious to all around him. Mannie found that Mary Iverson was going to Benton also. Indeed this was her second term there and she was now returning from a short visit home. She did not like the school very much, but would not say anything to preju dice Mannie against it. It was almost dark when they reached Benton. It was amusing to notice how Mannies spirits flagged as they approached the school.

THAT SCHOOL GIRL.

19

" Lets turn around and go back," she said, putting her hands on Mr. Kennedys shoulders and looking him full in the face. "Ill studyjust as hard, and Ill bejust as good. I dont want to go to school! "
"Too late now; you should have thought of that before." " Well, Im not going to study one bit." " Theyll send you home if you dont." "Oh, that will suit me to a t. How soon will they send?"

CHAPTER V.

SCHOOL DAYS.

MR. KENNEDY became convinced that he had made a mistake in the selection of a school for his ward.

He was not pleasantly impressed with Madame Froissartt,

with her teachers, nor with the atmosphere of the school.

There was an air of affectation about everything, and the

catalogue had misrepresented in many particulars. His

first impulse was to take Mannie home the next day, but he

felt that would be unjust to the school. First impressions

are not always lasting, so he determined to make a trial of it

Poor Mannie was utterly miserable. She begged and

pleaded to be taken home; she told her guardian many

things that had been told to her. His reply was, School

girls are sensational, you cant trust all they say. Things

may turn out all right. At any rate we must try it for a

while. Write to me next week, and I warrant youll be

better pleased."

"Well, Im going to do something dreadfzil and get

expelled."

Mannie saw there was no moving him so she urged the

point no further. Her guardian really felt sorry for her,

she seemed so unhappy. When he left she wanted to have

a good cry, but pride kept her eyes dry. She went imme

diately to the Assembly Hall where the girls stood chatting in

groups.

ao

THAT SCHOOL GIRL.

21

Some clustered about Mannie, thinking as she was not crying she promised more fun than the other new girls. Mary Iverson had told them who Mannie was, and how rich she was, so that they had been duly impressed. . What society will you join ? asked a bold, coarse girl.
" Of which are you a member?" followed quickly from Mannie.
" Oh, Im a Zeta Chi," she replied, winking at the other girls as she spoke.
" Then I shall join the other." This reply brought a roar of laughter from the girls. "You feel cheap, dont you, Florence?" "Whos to be your room-mate?" asked some one near. " I hope Mary Iverson, as I know her," Mannie replied. " Mary Iverson !" and the exclamation was accompanied by an expressive shrug of the shoulders which did not pass unnoticed by Mannie or Mary. Two girls who seemed to be leading spirits in the school, judging from their dress and bearing, called Mannie aside and confided to her that she would make a great mistake to choose Mary Iverson as a room-mate. "Why?" asked Mannie. " Well, we advise you not to do it." "Isnt she a nice girl? Isnt she honorable, isnt she neat, isnt she well-mannered. ? In other words, isnt she a lady?" "Oh, yes, shes all that, but " and then came that indefinable shrug of the shoulder meaning a great deal, yet committing itself to nothing.

22

MANNIE BROWN,

But what ? urged Mannie, indignant at this pretended

honesty.

"Well, Mary Iverson you know is not tony. She

doesnt belong to our set you know."

"How do you know to what set I belong? My

father may be a hog drover for all that you know."

" Well, Mary Iversons father is a shoemaker of quite

obscure birth, and is so poor that relatives are educating

Mary for a teacher. It will never do for you to room with

her. It will ruin you with our set"

" Now- look here," said Mannie, " how far back can you

trace your family ? to the gallows I bet. You have no right

to be abusing an honest girl so. I know Mary Iversons

father, and no cleverer man lives. It is true he is a shoe

maker, but he is an honest one. He is a gentleman too,

and Mary is a lady. I can never be harmed by room

ing with a good and pure girl. Auntie taught me this years

ago. Only those who are uncertain of their social standing

have to be so overparticular.

It was a study to watch the expression on the faces of the

two girls. While Mannie did not like Mary Iverson per

sonally she determined to room with her at all hazards now,

and she did.

<i

Finding that Mannie was not easily imposed upon, the

girls determined to ask her to join them in playing jokes on

the other new girls. They called her to one side and con

fided their plans to her. Margaret Footman heard her say,

" It will be mean, if you do it."

"Why, we do it every day. It doesnt hurt much."

" Well, Ill tell on you if you do it"

THAT SCHOOL GIRL.

23

"You should have said that before you heard our plans I call that dishonorable."
"So do I," and "So do I " came from several in the
the group. " All right," said Mannie but just as sure as my name is
Mannie Brown Ill report you if you treat those new girls mean."
Margaret Footman stepped up to her and placing her hand on her shoulder said, You are right. I admire the stand you take."
The supper bell rang and nothing more was thought about the matter. Mannie had forgotten the scene in fact, but being wakeful that night she heard a noise in the hall and remembering the threat of the girls she rushed out regardless of bare feet and night dress. She came face to face with one of the teachers who asked her Why are you out of your room at this hour ?
" I am on an investigating tour," said Mannie, smiling at the ludicrousness of her position and appearance.
" Madame Froissartt will very likely accept your fabrica tion in this affair."
Mannie wheeled suddenly her eyes fairly flashing "Do you suppose for one moment that I would fabricate for fear of you or a thousand Madame Froissartts ? "
Mannie was summoned before the faculty the next day, and nothing could be extorted from her save that she was on an investigating tour. Madame Froissartt was very stern, and when she found that she could extort no other answer she reproved Mannie for the disrespect shown to one of the teachers.

24

MANNIE BROWN,

" She was disrespectful to me ; she accused me of telling a story."
This speech was ignored, and Mannie was sent to her room to remain under punishment for a week. Margaret Footman alone was allowed to visit her. She urged Mannie to let her tell Madame all the circumstances. " No," replied Mannie, that really would be mean. I said I would tell on the girls if they did what they threatened, but I dont know whether they did it or not No, I can stay here."
Well, the girls are exulting over it. I heard one of them say, That is what the daughter of a hog drover deserves. What did she mean by that, Mannie?"
Mannie threw back her head and laughed heartily. " I suspect the girl whose pedigree I traced to the gallows said that. Isnt it funny?"
No amount of persuasion could move Mannie, so Madame wrote to her guardian to withdraw her from the school. When Margaret told her this she was at first very happy ; then she remembered she had told Mr. Kennedy she would break the rules so as to be expelled, and " now they will think I have done this on purpose." This gave her real pain, to grieve the two whose respect and confidence she really prized.
When Mr. Kennedy returned from Benton he found that in his absence Miss Jennie had been sent to the Asylum. He was very despondent and bent to hard work to drown his woes. He had not written to Mannie because he had not wished to tell her of Miss Jennie. Mannie had not written to him because she had been under punishment

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25

When Madames letter came asking him to withdraw his ward, his first feeling was one of indignation. She shall apologize and stay then came the thought that perhaps this was providential to enable him to make a change of schools.
He telegraphed Madame that he would arrange to have his ward removed in a few days.
Mr. Kennedy had heard a friend speak in glowing terms of a school at Cranton where the heart as well as the intellect was trained. He made further inquiries about it, and was so favorably impressed that he wrote asking admission for Mannie there. His letter was very plain, telling all the facts in the case and asking Miss Haygood, the Principal, if she was ready for missionary work. An expression in his letter "She is a truthful, honorable child. There are no mean nor underhand ways about her " struck Miss Haygood and she wrote saying he could send his ward the following week.
At Mr. Kennedys request Miss Haygood sent one of her teachers for Mannie and she was soon installed in her new quarters.

CHAPTER VI.
CRANTON.
"II/IISS LAURA says you must git up," said Hannah IV1 who went in to wake Mannie the morning after her
arrival. "Youll have to hurry too, honey, to be ready for prayers."
"Prayers?" said Mannie starting up in bed. "Do they have prayers here ? "
" In course we do," giggled Hannah. " But law, chile, you wont mind Miss Lauras prayers, they are such bobtailed prayers."
"Well, I dont believe Ill take prayers in mine," and Mannie settled herself for another nap.
"Oh, yes, you will, honey ; youse bleedged to bey Miss Lauras rules. I neber is heerd of anybody what dont bey Miss Lauras rules, and dats de blessed troof."
" Whats your name? " asked Mannie.
" Hannah Mary Maria Ballard, dats my entitle." Well look here, Hannah Ballard Mary Maria, suppose I dont go to prayers. What then ? What will your Miss Laura say?" " She wont say nothin shell jest look. Fur de Lords sake, honey, dont have Miss Laura look at you, lessen you want to feel mean as a dog. Id ruther be beat any day den have one or dem looks, and dats de troof. But law,

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27

chile, I aint got no time to be pesterin here. Git up, git up," and she hurried from the room, after giving Mannie a good shaking.
Mannie, thoroughly awake by this time, thought she had better see what Miss Laura was like, so she dressed quickly and before the prayer bell rang was ready to leave the room. She opened the door and started upon her tour of -inspection. In the halls she passed many girls about her age or older. Only one spoke to her. She extended her hand, saying, " I am sure this must be Mannie Brown our new pupil ? I am Julia Ross, and I am very glad to give you your first welcome to Cranton. I know you will like it here for it is lovely ; we are all so happy, it is just like a large home. Have you ever been to boarding school before?"
" Oh, yes, I have just been expelled from one," Mannie
replied coolly. " Expelled ? Surely you dont mean it!" " Yes, expelled, " she replied, imitating Julias tone
and expression.
" Why, what could you have done ? " Nothing, that was the matter. They tried to starve me out. Dont you see how poor I look? But the old lady found that she had the wrong sow by the ear, and she soon got rid of me." " Oh, you use slang,!" said Julia in a disappointed tone. " Dont the girls use slang here? " " Oh no, we think it is coarse; besides we have too much respect for ourselves, for our parents and for our teachers to think of using slang ! "

28

MANNIE BROWN,

Julia Ross was a very prim and precise girl, and Mannie didnt like her at all at first. She afterwards became very fond of her and relied implicitly upon her advice and judg ment.
" I fear you are all of the goody, goody kind here." " I only wish that we were," quietly answered Julia, " for we do a great many things that are not at all goody, goody, as you say." " You chew gum, of course? " " No, most of us do not, lam very thankful to say. You know we try to be ladies." Poor little innocents ! I greatly fear you will all go to heaven without dying." Julia expressed her disapproval of this speech by raising her eyebrows and looking reproachfully at Mannie. Just then the prayer bell rang, and she walked by Mannies side to the School Chapel. During prayers while the others were devoutly kneeling, Mannie sat in her seat staring around her. She expected fully to have company, but felt chagrined to find every girl reverent at least in attitude. " I warrant Ill not sit up the next time," thought Mannie, so powerful was the effect of example over her. When prayers were ended, the teachers present came for ward to greet the new girl and by look and manner endeavored to impress her with the fact that they would be her friends. The breakfast bell rang soon after, and Julia Ross still kept Mannie under her charge, and arranged to have her sit by her at the table. "Whos that wild cat over there?" Mannie asked, nudging Julia.

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" Do hush ;" said Julia under her breath. " Thats our French teacher, Madame Gropin."
"Well, she looks like she was groping after somebody now. Will she bite ?"
Poor Julia although convulsed with laughter was really alarmed lest Madame should hear Mannie.
" Do be quiet or she may bite you sure enough." I suppose that baldheaded coon over there is her
husband." "Oh, no," said Julia hurriedly, "Thats Prof. Miiller,
our music teacher. Dont let him hear you, please." " Ill help you to throw in and buy him a wig. Im
afraid he will catch cold." By this time the girls were almost past control, they were
laughing so. Mannies face was as solemn as a judge. She continued eating her breakfast as though nothing had happened, and Miss Haygood endeavoring to see the cause of the disorder and apparent rudeness was wise enough to guess at once what was happening. She deemed it also wise to be silent, although she shook her head as a reminder to the girls.
Mannie left the table without asking to be excused, and when she had left the room a smile from Miss Haygood gave all the opportunity to let out the pent up laughter.
About an hour after breakfast, Julia again met Mannie in the hall. She called out to her, "Julia, Miss Haygood thinks you are so bad that she has asked me to room with you to keep you straight."
" Very well," said Julia, " I will let you do it. I shall be very glad to have you in my room."

30

MANNIE BROWN,

Not many days after this Mannie became obstreperous in the school room. Miss Shelman, the presiding teacher showed a great deal of patience with her, but finally reportt-d her for punishment. Being called out of the room for some purpose, upon her return she found that Mannie had caught Mary Haddons head under the lid of the desk and was to all appearances bearing her weight upon it. Every girl in the school was laughing, so Miss Shelman demented all, for she went upon the principle of the old teacher who not only whipped the boys who had the fight but whipped every boy who saw it.
When expostulated with concerning the matter, she replied, "No. girls, you must suffer. Had you been studying as was your duty, your eyes would have been on your books and not upon Mannie Brown and Mary Haddon."
When they saw that she was in earnest they had to submit. Mannie was detained after school for further punishment.
A task was assigned her, and then Miss Shelman applied herself to the correction of examination papers.
" Miss Shelman let me help you correct your papers." " No, I thank you, Mannie, I prefer that you shall study." How long has it been since you went to school, Miss Shelman? " .Study, Mannie." The girl commenced to drum upon the desk in an irri tating way, expecting Miss Shelman to tell her to stop. She did not, however, and when Mannie became tired, she asked:

THAT SCHOOL GIRL.

3!

"Miss Shelman have you any relatives of your name living here in Georgia ?
" I think not. Why do you ask ? " " There was a man hung last week for beating a little boy to death." Miss Shelman hid her inclination to smile by insisting upon Mannies studying. "Ive lost my book." " Borrow one then." " Oh, nom ! Thats against the rules." " Heres my book, Mannie." The girl sauntered slowly to the desk, and when taking the book from her teachers hand, said : " Miss Shelman, you mean business, dont you ? " "I think I do." Well, I see now that what the girls said is true. You are as meek as Methuselah, but you are as strong as Moses." Miss Shelman burst into a laugh. "Mannie, Mannie, who taught you your Bible lessons ? "Why, I dont believe anybody ever did, since I come to think about it." " Do you ever read your Bible, child? " "No maam, there are too many begats and begottens in it. I tried to read it once, but when I got to Jeremiah begat Eli, and Eli begat Samuel, and Samuel begat Saul, and Saul begat Goliath, and Goliath begat some body else, David I believe, I just couldnt get any further." There were no smiles on Miss Shelmans face now, but tears overflowed her eyes. "Mannie, I will read the Bible with you. Wont you come every Sunday afternoon to my room ? "

MJUMHIE BKOWN,
"Well, now Miss Shelman, I wont promise. I may come, but Im very forgetful."
Mannie did go, however, and she reaped a rich harvest from these talks, for Miss Shelman s Christian example did much to turn Mannie s thoughts in the right channel, and before she left school she had herself become a follower of the meek and lowly Jesus. Dont suppose that this change was wrought suddenly, far from it Mannie passed through all sorts of trials and tribulations ; got into all sorts of mis chief ; was punished for all sorts of misdemeanors over and and over again ; so that you could not say the work of grace was very rapid in her heart But Mannie had within her the elements of a true and noble woman, and Miss Shel man seeing this, had prayed earnestly that her heart might become a temple fit for the indwelling of Gods Holy Spirit, and her prayer was answered. Mannie did not then appre ciate all that was being done for her, but in after years she did, and was very, very grateful for it.

CHAPTER VII.
A PRACTICAL JOKE.
TWO years have passed since Mannie Brown entered the school at Cranton. She had won many friends by her kind and loyal heart, her bright and loving disposition, and her great moral courage. The teachers were very fond of her, although they were forced to punish her often. They felt that she was a power for good in the school. If a girl broke a rule and failed to report for it, Mannie would call the girls together, arraign the delinquent, and if she would not at once confess she was tabooed by the entire school. The consequence was that confession fol lowed quickly. It was remarkable to see much older girls than Mannie yield implicitly to her guidance in such mat ters. She would call these occasions her " Family Meet ings," from the similarity to one described in "Arthur Bonnicastle."
As spring advanced Miss Haygood felt that everything and everybody were out of sorts. The girls quarrelled, the servants trifled, the teachers made more demands, and more frequent excuses for neglect of duty. She spoke with Miss Shelman about these things, and she suggested that it was the weather. If there are any bad humors in us they are apt to come out in the spring. " An old negro on my lathers plantation used to say, Hits de bile arisin.
33

34

MANNIE BROWN,

When February and March have passed all will be right." In April things did seem brighter. Mannie Brown
brought the first cheering ray by an April fool joke on Miss Haygood. It was so innocently played that the girls were not punished for it
It happened in this way. One afternoon while the girls were taking their exercise in the yard, an old dilapidated buggy was driven up to the side gate and the horse tied. The occupants went into a neighboring house. Mannie noticing this proposed to Bessie Haygood, a cousin of the principal, to join with her in April-fooling Miss Haygood. Bessie hesitated but was over-ruled by Mannie.
The plan was to disguise themselves as country people, and Mannie was to represent the mother who came to enter her daughter at school, and Bessie was to be the daughter. The cook lent them bonnets and shawls and they ran to their rooms to dress. The disguises were perfect, for not even Julia Ross, Mannies room-mate, recognized them as they passed her in the yard. Mannie put hickory nuts in her cheeks, and a piece of black silk over her two front teeth, giving the appearance of having lost them. Bessie was to look cross-eyed in order to change her expression.
They were afraid that the buggy would be gone, but when they came down it was still standing there, and into it they jumped and drove around to the front Mannie checked up the reins and called out to some of the girls standing near the steps :
" Sissy, is your ma at home ? The girls stared without I answering. Mannie repeated the question, "I say thar, you little gal in yaller, is the old lady at home? "

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35

The girls began to giggle, but one had the politeness to explain that this was a school and then- mothers did not live there.
"Yes, I know this is the cemetery," continued Mannie. " I would like to see the old lady what keeps it Is she at home?"
"Miss Haygood is at home if you mean her," the girl said, trying hard to suppress a laugh.
Mannie let herself down easy so as not to show her feet, and said," Come, Maria, you might as well get out Thats nuthin here to skear my critter, is ther ? "
The girls were laughing too much to answer save by shaking the head.
"You are all mighty likely gals," was Mannies comment as she walked up the avenue followed by the group of girls. When they reached the steps she turned to the nearest, " Honey, tell the President that Mrs. Slapdash from Blairsville is here Mrs. Solomon Slapdash is my name. Ive come to bring my darter Maria to school. What mout be your name ?
"Nellie Smith." " Well, du tell. I du wonder ef you air any kin to John Smith of Hogansville. Hes your pas cousin, Maria, and his grandpa married my Aunt Maliney. Her first husband was a Ricks, Timothy Ricks. I jest du wonder ef you air Cousin Angelineys darter." Nellie insisted that she had no relatives by the name of Smith in Georgia. She invited Mrs. Slapdash into the parlor and went to find Miss Haygood. When she re turned, the girls teased her unmercifully about her "Aunt Maliney," and her " Cousin Angeliney."

