CHAPTER VI. A WELCOME LETTER

Te Aroha News, Volume IV, Issue 176, 30 October 1886, Page 7 (Supplement)

CHAPTER VI. A WELCOME LETTER

About the^ middle of the term, after a Tegular old-fashioned New England enowatorm, Mr Allen* announced^ one morning, that he had arranged for a sleigh-ride for the school for the following Wednesday, providing the weather should prove favourable. They would meet at the school-house at one o'clock, and go for a ten or twelve mile then return to the school-room, where the parents and friends had agreed to provide a hot Bupper for them, after which ' they would spend the evening in a social ■manner. ThiB announcement, of course, created great rojoicing among the pupils, every face grew bright and animated with anticipation, and when recess arrived a general •excitement prevailed. At noon Arthur Aepinwali sought Mr Allen and informed him that he had some young friends visiting him, and asked permission to invite them to join the sleighing party. Mr Allen readily granted his request, little thinking what was to grow out of the apparently trivial circumstance. Wednesday arrived— a bright, perfect winter's day. " The heavens were a vault of wonderful, beautiful blue ; the earthy like a carpet of •spotless down. 4 At precisely one o'clock two roomy sleighs, each drawn by four sleok, handsome horses, drew up before the schoolbouse door, and the happy children piled into them, shouting and frolicking, and-iull of life and joy. Louie Dunbar was among them, and ad light-hearted as any of them, although he took paine to find a eeat in the sleigh far from Arthur Aewnwall. H8 had resolved not to have his pleasure spoiled that day by coming in contact with him if it was poeeible to avoid him. All were comfortably settled at last, the word was given, the drivers tightened their Teins, cracked their whipe, and away they went. ' One of the sleighs, however, stopped before the stately residence of Judge Aspinwall. Arthur jumped out and ran in, tout soon returned, accompanied by two young girls of perhaps twalve and fourteen years of age. . . j - They were so securely protected irom the weather, by numerous outer garments, that it was impossible to judge regariing their appearance, except that they had bright, sparkling eyes and rosy cheeks, and were as full of fun and frolic as the rest of the company They were assisted into the sleigh, while many curioua glances were bestowed upon them, and then the merry company were driven on. The ride was one never to be forgotten. The roads were almost as smoota as poliehed marble, and the sleighs flew over them in the most exhilarating faphion. A ride of twenty miles in such air, with such horses, and 'in such merry company, proved an excellent appetiser, and when the gay troup poured into the well warmed and well lighted schoolroom upon their return, und gathered around the bountifully spread tables, which had been temptingly arranged during their absence, it was a source of delight simply to watch them stow away the good things set before them. Mr and Mrs Brown had interested themselves on Louis's behalf.and were present to witness the goodly sight. But something had suddenly seemed to come over Louis' spirits. He had been as gay as the gayest during the ride — ifc was his first experience of anything of the kind, and he had entered into the enjoyment of it with all his heart. But during supper he seemed greatly emharassed, even distressed. The children had been formed in a procession and marched to their seats at the table, and when they were all seated Louis found himself directly opposite his master, who had Arthur Aspinwall on one side of him and the two little strangers on the other. He had cast one glance at this group, given a violent start, turned a burning scarlet, then grown very white, after which he sat almost like a statue throughout the entire meal, scarcely tasting anything that was set before him— hardly heading the mirth around him. As soon as Bupper was over, he watched his opportunity, and going to Mr Allen when he was unoccupied for a moment, he asked in a low earnest voice : " Mr Allen, will you please tell me the name of the light-haired little girl who sac beside you at supper ?" '* Certainly, Louis,' replied his teacher, ! with an amueed smile. "A very pretty little miss, isn't she ? Her name is Margaret Hougbtqn, She - " " / kimo it ! 1 knew it /" interrupted Lou is, excited ly . " She gave me the dollar, sir— oh ! go aek her, quick !" 11 Are you sure, Louis ?" he questioned, gravely. 