[Sidenote: Sneering]
Miss Sheldon, a brilliant young teacher, had, in her school days, a
rival for school honors in the person of Mary Linton. When Miss Sheldon
began her school in District No. 20, Mary Linton’s brother’s children
were her pupils. The rivalry between the girls was dwelt upon and Miss
Sheldon’s scholarship was adversely criticized by the Lintons. As a
result Frank Linton, a bright boy aged eleven, began school with the
idea of finding fault with Miss Sheldon as to scholarly ability. His
constant reference to the dictionary when she used a word new to him,
his forever asking her to prove her statements, etc., irritated her. The
feeling of antagonism grew between them, until finally Frank often spoke
to her with a sneer. She commanded him to speak respectfully to her. He
disobeyed.
One recess Miss Sheldon said to a grown girl in the school,
“Cut me some switches from the willows out there and leave them on the
front porch by the door. I am going to whip Frank Linton after recess.”
The girl, a friend of Miss Sheldon, did as commanded.
Soon after recess Frank used his customary sneering tone in answer to
Miss Sheldon. She went to his seat near the back of the room, jerked him
to his feet, and started with him to the door. The hate in his face was
so marked as almost to distort his features. He clung with hands and
feet to every desk he passed, while she, with great effort, loosened his
hold upon one seat after another and steadily but slowly dragged him to
the door. When there, she literally used up the switches on him. He
cried from vexation rather than from pain, and was sullen for the
remainder of the day.
No marked change in Frank’s behavior followed this punishment. The feud
between Frank and Miss Sheldon lasted until school closed. The bright,
happy boy was in her presence a sullen little rebel.