Strange Visitors

its master. 'Tis true I would see him at times from the school-room window, walking through his park, or s

e mornings were sparkling, the air delicious. I arose early one particularly sunny morn, that I might take a wal

ho loved at times the quiet of my own th

ttention was attracted by the sound of wheels emerging from a cross path. A carriage rolled br

ied, pointing to the occupant of th

s horses, which snorted impatiently as h

t; where are you going

ly, "I am going with M

d me. "Miss Reef, I am happy to make your acquaintance. So you are t

more experienced in the world's ways than myself. His was a gay, spirited face, complexion fair and rosy; full red lips, graced with a curling moustache; g

you a seat in my b

him, but

eyes. Well, I suppose I must continue my solitary drive; but don't tarry long at the

thoughts, and engaged with my pupil in gathering wild flowers and grasses wherewith to form wre

e to please. As I surveyed myself in the glass, I was guilty of a pleasurable cognizance of the figure and face reflected there. The walk and unexpected encounter had given an unwonted brilliancy and vivacity to my countenance

approached the door, and without the ceremony of knocking, the ge

e?" said he, merrily. "Can you not take another pupil, Miss Reef?" at the same

might venture," I replied, assuming t

g; so, taking from my desk a drawing-bo

t to be beguiled from my duty by this gay cavalier. He permitted us t

ng it before me. "Will you n

shaded with a firm hand, spirited and origina

r at the close of the school hours to loiter over our drawings and chat of books and music. His visits

recited his closing lesson. Then he arose, and taking a guitar from its

, "that beautiful hand is just made to glide ove

e him to understand that I know my place and will not be trifled with, I thought; so I arose and rang the bell f

you to hem this handke

The young gentleman looked on my arrangement with a lurking smile for a few moments, and then

He did seem to remember it, as several da

e in me an interest in himself, he could not have pursued a better plan; f