11 Yes, sir ; I never could forget her. Nobody was ever bo kind to me before— nobody had ever given me a present before, and I thought she was the moot beautiful little girUI had ever seen. You can't think I would forget her or mistake anyone else for her," the boy returned with flushed cheeks. " Gome with me," said Mr Allen briefly, but kindly, and led him directly to where - the two little strangers formed the centre of a lively group. . One, Miss Ada Parker, wa» a bright little brunette, full of fun and sparkle, and she was entertaining her new acquaintances with a glowing account of city amusements. She was Arthur AeplnwaU'e cousin, and her companion * our former little friend, Margaret Houghton —was her most intimate school-friend and confidant. They had come for a little visit at the Aaplnwalle' and to enjoy a few days of country frolic in mid-winter. Margaret had noticed the grave, quiet boy opposite her at supper, and wondered why he did not eat more after his long ride ; but he was eo greatly changed from what he had been on tha* summer day a year and a half ago that she did not recognise him as the poor boy to whom she had given the little gold dollar. , - r~ Mr Allen led Louis directly to her. "Miw Margaret," he e»id, "here is a " young gentleman who claims acquaintance - withydn, "; doyou recognise him V* ;\1 Margaret 5HoughJfrn;:.gl»ri%a fifym- th^ /Speaker to his companion, and fihe kaV.that* ; he was;the ;grAve boy she, had noticed at-

For full half a minute she stood thus re* gafdinfrhimj w&He ttio grotfp arotlndthem grew ,silent, and ,WAtphluljj » Arthur^Aspfc. wall, amoDjf the number, locking pale and startled, as if he had' a presentiment of \vhat was to follow. < *' **'■* <•■><{", Louis's dark eyse met,! those blue ones, and held them with a. wistful, appealing look ; ' but not one word did he speak, though his heart beat heavily, and there was a choking sensation-in his throat. He wanted the recognition, to .come, from that beautiful girl without havingto remind,, her of the circumstances vinder which they ' had first met. , , Her memory served hsr well. Now that her attention had been particularly drawn to him; and she studied .hie faoe carefully, she began to trace something familiar in his countenance, and a light broke gradually over her own.- > " Why," she said at last, a lovely smile chasing the perplexity from. "her brow, '* you are the boy who came to my party a year ago last summer !. But how nice you've grown !— I hardly knew you.'' ; A shout went up from the group around them, for Louis'a schoolmates comprehended the situation at once, and knew that this was the little " Miss- Margaret " of, whom he had told them at the time of the trouble about Arthur Aspinwall's missing, dollar. The sound was music to the Doy's ears, for it testified to ohe sympathy and good will of his companions ; but it rather .disturbed the pretty stranger's composure, and she looked around eurprised and blushing from embair issment. Mr Allen saw it, and enjoined quiet by a motion of the hand ; then bending toward his little guest, he asked, gently : " And do you remember the little gift that you bestowe d on him that day ? ' " Oh, that was nownng, sir," she answered, blushing more deeply than before; "it wbb only a little gold dollar with a hole and a ring in it, and — and," with, a shy glance at Louis, as if deprecating explanations before so many, "I thought it might please him to have it." . Louis felt as if he could almost have fallen dovm and kfesed her little feet for uttering those precious words, which would not fail to exonerate him from all suspicion of wrong-doing. He moved a step nearer his teacher. "Please, eir, may I have it again now?" he asked, eagerly. The little souvenir would be more than ever to him after this. Without a word, Mr Allen took a tiny box from one of his pookets, and handed it to him. Louis eagerly opened it, and taking out the ehining coin within, held it up by the black cord before its pretty donor, with an air of triumph. " 1 told you 1 should always keep it !" he said. She put out one plump white hand, and took it. " Why," she eaid bending a look, half of pity, half of surprise, upon bis flushed, earnest face, while phe wo.ndered at the eager interest manifested by those about them, " I had no idea that you would care so much for it." *• I shall care for it more than ever," the boy answered, with a slight quiver of hia lips. " If I live to be a hundred years old, I shall never-part with it !" " How strange !" Margaret Houghton said, a bright colour suffusing her face at his earnest words ; while, years after, she remembered the strange thrill which, young as phe was, stirred her heart as her eyes met the almost reverent look in his, But there was no time for more conversation just then, for Mr Allen called the company to order, arid when everybody wae seated, he announced that he had a short programme to be performed for the entertainment of their friends. A few of the older pupils then went forward, and a number of readings and declamations followed, which did credit to both teachers and scholars. After that, several ot the gentlemen made remarks, and thus the remainder of the evening passed agreeably to all. Just before dismiesinp the company, Mr Allen temarked : " I have a little explanation which I wish to make before we go to our homse, and I make it thus publicly because I know that nearly all oresent know something of the circumstances, and I consider it only just to remove a false impression which may have prevailed during the last few weeks. It will be remembered that a member of the school lost a charm from hia watch-chain — a coin which had been given to him by a dear friend — a short time ago, and not long afterward a suspicion of dishonesty was fastened upon Louis Bunbar, because it was discovered that he had in his possession a piece of money which appeared identical with the missing one. He explained how it came to be in his possession, telling ns that ik it had been giveu to him by a little girl more than a y ar ago ; but there was nothing to prove the truth of his statements save his own words, and appearances were so strong against him that a cloud has hung over him ever since. I am happy now, however, to be able to state that he has to-night been exonerated from all suspicion, for the donor of the contested coin, Mies Margaret Houghton, is present with us this evening, and has recognised Dunbar and corroborated his story in every respect. I am very glad to make this ex planation, for since entering our school Louis Dunbar has conducted himself in a way to gain both my confidence and esteem. He has been a close and thorough student and has made rapid progress in his studies, though labouring under some disadvantages, while he has always manifested a manly spirit, and a desire to pleage both his teacher and his classmates," There was not a person in the room, excepting Arthur Aspinwall, who did not listen to these statements with unboundel pleasure, and a vigorous hand-clapping instantly testified to the hearty sympathy which was felt for Louis by both old and young. Our youthful hero, though greatly embarrassed and blushing crimson at being made so conspicuous, was as proud aod happy a, boy as ever walked the earth, while he mentally resolved then and there that no dishonourable act should ever mar his future life— that no meanness of any kind should ever tanish his fair fame ; tho satisfaction whicb be experienced in possessing a clear conscience, and a light heart, and a reputation, was altogether too pleasant -to be sacrificed for any temporary worldly advantage. " I am bound to be * rich man if I can, I mean to get just as high a place in the world as possible ; but I'll never* do anything wrong to gain my ends, for I believe that would spoil it all," he thought, as he sat there and listened to the clamping of those many hands, and knew that almost every eye was bent upon him with pleasure and approval. < r - '*. » After the company was dismissed he was standing near the master's desk waiting to get' a basket which', Mrs Brown had rough V when Margaret Houghton and her friend. Ada Parker, cftme'to ward , him with shining facesfand outstretched fban<4s. ., Both' cotigratula^Ahimsiypon the that all unpleasantnesslwas^paat^ahd vceti, imarked'th'at he.,ougni^to^ boy'to have his teacher think : and speak bo well ofbiinf f &#M$frg %;»^Vf & p|i,{t