36

. MANNIE BROWN,

Miss Haygood was somewhat prepared for the characters she was to meet. When she entered the room Mannie rose and held out her hand to her saying, " My name is Slap dash, Solomon Slapdashs wife from Blairsville, and this is my darter Maria. Make your manners, Maria, and shake hands with the lady. You act like you had no sense."
Miss Haygood shook hands, then taking her seat awaited her visitors pleasure.
" Hows your ole man, honey ? " Miss Haygood cleared her throat but made no answer. "My ole man says its mighty risky sending Maria offter school. Young gals are so flighty tighty, you know. I told Solomon, hes my ole man, you know, that Maria must have er edercation ef it broke a trace, but Solomon "lowed as how he had got on withouten one, and he didnt see why Maria shouldnt, fur he didnt see no use in it no how, unlessen it was to put fool notions inter her head, but I told Solomon that mighty few men were fortunit as he was to git a wife what had enough edercation fur him and me too so that squelshed him.
" Well, heres Maria ; now you jest take her and do with her like she was yourn. Edicate her to your likin. I wants you to make a fust rate scholar outen her. I want her tip top in readin' and writin' and spellin' an&jography. I dont want no grammar no maam, no grammar with a I love, and a.y0u love, and a he love. Why, Parson Snooks daner come home from Bosting a spell sense, and bless your stars all she was able to do was to put on airs and talk grammar. Why her ma told me she could decline splendid and knew how to parse beautiful. I says to Maria, says I,

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yj

' Ef you do come home with any sech foolishness, Ill be enclined to decline you, and Ill mighty soon parse you out to the wood-pile, whar you kin parse me a stick of wood, and Ill parse it over your head mighty soon you under stand, dont you? I wants you to parse your teachers respectively, to parse fellows without a winkin at em and to parse your zaminations and that is all the grammar what I cares anything about. I never did keer whether a brick bat was of the maskerline or the femernine gender, fur it is no fitter to build a house with fur being the one nor the tother. Now Solomon says Maria must take science. Hes plum sot on science. He thinks science kin make turnips grow withouten any work, and kin make eggs come outen a bag with no hen in it, like the man in the show did the tother day, but my eddercation larns me that ef you wants turnips to grow youve got to put elbow grease to raise em and you cant git eggs outen a empty bag unlessen a hen is in thar to lay em, and I wants no larnin what will unlarn this common sense, so Id ruther she wouldnt take science, but give her plenty ofrithmetic jest oodles of that far I dont want nobody to cheat Maria, but I dont keer fur the mathematics. I dont want her to tech "em wid a forty foot pole. I really considers em dangerous, dont you? I never did believe in foolin long wid the equinoctial nor the cliptic, nor them logarithms nuther. I have hearn tell of folks being killed wid em. Haint you ? "
Miss Haygoods face was a study as she sat watching first Mannie and then Bessie. The latter became so convulsed with laughter that she had to turn her head, and appeared to stare vacantly around her.

38

MANNIE BROWN,

Mannie continued: " Yesm, I lets all them engines alone. Anuther thing the Bosting girl tuk was the elocution lessons fits I call em. She went a gyrating around and a cavorting like sumthin* had stung her. The fust time I saw her I axed her ma what ailed her, and she says, says she ter me, Hits Vocal Gymnastics. Land sakes alive ! says I, is they ketchin? fur I didnt want my Maria to have em. Now du hush, says she a laughing. Theys tuk to elevate the tones and moderate the hasperations. Po thing, says I. Now dont give Maria the Vocal Gymnastics nor the tother gymnastics nuther them what makes her stan a spell on one foot and then a spell on tother Miss Gallic something they calls it." Bessie here choked convulsively with laughter. Mannie fearing she would betray them, began fanning her, calling for camphor. "A leetle camfire ef you please maam that always sets her straight" Miss Haygood left the room hastily for the camphor. Bessie said : "Mannie, I declare youll kill me. What are we to do?" " Heavens ! I dont know but we have gone too far to stop now." When Miss Haygood returned Mannie whispered to her, " Fitified. She has em offen a little assafedety or catnip tea will cure her every time." Bessie straightened up when she smelled the camphor. " What roout be your terms, maam ? " asked Mannie. " One hundred dollars a term for the English branches."

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One hundred dollars a term ! Sholy you are mistaken. I made sho that me an my old man could furnish you with garden sass to pay Marias schoolin but law me 1"
" Those are my terms," says Miss Haygood slowly. "I am sorry you think them high."
" High ! Come along Maria, this high falutin cemetery wont do fur you."
Just as they went out of the door the owner of the buggy presented himself. He was indignant that his property had been interfered with, for it had happened that the old horse having become restless had gotten loose and in turning suddenly had broken a shaft. Mannie tried to explain and in order to talk to the point took the hickory nuts from her mouth and the silk from her teeth, and then the girls recog nized her.
" It is Old Mannie Brown!" they shouted in chorus, and one jerked her bonnet off, and another pulled Bessies off. In the confusion Miss Haygood appeared upon the scene. She sent Mannie and Bessie to her room and then undertook to pacify the owner of the buggy. She paid him the amount asked for damage and then she went to interview the girls. She found them sitting there very meekly awaiting the scolding they felt sure they would receive but when Miss Haygood saw them she burst into a laugh, so punishment at that time was at an end. She acknowledged herself badly fooled, but she reprimanded them for leaving the grounds without permission, and for taking the old mans buggy without his consent. She thought, however, if the girls were made to pay the damage out of their private money, that this would be punishment enough for the present.

0

MANNIE BROWN,

Mannie afterwards saw Miss Haygood privately and begged her to allow her to pay all costs as she had per suaded Bessie to go into it, and she was better able to bear the expense than Bessie was.
The girls thought it very smart of Mannie to carry out the joke so successfully, and asked her how she could keep her face so straight, and where in the world she learned that " cracker talk."
Mannie told them that as a little girl she used to sell her aunt her own eggs and chickens, and that she had never passed the first day of April without fooling some one.
From that time on Mannie was called " Mrs. Slapdash of Blairsville," and Bessie, "my darter Maria," and many laughs they had over Mannies practical joke.

CHAPTER VIII.
GRADUATION.
Owing to Miss Jennies ill health, Mr. Kennedy had deemed it wise for Mannie to spend the holidays with some of the teachers at a pleasant summer resort instead of com ing home. It was during these intervals of recreation that she met Ed Rogers, a handsome North Carolinian, who always spent a month or more at Morehead City, a charm ing resort on the coast of his native state. Ed had shown Mannie very marked attention in fact he had fallen des perately in love with her, and had carried on a one-sided correspondence with her after her return to school.
Ed had begged very hard to send a ring as a pledge of an engagement, but Mannie would not listen to that. In speaking of it to Miss Shelman she said : Why that ring might scare off a dozen others " No, Ill not engage myself to any man."
The time now was near for her to graduate. Mannie had never studied for marks, hence received no honors for class standing, but being such a favorite the girls begged that she should deliver the Valedictory, an honor usually given to the girl receiving the highest mark in the class. The teachers consented, and as Mannie was unusually gifted with her pen, and an excellent reader, all were expecting something very fine from her.

42

MANNIE BROWN,

She had invited Mr. Kennedy and Miss Jennie, Ed Rogers and Margaret Footman, the only four people out of the school that she cared to have present.
Ed Rogers acknowledged the invitation he would come by all means. She was wounded at Mr. Kennedys and Miss Jennies silence. Mannie had never been told of Miss Jennies sorrow. She did not realize what excitement of any kind meant to her, and Mr. Kennedy did not wish to tell her. Margaret Footman, with whom she had kept up a correspondence since they parted at Benton, promised to come, but at last on account of the illness of her father, was forced to decline. This was a great disappointment to Mannie. She envied those girls who were eagerly looking forward to the arrival of fond and loving parents. " Oh, if I had only some one who cared," she sobbed, "how dif ferent it all would be ! " Then realizing that Ed did care, and that this seemed ungrateful, she hurriedly made prepara tion for the exercises that evening. Upon her dressing case she found exquisite roses without a card, but she knew as by instinct that Ed had sent them.
" Bless his great, big, old, manly heart," she said, " how I do love him ! " And Mannie thought she did, and in her
enthusiasm really endowed Ed with qualities he did not possess. At any rate she felt very happy now hi the knowl edge of being first to him.
Just as she was to go on the stage Mr. Kennedys card was handed her, and then she realized how much she had
wanted him to come.
The Chapel was very crowded when Mr. Kennedy I entered, and he saw that it would be impossible to secure a

THAT SCHOOL GIRL.

43

seat in the body of the house so made his way to a side door leading upon the stage. There unobserved he could see and hear without being seen. He only cared to hear Mannie's Valedictory, and determined to leave as soon as that had been read.
Promptly at eight o'clock the class Bled upon the stage, and although Mannie was in a stone's throw of her guardian she did not know it She searched the audience eagerly for him and seemed so disappointed when she did not find him.
Ed Rogers noticing her eager gaze thought of course she was looking for him. He began to fidget and cough to attract her attention. She caught his eye, smiled, but still continued her search. " He was crowded out of a seat," she murmured, " and he didnt care to stay. That shows how much he cares for me," and her spirits continued to fall. When Prof. Miiller looked at the music she handed him as she stepped forward to sing, he saw that instead of the piece on the program some classic selection she had brought by mistake the ballad " Auld Robin Gray." The very expression of his back showed how angry he was. Mannie did not notice the mistake until the Professor struck the chords and as she raised the notes to her eyes her conster nation was great and unfeigned, so much so that her teacher felt that one of his best pupils would fail him unless he showed great self-possession himself. To give her time to recover he played the air with beautiful variations. Mannies flushed face only added to her loveliness and an exclamation of delight and pride burst from her guardian as he watched her. Was it possible that she could be the same child who

44

MANNIE BROWN,

chased the rabbit and had the dog fight that beautiful woman the mischievous, bad Mannie!
As Mannie listened to the music a sense of relief came. She was in no mood for operatic music this simple, sad ballad accorded far better with her frame of mind. She laid aside her notes and threw her whole heart and soul into the song. She sang as she had never sung before, and when she ended there was a wild burst of applause. Even Prof. Mtillers wrath was pacified. Nothing would satisfy the crowd but to repeat the song. She stepped back and sang the last verse with a plaintiveness that touched all hearts. On her way to her chair she caught her guardians eye looking so pleased. That look of approval fully rewarded her. Poor Ed was fairly wild with enthusiasm, and Mannie was so glad to see him so happy. Mannies voice was a revelation to her guardian. He had never heard that she had any musical talent and his one memory of her singing was " Nobody knows de trubble I sees."
The Valedictory was a touching farewell to teachers and pupils. There was scarcely a dry eye in the assembly. Ed Rogers sniffled perceptibly, and Mr. Kennedy disappeared so suddenly that he was not seen again until the exercises were over.
After the audience had left the hall, after Mannie and Ed had exchanged many confidences, after Mr. Kennedy had talked with Miss Haygood about his ward, expressing his I approbation of all that had been done for her, and thanked her and her associates for their tender loving care, after all this had been done, Mr. Kennedy sought his ward to tell I her how she had surpassed his most sanguine expectation.

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45

"Mannie, who would have believed this transformation possible! You left us an awkward school-girl I find you a beautiful woman, surpassing all others in grace and loveli ness."
" Oh, Mr. Kennedy, dont flatter me ! " He did not reply but stood looking at her while she blushed under his earnest gaze. To hide her embarrass ment she asked, " And how are all at home ? How is Miss Jennie, Aunt Polly, Pete and cake batter?" Both laughed here and the spell was broken. Mannie introduced her guardian and Ed but she said nothing about the ring that Ed had persuaded her to wear. In her lovers eyes this was not right, but Mannie had vowed if he told Mr. Kennedy of their engagement she would break it off and Ed felt that this would be the case. He asked permission to correspond with his ward and to call to see her. Mr. Kennedy was pleasantly impressed with Ed Rogers and cordially granted both requests, adding an invitation to visit them at Inglehurst. He never dreamed of anything so serious as an engagement between these two young people. He could not at once realize that Mannie had advanced beyond the school-girl age.

CHAPTER IX.
INGLEHURST.
ON the following day Mannie and her guardian left Cranton. It was a sad leave-taking to Mannie ; few words were spoken but many tears were shed. It was very gratifying to her guardian to see in what high esteem his ward was held by all the inmates of the school. Words of love and commendation had been freely bestowed by teachers and pupils, and Mr. Kennedy in thanking Miss Haygood had expressed his perfect satisfaction for the " missionary work " done.
During the journey home he could scarcely keep his eyes from the face of the lovely girl. When he saw that her eyes were filled with tears he tried not to let her see that he had noticed them. Pretending to read he apparently left her to her own thoughts. Men cannot stand womens tears, and Mr. Kennedy being of a warm and loving heart felt that he would give worlds to comfort the girl. Mannie saw him watching her, and as by a kind of communion of spirits she felt that his look was one of sympathy, not curiosity, and she was comforted in a measure.
Miss Kennedy met them at Millersburg, and as her brother predicted, was puzzled to find in the beautiful woman any trace of the romping girl.
The drive to Inglehurst was delightful, and Mannies spirits revived at Miss Jennies cordial greeting, and old

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47

memories crowded back to her mind as she came in sight of the home. At the lodge gate "Aunt Polly" met them. When she saw Mannie she said, " Dar now," and Mannie called out, " Howdy, Aunt Polly, howdy."
" Bless de chile, she done remember my name. I aint forgot you nuther."
"Hows Pete, and hows Aunt Lishy?" Mannie called out as the carriage passed.
" De law now, jest listen to de chile!" . Dash knew Mannie without a doubt His antics were something remarkable. He jumped upon her, ran around her, ran from her, came back to her, and jumped and barked with evident delight.
" I do believe the dog remembers you, Mannie, said Mr. Kennedy, watching with interest his efforts to attract her attention. The girl was greatly touched by this evidence of his love. Dear old Dash, "she said. Old Polly came up then to shake hands with her.
"Youse done growed mighty purty, honey. Aint she Miss Jinny? "
"So your eyes are failing you, Aunt Polly? " " Taint my eyes, honey, hits my knees dat*s so poly. Im mighty skeerd its rheumatism." " Wheres Pete, Aunt Polly ? " " Honey, Petes done run away. He went off wid dem circus folks." " Did you ever drap timber on him, Aunt Polly ? " "Now, jest listen to dat chile. Yes'm, 'I did, and I specs dat*s what made him run away." At this they all laughed and went into the house. Mannies delight over the lovely room in blue that had

been arranged for her, pleased Miss Jennie very much. No pains had been spared to make it bright and attractive. It opened into Miss Jennies, and was as Mannie expressed it, " a perfect darling of a room."
" Martin, although Mannie is so beautiful she is the same open-hearted, honest child she was before she left. How she will brighten up the old home ! "
Miss Jennie said this to her brother after Mannie had bid them good-night.
And this proved true, for dullness and care did not seem possible where Mannie Brown was. The old home and all its surroundings waked into new life. Her guardian ex erted himself to have her happy, and invited his friends to meet his ward, and Miss Jennie and he accepted invitation after invitation because they thought this would add to Mannies pleasure. The best riding horses were put at her command, and from the well stocked stables and carriage house any variety of horse and vehicle could be had at her bidding. Mannie entered into this new life with an earnest ness and enjoyment that was delightful to witness. Mr. Kennedy had to confess that he had never found Inglehurst so charming, and he made all manner of excuses to leave his office earlier every afternoon, and to reach there later in the mornings. Mannie often drove him into the city. How he did enjoy those drives ! How fresh and pretty she looked those early summer mornings in her white linen suit and jaunty cap ! The air was just crisp enough to bring a color to her cheeks. Many younger men envied Martin Kennedy this daily contact with his charming ward. He did not stop to analyze his feelings. He was happier than he had ever been before.

