* * * * *
At this point the correspondence properly closes. As a faithful editor,
I have endeavored to let it tell its own story, but must frankly
acknowledge that at times, the pleasant memories recalled by these
Letters have tempted me, too far, perhaps, beyond editorial bounds. This
fault I freely confess, hoping to be as freely forgiven. Were it known
how much I have left unsaid, while longing to say it, I should receive
not only forgiveness but praise.
In closing, I cannot do better than to add to the collection an extract
from a letter written to Mr. Carver by the Principal of the Crooked Pond
School.
It seems that William Henry’s new teacher proposed his taking up Latin,
and that Mr. Carver being somewhat undecided about the matter, wrote to
the Principal of the Crooked School, asking his opinion. The Principal’s
reply, in as far as it discusses the Latin question, would scarcely be
in order here. But the closing portion will, I know, be read with
pleasure by all who have taken an interest in William Henry. He speaks
of him thus:--
* * * * *
.... Allow me, sir, in concluding, to congratulate you on the many good
qualities of your son. He is one of the boys that I feel sure of. We
regret exceedingly his leaving us, and I assure you that he carries with
him the best wishes of all here,--teachers, pupils, and townspeople. I
shall watch his course with deep interest. A boy of his manly bearing,
kind disposition, and high moral principle will surely win his way to
all hearts, as he has done to ours.
With regard to his studies, though not, perhaps, a remarkably brilliant
scholar, he has, on the whole, done well. For the first few months, it
is true, we rather despaired of awakening an interest. He was too fond
of play, too unwilling to come under our pretty strict discipline.
Observing how heartily he entered into all games, and that he excelled
in them, it occurred to us, that if the same ambition and pluck shown on
the playground could be aroused in the schoolroom, our object would be
gained. This, by various means, we have tried to accomplish, and I am
happy to add, with good success. Your son, sir, is a boy to be proud of.
Very truly yours,
---- ----
* * * * *
It so happened that I called at the Farm the very day on which this
reply was received, and just as Grandmother had finished reading it.
As I entered the room she looked up, and without speaking handed me the
letter. Tears stood in her eyes, and I saw that something had touched
her deeply.
“Any bad news?” I asked.
“No,” she answered, in a tremulous voice. “But to think of that
schoolmaster’s finding out what was in that child!”
Cambridge: Printed by Welch, Bigelow, and Company.