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Page 35
"U-r-n--teapot." Elliot Carlton, whose seat was near, gave a
suppressed giggle. Florence looked around inquiringly, then dropt her
head again on her hand, bidding the boy "spell on."
"S-t-a-g--goat." Elliot crammed his handkerchief into his mouth, and
Mary smiled.
"W-i-g--curly head." Florence was effectually roused this time by a
shout of laughter from Elliot, in which he was joined by Mary, and Dr.
Bryant, who had just entered and was standing in such a position that
no one had perceived him.
"Really, Miss Hamilton, I must congratulate you on the extraordinary
progress your pupils make; I was not aware that you cultivated their
powers of comparison in connection with the rudiments of orthoepy,"
"To what do you allude, Doctor; I am scarcely conscious of what passes
around me this morning," said Florence, wearily pressing her hand
across her aching brow.
"I am not surprised that you are somewhat stunned, though, after all,"
he continued, pointing to the picture of a ringleted pate, "the little
fellow was not far wrong, for this wig is incontestibly a curly head,"
With a faint smile which passed as quickly as it came, she dismissed
the class with an additional lesson.
"I am sorry to see you suffering so much this morning," said Frank,
seating himself beside her: "and should certainly not recommend this
schoolroom as an antidote to nervous attacks. Miss Mary, why do you
allow your cousin to overtax her strength? However, I bring you good
news. We have had an engagement at Gonzales, and, thank Heaven, are
victorious. The brave five hundred sent to preserve the field-piece
there, encountered double their number of the enemy, and not only
saved the cannon, but scattered the Mexicans in all directions.
Our brave band are marching to Coliad, where they expect to supply
themselves and comrades with ammunition; they have probably taken the
magazine before this, and are returning."
"Thank Heaven we have triumphed!" cried Mary, fervently clasping her
hands; "but oh! if the tide should turn this way, what will become of
us? The Mexicans are numerous here, and the Alamo strongly fortified
and in their possession." She turned her eyes inquiringly on Frank,
and started as she met the earnest, searching expression of his, bent
full upon her face.
"How pale you have grown of late," he murmured as to himself, and
replied to her questioning glance--"I think, myself, there is much
danger incurred by remaining here; but rest assured you shall not be
harmed. I am watching the signs of the times, and will warn you should
peril approach."
He took Florence's hand, and pressed it as he spoke; then turning
to Mary, who had walked away, he said--"I must insist on your cousin
having rest; she is weary and too much excited, and you, who are a
good nurse, must take better care of her."
"Indeed, Doctor, I did my best to prevent her teaching to-day, but she
would not listen to my entreaties," replied Mary, with averted head.
"If I might venture to advise yourself and cousin, Miss Hamilton, I
should suggest the discontinuance of your school, at least for the
present; for in these stormy times one scarce knows what a day may
bring forth: and, indeed, your pupils are dropping off within the last
few days, and you had better disband voluntarily."
"I believe you are right, Doctor; and if Mary concurs with us, I think
we will follow your advice."
"Do as you think best, Florry; I suppose we would have no pupils soon,
even if we continued our efforts; yet I dislike very much to give up
the school so very soon." Her voice faltered slightly, and her cheek
grew paler.
"Your reluctance to dismiss these children, I am not surprised at; and
if it will relieve you in the least, allow me to see their parents,
and arrange all pecuniary matters. You certainly feel no hesitation in
confiding this to me."
"Thank you, Dr. Bryant, you are very kind; but we will not burden you
with an additional trouble. I prefer taking these children home to
their parents, who committed them to my care; and as you and Florry
think it advisable, we will close our school this evening. Believe me,
however, that in refusing your kind offer, I am not insensible to, but
appreciate fully the motives which dictated it."
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