CHAPTER X.
DANGER SIGNALS.
MARTIN KENNEDY, the old bachelor who had never allowed himself to fall in love with anyone, began to fear seriously that his pretty ward was about to capture his heart He found himself treasuring every word that fell from her iips, and analyzing every expression of her eye. He never was as interested in the movements of any person before. What could it mean ? He was old enough to be the childs father. Indeed there was only three years difference in his and Edward Browns age. Then too, grant ing that there was no objection on account of their ages, he was pledged to care for Miss Jennie all her life, and besides that, there was the inherited insanity. No, he could never ask any woman to share his life with him. Such thoughts kept constantly coming up to perplex and annoy Martin Kennedy.
Of one thing he was certain Mannie did not dream of him as a lover. She was always at ease in his presence ; she was never shy at any wonted liberty that he took as her guardian ; she never hesitated to look him full in the eyes ; and she was never embarrassed by his presence.
A scene one morning convinced him that it was best to absent himself from her as much as possible. They had been looking over an album together, and suddenly as they
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turned the leaves, Mannie put her hand over a picture. Curiosity and a sense of teasing made him attempt to pull her hand away. Being the stronger of the two, he would have succeeded had not a pleading look, and an earnest, " Youll be mean, if you do," stopped him.
" Mannie, please," he urged. " Never! You of all people in the world shall never see that picture." He rose suddenly, and must have looked serious, for Mannie said, " If you are angry about that I dont know what you would be if you had seen it" "Why angry if I had seen it? " And he looked down into her face so pathetically that she reached to take his hand and said, "Dear old guardian, that was long ago I wouldnt treat you so now." Mr. Kennedy felt the blood rush to his face and could not have spoken had he desired. " I wouldnt get angry about it, if I were you." Mr. Kennedy did not speak. " There then," she said, pushing the album towards him, " I hope you are satisfied." What he saw was a pencil sketch an excellent caricature, of himself that day under the apple tree, when Mannie struck him upon the head. The features were very much exaggerated, and Mr. Kennedy felt in no wise flattered. Mannie was pouting now, and all interest in the picture was gone. " Did it ever occur to you how mean it was to hit me on the head that day?"

THAT SCHOOL GIRL..
" No, I only wish I had broken it." Mr. Kennedy gave her a reproachful glance, dosed the book, laid it upon her lap, and left the room. "Old goose!" muttered Mannie as she threw the album upon a chair. Mr. Kennedy pondered over this scene. "A short while since I would have laughed over it, and never cared at all. Why do I mind that pencil sketch so much ? Do I look as old as she has represented me there ? Would she have drawn it had she cared for or respected me ? Mercy on me ! This will never do ! I verily believe I am falling in love with the child ! " He kept away from her as much as possible. She thought it was because he was angry about the picture. She tried by many coquettish arts to make him forget the scene and to be the same again. Whenever she entered the room he appeared deeply absorbed in his paper. She thought he was unconscious of her presence, but not a movement of her escaped him. At the table he made a point to introduce topics which Mannie might discuss or not as she chose. They were topics about which she was not well posted so she always remained silent One day, when there were guests present, she raised her eyes suddenly and discovered that her guardian was intently watching her. Her face crimsoned, and she began puzzling her brain to see if she could discover what she had done to offend him. She had tried to make herself very agreeable to a young lawyer, Henry Norton, who sat to her right Possibly her guardian thought that she had allowed him to monopolize her attention too much, so she quickly turned

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and became as animated as possible while entertaining on her left a very stupid man. Mannie watched to see if this met in any way her guardians approval, but if it did, he showed no signs of it. The truth of the matter was Mr. Kennedy had been seized with jealousy when he saw Henry Nortons undisguised admiration for his ward, and her apparent interest in what he was saying.
"This will never do. She must be thrown with men who are socially her equals. She must avoid all fortunehunter, I will take her to Greenbrier White Sulphur Springs. She must see something of the best social life. The sooner she marries the better for me."
These and other thoughts of like nature were passing through his mind, and he was not conscious of having gazed at Mannie until she blushed. There must be some mesmeric influence that makes one conscious of the gaze of another. At any rate his eyes fell suddenly and he did not look at her again during the meal.
When the gentlemen left, he told Mannie that Mr. Norton bad asked permission to call, and that he had given his consent. Mannies pleased expression pained him. Why?
Mr. Norton availed himself of this permission, and so frequent were the horseback rides, the afternoon walks, and the moonlight talks, that her guardian became very restless and uneasy.
Mannie worried at the change in his manner to her. She could not understand it. He has never been the same since I showed him that old picture," she said.
A few nights after this she missed him, and upon inquiry Miss Jennie told her that he was in the library at work. She

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53

regretted to trouble him at this time, but she had made up her mind to straighten matters at once, and she would go at all costs. When she entered without knocking, she found him busy writing. She did not hesitate but walked quickly to his side laid the picture in his hand and said hurriedly,
" I dont want it any longer I am sorry I ever drew it. I put it in my album ever so long ago. Now dont be angry any more, please."
He laid down his pen, pushed his papers from him, looked up in her face, then glanced down at the pencil sketch.
"You have been so good to me" she said, "so like my own father, that it grieves me to see you hurt. I do not wish to lose your love."
" I was not angry," he said, greatly moved, " but I will own that I was hurt."
"Yes, I know, but believe me now, I would not hurt your feelings for the world. Say that you will forget it"
" I will forget it," he said so meekly that she smiled, and knew he would be himself again.
" Thats all I came to say," she said. " Good-night" "Wait a moment, Mannie. I have a word to say." " Dont scold ! " and she put her fingers to her ears, in her old childish manner. " Ill never scold you, Mannie, but for one thing, and that is if you ever consent to marry a worthless man. Your fortune will subject you to suitors by the score. Promise me that you will accept none until you have consulted me about the matter."

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Mannie felt very sore because she had not heard from Ed Rogers since she arrived at Inglehurst, so her pride kept her from confessing then and there.
" You need not be uneasy on that score. I am going to be an old maid."
"Stuff and nonsense ! Everyone needs some one to love and we all need to be cared for tenderly by some one in particular."
" Who is going to love and care for you in particular, Mr. Kennedy?"
Mannie never forgot the look he gave her. She did not understand it until many years had passed, however.
" I have Jennie," he answered sadly. " Well, I will love and care for you both then." " We may die and leave you." "Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof," she brightly retorted.
" What about the promise, Mannie? " " Ill make it, Ill make it!" He thanked her ; then there was a long pause. "I had better go now," she said, expecting him to say no.
" Yes, perhaps you had," he replied, and the assumption of fatherly dignity made him believe that he could now be brave enough to conquer his love. We are never so weak as when we think we are strong.

CHAPTER XI.
"AULD ROBIN GRAY."
When Mannie left the library she was very happy, so she went to the music room and began to sing the liveliest, brightest songs. This did not harmonize with Mr. Ken nedys frame of mind. He tried to shut out the sounds of her voice but could not Finally, however, Mannies thoughts drifted to Ed. She tried to reconcile his pro fessions of love for her with his seeming neglect; she could not understand why he had acted so ; her pride was greatly wounded. Unconsciously she was at Cranton again, Ed was there; she was singing " Auld Robin Gray " upon the stage, and her fingers straying over the keys of the piano, voiced her thoughts. Mr. Kennedy hearing the ballad left his work, entered the room unobserved, threw himself upon the lounge and listened as she sang.
She did not discover his presence until she had finished, when his voice startled her.
" Sing it again, Mannie." She would not turn "her head, startled as she was, for she did not wish him to see the tears in her eyes. With an effort she began :
"Young Jamie Iov*d me weel, And sought me for his bride, But saving ae crown piece, He'd naething else beside.
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To make that crown a pound, My Jamie gaed to sea; And the crown and the pound, Oh, they were baith for me.
" Before he had been gane A twelvemonth and a day, My father brak his arm, Onr cow was stolin away; My mither she fell sick-- My Jamie was at sea; And Anld Robin Gray, Oh, he came a courting me 1

" My father could na work, My mither could na spin; I toil'd day and night, But their bread I could na win. Auld Robin maintained them baith And wi tears in his ee, Said, 'Jenny, oh, for their takes, Will yon many me ?'

" My heart it said nay, And I looked for Jamie back; But hard blew the winds, And his ship it was a wrack, His ship it was a wrack, Oh, why did na Jamie dee ? Or wherefore am I spared To cry out, woe is me ?

" My lather argued sair-- My mither did na speak. But she looked in my face, Till my heart was like to break,

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They gied him my hand But my heart was in the sea, And Auld Robin Gray, Was a gude mon to me.
" I had na been a wife, A week bnt only four, When mournful as I sat, On the stone at my own door; I saw my Jamie's ghaist,-- I could na think it he, ' Til he said, ' I'm come home, My love, to marry thee.'
" Oh, sair, sair did we greet, And mnckle say of a'; One kiss he took, nae mair, I bade him gang awa'. I wish that I was dead, But I am not like to dee, For oh, I am but young To cry out, ' Woe is me.'

" I gang like a ghaist, And I care not much to spin, I dare not think of Jamie, For that would be a sin. But I'll do my very best A good wife, aye to be, For Auld Robin Gray, Oh, is sae kind to me."
The tremor in her voice added all the more to the pathos of the song. When she ended she did not turn but continued to drum softly upon the keys.

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" Poor Auld Robin !" said Mr. Kennedy after a while. " You had better say poor Jamie," she retorted. " No, Jamie had her love, I still say poor Robin !" "The old thing! What business had he to come courting her anyway ? " "Thats very true," said Mr. Kennedy in a hurt tone as he rose to leave the room. When he closed the door, Mannie said, " Mad again ! I wonder now if hes in love with some young girl. I never did see any one so easy to be offended. Ill have to go and apologize for that now. Oh shucks!" and she vented her spleen upon the piano by playing the wildest and most reckless melodies.

CHAPTER XII.
GREENBRIER WHITE SULPHUR.
MR. KENNEDY arranged to take Mannie to Greenbrier for the months of July and August He felt assured that with her wealth and beauty there could be no lack of admirers from whom it would be safe to choose a husband; for it was there the young men from the best families of the South were accustomed to assemble during the hot summer season.
Fully fifteen hundred guests had assembled when the party from Inglehurst arrived. That evening a group ofgentlemen were seated on the long veranda which surrounds the hotel; some were smoking, others talking, some silent and lounging on benches near the windows watching the dancers upon the floor.
Oscar Timberlake a fortune hunter, who affected the English style, was the owner of a very thin pair of legs encased in a very tight pair of trousers. He posed as a dude, and boasted that he owned more suits of clothes than anyone who had yet visited Greenbrier, and possessed one-hundred and forty cravats no two alike. This apology for a man had seated himself upon the railing facing one of the corridors, and was criticising in no complimentary terms the young ladies who were seen in the dancing hall.
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How is it, Timberlake, you are not dancing to-night? asked Col. Ambrose, an elderly gentleman, short and stout, who showed by the merry twinkle of his eyes that he was a great tease.
" Beg pardon," drawled out the individual addressed. " What did you remark, Col. Ambrose? "
" I remarked that you were not dancing to-night Why is it?"
" Well, you see," said the dude, " there is no one with whom I care to dawnce."
" I say, Timberlake, what became of that pretty little girl you were rushing last year ? "
" Well now, really Colonel, I rush so many, I cawnt keep up with them all, you know."
"Is it true her father threatened to horsewhip you for saying you jilted her ? "
"Now really, I cawnt remember; but, you know, it is not possible for me to marry everybodys daughter. It becomes unfortunate to be so popular. Does it not ? " and the dude chuckled with satisfied vanity.
" Look, Spenser, who is that? " All eyes were turned in the direction that Col. Newton pointed. Mr. Kennedy had just entered the ball-room with Mannie, and as the group at the window were discussing her, they had seated themselves unconsciously where they were best seen by the gentlemen.
" By far the prettiest girl that has been here this season!" Charlie Spenser exclaimed. " Who is she, Timberlake ? I warrant you know her."

THAT SCHOOL GIRL.

6l

" Yes," drawled Timberlake without moving his seat She is Miss Brown from Georgia quite an innocent you know. Kennedy, her guardian has charge of the cash. She is wealthy, dontcher know, but unsophisticated and has not yet learned how to enjoy life."
" Introduce us, Timberlake. Dont keep that charming beauty all for yourself," said Colonel Ambrose who could not take his eyes from Mannies face.
"I cawnt really now, dontcher know, without her consent."
" Well get it," urged Spenser equally as enthusiastic as Col. Ambrose over the new arrival.
" I will awsk her to-morrow," drawled the dude. " Timberlake, Ill bet you a box of the best Havanas you cant dance with Miss Brown to-night," said one of the on-lookers, suspecting that the dude had never met the lady in question. Good, drawled Timberlake shake hands old fellow a box of best Havanas and he slowly rose, pulled down his tights, gave his waxed moustache an extra twist, shook hands with the maker of the bet, and sauntered into the ball-room to make the request of Miss Brown, the group at the window watching him. Mannies face was all aglow with merriment when Timberlake approached. "Beg pardon," he said bowing low "but may I have the pleasure of your hawnd for the next dawnce." " Excuse me." said Mannie, " I do not know you." " Ah, it is too bawd, forsooth, because we are strangers that you should be denied the gayeties of the season. Come, dawnce cawnt you?"

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Mannies eyes flashed as she answered. "The only excuse for such impertinence is your ignorance of the social code, and she turned her back upon him and began to talk with Mr. Kennedy.
"You fished up a beau, didnt you ?" quizzingly said her guardian, watching Timberlake as he left the room. "But he seems quite a minnow. Wouldnt he bite? "
" He thought it too bawd forsooth, that I could not daumce because I was a stranger. He offered his hawnd but I did not care to accept it, dorttcher know."
Mr. Kennedy laughed at Mannies imitation of the dude. " Come," he said rising, " You shall dawnce' in spite of his impertinence."
Timberlake returned to the group at the window. " You lost your bet! Why didnt she dance with you ? " " The little miss has conscientious scruples and declined to dawnce. It was not my fault you see." " Why how is that ? Look, Timberlake, look !" Spenser exclaimed as Mr. Kennedy and Mannie passed the window. "By Jupiter! she can dance too" said Col. Ambrose. " Timberlake," but the dude had disappeared nor was he seen again that night. The music ceased and the dancers were again seated. " Mr. Kennedy, I didnt know that you danced." " I rarely do now. I do not approve of round dancing. I wish that you did not" " I see no harm in it" " If you could read the thoughts of some with whom you dance you would." " I see no difference in that and other games."

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" Do you allow a man to put his arms around your waist in other games ?
" No, but in dancing we have the music." "There is no harm in hugging to music, then? " " I didnt say that, but I dont see any harm in dancing and I will never give it up." " Perhaps you will some day when you grow wiser." After a long pause Mannie said, " How queer it seems to me that you should advise me to stop dancing, and yet you bring me to Greenbrier to be a belle. Did you ever hear of a belle here who did not dance and dance well ? " "An intelligent and beautiful woman need not be dependent upon any one accomplishment to make her a belle. Inaugurate a new order of things, Mannie." " No, sirree ! Ill be a wall flower and then you will laugh at me. Ill stop dancing when I get too old to dance not a day sooner."

CHAPTER XIII.
ED ROGERS.
E D ROGERS having had no news from Mannie since they separated at Cranton, determined to investigate the cause. When he reached Millersburg he found to his consternation that there was no post-office at Inglehurst, so that his letters must have gone to the Dead Letter Office. What would Mannie think of his constancy! Upon reaching her guardians home, he was informed that the family were at Greenbrier White Sulphur Springs and would not return until September. Greatly disappointed he determined to join them there. He wrote to Mannie explaining matters and promising to join her as soon as some business engagements could be met.
When Mannie received this letter she was embarrassed as to the manner in which the news of her engagement had best be communicated to Mr. Kennedy. Of course he must be told before Ed arrived. How could she explain her silence during these months that had passed. Perplexed about the matter, she passed Miss Jennie and Mr. Kennedy who were seated upon the cottage porch, and strolled in the direction of the small mineral spring, wishing to be alone with her thoughts.
Mr. Kennedy saw her pass, although he pretended that he did not and continued to read his paper. Miss Jennie

THAT SCHOOL. GIRL..

