spectful,--a lady, ten times more than
those they make up so fine," said he, slowly. And still he held her hand
as quietly as if it did not thrill with quickening pulses; and his
speech and composure showed what power of self-control the young man
had,--for he was fearful when he looked forward, anticipating the change
this year might bring to pass in and for Columbia Dexter.

But Dexter and Company looked forward with no forebodings, when they
bought the needful school-books, and saw their daughter fairly occupied
with them. They had not been ashamed to reveal their hopes and fears to
the principal. She really listened in a way that made them love her, you
will know how,--as if she had the interest of the girl at heart,--as
though she would not deal so sacrilegiously with their dear child as to
paste a few flashing ornaments upon her, worthless as dead fish-scales,
and swear she was covered with pearls. Honest and loving sponsors!
virtuous, confiding parents! they were ready to promise for Columbia;
she went from their hands a pure, industrious, obedient girl, only
fourteen; they were sure she would take pride in making good all
deficiencies of her past education. And the woman promised in
turn,--chiefly thinking, I infer, that here at least were responsible
paymasters. Why not? She taught for a living. Only we never like to
suppose that poets sing merely for money, or that kings reign for the
sake of the crown; we do not imagine a statesman delights in his
martyrdom for eight dollars a day. I know one woman who teaches because
it is her vocation; she loves the work God allows her. But even the
worst school that's used as a hot-bed could not have ruined a plant like
this bearing the Dexter label.

Thus this great fact of the flag-makers' married life transpired,--their
child went to school with the children of gentlemen. Dexter could tell
that figure among dozens of girls; under one modest bonnet was a young
face with brown eyes and brown hair, a fair, sweet countenance, which he
loved with a love we will not dwell upon. In the sacred narrative, as in
the sacred temple, is always a place hid from the eyes and the feet of
the congregation. We may be all Gentiles here.

Like responsible sentinels, Dexter and Jessie stood at their post. Like
debtors to the great universe, they made their calling sure. They were
living thus peacefully while nations went to war, while panics taught
the people it was not beneath their wisd