t stream threading its midst, and then there was a
triumphant sweep up to the little red schoolhouse where Tora was to have
her abode and the sphere of her labours.

A low wooded point ran like a promontory out into the meadow, and there
"the forefathers of the vale" had built the temple for the spelling-book
and the slate.

On the opposite side from the meadow the schoolhouse was entered, after
crossing the wide playground. Where "the field for sport" ended at the
road there stood a lad, evidently looking out eagerly for the arrival of
the new teacher.

"That's a life-member of the little school," said the driver, with a
whimsical look. "Nils is not much at books, but he's a powerful singer."

The last words were spoken within the hearing of the frank-faced boy,
who now pulled off his cap, and stepped up to the wagon to help Tora
down. She shook his hand kindly, and said, "I hear you are a singer,
Nils. I am glad of that, for in my certificate I got but a poor record
for my singing."

"And 'great A' for everything else, mother said," he answered promptly,
while his eyes beamed pleasantly on the new teacher, whose first
friendly greeting had won his heart.

"I'll help you down with the heavy things first," said Nils to the
driver, "and then if you'll set the rest here, we'll take them in
together later. I want to show the schoolhouse to the mistress."

The one room set apart for the home of the teacher did not look dreary
as she stepped into it. The table from the schoolroom stood in the
centre covered with a white cloth, its edge outlined by bright birch
leaves laid on it, loosely and tastefully, like a wreath. Then on a tray
covered with a snowy napkin stood a shining coffee-pot, with cups for
three, and a light saffron cake that might have sufficed for the whole
school assembled.

"Mother thought perhaps you would like a taste of something warm after
your ride," said Nils, as he proceeded to pour out a cup of coffee as if
he were quite at home. At home he was in a way, for in that schoolhouse
he had for years passed his days among the little ones, through a
special permit from the school board.

Tora clasped her hands, and stood silent a moment before she tasted the
first morsel of food in her new home, and her heart sent up really
grateful thoughts to her heavenly Father, who had so blessed her, and
would, she was sure, continue to bless her in her new surroundings.

"May I take out a cup to Petter?" ask