05

was too absorbed to notice her, so when her brother asked for Mannie, she truthfully replied that she did not know where she was, but supposed that she was in her room.
Mr. Kennedys inclination was to join Mannie at the spring, but he felt he had not quite mastered his love for her so dared not go alone.
" Come, Jennie, lets take a walk." " You will have to excuse me this afternoon, Martin. I have a headache and do not care to walk. Mr. Kennedy laid down his paper and went in search of his ward. He found her where he expected, but he was surprised to find her apparently unhappy. " I came to walk home with you," he said. She turned without a word, took the hand extended to aid her, and with a quiet "Thank you," walked by his side in the direction of the cottage. Just then Oscar Timberlake and two other young men drew near. Timberlake put on his glasses and impudently stared at Mannie as he passed. "Who is your rude friend ? " asked Mr. Kennedy. " Dontcher know the dude who wanted to dawnce with me?" He wants a cowhiding and I shall give it to him, if he doesnt watch out." " He cawnt injure me." Mr. Kennedy did not reply, and after a while said, " By the way, Mannie, Charlie Spenser is here, and is anxious to meet you. If he is as fine a fellow as his father was, you will do well to catch him." " Suppose I am already caught? " Her guardian looked down into her laughing eyes to see her meaning. "I am engaged to Ed Rogers," she said. "I have

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MANNIE BROWN,

been engaged to him ever since the night that I was gradu ated " Then she hurried to explain the misunderstand ing between her and Ed and gave that as the reason why she had not confessed all to him that night at InglehursL She assured him that it had been Eds wish from the first to tell him, and she alone was to blame for his silence but now that Ed would be here in a few days, she felt he ought to know about the engagement.
Mr. Kennedy was greatly surprised, and could scarcely conceal the shock the news gave him.
" Do you love him, Mannie ? " and his voice was almost a whisper.
" Of course I do," she answered brightly. " Do you love him well enough to marry him ? " " There is time enough to think about that. Ed has been very nice to me, and if I dont love him very much now I will after I am Mrs. Rogers, you know." "No, I dont know anything of the kind. Break off this engagement, Mannie, until you learn what love really is. Do you hear?" His earnest tone caused her to look up quickly into his face, and some expression there startled her. His love for her, in spite of resolutions, showed itself plainly. Mannie knew what it meant, and she was startled to know that it met a response in her own heart. Her eyes dropped; her cheeks crimsoned; the silence became oppressive; neither dared to speak. They were almost at the door when Mr. Kennedy said, " I am waiting for your promise, Mannie. Will you give it? " And " Yes " came so meekly from her that he wondered what had come over her to secure this ready acquiescence to his wilL

CHAPTER XIV.
CHARLIE SPENSER.
A FEW days after this, Mannie promised to play a game of tenpins with Charlie Spenser before breakfast The conversation turned in some way upon an overruling Providence, and when Mr. Spenser expressed his doubt upon the subject, Mannie said very earnestly, " I am sorry to hear you say that, for I had hoped you were a Christian, Mr. Spenser."
"Pray tell me, Miss Brown, wherein a Christian differs from a man of the world? For the life of me I cant see, both dance, both play cards, both attend theaters and operas, both violate the Sabbath where is the dividing line?"
For a moment Mannie could not reply. Then she said, " Now I see the force of St. Pauls speech, If meat make my brother to offend I will eat no more meat while the world stands. I have never realized before so fully how neces sary it is for a Christian, a follower of the meek and lowly Saviour, to live a life apart from the world. Never again, Mr. Spenser, shall that reproach be brought against me. And while I may see no harm in dancing, in card playing, in theater going, etc., if by my enjoying these things I offend or place a stumbling block in the way of others, I will cheerfully give them up for His sake."
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Charlie Spenser was struck with the earnestness and out spoken faith of Mannie, and this did more to impress him with the reality of her profession than anything else could have done. For a long time they talked about this and kindred subjects. The game of tenpins was forgotten, an other challenge was given, and they returned to the break fast room, then almost deserted.
Mr. Kennedy and Miss Jennie had finished when Mannie joined them, but they sat waiting for her. Her serious face attracted the attention of her guardian, and he teasingly said :
" Cheer up ; he will be here to-morrow." Mannies bright and. happy look made him sorry that he had spoken. All day long she went about singing snatches of love songs, and in proportion as her spirits rose his fell. How he envied Ed Rogers ! That night he heard Charlie Spenser ask Mannie to dance with him, and rejoiced to hear her say : " I have made up my mind never to dance again." Manlike, Mr. Kennedy supposed it was because he had asked her to give it up, so his consternation may be imagined when, a short while after, she refused to play a game of cards with him, assigning the same reason. Charlie Spenser did not dance long, and soon wandered back to Mannie. Mr. Kennedy left them alone, hoping they would prove congenial spirits, for he felt sure Charlie Spenser would suit Mannie far better than Ed Rogers. He would gladly have sanctioned a marriage between the two. This was literally true, for Martin Kennedy had none of the dog in in the manger spirit about him. He knew full well that he could never marry Mannie even if he succeeded in

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gaining her love. He could not for a moment contemplate marriage with any one. Why then should she not be happy ? He really wished her to be, and was too noble at heart to do aught to prevent it. He gladly gave his consent for Charlie Spenser to address his ward, and from his heart wished him success.
The next evening Ed Rogers came. Mannie seemed unnaturally excited. Mr. Kennedy could not understand her. He feared her heart was more involved here than he had anticipated. It was evident she had spared no pains to make herself look beautiful. If Col. Ambrose ad mired her that night as she entered the ball room, he admired her still more to-night as she stood by her guard ians side anxiously awaiting the train. Hers was no ordinary beauty it was the soul within that lighted the features. The Colonel had asked for an introduction to Mannie but she had refused because she knew the character of the man. He had been told this and instead of resenting it, admired her all the more for demanding a high standard of manhood. A gambler, a wine bibber and a dissolute man should have no affiliation with purity, and he appreciated these sentiments.
Ed came at last, and he and Mannie talked a long time: He was happy but nervous he missed a responsiveness about Mannie, and he was afraid it came from his long silence. He explained and explained. Mannie expressed herself as perfectly satisfied with the explanation, but still the old cordiality was gone. Finally Mannie gave him back his ring and told him that she felt that she did not love him well enough to wear it. When she did, he could bring it her again.

" Do yo love any one else better, Mannie?" " No, Ed, I assure you that I do not" Ed looked so downcast that Mannie felt very sorry for him. "Cheer up, Ed. Dont be so doleful. There are as good fish in the sea as have ever been caught out of it." Mr. Kennedy overheard this last remark and as they walked down to the cottage, he said : "You are a real flirt, Mannie. Why do you torment that fellow so ?" "We understand each other now." "You told him of Charlie Spenser, then?" " I had nothing to tell." " Captain Newton told me that he saw a couple who went to play tenpins but they engaged in a more serious game, and the tenpins were not played. He thinks you are en gaged to Charlie Spenser. Are you ? " " Why of course not. He has never addressed me." "Is that all that is lacking?" " Everything, I assure you," said the teasing girl. " Dont be in too great a hurry to make a choice." Mannie threw back her head and laughed heartily. How funny ! You advised me to fall in love with Charlie Spenser and now you are afraid I have taken your advice. I dont believe you want me to marry anybody. Now, honor bright, do you ? " She glanced up quickly to see his expression, but she did not surprise him. He had schooled himself too well to be so caught. He quietly answered : "All I say is, follow the dictates of your heart"

CHAPTER XV.
JEALOUSY.
MARTIN KENNEDY was afraid that he would betray his love for Mannie if thrown too much with her alone. He had become convinced it was best to be separ ated from her. Miss Jennie noticed how despondent he was, and, woman-like, she guessed the cause. He admitted it to her, and received from her that loving sympathy that he prized so much. He told her of his plan to return to Inglehurst, leaving her with Mannie until the gay season had passed. Although she did not like this arrangement, she felt sure it was wisest under the circum stances, as nothing was so dear to her as her brothers happiness. When Mannie heard of the arrangement, she refused to stay without Mr. Kennedy, but when assured that he would return, if possible, she yielded.
All the afternoon she was gloomy and despondent. Ed and Charlie both called, and she felt that she must exert herself to entertain them. They proposed a walk to the mineral spring, and when seated upon the overhanging rocks, Mannie asked for a drink of water. It was Ed that first sprang to his feet to get it for her. As he left them, Charlie Spenser said, " A third party is very inconvenient."
" Who is the third party, you or Ed?" asked Mannie, laughing.
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MAr*NIii BROWN,
" Oh, heavens ! hes coming back. I wish he would slip and break his neck."
Mannie watched Ed as he came springing up the rocky cliff. She could not but admire the tall, manly fellow, with his handsome face and his warm, tender heart.
" I believe you love him anyway," Charlie Spenser said, watching her as he spoke.
"I do immensely," was her reply, not taking her eyes from Ed.
" Then I shall leave you to enjoy his company." He expected Mannie to beg him to stay, and was some what chagrined when she held out her hand and merrily said " Good-bye." "Thank the Lord hes gone," said Ed. "You men are queer creatures. Why dont you like each other?" Humph ! was his only reply. Ed pleaded his cause, but Mannie could give him no hope. She was sure now that she did not love him, and she half suspected when the change had come. As they sat talking, Mr. Kennedy and Miss Jennie passed ; they were conversing in low, confidential tones. Mr. Kennedy saw Mannie and Ed, felt a pang of jealousy, for which he was ashamed, pretended not to see them, and so passed on without recognition. Instantly a change came over Mannie ; Ed noticed it; with a sigh he said, " I see it is not Charlie Spenser I shall have to fear." This speech set Mannie to thinking. Was it true that I she loved her guardian as she wished to love Ed ? She I feared, alas, it was too true. Her every thought was for 1 him, and she was never so happy as when he was near.

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Rousing herself with a great effort, she said, "Ed, I shall never marry. Go and fall in love with some one worthy of you. You shall always have my friendship and esteem."
Mannie seemed so unwilling to remain at Greenbrier that there was no alternative save to return to Inglehurst Miss Jennie felt that she must yield, as she could not betray her brothers true reason for the separation.
The latter part of August found them at home again. One evening as Mr. Kennedy and Mannie sat upon the porch, in the moonlight, Mannie noticed his pale face, and asked if he were not well. " Only sick at heart!" he said, as he looked lovingly into her face. " To-morrow I leave you, Mannie leave for a long time years perhaps. I am going to Europe on important business. Take care of Jennie until I return." Mannie seemed to know by intuition that she was the cause of his leaving home. She was embarrassed as to what to answer, but she was determined that he should not leave his sister on her account. So quickly she replied, "Mr. Kennedy, both of us cannot leave Miss Jennie. I have decided to go with Miss Haygood to China. I had in tended to consult you about this, but the opportunity never came. Miss Jennie approves of my plan, however." "Jennie approves this crazy project? Well, I positively forbid it. China, indeed ! What can you do in China ?" he asked, greatly roused. I wish that I felt good enough to offer myself as a mis sionary. I do not feel called to that work, but I do believe with my money I can help others in their work. I shall never marry, then why spend a useless life ? "

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MANNIE BROWN,

Mr. Kennedy rose from his chair and began to pace the floor. Mannie knew from his manner he was unusually excited. After quite a pause, he said :
"Mannie, you are too young to decide these matters yourself. As your guardian, I forbid you to go. Your duty now is here. When you are older then we can discuss China." He walked out into the moonlight, and Mannie did not see him again that night. When she went into breakfast the next morning, Miss Jennie told her he had left good-bye for her, and had gone to New York to sail. Mannie felt now there was nothing to be done but to care for his sister. She tried to be bright and cheerful, and although her heart was very heavy, she determined that others should not suffer on account of her state of mind ; Mannie Brown was thoroughly unselfish.
Only two weeks had passed when Miss Jennie became so depressed that great fears were entertained lest her mind should give way. Mannie did all in her power to divert her, but failed she grew worse day by day, and finally had to be sent to the Asylum. Mrs. Wilson, one of Miss Jennies friends, consented to live with Mannie as a com panion. The poor childs lot was sad, indeed .
Several weeks passed without news from Mr. Kennedy. Finally a cablegram from Liverpool was received by the Mayor of Millersburg, telling of his illness, at the Adelphi Hotel, and asking that relatives be notified at once. Henry I Norton brought the message to Mannie, and offered to leave on the next steamer. Mannie insisted that she and Mrs. Wilson would leave also.

CHAPTER XVI.
SORROW.
J UST as all arrangements were made for sailing, news came of Miss Jennies death. Here then was a divided duty. Mannie decided quickly as to the best thing to do. Henry Norton should go at once to Mr. Kennedy and she would bring Miss Jennies body home. When she and Mrs. Wilson reached the Asylum, the keeper told them that Miss Kennedy had been conscious for several hours before death, and had requested that some important papers in her keeping should be placed in her brothers hands. Mannie promised that this should be done as early as possible.
She fully realized what the loss of Miss Jennie was to her. She had become very tenderly attached to her, and prized the love that had so freely been given. " Poor Mr. Kennedy!" she thought. "How he will grieve over her death. No brother ever loved a sister more !"
As soon as the burial had taken place and all necessary business arrangements had been made, Mannie and Mrs. Wilson sailed. Mrs. Wilson was very sea-sick, so it was a mercy that Mannies thoughts could be diverted by nursing her. The gong had sounded for dinner and Mrs. Wilson said that as she was very hungry she would venture down.
75

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MANNIE BROWN,

Mannie decided to stay on deck. Hours passed and as Mrs. Wilson did not return, Mannie fearing that she was ill, went to the state-room to find her. She was stretched upon the floor groaning terribly. Mannie was very much frightened. She had never seen any one so sea-sick before. She rang for the stewardess to aid in undressing her.
"You were so wise Mannie not to eat dinner oh, my oh, my ! Give me some ice ice oh oh I know I shall die ! "
Mannie really thought she was going to die, she seemed so white and sick.
" Mrs. Wilson, let me undress you. I know you will feel better in your berth. You will not feel the rolling of the vessel so much there."
"No, Mannie let me die O dear! O d-e-a-r ! I am so ill! Why did I ever come? "
Mrs. Johnson, the stewardess came, looked at Mrs. Wilson a moment then said :
Get up, get up. You are not as sick as you think you are."
" I am sick," said Mrs. Wilson with flashing eyes. " You take yourself out of here. Nobody wants you."
Mannie was amused to see how quickly Mrs. Wilson felt well enough to get up. She undressed herself and in a litde while was in her berth. She half suspected that Mrs. Johnson had an object in making her angry, and the amused twinkle in her eye when she returned with the ice, convinced her that this was so. Mrs. Wilson groaned and groaned during the night so that Mannie insisted upon her taking some phenacetine and pepper tonic. This relieved

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her and she dropped into a quiet slumber that lasted until morning.
Mannie made few steamer acquaintances. She enjoyed watching the children and their games. She was conscious that many were noticing her, and under other circum stances she would have been glad to meet them. MrsWilson continued sick throughout the voyage, so she was necessarily very much alone.
On Sunday morning they landed at Liverpool and hurried to the Adelphi. Henry Norton was in the office and saw them enter. He hastened to meet them and to Mannies anxious look said before she could ask a question, " He is no better." They followed him at once to Mr. Kennedys room. She lowered her voice as she stepped softly to the bed. The doctors loud tones startled her as he said, " No need for that, Madam, I would fire off a cannon if it would rouse him."
As she bent over him, Mr. Kennedy whispered, "Mannie." She looked up quickly. "He knows me, Doctor. Did you hear him ? "
"If its Mannie" hesaid, " he has been calling her ever since his mind began to wander. He is not conscious Madam, I wish he were."
Mannie with the tears streaming down her eyes took her seat by his side. The trained nurse insisted upon her moving, but the doctor said, "She can do no harm; let her stay."
He was resting very quietly when she left him that night and she prayed earnestly that he might be better the next morning. Very early she was at his door to inquire about him.

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MANNIE BROWN,

" He is no better that I can see," was the answer. "You may sit by him while I prepare his nourishment"
As Mannie took her seat she noticed even more plainly the great change that had taken place in his face. While intently gazing upon him, he opened his eyes; she did not move for fear of startling him. Long he gazed into her face, then smiled and closed his eyes.
" I thought it was Mannie. You do look like her." He sighed again. "You can never know how much I love Mannie."
She leaned over and kissed him, her eyes filling with tears.
" Be quiet now, and we will send for her." He opened his eyes quickly at the sound of her voice.
" Bless you darling ! I knew you would come." From sheer exhaustion he dropped asleep. When he awoke he was perfectly conscious, and the doctor and the nurse said, " He will get well now."

CHAPTER XVII.
CONVALESCENCE.
D AYS passed and the invalid continued to improve. Mannie wondered why he did not ask about Miss Jennie, but Henry Norton told her he had heard that she had been sent to the Asylum, before his delirium came on.
Now that he was gaining strength so rapidly, she felt that it was her duty to tell him of her death. How she dreaded it! The doctor said there would be no danger provided he was not startled.
That afternoon they were to drive, and Mannie felt she must tell him then. As soon as she was seated in the carriage he noticed her mourning hat.
"Mannie, is Jennie dead?" and his voice was so pathetic that Mannie could not answer. She simply bowed her head, and looked at him through her tears. Together they wept a long time. Neither could speak. At last he said:
" Tell me all. I can bear it now." Quietly and gently she told him all that had passed since he left; told him of the papers she was so anxious for him to have ; told him of all the loving attentions at the time of her burial. When she ceased he caught her hand in his saying:
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" Love me, Mannie, for her sake. I am truly bereft. I shall always love you the more because of your tenderness to her. God bless you!
He loosened his hold upon her hand and was quiet during the rest of the drive.
Several days after this, Mr. Kennedy excused himself from dinner. Mannie fearing that he was sick again sought a pretext to go to him. She remembered the papers that Miss Jennie had confided to her. She took them at once to his room. She found him with his head bowed upon the table before him a picture of despair. When Mannie entered he raised his head and motioned her to be seated.
"No," she said, " I have brought the papers. I thought it best to bring them at once. You may need them now. I did not mean to disturb you. I am sorry that I forgot to bring them sooner."
" Never mind about the forgetting. The papers simply relate to the settlement of the estate. There is plenty of time for that. Wont you sit down ? "
" No, you look tired. You had better rest Good night."
After she left the room he opened the package of papers. Besides the deeds to the property left to his sister to revert to him at her death, there was a letter from his mother telling him that Jennie was his half sister. She explained that she had married brothers. Jennies lather, the older of the two, had insisted that Martin should never know that Jennie was not his full sister unless he outlived her. She had given the promise thoughtlessly. It was her father who had become

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insane his father had been killed in battle at Fredericksburg. When he finished reading the letter he exclaimed : " Why did it seem right to mar my happiness ! O my
mother! You intended it in love, but oh what sorrow you have brought into my life ! "
Then realizing every barrier forbidding his love for Mannie was removed, his heart gave a great throb for very happiness, and for a moment even his great grief was for gotten. No sleep visited his eyes that night. He was busy planning for the future. Then a. wave of doubt came:
" Perhaps Mannie does not love me !" A great fear seized him that she might be engaged to Henry Norton, for they had been thrown together so much recently. He felt confident that Henry loved her indeed he had loved her for years. Was it not probable that Mannie would reward such constancy? The more he thought about it the more miserable he became. At daylight he rose for a walk, feeling that it would refresh him more than any attempt to sleep. When he returned he found the party in the breakfast room. He laid at Mannies plate a bunch of pink roses. No where save in England can such roses be found ! His face had changed so for the better that all remarked how well he looked. "Yes, I feel better," he said. He kept his eyes constantly upon Mannie during the meal. He became convinced that she was not engaged to Henry Norton, at least, but he dared not hope too much. When he rose he asked her to meet him in his private sitting room in about an hour. "I have some business matters to arrange," he said, smiling, in answer to her puzzled look.

