nervous. Perhaps because of his very weakness, Rebecca's decision
of character had a fascination for him, and although she snubbed
him to the verge of madness, he could never keep his eyes away
from her. The force with which she tied her shoe when the lacing
came undone, the flirt over shoulder she gave her black braid
when she was excited or warm, her manner of studying,--book on
desk, arms folded, eyes fixed on the opposite wall,--all had an
abiding charm for Seesaw Simpson. When, having obtained
permission, she walked to the water pail in the corner and drank
from the dipper, unseen forces dragged Seesaw from his seat to go
and drink after her. It was not only that there was something
akin to association and intimacy in drinking next, but there was
the fearful joy of meeting her in transit and receiving a cold
and disdainful look from her wonderful eyes.
On a certain warm day in summer Rebecca's thirst exceeded the
bounds of propriety. When she asked a third time for permission
to quench it at the common fountain Miss Dearborn nodded "yes,"
but lifted her eyebrows unpleasantly as Rebecca neared the desk.
As she replaced the dipper Seesaw promptly raised his hand, and
Miss Dearborn indicated a weary affirmative.
"What is the matter with you, Rebecca?" she asked.
"It is a very thirsty morning," answered Rebecca.
There seemed nothing humorous about this reply, which was merely
the statement of a fact, but an irrepressible titter ran through
the school. Miss Dearborn did not enjoy jokes neither made nor
understood by herself, and her face flushed.
"I think you had better stand by the pail for five minutes,
Rebecca; it may help you to control your thirst."
Rebecca's heart fluttered. She to stand in the corner by the
water pail and be stared at by all the scholars! She