he, bashfully thanked, them for their kindness, hyKeaVd Mr "Allen'a 'voice jufefr behind him.-eaying :npvjio .1 &r,v/ -if - , > ijl '?, Jhhope,; Arthur, ill »np longer , harbour, any unkind feeJiDg .towatcl Louj«. You* Van see ribw'n'ow s e'ap.y ,iVjs J *o 'be nol?takeh and £6 wrong i: ari inriocotit person. If I had yielded*>tOi.you^when.« you claimed his coin, I should have done him a great wrong. f I_ want you two boys to shake hands and boyfriends'. -\ v " , He uttered these last words in a louder, tcine, and turned towards 'Louis, wholooked up withVa! frank pleasant Smile and started .forward with outstretched h'and,as~ if eager to foljow his te'acheVs suggestion. , But Arthur Aspin Wall 1 looked 'do wn ,with| ,a sudden bcowI and drewjhaughtily back. . Nothing was farther from his desire than ■ to l?e friendly. wi^h,th,e bojf. whom he had eo wilfully and mftliciouslysinjured.and whom he- now hated a hundredfold for having been, bo lauded and applauded by His teacher and, the assembled company. } 1 Mr Allan's faca grew stern,,,»nd Lpuig was greatly embarraseed by Arthur's manner ; but, before either could speak, Arthur's cousin, Ada Parker, started forward, exclaiming- : v , i • k Way, Arthur, wa<3 it 7/oM 4 who.loafc the coin like the one Margie gave Louis Dunbar ?" , •'Yes," he answered, turning quickly "toward her, and glad of anything to rulievo him from hia unpleasant position. l " And did it hare a hole and a ring in it too ?" "Yes; why?" " Well, then," the young girl continued eagerly, and all unconscious of the mischief she was doing, " Aunt Annie told Margie and me this morning that it .we wanted to make ourselves useful, we might go up into your, room and put your bureau in order. Of course, we began with the upper drawer first, and, aa I opened it, I uaw your jewellery box in it. I lifted the cover ju-t to take a peep at your treasures, and a gold dollar, with a little ring in it, lay right in plain sight in the tray. How very ftraage that you should not have noticed it !" Arthur had grown deadly white during this innocent explanation 1 , and, after one glance of dismay at hia cousin, bo involuntarily lifted his guilty eyes to Mr Al'en'd face. It was terrible in its expression of sternness and contempt. The man held his glance for one dreadful moment, then turned away without one word of comment, and left the group ; but the miserable boy .knew tuat bi$ meanness and treachery were all revealed to. him He aaw that he knew as well as if he bad confessed it that he had done the dastardly deed to ruin the reputation of the boy whom he disliked and envied. It was too much for Arthur to bear, even with hia hardened conscience, and he slunk out of sight with all pos-ible speed, leaving his little guests to be attended by his parents to his home. The nert day he di<^ not make his appearance at school. Ho had taken cold the pro vious day, was his excuse, and the next that Mr Allen heard regarding him was that he was attending porno school in the city, going back and forth by rail every day. The, good man sighed, and could only predict an unhappy future for one who could begin life with such a dishonourable act as he had committed. A few days after the Bleighing party, Farmer Brown returned from the post-office bearing a neat little package in his hands, which he quietly handed to Louis. The boy received it with a look of astonishment. It was directed to him in a neat, clear hand, so there could be no mistake as to the intended recipient. Removing the wrapper, the boy found a lovely volume of Whittier'd poeina bound in crimson end gold, and turning to the flyleaf, he read, while a flush of pleasure mounted to his brow : '• Louis ; with best wishes of " Margaret Houqhton." The beautiful book, with its thick, tinted, gilt-edged leaves, its clear, delightful type and lovely illustrations, must have cost several dollars, and Louis felt as if some wonderful prize had been awarded him, while, as he was, turning the pages with tender, reverent hands he suddenly came across a folded 'sheet of paper. His heart bounded into his throat. Could it be that the beautiful girl had written him a letter also ? Yes ; for opening he read : "Louis Dcnbar: I think you are very nice, and 1 want t-> tell you ro. I phoiild be very proud to hive my teacher say about mo whac Mr Allen aaid about you, the other ».i^ht at the school p-irty. I atn going away in the spring t j Europe with papa and minima ; bat I shall not forget you, and I hope I shall see you agriln when I come biclr, which will not h« for five or six years perhaps longer. You will be a man by that time, land I shall be almost a young lady ; but I feel aure I phtill be glad to call you my friend then, for yon look as if v«Ju mean to be a good man. I love Whittlor's poems very much, eo I send a copy of them t> yon to prove how glad I am that everything is all right again at school witb you. I told mamma about it, and ohe pays you are a * brave, munly fallow ' and to d me to pitk oat the prettiest book I could find for you. I hope you will like it. 4 ' Your friend, MargareJt Hougiiton."