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MANNIE BROWN,

" I shall come promptly," she answered quickly. Some matters delayed Mannie, and she was behind time in keeping this engagement When she reached his room she found him restless and impatient " Have I kept you waiting?" she said, more to relieve an embarrassment than anything else. Yes, you or some one else has kept me waiting a long, long time, and I am tired of it," he said. Mannie looked up astonished, when he placed his moth ers letter in her hands and motioned her to the sofa to be seated. She remained standing, however. " Read it," he said, and while she read he watched eagerly her expression. When she finished it, she looked up into his face. "Well," she said. " Is it well, my darling ? and he folded her in his arms. Then, taking her face in his hands and turning her head so that she must look him full in the eyes, he said : " You know that I love you better than my life. You know that I have loved you a long, long time. You know also why I have not dared to tell you. Now, my darling, can you love your Auld Robin at all ? " " More than I ever loved my Jamie," she said meekly. He kissed her twice upon her quivering lips. " More than you ever loved your Henry ?" he teasingly asked. "More than I ever loved my Henry," she mockingly replied.
" Take that for punishment," he said, as he kissed again and again her saucy lips.

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There was no need for a long engagement. Arrange ments were made for the marriage to take place at once. Henry Norton was to remain until that was over, when he would return home. Mrs. Wilson was to join a party of friends and travel on the Continent, and would sail with Mannie and Mr. Kennedy when they were ready to return.
The day after the marriage Mr. Kennedy handed Mannie the package her father had left to be given as a wedding gift ; it was $50,000 in bank stock. In the package was a note, saying that as his daughter would have ample means without this, she could make some one happy on her marriage day.
"Miss Haygood and China!" exclaimed Mannie joy ously.
" The interest is almost as much," said Mr. Kennedy, watching her bright face.
" Miss Shelman and Cranton, then," she replied, "Oh, how happy I am !
" Now, darling, isnt this better than going to China as a missionary ?"
And Mannie was forced to admit that it was. " And could you have found a bigger heathen than your husband?" And she teasingly answered, I dont believe it possible.

EDWARD KENNEDY
THAT COLLEGE BOY
(Sequel to Mannie Brown, That School Girl.)

CHAPTER I.
HOME LIFE.
T7IFTEEN years have passed since Mannie Brown 1 became Mrs. Kennedy fifteen years of happy married life. No more charming home could be found anywhere I There were sober Jennie in her fourteenth year, and blackeyed Edward, a mischievous lad of twelve, and Martin, four years younger, and dear little Mannie, the baby girl.
Mr. Kennedy was a model husband. He never allowed his business cares to disturb his family. Whatever there was to harass him during the day, he locked it in his office when he left at night. Thus it was that his home-coming was eagerly looked forward to, and all faces brightened when he approached.
The evenings were spent in merry games and pleasant talk ; the parents wished to send their little ones happy to bed. The law of love ruled in that household, and rare indeed had the occasion been when corporal punishment had to be resorted to ; but the oldest boy had now reached an age to be very trying ; his great amusement was teasing the younger children and the servants, and very recently he had shown a disposition to grumble under restrictions. Jennie, too, had reached her teens and she demanded certain rights as an older daughter. She showed a desire

to rule her brothers and to exact a deference to her will. Mrs. Kennedy was wise enough to see the danger that was threatening, and sought guidance in prayer for direction in this matter.
The children were always allowed to sit up one hour after their fathers return. This was the "childrens hour," and everything was done to make it a happy one. After family prayers, Mrs. Kennedy would rise, and, taking the youngest two, would lead them from the room not, however, until the good-night kiss had been given. The oldest two were allowed to sit up an hour later.
Jennie watching her fathers expression as her mother left the room one night, guessed his thoughts. "Doesnt mother look beautiful, Father? "
" More beautiful than any one I ever knew," Mr. Ken nedy replied.
" She has had a hard time to-day, Father. Ed has been so aggravating."
" How is that, son ? " he asked, quickly turning toward Edward, who lay stretched upon a divan near. "What have you been doing, my boy? "
"Not one solitary thing," said he, springing up. Jennies an old tell-tale;" but his look of scorn made little impression upon his conscientious and painstaking sister.
" Why, Ed, you broke up three hens nests to-day ; you know you did."
" Well, Father, the old black hen was sitting on one egg, and three other hens were trying to sit on the same one egg, and you know Mother didnt want that."
" But, Ed, she said you were wrong to break them up

now deny that if you can and you called Tom a suck egg dog and mother had to whip you for it you know you cant deny that, and ; Father, he drowned two of my kittens in the washpot, and he threw Aunt Pollys lye
soap in the chicken trough." Mr. Kennedy looked at his son and shook his head
solemnly. Well, Father, Tom Simms said cats could swim, and I
knew they couldnt, and I just did it to prove it to him. Girls havent got a bit of gumption. I wouldnt be a girl."
" Father, Ed dont want me to tell, I know, but he tied a bush to the calls tail, and he and Tom were setting it on fire, and I told them that if they didnt stop I would tell on them. I didnt tell mother about that, though, for all the other bad things had worried her so much. And I know something else awful that Ed did, too, but I promised him I wouldnt tell if he would stop tying my cats tails
together." " Now, Edward, I dont wish to hear of such conduct
again," his father said rather sternly. Ed, whining and muttering, left the room, pulling the
door to with a bang. When he was gone, Jennie said to
her father: "Tom Simms is a mighty bad boy, Father ; he makes
Ed do so many things that are wrong. I wish he wouldnt come over here. He uses bad words, too. I heard him when his knife slipped and he cut himself I cant repeat to you what he said, Father, but it was awful bad. Then Ed laughed, and Tom laughed, and when I said I would tell you about it, they pointed their fingers at me and said,

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EDWARD KENNEDY,

Ya, sic ye, sic ye, tell-tale-pick-a-nail, sit upon a ctm/s tail!' Then Ed tied my cats tails together and I slapped him, and then he did something dreadful, but I promised him I wouldnt tell that if he would let my cats go. Father, I hate to tell on Ed, but I just do believe he will be ruined entirely if something isnt done. You dont know how aggravating he is sometimes. Do you think it is wrong to tell on him, Father?"
" Not if your motives are right, daughter. Your brother is full of mischief and he is of a disposition to be easily led. We must try to lead him right. You must gain his con fidence, and then you will be able to do anything with him ; he is very affectionate, you know. Think what Miriam did for her brother Moses !"
They talked some time about Edward and other matters, and then Jennie kissed her father good-night. Mr. Kennedy sat thinking about what had been told him, and wondered what would be the best course of discipline for his boy. He saw plainly where his mischievous propensities would lead him if not rightly checked. Just then Mrs. Kennedy entered the room. The tired, worn expression on her usually bright face made his heart sink within him.
" Dear little mother," he said, as he put his arm lovingly around her, " what has gone wrong to-day? "
" Oh, Mr. Kennedy, everything is wrong with Edward ! He has been so bad to-day. He gives me more trouble than all the other children put together," and here she broke down completely.
" Never mind, old lady, he will be all right soon. Maybe his liver is out of order. Give him some calomel and he will be himself in a short time."

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9!

It would not do to ask Tom Sitnms to stay away, would it?"
" Oh ! I think not. Mr. Simms is our nearest neighbor, and people will believe anything bad about any one except their own children. Little woman, where is your faith in prayer?"
" Oh ! I have prayed, Mr. Kennedy, time and again, but we must work too. Gods Word tells us that. He would hold us responsible if we should sit with folded hands after we prayed. Elis example is ever before us. I can not run the slightest risk with my child."
This was the first real worry that had come in the discip line of their children. Of course there had been some quarrels and fretting among them; for where can a family of children be found where this is not the case? but this growing spirit of fretfulnessand rebelliousness under punish ment made them fear there might be more in it than at first appeared. Mr. Kennedy advised her to go to bed and all would be well on the morrow.

CHAPTER II.
EDWARD KENNEDY.
BUT the next morning all was far from well. The day began wrong, and it kept wrong ; it was cold, and a drizzling rain kept the children in-doors. Mothers know full well what this means. While the nurse was eating her breakfast, Jennie went to the nursery to watch them.
Ed had his ball and bat; Martin was building a house out of blocks to amuse little Mannie. He had just succeeded in getting a very high building when Ed in mischief threw his ball and toppled it over. Martin angrily seized a block and struck him upon the head with it. This angered Ed and he raised his bat to strike Martin when Jennie caught his arm.
" Let me alone; he hit me first," he said jerking from her. "Yes, but hes a little fellow. I am ashamed of you; besides you knocked over his house." Mannie set up a yell when her house was knocked down, and Martin in trying to comfort her picked her up in his arms, and on the way to her crib stumbled and fell upon her. A hard bump on the head was the extent of her injuries; but she screamed so long and so loud that Mrs. Kennedy came running to see what was the matter. What is it, Jennie ? Is she hurt very much ? "
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" I think not, Mother. Martin was trying to put her in the crib and stumbled; she bumped her head thats all, I think."
Mrs. Kennedy noticed that Edward was sulking, and asked, " What is the matter with Ed ? "
" I was to blame of course; that will be the next thing that is told you, I suppose."
" Were you to blame, my son ? " " Yes, he was, Mother. He had no business to throw the ball at Martins house, and he knows it," said Jennie, quite angry now that her mother should be so upset. " Well, Miss Smarty, it is none of your business if I did." " Edward !" said his mother reprovingly. " Well, Mother, she is always putting in her big mouth about something, and I am tired of it." " Not another word." " Yes, thats the way. You never say one word to her, but I am blamed and scolded for everything." Mrs. Kennedy did not answer, but took the boy by the hand and quietly led him to her room. Without any show of anger, she administered the well-needed correction. Her firmness and silence made the punishment all the more impressive. This was just what Edward needed and when he returned to the nursery he showed, as an old darkey expressed it, "he had been made to know hisself." He took his seat shyly on one side of the room away from the children. He had not been there long before Mannie carried her doll and laid it in his lap to try to extort a smile from him, and Martin carried his blocks and commenced to build a house at his very feet Every effort

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EDWARD KENNEDY,

was made to cheer him, and when the toy-house was

accidentally kicked over, Martin laughed and little Mannie

clapped her hands, and both thought it a great joke, and

immediately set to building it again. Ed became very

much interested at last, and when his mother entered shortly

afterwards she found sunshine everywhere.

Now do not think that the effect of this punishment of

Edward lasted for a year or even for any considerable length

of time. It was only a few days later tha.t Mr. Kennedy

sitting in his library heard a contention going on in the

nursery. He discovered that the cause was a squabble

between Martin and Edward as to who should obtain posses

sion of the crib. Edward said Martin should not put

Mannie in it, and he tried to pull her out. Martin kicked

him, and Ed returned with a slap. From kicks and slaps,

cuffs and blows followed, then cries and screams and general

confusion. Thus it was when their father entered and

whipped the two boys.

Both threw themselves upon the trundle-bed to cry. As

I soon as Mr. Kennedy left the room, Edward began a series

I of pinches and petty persecutions, so that in desperation

I Martin called for his father again.

I

" Thats right; blab now; it will be just like you. I

am glad that you got a whipping. I am glad of it; (pinch)

I y63 gkd of it." (pinch)

" Hush your mouth ! " yelled Martin.

H

"Thats right now, call out loud so Father can hear you.

H Thats what you want, I know."

Martin continued to scream, and his father on opening

the door took in the situation at a glance. He called

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Edward into the library and gave him another whipping severer than the first, and sent him again to the nursery.
Satisfied, are you ? " he said, resuming the punches in Martins side.
" I am willing to take two whippings to see you get one. I despise a blab."
Martin tried not to scream, for he felt sure that if his father did come again to Ed he would punish him very severely ; but human endurance could stand no more, so he gave one prolonged scream, which startled Edward himself. Mr. Kennedy took Ed by the hand and Martin did not see him again that night.
Another rainy day ! Mrs. Kennedy dreaded it, for the children always fretted when kept indoors, but she deter mined to make sunshine within even if there were clouds without. It was to have been a busy day with her; she had planned much work, and the sacrifice meant more than one would suppose. After breakfast was over, she amused the children telling them stories in which she managed to bring in proofs of Gods loving kindness and care over them ; especially did she teach them never to complain at Gods providence whether it was rain or sunshine that He sent all must be accepted with patience and resignation.
" Aint God feet, Mamma, to give us a house to stay in when it is waining ? little Mannie said, after one of these talks.
" Yes, my child, God is good. He always gives us just what we need."
" Den Im goin wight stwaight and ask Him for some tandy," said the little lady, looking up with a bright smile;

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EDWARD KENNEDY,

and down she jumped from her mothers lap to carry out this resolution.
Mrs. Kennedy was amused, but soon became too busy to notice her absence. After an hour had passed she went in search of her and found her in the library kneeling or rather half lying on the sofa fast asleep. She kissed her to wake her up.
" Wake up, baby, wake up. Papa is coming; listen !" Just then Mr. Kennedys voice was heard in the hall: " Wheres my baby Mannie ? " That voice was sufficient to wake her. In a moment she was rubbing her little eyes, and when her father entered her first question was: " Dot any tandy, Papa ? " "Oh, you think I am made out of candy, you little toad," said her father, catching her in his arms and kissing her. Then seating her upon the sofa, he sat down by her side and took from his pocket the lemon drops he had brought her. Her little eyes brightened as she looked up into her mothers face. " Mamma, papa brought the tandy ; God didnt send it" " Oh, but God gave us the papa to bring the candy. Dont you see?" "Oh, yes, God is feet; aint He, Mamma?" The day had passed and it had been a very happy one. When Mrs. Kennedy kneeled by her bedside that night she returned thanks to her Heavenly Father for giving her such a home, such a husband and such children. Several months passed. The children had had their seasons of badness and of goodness. Ed had varied the

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monotony by being very good. Aunt Polly said she was sholy skeered he wus goin to die, he wus so good, but Mrs. Kennedy had no uneasiness on that score; she felt that he had enough of the old Adam still left in him to live. Aunt Pollys words set her to thinking though. What could this change in Edward mean ? Was it real or feigned ? Would it last long? These and numberless other questions she asked herself.
When Mr. Kennedy entered he handed her a letter with a rim of black about it. Mrs. Kennedy had no near rela tives whose death this could announce, so she opened it without trepidation. It brought the news of Julia Ross death. This old schoolmate after leaving Cranton had married a Presbyterian minister and settled in the West. The friends had kept up a regular correspondence ; scarcely a month had passed without their hearing from one another. Julias husband had died, leaving her with two daughters to bring up. Then came the news of the death of one daugh ter. The bereaved wife and mother had shown in all her trouble a grace and fortitude which only a Christian can show. Mrs. Kennedy was greatly shocked and grieved now to hear of this friends death. Tears flowed freely, and her husband did not try to stop them. Finally she said :
"Julias child must come to us, Mr. Kennedy," and he gently answered:
"Of course, my dear, if you wish it."

CHAPTER III.
BEAUTIFUL HEARTS.
A LL arrangements were made to have Julia Mclntosh come at once. For days and days nothing was dis cussed but her coming. Already the children spoke of " Cousin Julia" as though she were really kith and kin.
"Little Mother," whined Martin one day, "is Cousin Julia pretty ?"
" I dont know, my son," Mrs. Kennedy replied. " Her mother was never considered beautiful, but she had so many lovely traits of character that to those of us who loved her she was always pretty. You know if the heart is beautiful, Martin, it makes very little difference about the face."
" Is my heart beautiful, little Mother? " " I hope so, my son," and she patted him lovingly upon the head. "Is my heart booful, Mamma?" echoed little Mannie who was seated on her mothers knee and had been listen ing to all that had been said. " That it is, my precious," and her mother pressed her to her bosom. " Sister Jennie has a beautiful heart, hasnt she little Mother?" Without waiting for an answer he continued, " but Ed has not, has he, Mother ? "

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" Oh, I trust so, son. I trust your brothers heart is all right."
1 Well, little Mother, Tom Simms said Ed was as ugly as the dickens, but maybe Tom Simms hasnt a beautiful heart. Say! has he, Mother?" importuned Martin, for his mother had not been listening attentively and had not answered his last question.
"Oh, I dont know about Toms heart. We must not judge, you know."
" Has Aunt Polly a beautiful heart? " he asked after a pause.
" No, it is as black as the ace of spades," came from Ed who had entered the room in time to hear Martins last question.
" Aunt Polly no black heart" said little Mannie, and she sprang from her mothers lap to emphasize her words with a slap at her brother.
" Oh, no darling, Aunt Pollys heart is all right," said Mrs. Kennedy reaching out to pull the child upon her lap again.
" I say right," retorted Edward. "Shes the meanest nigger I know of. When I get grown Im going to buy her and hang her."
"Shan't hang Aunt Polly!" screamed Mannie, and she began to cry aloud.
" Hush, my precious, no one shall hurt Aunt Polly." " I have a great mind to break her old neck," said Ed shaking his head threateningly. "Shan't break Aunt Pollys neck," yelled Mannie, looking into her mothers lace to confirm her words.

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I cut her wood, I drew her water, and I picked up her chips and just because I put my glue in her old pot she flew at me like she was going to bite my head off", and when I went to get a stick to stir it with she pitched the glue out of the window the glue I had just paid ten cents for too, and the Lord knows what she has done with my powder put it in the pepper-cruet, I suppose. No, she is a canting hypocritical old sinner thats what she is. Shes got no beautiful heart I hate her."
" Edward, go to your room," his mother said sternly as soon as she could be heard. The boy glanced up and knew from the look in her eye that she meant what she said. He rose slowly, made it convenient to step on the cats tail as he rose ; pulled Martins hair as he passed him, and tripped up the butler whom he met at the door.
He had been gone but a short while when Polly appeared on the scene. She had a porcelain kettle in her hand and was talking rapidly.
" I aint gwine to stand him, I jest aint gwine to do it Miss Mannie dat chile ov yourn is worser spilte den any chile I ever is seen. Hes tarnasiously spilte, Miss Mannie, tarnasiously spilte," and she emphasized her words with a bobbing of her head. "Hes been worser aggravating to-day den he ever has been. Hes done plum mint my sporcelain kittle de one I biles my jelly in. He put his old glue and I dunno what tomfoolery in it, and its all stuck up. I wish youd look at it, and hes burnt my jelly spoon too, and hes done covered my biscuit-block wid his old powder, and bless God I didnt know it, and I rolled my biscuit dough on it and dey aint fitten to tech. Ise gwine

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to leave this house sho, Miss Mannie, if dis carryin on aint stopped, and I means it too." With this she disappeared muttering.
In a few minutes screams came from the kitchen where Aunt Polly was venting her anger on her little grandson ; so it often is in life the innocent suffer for the guilty.
Mr. Kennedy and Jennie came in a little later. He was impatient for his supper. Was there ever a man who was not impatient for his meals ?
Run, Jennie, and hurry up supper!" he said as he stooped to kiss his wife. " I have an engagement, dearie, and am forced to leave early.
Mrs. Kennedy remembering about the biscuits and the powder answered slowly, " Supper is delayed, Mr. Kennedy. I fear it will not be ready."
" Perhaps I had best not wait," he said as he started for his hat and overcoat Something in the expression of her face made him hesitate. He paused, took off his overcoat, laid aside his hat again, and said :
" Bring my slippers, daughter, I dont believe I will go out to-night" He glanced to see if this change brought any brightness to his wifes face. He saw two tears that had gathered roll slowly down her cheeks. He knew then she had had something to trouble her that day.
" Mother looks too tired for the games to-night, children. Go to bed and we shall make up for it to-morrow night Jennie, you can take charge of Mannie for mother; cant you?"
" Certainly, Father and glad to do it," said Jennie who felt fully rewarded for any sacrifice by the bright smile of approval on her fathers face.

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As if guessing the cause of the cloud upon his wifes brow, he said:
" Where is Edward to-night, Mannie? " " I sent him to bed without his supper." " Whats the matter this time ? Has he been obstreper ous again ? " Then she related the scene with Polly. Mr. Kennedy threw back his head and laughed heartily. His wife gave him a reproachful glance, but still he continued to laugh. " I see nothing to laugh at." "Why, my dear, you cant imagine how fanny this seems to me. It is almost identically the scene described by my sister Jennie when you were the offending party. Like mother, like son. Dont you remember the day you stole the cake batter from Polly and baked it in the egg shells ? Never fear, old lady, if that is all the matter with our boy he will come out all right. See what a model of propriety his mother is now." Mrs. Kennedy could not fail to catch some of his bright ness. What seemed a mountain of care before, now became a mole hill. " I shall never forget," said her husband, "how heartily we laughed over Pollys indignation against you. Poor Jennie used to say, I cant stand her, Martin, I cannot, indeed. Now suppose, my dear, she had not stood you, where should I be to-day ? " and he patted her lovingly and kissed her. " All seems well when you talk, but I get so discouraged at times."

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"Well, let us endeavor to make home just as happy as possible for the children. Much depends upon that You are and ever have been the light of our household. Let your beams of love continue to fall. If our sun be clouded the shadows will lie very heavy about us all."
The next morning no one would have guessed there had ever been a ripple on the domestic sea.

CHAPTER IV.
JULIA McINTOSH.
J ULIA McINTOSH had not been an inmate of the home at Ingleburst many months before Ed was her devoted slave. Whatever " Cousin Julia " said was right in his eyes. So gently did she correct his faults ; so wisely did she show Tom Simms failing ; so helpful did she prove as adviser that Ed became a different boy in looks and manners. It was hard to recognize in this manly fellow of sixteen the boorish boy of a short time back. Julia had striven to rouse his ambidon, to make him more studious, and to inculcate carefulness in dress and manner.
The time grew near now when his father felt that he must be sent to the State University to complete his studies. Mrs. Kennedys heart sank as she thought of the tempta tions to which her boy would be exposed at college. She knew his disposition, and realized how readily he might be led astray by a stronger will. She knew, too, that at a University there are few restrictions save such as a student puts upon himself. Much depended upon the choice of companions with Ed. She determined to leave the matter in higher hands than hers, knowing that He would overrule and direct for the best, so long as they followed His com mands in the matter. One day while making merry over getting Ed ready for college, he said :

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" I say, Jennie, you and Cousin Julia will send a fellow a box of cake now and then, wont you ? "
" Indeed we will," said Jennie, "the very best that we can make."
"Ah, come now. I dont want your cake. Send me Laura Billups ; shes the professional cake-baker."
"Why, son," said Mrs. Kennedy, "how much more gallant it would have been to say, It will taste all the better for being made by such fair hands."
"Oh, no, Mother, sentiment wont do to eat. Lets have Lauras cake and the girls may try their hands on some candy."
" Dont lets send him anything," said Jennie, pretending to pout.
" I dont think he deserves the slightest consideration at our hands," said Julia. "Not one piece of candy shall I make for him."
"Come, girls, you are funning. My mother dear will send me a box if you dont;" and Edward in his rough boy ish way drew his mothers head back to kiss her. " Wont you, Mother?"
" Dont, son, you hurt me," said Mrs. Kennedy, as the boy tilted back her chair.
" Boys are so rough ! " said Jennie. Just then Ed darted to kiss her. In doing so he stepped on Julias toe, which brought forth a scream from her, then struggling to get off her foot he slipped and fell, sitting flat in Jennies work basket "Ed, look at you. What are you doing? Get out of my basket. Mother, make him."

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"That hurt," said Ed, rolling over and rubbing himself up and down his leg. " I sat on a needle."
" Im glad you did. I wish you had sat on forty," Jen nie replied as she stooped to pick up her things.
" Mother, make him help me pick these things up. I dont know what boys were made for anyway."
"Certainly not to pick up pins and needles, fra-la-la," and he left the room whistling.
" Go, then; nobody wants you," said Jennie, giving him a push towards the door. Ed is so awkward !
"I believe he weighs a thousand," said Julia, nursing her toe.
" If theres a foot within a mile of him hell hit it, I verily believe," his sister said.
" Little Mother," whined Martin, coming into the room at this moment. " Please maam, make Ed let my hen alone."
" Whats he doing, son ? " He says he is going to throw her up and break her neck." " Oh, he wouldnt do that, son. He is just teasing you," said Mrs. Kennedy. "Nom, he aint neither," whined Martin, "hes done done it," and the little fellow burst into tears. " Ah, me," sighed Mrs. Kennedy, as she laid down her work to investigate the matter. Just then a scream from Mannie sent her rushing upon the porch. She found Edward holding her down upon the floor, while he was flourishing over her head the oil can, threatening to grease her ears to make her hear better.

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" I would be ashamed, son, to torment my sister and brother so," and she hastened to pick the child up to quiet her. Eds only reply was a kiss, and then with a regular war whoop he sprang from the porch upon Pete, who, with hose in hand, was watering the flowers in the yard. Pete evidently expecting this, stooped suddenly, which threw the boy off his balance, and he ploughed up the wet dirt with his head. When he rose to his feet he was a sight to behold. It was Martins and Mannies time to laugh now. Ed took his fall good-naturedly, and then followed a race after Pete with the hose, drenching everything before him. Mrs. Kennedy and the children, laughing heartily, wisely betook themselves indoors.

CHAPTER V.
THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA.
M R. KENNEDY decided to accompany Edward to Athens in order to choose a boarding-place for him and to become acquainted with his room-mate. He was a wise father and knew how much depended upon his sons surroundings. Under no circumstances could he consent to have his son at a home where no lady presided.
Fortunately there was a vacancy at Prof. Rockwells, on the College Campus, and he was advised by the Chancellor to secure this at once He was charmed with the influences of this home, and returned well satisfied with the arrange ments.
Edward passed his examinations without difficulty, enter ing the sophomore class. Tom Carter, a nephew of Mrs. Rockwell, was his room-mate. Tom was a big-hearted, clever boy, but no student Alas ! for Ed; if he looked for an example he would have to look beyond his room-mate to find him. He realized this at once and regretted he had no stronger companion to lean upon. Tom Carter was brimming over with fun and mischief also, and felt that all time spent in study was wasted. He became Eds champion at once, and as he knew the "ropes," he said he would take pleasure in initiating his friend. Ed had not been in col-
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lege long before he had attended a "fish-fry" attheSummey House, a "snipe hunt" on the banks of the Oconee, had been initiated into the Zeta Chi fraternity, and had been fired upon many times with blank cartridges on his way to " Bonesville " but Edward Kennedy was wise enough not to get angry at these jokes, but to enter heartily into them and to become a leader later on in initiating others.
The temptations thrown around Edward were just such as beset the pathway of every college boy. Just across the hall roomed Jim Alexander, who had been dubbed "solemn Jim" because he frowned upon the sports of the other boys, and was very conscientious where duty was con cerned. He could not be laughed out of saying his prayers at night or of reading his Bible daily. He did not care how often they said he was "tied to his mothers apron string." His retort was : "I could not find a better." He was a brave boy, morally brave, and every one who knew him loved and admired him. He was known to be the strongest boy in college, and he could out-jump, outswim, out-row any boy who had ever been there before nor did he allow any of these athletic sports to interfere in the least with his studies. Jim was of great value to Ed and Tom. They respected his bravery, admired his good ness and relied upon his judgment, and frequently they went to him for advice.
There was a negro boy named George, who blacked the students boots. He usually came up after supper during the winter, and would sit before the fire, keeping motion with his mouth as he moved his blacking-brush back and forth. The warm fire caused him frequently to nod over

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his work, when his jaw would drop and his mouth stand wide open. Tom and Ed one night amused them selves throwing bits of chips and coal into it, for the fun of seeing him spit them out without waking. Jim, hear ing an unusual titter there one night, went across to see what it meant The boys had made a trail of powder from the window to where George sat, and were preparing to light it when Jim appeared.
" Mercy on me, boys ! What are you doing ? " " Hush ! " said Tom. " We are having some fan with George. Watch him jump." " Dont you know that you have powder enough there not only to blow George through the roof but yourselves in the bargain." "Stuff and nonsense," said Tom and proceeded to strike the match. Fortunately Jim prevailed upon them to sweep it up or there might have been a serious accident. The next morning Jim advised Mrs. Rockwell to hide their powderflask. She went to the room to find it, and in searching discovered a bottle of whiskey. She captured that and told the boys she had poured it into her camphor bottle this time, but if ever she suspected that they had any more she would report them to Prof. Rockwell. Ed insisted that he never drank and that he never used it except to make George tipsy sometimes. Tom did not deny drinking it himself, but as he stood in great awe of his uncle he promised his aunt never to bring any more into the house. That night the boys slipped into Mrs. Rockwells room

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and poured the whiskey from the camphor and filled the bottle with water which they considered a very good joke, but it was not so ninny to Mrs. Rockwell.
" Boys, theres the loveliest creature down-stairs that you ever did see a real angel of light"
Tom Carter volunteered this information to Jim and Ed one afternoon as they sat talking in Jims room.
" Who is she? " they asked in one breath. " I dont know, I wish I did. Hush !" he said as ladies voices were heard in the hall below. Then followed a scramble between Ed and Tom as to who should get to the door first In the scuffle Tom sent Ed flying out of the door. His foot slipped at the head of the stairs and down he tumbled to the bottom. He picked himself up with a very sheepish air, muttered an apology to Mrs. Rockwell and then scampered up the steps again. He was conscious how rude his conduct must seem to Mrs. Rockwell and her guest, and how awkward he must have appeared as he hurried to his room. "Well, old fellow you did see our angel of light first, didnt you?" said Tom, convulsed with laughter, as Ed entered the room. " Yes, and I reckon she thought me an imp of darkness as I came tumbling after her. Oh, shucks ! I have played the wild." That night when they went in to supper they found the young lady in question at the table. She was introduced as Miss Susie Martin of Atlanta, a niece of Prof. Rockwells. She had come to attend the Lucy Cobb Institute, a school for young ladies in Athens. Prof. Rockwell had

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urged his sister to place Susie under school regulations, knowing it would be much wiser, but her mother- was unwilling to have her separated altogether from the family.
Susie Martin was not only a beautiful girl so far as regularity of features is concerned, but she was beautiful in character also with vivacity and good sense well combined. Her uncle feared she would play havoc with the college boys hearts, and she did. She had not been in Athens a week before Tom Carter was her devoted slave Tom had a way, however, of falling in love with every pretty face he
met, so her uncle did not worry over that, but when Edward Kennedy began to linger about the sitting-room longer than was his wont, especially when Susie was there, he felt a word of warning to him was necessary.
Mrs. Rockwell had told Susie that Tom Carter "would
flirt with a broomstick," so she was on her guard against him. Indeed she was something of a flirt herself, so in order to make Tom jealous she became very partial to
Edward Kennedy. Ed had always been called awkward at home, so he envied Tom his free and easy manners. Toms bump of reverence had never been developed, while Eds manner to those older than himself could not be surpassed. He had at home been a model of a true gentleman in all that pertained to courtliness to man and courtesy to woman, so in certain respects Tom could not equal Ed.
Susie became a great favorite with the Institute girls at once, not only on account of her intrinsic worth, but also on account of her access to the college boys. She was wise
enough to suspect the latter cause of popularity, and when one morning Tom Carter walked to school with her, and

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girls who had never noticed her before rushed to kiss her, she was perfectly conscious that the owner of the pair ot trousers was largely responsible for the affection shown on that occasion, and did not fail to express it in her manner.
Frequent attempts had been made to have her deliver messages to the boarders from the boys, but knowing it to be against the rules she had always indignantly refused.
The boys respected Susie all the more for her sense of honor in the matter, and the teachers had implicit confi dence in her, and never doubted her integrity.

CHAPTER VI.
THE SERENADE.
E D and Tom went with a serenading party one night. They were treated to a champagne supper by one of the fraternities so that it was twelve oclock before they started out. Ed had never drunk wine of any kind indeed he had promised his mother that he would never drink that or anything stronger. He yielded to this temptation in a moment of weakness and regretted it very much soon after. Boys who were accustomed to drinking did not feel the champagne at all but Ed did, so he determined to go home at once.
It was a rule of Prof. Rockwells to lock the doors at ten oclock. He went to Eds room and both boys were in bed apparently sound asleep. Their snoring, however was feigned, and as soon as the Professor left, up they got, and opening the window climbed down the front pillars of the porch, thinking of course they could return in the same way. Under ordinary circumstances they could have done I it, but Ed was not himself that night he was conscious of I a giddiness which would not permit his attempting to climb the pillar. He dared not ring the bell he dared not I remain longer outside. Scarcely knowing how, he found himself half-way up, when his foot slipped and he fell to the H ground with a thud.
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It is said a drunken man and a child can fall and receive no injury. Edward Kennedy could not have been drunk, for he was hurt by this fall. .He was so badly stunned that he could not move for some minutes, and when he came to himself, Prof. Rockwell and Jim Alexander were laying him on his bed. He fell into a heavy stupor, which lasted until Tom returned, about daylight.
Both boys had severe headaches the next morning. Ed ate no breakfast, and was too sick to attend any of his recitations. He was humiliated and conscience-stricken on account of a broken pledge and a disregard for his mothers wishes. There is no pain so great as that which comes from a reproachful conscience.
That afternoon the entire serenading party was arraigned before the faculty. The charges brought against them were drunkenness, boisterous conduct, taking off gates, greasing blackboards, screaming fire before the Institute, and rocking police.
Edward said : "Doctor, I am not guilty of any of these charges, and I appeal to Prof. Rockwell to prove it." Then, remembering the condition in which he had been found the night before, his eyes fell and he was silent Prof. Rockwell did not speak, but Tom Carter did.
"Doctor, I can testify that Edward Kennedy was not with the serenading party last evening."
"No, Doctor, he was not," said Morris Turner. "He was taken sick and had to leave."
" He intended to join you, then ? " "Yes, Doctor, I did but must I be punished for inten tions?"

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" I fear you must, my son," the Doctor replied, having been told that Edward had been put to bed drunk.
The secretary of the faculty then read the rules of suspension, and the boys were dismissed.
The punishment was unexpected and severer than dreamed of, but there had been so much trouble lately, so many complaints from the citizens of repeated annoyances on the part of the students that the college authorities felt that prompt action on their part was necessary.
Ed was mordfied beyond measure. In imagination he could see his mothers grief, his fathers disappointment, his sisters distress, and Julias disapproval. His face was the only serious one among the boys. Tom Carter greeted the crowd waiting for the news from the faculty meeting, " Oh boys ! the Chancellor has invited us to tea to-morrow night to discuss college discipline. Ed Kennedy is to have a dissertation on Climbing Pillars With Agility, Frank Rogers is to read an essay on Greasing Blackboards Thoroughly, and I am to introduce the discussion of Taking Off Gates and Tying Cats to Door-Bells Properly. The boys laughed at Toms attempted witticisms, but the Chancellor noticed from the serious look on the faces oi those grouped here and there about the Campus that the punishment was being felt
Within twenty-four hours they had to leave the town under penalty of expulsion.
Edwards home-going was so different from what had been expected. He saw the lines of care on his mothers face, and the tears in her eyes as she kissed him. He saw his fathers look of disappointment. He missed the merry

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greeting of the girls ; only Mannie and Martin seemed glad to have him back again. The nursery was the brightest place for him, and there he was oftenest found. Martin forgot all past offences and regarded Ed as a "great big man" since he had entered the University. Mannie never tired climbing upon his knee to listen to Uncle Remus yarns or to Arabian Night tales.
Thus it was that Julia found him one day, and invited him to go to see " Aunt Polly " with her.
" He cant be very bad if he is so tender to children," she thought. "Ill persuade him to confess his wrong to Aunt Mannie and Uncle Kennedy and be forgiven."
Ed had been very stubborn since his return. He had felt that his treatment had in a measure been too severe. He was conscious wherein he had done wrong, but he felt he had not sinned as great as his punishment indicated. Fretting under the seeming injustice, he had not made the acknowledgments his parents expected, and they were deeply grieved by his conduct.
"I will make one more earnest effort," the dear girl said, distressed that all the old life and spirit had gone out of the boy.
She explained that she was going to take some tea to " Aunt Polly." The old negress having lost her eyesight, was provided with a home by Mr. Kennedy, as a reward for faithful services in the past, and very often the children went to see her and to take some extra thing in the way of nourishment
They had walked some little distance when Julia said, "Ed, now say, what makes you so hard-headed?

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Why cant you tell Aunt Mannie how sorry you are for what you have done? You dont know how quickly she will forgive you. Dont you believe it? "
" No, I dont," said Ed, sullenly. " For the life of me I cannot see why I should be punished so severely when the boys who did so much more are received at home so differently. Tom writes me his father said, Come, lets kill the fatted calf and make merry at the prodigals return, and they have literally been feasting him ever since ; and Frank Rogers father says he shall never return to a college where the boys are treated so unjustly. Now, what did I do compared with what they did? I own I did wrong. I should not have yielded to taking the champagne. I am heartily sorry for that I could not have been as drunk as Prof. Rockwell thinks I was, from that one glass of cham pagne. I must have fallen when attempting to climb the pillar, and been stunned by the fall."
"Why not tell Uncle Kennedy that?" " He would not believe me now. Everybody has lost confidence in me. A man that breaks his word is not worth picking up." "Ed, you are so foolish. Of course they will believe you. You have never explained anything. Try them to-night. Your parents love you more than the parents of those other boys. They punish you because they love you. Do you wish the punishment that came upon Eli to come upon them? His sons did wickedly and he restrained them not, and God punished him for it." They had reached the cabin where Old Polly lived and when they entered they found her swaying her body to and

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fro muttering : " Twont be long, blessed Jesus, fore I see de Lord in glory fore dese eyes wake up in heben. Glory
Hallelujah!" She heard footsteps approaching and thought it was her
granddaughter who lived with her. " T aint you, Clarey ? Hi, whos dat ? " "Guess, Aunt Polly," said Julia drawing near her chair. Turning her sightless eyes in the direction of the voice,
she said, " Bless life its Miss Julia to be sho. How you do, honey ?"
" Somebodys with me, Aunt Polly. See if you know
who it is." " Lemme feel ov de han and I kin tell yer." Ed drew near and took the hard horny hand in his. " Hits too big fur Miss Mannies ; taint big enough fur
Mars Martins ; hits too hard fur Jinnys Bless life I bleeves hits dat boy Eds. Look here boy, youse mighty nigh broke your mammys heart. Do you know hit? What you do hit for, hey ? "
Ed pulled his hand from "Aunt Pollys," and before he could answer, she continued :
"Lor", chile, de Lords gwine to get eben wid you fur treatin yore ma so. You cant dodge de Lord. Dont yer know you cant hey? Miss Mannies too good er oman to be fretted and worrited in dis way. When shes dead and gone you aint gwine to git any more ma like her. Dont you know hit? Shes de blessedest oman I ever seed. Hear dat"
" Aunt Polly, do you remember Aunt Mannie when she was young? "

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"Members her? In course I members Miss Mannie. She wus a rip-snorter, sho. Why, chile, I knowed her fore she was as big as you is. Miss Jinny, dats Mars Martins sister what lived wid him Miss Jinny used to say, Polly, shes a captain, shes a captain, and she wus. Lor* I never is ter forgit how aggervated Mars Martin used to be wid dat chile. Why, honey, sometime he mos cry. One day how I does members hit she supped inter my kitchen, and fore I knowed hit, she done put red pepper in ebery blessed thing in dat kitchen. De biskits was firery hot, de coffee hit wus firery hot, de tea hit wus firery hot bless life everthing wus hot me and Miss Jinny and Mars Martin in de bargain. Miss Mannie she giggled and she giggled and she giggled and Pete he giggled. I dun spect whats up so I jest waits until I gets dem chillun in my kitchen and den I says Mannie Brown, and Pete Fitzhugh Higginbottom, how comes dat pepper in dese biskits? I wants no circumfrunsin now I wants de troof who put dat pepper in dar, fur it couldnt er walked in dar by hitself? Miss Mannie she says, Aunt Polly, dat does sholy hextrate de lapi dated fragment of linen off de hinfantile shrubbery, or some sech tomfoolery, but Pete said he spect de cat mout ha done hit and den I seed dem wink at one annuder. Cat indeed, says I; Cat neber done hit, unlessen it wus a two-legged cat an what* s more I aint er gwine to stan it no longer. Well sit it er while, Aunt Polly1 , says de sassy thing, an* she pushes a cheer right jam up agin my knees an down I comes ker-flop, an fore I could reach fur my hickory, bofe dem chillun done run out o my way an

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tuk to dere heels in a jifly. Dat chile dat chile she wus a caution no more like Miss Mannie now den cakes like cheese. You neber ketch her cavortin now no sir ! She done got de spent of de Lord inside o" her. De spent of de debil has done lef her. We bleedged to put ol1 Satan outen our hearts, Ed. We must have clean insides an den he wont bother us. Create within me clean insides dats what de Good Book says."
As the old woman finished she swayed her body to and fro, shaking her head solemnly all the time.
Ed did not say a word except, Good-bye, Aunt Polly, but Julia saw that the old womans talk had done good. She was silent until they were near the house when she said:
"Ed, I hope youll make the confession at once," and without a word from him she felt confident that it would be done. It was only necessary to look into the happy faces gathered about the tea-table that night to know that recon ciliation had taken place.

CHAPTER VII.
LUCY COBB INSTITUTE.
THE education of the girls had become a serious ques tion with Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy. The schools in Millersburgh were not good, besides the inconvenience of get ting back and forth was conducive to careless habits of study in the girls. It seemed absolutely necessary to send them off somewhere. Ed begged very hard to have them sent to the Lucy Cobb Institute at Athens. Mrs. Kennedy would have sent them to Cranton but Miss Haygood and Miss Shelman had both left the school, so she thought it well for the girls to be near Ed, and concluded to take his advice in the matter.
It was not long then before they were installed in their new quarters at Lucy Cobb. Susie Martin, on Eds account, gave the girls a very cordial greeting; and as Susies friends were the friends of the school, Jennie and Julia, naturally attractive and dignified, became great iavorites at once. They dressed well and in perfect taste, though not extravagantly. Mrs. Kennedy had too much good sense to dress school-girls as young ladies, and although she had money in abundance at her command, she never encouraged any foolish expenditure of it She had taught the girls how to sew, and had also trained them in habits of neatness and order.

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It is a singular fact that one rarely finds a college for boys in a community, that one for girls is not near it, and vice versa. The University of Georgia and the Lucy Cobb seemed to be complements the one of the other. The college boys, however, very frequently annoyed the teach ers at Lucy Cobb by passing back and forth in front of the school and attracting the attention of passers-by. Any misconduct there was duly advertised, and Miss Rochester, the Principal (called oftener by her first name, " Miss Millie"), anxious to avoid exaggerated accounts of what they should do or say, often forbade the girls appearing in the yard as long as the boys acted so as to attract attention. Of course this was a very severe punishment to the girls. It happened one day while under discipline of this kind, Julia wrote her home letter. In it she begged that her aunt should write to Edward at once and urge him to be more careful in his deportment Just the afternoon before, in passing, he had knocked Frank Rogers hat into the Institute yard, and Frank had been compelled to jump the fence to get it The girls upon the joggling board had laughed aloud, and one of the teachers had reported them for it. The other girls knew that at roll-call that night they would be forbidden the front yard for a week. Jennie and Julia were very much annoyed that Eld should have been the cause of the punishment By the rules of the school, Julia was not allowed to see Ed when he called upon Jennie nor was she allowed to send him a message so her only way ol reaching him was through her letters to her aunt "Tell him, Aunt Mannie," she said, "the girls dont think it gentlemanly to act in that way. Beg bun not to go with

Frank Rogers so much. He is considered very wild, and one is apt to be judged by the companions one keeps. Every one likes Mr. Alexander. Tell him to go more with him. Only a few like Mr. Carter, Eds room-mate. Jennie wouldnt like for me to say that, however, for she is one ot the few, but I wouldnt go with him too much ; hes very flirty."
When Mrs. Kennedy received this letter she wrote at once to Ed and begged him not to act at any time in any way unbecoming a gentleman and the son of a gentleman. Ed knew at once that the girls had written home something to call forth this lecture from his mother, so the next Satur
day afternoon, on the baseball grounds, he placed himself just opposite where the Lucy Cobb girls sat, and as soon as he could catch Jennies or Julias eyes he went through a series of gestures threatening to knock their heads together or to cut their throats, or some such nonsense. The girls were horrified, but knowing what Ed meant, could not refrain from laughing at his comical behavior. They con trolled their expressions in a measure, but there were some girls who were not so wise, and attracted attention by giggling. This drew the teachers attention to the boys, Ed in particular, and so the attendance on the baseball games was forbidden for a time. When Ed came to see his sister the next week, Jennie scolded him well for getting them into trouble again. He laughed heartily about it, but the girls didnt think it so funny, and Jennie told him so ; and moreover she informed him they would not be allowed to attend their " Athletic Entertainment" the next week if he was not carefuL This put a new light upon the

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question, and Ed declared he would behave himself in the future, and send a written apology to the teacher in charge of the young ladies that afternoon.
The next week brought trouble of another kind to the girls.
The pleasant spring morning caused many to oversleep themselves, and consequently the rooms were not ready by inspection tap. The teacher to whom this duty of inspection had been assigned was sick, so Miss Rochester inspected.
Some of the girls had evidently not combed their hair nor washed their laces, articles of clothing had been kicked under the bed to get them out of sight; screens had been so placed as to hide disorderly washstands ; and in one room a girl was standing over a pile of trash hurriedly swept together but not removed ; in another was a girl sitting on a pile of clean clothes that she had neglected to put away. In Julia Mclntoshs room things were all out of sorts, but the atmosphere of the room was free from deceit. Julia was sweeping the floor, Jennie following after her with the dusting-brush, while Annie Palmer was making the bed.
" Miss Millie, dont scold we were caught this time, but we wont be caught again soon," said Julia without ceasing to sweep.
" We are so ashamed of ourselves," said Jennie perspiring freely. "I dont know what made us over
sleep ourselves." " Miss Millie " did not scold them for they had made an
honest confession. These girls had rarely neglected any duty about their room. If there was any disturbance after bell tap, or the light had been burning after silence bell,

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they faithfully reported for it, and she had implicit confi dence in their reports.
In Sarah Mannings room things were different. The greeting was, "The bell rang ten minutes too soon, Miss Millie; I rimed it by my watch. We would have been ready but for that. All my work is done anyway. Im not responsible for what is out of order. Lucy made up the bed. I told Carrie youd demerit the floor." Just then a bundle of clothes was pulled out from under the bed, and Sarahs name was upon several articles.
" I didnt put them there," she said sullenly as they were handed to her to put away.
" I dont think the bed has been properly made," said Miss Millie very quietly.
" I cant do anything with that old bumpy mattress," said Lucy trying to smooth down the rough places with her hand.
"The mattress is all-right," said her teacher quietly turning down the cover and revealing the sheets wrinkled as when the occupants had left it Lucy saw she was caught, so said nothing.
In Lizzie Bakers room when the girls found that they were late they determined to play sick, so all got back into bed.
" Whats the matter, girls ? " Miss Rochester asked on opening the door.
" I have such a severe headache," said Florine Thomas. " I tried very hard to get up, but I couldnt"
My rheumatism in the knee has come back again. My knee is very much swollen." said Margaret Simpson.

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"My head reeled so when I walked I thought I had better go to bed and take some calomel. Im sure my liver is out of order, said Cora Foster.
Miss Rochester knew they were deceiving her, so said nothing but gave a sigh as she left the room.
" Law, girls, that didnt work at all," said Cora as soon as the door closed. " She knows we are not sick."
"Well, be still" said Florine. "Lets see if she will send us any medicine."
In a few moments there came "Old Aunt Dot" with a dose of castor oil for each. It is marvelous how quickly that remedy cures some diseases. In fifteen minutes these girls were up, dressed, and in their places ready for school work. It was not even necessary to take it a look at the bottle was sufficient.
Mrs. Kennedy had striven to impress upon her two girls the importance of truthfulness and honesty in all their dealings with one another. She had said that she could never recall, save with contempt, one of her classmates who had peeped in her book during recitation and then had denied that she had done it. Although that woman was a leader in society now she could never have confidence in her integrity and so by constant precept and example these lessons were impressed upon the minds and hearts of the girls. The consequence had been that no greater favorites had ever been at Lucy Cobb than Jennie and Julia. In choosing their friends they tried to be care ful as to their views of honesty and uprightness of character. Mrs. Kennedy had also taught them how they could help others to be true and honest She made them to see that

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if they were witnesses of wrong-doing, and did not use their influence against it, they became partakers of it
Thus taught, is it strange that Jennies and Julias influence in the school became a power for good and that everyone loved, admired and respected these girls ?
Not that they were perfect by any means, for they frequently did things they should not, and left undone the things they should; but they were so quick to confess their faults that teachers and pupils were quick to forgive and forget them.

CHAPTER VIII.
THANKSGIVING DINNER.
ON Thanksgiving Day dinner at Lucy Cobb was at five oclock, instead of 2:30, as was usual. It was also the custom on that day to dismiss the servants after dinner and have no supper. Although nothing was left to be desired in their dinner, it so happened by bed-time the girls were very hungry, and on this particular night determined to have a supper of their own. Erne Howell invited some friends to her room and said she would treat them. In order to secure safety from interruption, they placed " Post" upon the door. All Lucy Cobb girls know what " Post" means. It was introduced into the school by Sallie John son, and it stands for "positively private." As the rule of the school forbade any door to be locked, this "Posi" proved a great blessing. It was considered the greatest breach of etiquette to even knock at a door bearing this sign. So with "Posi" upon the door the girls felt secure. Effie was scrambling the eggs upon the blower, Blanche Lipscomb was toasting the cheese on the dustpan, Nellie Inman was looking on, admiring their skill, Kate Rutherford was making the chocolate in the saucepan, Maud Barker was roasting Maud Hardmans rheumatism potato, and Cornelia Jackson, who had a headache, was
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lying on the bed, watching the preparations for the supper, when Miss Rochesters voice was heard in the hall below.
" Mercy on us," said Effie, " theres Miss Millie, " and consternation seized all, for it was well known that she was the only person in the house who did not respect a " Posi."
Instantly the saucepan was put into the clothes-basket, the rug thrown over the blower and dustpan, and all the girls sat flat upon the floor. When Miss Rochester entered, Effie, poking the fire, said, " Maud, who went as spokesman for Moses? " (pretending to study their " Bible Lessons.")
"His brother Abraham," said Maud, inching from the hot dustpan.
" Who were Josephs two sons ?" continued Erne. "Seti Meneptah and Rameses II.," said Blanche, pre tending tqjrawn. All laughing at Blanches answer, looked up astonished to find Miss Rochester in the room. "I thought I smelled toasted cheese," she said, waiting for an answer. " I wish I had some," said Kate, smacking her lips. " Me, too," said Effie, shaking her hand. The other girls were silent Miss Rochester said no more, but an expression upon her face spoke volumes, and the girls thought they would hear from that cheese again, and they did. A rule was made soon after, forbidding girls to eat in their rooms at all. A spirit of mischief seemed to pervade the whole atmo sphere that night An hour or two after silence bell Miss Rochester noticed some unusual disturbance upon the

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fourth floor. Taking a lighted candle in her hand, she went forth to investigate it.
Sallie Johnson, in whom the spirit of mischief was ever rife, determined to play a joke upon Bessie Rutherford, and Kate Dowdell, who roomed next to her. She tried to persuade Lamar Rutherford, her companion always in mischief, to join with her, but she was too sleepy-headed and refused. So Sallie decided to go alone; she slipped into the adjoining room, where she found Bessie and Kate sleeping soundly. She crept to the fire-place, smutted well her hand, and on reaching the bed, passed it slowly over Kates face. She slightly stirred, but did not wake. Then moving to the other side of the bed, she did the same to Bessies face. The latter was startled, and called out, " Was that you, Kate?" No answer. Then she shook Kate. When she was awake, Bessie asked, "Did you rub your hand over my face just now ?
Kate lisped very badly, so her reply was, "No, Bethie, I thought some one rubbed my fathe, too." With that she put her hand to her face, and feeling the gritty smut upon it, "I bet old Sallie Johnsons been in here. My face is smutty." " Mine is, too," said Bessie, feeling hers. With this Sallie gave a smothered laugh and slipped under the bed. Kate and Bess were soon upon their feet, and when Sallie became conscious that they were making ibr the fire-place, she rolled from under the bed and ran to her room. The girls followed, and just as Sallie reached her bed they grabbed her and smutted her well; then feeling assured that Lamar had been a party to the joke, in spite of her protestations to the contrary, smutted her too. It was this confusion that aroused Miss Rochester.

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"Who is up after bell tap?" she called, in a dear, distinct voice.
Not a sound came in reply. " Do not deceive me, girls. Who is it up after bell tap?" Kate Dowdell, who at the sound of Miss Rochesters voice, had rushed into Annie Roachs room to wash the smut from her face, appeared at the head of the stairs just as the teacher reached the foot, holding the candle over her head. " It is I, Mith Millie Kate Dowdell." " What are you doing, Kate ? " I just went into Annie Woachs room to get some water." " What do you want water for at this hour of the night ? You should be in bed." " I wanted to wash my fathe, Mith Millie; I was just obliged to wash my fathe." " What is the matter with your face ?." "Nothing," said Kate very meekly, and she thought truthfully, but to the girls standing where they could see her as the light from Miss Rochesters candle fell on her, the story was out, and they began to snicker. " Who smutted your face, Kate?" Kate hesitated, when Sallie Johnson came forward, and leaning over the banisters, said, " I smutted her, Miss Millie. We were just having a little fun." " I helped to do it," said Bessie, laughing so she could scarcely answer. "Where is Lamar?" asked Miss Rochester, feeling

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assured that she must have had a hand in whatever mischief Sallie Johnson was found in.
"I am here," said Lamar, "but I had nothing to do with the smutting;" and this was the truth. She would have been believed had not her blackened face belied her.
" I cannot believe you, Lamar, with your face covered as it is with smut.
The girls were all convulsed with laughter at Lamars innocent look, and comical appearance. Expostulation was in vain ; Miss Rochester could not be persuaded that Lamar was innocent. She placed her under the same punishment that she did the others, and so it happened that this little joke kept all these girls from the picnic the following Saturday.
Miss Rochester always worried over any violation of her rules by the girls, but these ebullitions of mischief, if truth fully reported for, did not grieve her as did any deceit and failure to confess a wrong -doing. The girls as a rule were very high-toned and honorable and loving her as they did, they disliked very much to grieve her. Jennie and Julia hated to have the smutting girls miss the picnic; for this was an occasion looked forward to with great delight by Lucy Cobb girls. It was Mr. George I. Seneys birthday and was always celebrated in great style to honor him for presenting the Seney-Stovall Chapel to the school. It was proposed that a committee be appointed to petition that the punishment.be withdrawn for that day, and Miss Rochester would gladly have relented had she not felt that punishment should follow the violation of a rule, and that the offender should not feel that the offense could be quickly pardoned.
The picnic was a success, although one girl was made un happy by a bit of gossip overheard that day.

CHAPTER IX.
A MISUNDERSTANDING.
SUSIE MARTIN was very miserable why, she could not tell. She took her books in order to study, but could not fix her mind upon them. She was nervous and fidgety; she drummed a while upon the piano ; she walked up and down the porch ; then becoming desperate went to her room and had a good cry. After this she felt better, and having bathed her face went upon the upper front porch. Scarcely had she taken her seat before she saw Tom and Ed coming up the front walk. She felt sure that both had seen her, so she expected them to come at once where she was.
" I hope to goodness they wont come out here," she said, all the time in her heart wishing that Ed would, and was greatly disappointed because he did not.
"Hateful old thing!" she said, "he dont dare come out here," and she gritted her teeth in anticipation of the trouble she would give him when he should come. " Ill never speak to him again as long as I live."
Just then she heard footsteps approaching and her heart began to beat rapidly.
" What in the world are you doing here by yourself? " and she became conscious that the voice was Jim Alexanders and not Edward Kennedys.
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" Where are Tom and Ed ? " " I am sure I dont know, and what is more I do not
care." " Humph ! I feel sorry for the poor fellows. Hows my
Lucy Cobb sweetheart ? " " If you mean Julia Mclntosh, I heard at the picnic yester
day that she is engaged to Edward Kennedy." " The mischief she is ! Excuse me, Miss Susie, but your
news surprised me so I forgot to guard my exclama tions. You dont tell me that she is in fact engaged to Kennedy ? Why, I thought he was engaged to you.
" Indeed he is not," said Susie with a toss of her head. " Bless my stars !" said Jim, " Here I am wasting my sweetness on the desert air. I will go and hang myself, or hang Ed," and he walked off with such a tragic air that
Susie was forced to smile. This conversation was not calculated to make her any
happier. She had overheard Fanny Lyle say that Julia Mclntosh was certainly engaged to Edward Kennedy, for a girl living in Millersburg had told her so. Poor Susie was miserable. It was true Ed had never made love to her, but there had been many things that led her to think that he loved her, and now when she recalled all that he had said about Julia to her, she was surprised that she had not suspected his love for Julia, and " I just suppose he thinks I am a fool for not knowing," she thought. "Julia is so lovable, so true, so loyal all that a woman should be. How can he help loving her?" The more she thought about it all the more indignant she became with herself for supposing that he was in love with her, and for

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allowing herself to fall in love with him. She felt that everyone suspected the state of affairs, for had not Mr. Alexander said that he thought they were engaged ? .Surely she must have acted in a way to warrant this supposition.
Could any trouble be as great as hers ! Edward Kennedy had missed the companionship of his
mother and the girls, so after his return to college he wandered very often to the family sitting-room to talk with Mrs. Rockwell and Susie. Frequently he and Susie had been left alone and they soon found how very congenial they were. A woman does not need to be told when a man is in love with her there is an intuition that makes her know and feel it so it was that Susie felt very sure of Eds love for her and consequently had not in the least guarded her actions towards him.
She recalled with great mortification a scene that had taken place the Sunday before. She was reading her Bible, Prof, and Mrs. Rockwell were talking, and Jim and Tom, with a group of other boys, were discussing politics. Ed was sitting near her and asked if he might read with her. She pushed the Book towards him, and for a while they quietly read to gether. Then Ed pointed to a passage " Love one another" She blushed as he looked up into her face and smiled. Then, recovering herself, she turned to the passage Let no man deceive you." Taking the Bible from her hands he turned quickly to 2nd John, "And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I Titrate a new commandment unto you, butane which we havefrom the beginning, that we love one another.'' Like a silly goose she had blushed and looked pleased, and when Edward pointed to " Greet all the brethren with a

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holy kiss," although she had shut the Bible and pretended to pout, she had not looked or felt very angry. Did not this prove to Edward Kennedy that she was in love with him ? and just to think all this time he was engaged to another girl! Yes, she hated him, she hated him ; she never would like him again.
Ed had noticed that Susie was very cool to him at din ner, consequently he, too, had been very miserable. He had tried to become interested in a game of football on the campus, but could not, so when he saw Tom start for home he had joined him. They did not see Susie upon the porch in that she was mistaken. He went to the sitting-room hoping she would appear. As she did not, he became desperate and went to his room. There it was Jim told him where he could find her. She was sitting flat upon the floor with her back against the bench. Demurely he seated himself at her side, folded his hands in imitation of hers, and looked so humble that Susie did not have it in her heart to be angry. She smiled, and the ice being broken, they both laughed outright and seemed so happy, that one looking on would never have dreamed how miserable they had been an hour before.

CHAPTER X.
HOLIDAY JOYS.
M RS. KENNEDY wrote to the girk to invite some of their friends to spend the Christinas holidays with them, and to Edward to bring the same number of his friends with him, and that she would give them a House Party." It did not take a great deal of persuasion to obtain the consent of all invited, and the young people looked forward with a great deal of pleasure to this occasion.
Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy met them at Millersburg and gave them a cordial greeting. Jennie and Julia, with Jim Alexander and Tom Carter, took the pony phaeton, while Susie and Ed got into the carriage with Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy. Susie noticed with pride the deference shown by Edward Kennedy to his father and mother and the manly way he had ofacknowledging his faults. She also noted their love and admiration for him, and, while Mrs. Kennedy was apparently listening to what Susie was saying, she lost not a word of the conversationbetween Ed and his father. It was beautiful, too, to see the loving tenderness of the boy for his mother. Many times during her visit she saw him slip his arm about her waist while standing talking to her.
Several days after the party arrived at Inglehurst, it was proposed that they should hunt for some mistletoe for Christ mas decoration. Little Martin begged to go with the party,
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but his wise and prudent brother was afraid that he would get hurt The mother, recognizing at once this unlooked-for thoughtfulness on Eds part, persuaded the little fellow to stay at home. The couples soon strayed apart intent on other matters than mistletoe-finding. Susie and Edward seated themselves upon a knoll under a large oak tree, and how long they stayed there neither knew, for Ed was happy in acknowledging his love for Susie and in hearing her con fess her love for him. She had consented to wear his ring, and just as he was pleading for a kiss to seal their engage ment, and had been refused on the score that there was "many a slip twbct the cup and the lip," Jim and Julia appeared. They had found some mistletoe and willingly shared it with the others Tom had been making love to Jennie quite as persistently as Ed had to Susie, but he had not met with the same success. Jennie replied to him she would wait and see what he made of his life before she could promise to be more than a friend to him. Jim loved Julia as much as the other boys loved their sweethearts but not one word of love had passed his lips. " I will wait until I make enough to support a wife," the prudent fellow had said, "before I ask for one." Julia, in a sober, sensible way, seemed to recognize the situation and accept it
That night, as they were gathered in the library playing games, Jim was made to answer several embarrassing ques tions while playing " Pon Honor." Ed asked "Are you in love?"
"Ah, son!" said Mrs. Kennedy, "it takes a thief to catch a thief." Ed blushed and walked over to his mothers side and began whispering something in her ear. All joined in the laugh at his expense.

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" I am ready for the next question," said Jim. " Oh, but you havent answered the first," said Susie. "Another thief," said Mrs. Kennedy.
" Well, then, yes, I am," truthfully came from Jim.
" With whom ? " asked Tom.
" Too personal! too personal !" all screamed out " Whats your ideal woman ? " asked Jennie, striving to divert Tom from teasing Julia.
" My ideal woman is Edmund Burkes," Jim answered. One whose mind is open and liberal as the day, yet anchored fast on a life of pure observance. One who has done a mothers work, yet not a mother; one who grows towards all great thoughts that ever were and to whom art comes as to its own place ; one whose humility marks her out for all noble things who is as much her best self in a hospital or in the cottages of the poor, as when she is at her Plato, and who brings from such places the heart of all kindness and gentle courtesy to be known by eyes that are not blind ; one who can be vehement without loss of calmness and calm without being cold."
" Bravo, bravo ! " exclaimed Mr. Kennedy, clapping his hands. "Thats my ideal woman too, isnt it, old lady?" and he leaned over and kissed his wife.
" Have you ever found her? " quizzingly asked Tom. "Dont lets play "Pon Honor" any longer," said Susie, fearing that her time might come next While they were discussing a change in the games, Ed whispered to his mother, " You will soon have a daughterin-law, Mother," and nodded his head toward Susie. Mrs. Kennedy smiled, and Susie, who saw the by-play, blushed, for she was conscious that they were talking about her.

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The next morning af the breakfast table, Martin whined, " Father, whats a daughter-in-law? "
"It is a sons wife," his father replied. "Why do you ask?"
" Well, Ed has got no wife," whined the little fellow. " Of course Ive got no wife. Who said I had ? " quickly asked Ed. This attracted the attention of the whole party to Martins question. " Well, you told little Mother last night " "Mother, make him hush," said Ed excitedly. "No, let him go on," said Tom. "What did he tell her, Martin?" " Ed told little Mother," continued Martin. " Martin, Ill make mother whip you if you dont hush." " Go on, go on," came from Tom. " Well, he told little Mother, shed soon have a daughterin-law," finished Martin. A loud peal of laughter came from all save Ed; he seemed greatly teased and embarrassed. Even Susie was amused at his discomfiture. Martin seemed very innocent he simply asked the question for information. "Little pitchers have big ears, eh, son?" said Mr. Kennedy. " Ill cut his ears off some day, too, if he dont look out He hears more than is said." "Little Mother, didnt Ed tell you that last night?" asked Martin, insulted that his veracity had been questioned. But Mrs. Kennedy was wise enough not to answer the

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question, and to turn the conversation into pleasanter channels. The holidays would soon end and she tried to plan everything for the happiness of the young people.

CHAPTER XL

STORM CLOUDS.

f^ROF. ROCKWELL came into the sitting-room one

I morning early in February, and said to his wife, " I

have never known it to fail all the mischief during the

college year happens in the spring."

"Whats the matter now?" asked his wife looking up

from her sewing.

" Oh ! the boys have been behaving disgracefully again.

They were on a drunken frolic last night and they greased

all of Prof. Sampsons blackboards, tarred his benches,

poured ink over his record book, broke into his desk

and destroyed Prof. Wallaces examination papers, and

injured some valuable pieces of apparatus in my laboratory.

The Chancellor thinks he can find out who they are, and I

for one am in favor of expelling them. I have no patience

with any wilful destruction of anothers property."

Just then Susie Martin entered; she was very excited,

" Do you know, Uncle Rufus, what those horrid college

boys have done ? They behaved outrageously last night at

the Institute ; they painted the goats and vases, threw the

pieces of statuary over into the Home School yard, spilled

paint all over the front porch, tarred the joggling board,

and I dont know what else they did do. Im disgusted

with them ! And do you know they say Edward Kennedy

is one of them? "

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"I dont believe it," said Mrs. Rockwell. "Edward Kennedy is a gentleman. It would take a great deal to prove to me that he was caught in such a scrape."
"Well, thats what I said, too, Aunt Mollie; but the girls say Miss Millie saw them, and that she recognized Tom Carter, Sam England, Morris Turner and Edward Kennedy, every one of them secret society boys too there cant be any mistake."
" I might believe it of the other boys, but I hardly think she is right about Edward," said Prof. Rockwell, gravely snaking his head.
At the dinner table that day this mischief was the topic of conversation. Tom Carter said that it was a perfect shame, and that the boys ought to call an indignation meeting and publicly express their condemnation of such conduct, and appealed to Jim Alexander to do it. Jims face was very serious. He said, " Tom, the very boys who were leaders in the mischief will be the chief speakers in the indignation meeting. Dont you know that is so? A boy who has no more principle than to act in that way, would willingly lie about the matter."
Tom did not reply he could not. Ed Kennedy whis pered to Susie," Thank the Lord I am out of this scrape ! " and Susie felt from his earnest manner that he was.
Tom followed Susie from the table. "What does Miss Jennie think of the goat painting ?
" That no gentleman would be guilty of such conduct" "Im thankful Im not a goat painter, but I think it was very funny."

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It was true that Miss Rochester from the library window had watched the whole proceeding at the Institute. She had recognized the boys in spite of disguises, had sent for the police and had issued a warrant for the arrest of the parties, before the^Faculty at the University had taken any action in the matter. One of the members of the fraternity came to beg that the warrant be withdrawn so that the boys who had left town could return to their college duties. She consented, provided they agreed to her terms, which were that they would write a note of apology, pay for damage done, and pledge themselves that never again should any member of their fraternity molest her or her property. The Faculty afterwards dealt with the boys and suspended them for two months. Edward Lennox was the fourth boy and not Edward Kennedy.
Jennie refused to bow to Tom Outer the next time she met him. Tom became piqued and retaliated by showing Susie Martin very marked attention; so that when Susie again heard that Edward Kennedy was undoubtedly in love with Julia Mclntosh she sent back his ring without allowing him an opportunity to explain, and in a few weeks Dame Rumor said Tom Carter had caught her heart on the rebound.
Ed was very unhappy, but he was too proud to ask an explanation and never understood the cause of her treatment of him until years afterwards.

CHAPTER XII.

PEACE AT LAST.

F IVE years have passed. The girls have left school. Julia has married Jim Alexander and is living in

Athens where he practises law. Edward having received

his A. B. and A. M. degrees, remained for a law course to

fit himself as junior partner in his fathers firm. He has

just finished this course and his mother, father and sister are

attending the commencement exercises in order to hear his

address to his class.

Susie Martin had very soon broken off her engagement

to Tom Carter, who had not finished his college course, but

had gone West with an insane desire to grow rich fast

His friends had not heard from him for two or three years.

He had written several times to Jennie but had received no

answer. Susie had never seen Ed since the broken

engagement, but she had never heard of his attentions

to any one else, so when Mrs. Rockwell invited her to

attend the Commencement exercises, a longing to be in

Athens, and to renew those pleasant friendships was more

than she could resist

Wednesday night of Commencement week the Chancellor

gave a Reception to the Trustees and visiting guests. The

large parlors were brilliantly lighted, and couples were

standing here and there chatting gaily, or promenading the

wide verandahs.

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Susie Martin had taken her seat in one of the alcoves and was talking to Morris Turner about her school days. He had returned to attend a reunion of his dass, and bhe had not seen him since they had parted years before. Susie looked unusually pretty so Edward Kennedy thought as he stood in the shadow of the verandah watching her with out her knowledge of his presence. -As he stood there, his heart beating rapidly with love for her to whom he had yielded his boyish affections, he felt a slap upon his shoul der and turning suddenly, saw Tom Carter Tom grown older in looks with his full-grown beard, but in manner the same Tom as of old.
"Old fellow, how are you? At your old tricks again, are you, watching pretty girls? How is Miss Jennie?"
" Miss Susie you mean, dont you ? " "Jealous still, I see. No, I mean Miss Jennie," and then followed a long explanation to show that his love for Jennie had never once wavered nor did he think Susies had for Edward. They had both become engaged out of pique and had soon regretted it and had broken off the engagement. Tom said further that he hoped his "wild oats" had all been sown, and that he had come back deter mined to go to hard work and to make a man of himself " I see you dont believe me as regards Miss Susie. To prove it, watch when she greets me and then come up a little later and see the difference. A woman taken unawares will show her heart" Tom hastened to Susies side to greet her. The meeting was evidently unexpected; but Susie had shown no unusual excitement in her manner. She was glad to see him and

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said so. After chatting a while Tom beckoned to Ed. He came forward promptly and had spoken before she was con scious that he was near. The blood rushed to her face, then instantly left it She became so pale that Ed thought she would faint, so offered her hb arm which she took with out a. word, and they went at once upon the verandah.
" Thafs cool, isnt it?" said Tom turning to Morris Turner. " I am going to hunt for my lady love," and he immediately went in search of Jennie.
As soon as Edward felt that he had control of his voice and himself he seated Susie so that she faced the light and then he stood watching her.
" I can only talk with you upon one subject," he said in a low tone, " and it is useless for me to try another." She lifted her eyes to him in an inquiring way, then toyed nerv ously with her fan for some minutes expecting him to speak. He did not for some moments; then he said, Have I your permission to speak on that subject to-night ?"
Although she did not answer him there was something in her manner that encouraged him to go on. He told her how he had loved her ever since he knew her ; how his love for her had never wavered during those years of separation, and that he had never been happy since the day she had broken her troth with him. Susie acknowledged the same to him, explained the circumstances of the misunderstand ing, and so the wrong was righted. Tom Carter knew it when he passed them a little later with Jennie at his side. Mrs. Kennedy knew it when she saw them enter the parlor and caught a glimpse of their bright and happy faces.
"God bless our children," she said to her husband. " Peace has been made at last."