CLOSE OF THE TERM.
“WHAT is the matter, Oscar? you look quite sober,” said Mrs. Page, one
afternoon, as Oscar came into the kitchen, on his return from school,
and began to take off his boots.
“I should like to know,” replied Oscar, “why I don’t get a letter from
home. I’ve been to the post office every day for a fortnight, expecting
one, and it hasn’t come yet.”
“Why, it doesn’t seem a great while since you had a letter from your
mother; how long is it?” inquired his aunt.
“Let me see,” replied Oscar, reckoning the time in his head; “why, it
was just six weeks last Saturday.”
“That isn’t a very long time to wait for a letter, for a boy of your
age, who has been away from home as much as you have,” replied Mrs.
Page.
“I know it,” replied Oscar; “but they agreed to write, some of them,
every month; and besides, I believe I think more of letters from home
than I used to.”
“That is a good sign, if you do,” replied Mrs. Page; “only you must be
sure and do your share of the correspondence.”
“I have done my share,” continued Oscar. “I have written regularly
every month, almost from the time I came here.”
“Then I think you will hear from home soon,” replied Mrs. Page.
“Sooner than he expects, perhaps,” said a voice from the sitting-room,
the door of which, opening from the kitchen, stood ajar.
“Why, mother! is that you?” cried Oscar, springing to the door; “and
you, too, father! Why, who would have thought you were in here, hearing
me scold about you!”
It was even so. Oscar’s parents had arrived late in the afternoon,
quite unexpectedly, to make a short visit, and his aunt, as he entered
the room, conceived the idea of withholding the news from him for a few
moments, to render his surprise the more complete. The warm greeting
need not be described; but it may be well to add, that both his father
and mother protested that they were not in the slightest degree
displeased with the “scolding” they had overheard, and promised there
should be no further occasion for it, if they could help it.
The examination and exhibition of the academy took place, in a few
days, and a part of the exercises were attended by Oscar’s parents. Two
days were devoted to this business, and, as usual, they were arduous
and anxious days to both teachers and students. The committee who
conducted the examination, like the similar body mentioned in the
dialogue, seemed bound to find out all that the students knew, and a
good deal more. The scholars, however, stood their ground well, and
when the examination was concluded, Mr. Merrill, the village clergyman,
pronounced it one of the most satisfactory he had ever attended in that
place. Then came the closing entertainment, or exhibition, in which
speaking, reading compositions, singing, etc., were the order of the
day. This, too, passed off quite successfully. The whole concluded with
the award of prizes. Among the successful competitors were Jessie
Hapley, who took one of the highest premiums, for superior scholarship
and good conduct; Oscar, who received a handsome volume, for faithful
endeavors; Harrison Clark, who was awarded a prize for general
improvement; and Charles Wilder, who received a gift for several fine
drawings exhibited by him.
In the evening after the exhibition, all of the students and teachers
of the academy assembled at the house of Mr. Upton, the preceptor, to
make him a surprise visit. The affair was so well managed, that he knew
nothing of the intentions of his pupils until they began to pour into
his house. But cheerful fires were soon blazing on the hearths of the
principal rooms, fresh lamps were lit, and a dozen or two of chairs
were brought in from a neighbor’s, which were all the preparations
deemed necessary for the occasion. The hours were enlivened with social
intercourse, and games, and music, and mirth, in which all participated
with the utmost freedom and good-will. No refreshments except apples
were offered, one of the elder pupils having considerately informed Mr.
Upton at the outset that “they had eaten their suppers once, and
considered that sufficient, whether at home or abroad.”
In the course of the evening, by some manœuvre which he did not clearly
understand, Mr. Upton found himself suddenly surrounded by the whole
body of his pupils, and immediately one of their number, a young lady,
commenced addressing him in a set speech. She held in her hand an
elegantly bound book, which, after a neat address, she handed to the
preceptor. This book was entitled, “_The Highburg Academy Offering to
their Beloved Friend and Preceptor, Robert Upton, A. M._” It contained
the autograph signature of every scholar connected with the
institution, to each of which was prefixed a verse or two of
appropriate poetry, or a few prose sentences, original or selected,
transcribed by the several writers. The volume also contained quite a
number of drawings, water-color paintings, maps, etc., executed by the
scholars.
The origin of this unique volume was as follows: At the close of
several of the previous terms, Mr. Upton had received gifts from his
scholars, which were of considerable value in themselves. Fearing the
practice of making such presents might entail too heavy a tax on some
of the poorer scholars, or subject them to the unpleasant duty of
declining to contribute their portion to the fund, he determined to
discourage the custom in future. Accordingly a few weeks before the
present term closed, he confidentially intimated his feelings to
several of the older and more influential pupils, and requested them,
in case a presentation should be proposed, to nip the enterprise in the
bud. When, therefore, one and another began to speak of presenting a
testimonial to the preceptor, they were apprized that such a proceeding
would be contrary to his wishes. But this only set their wits to work,
and in a little time a project was on foot, which, it was thought,
would at once give suitable expression to the feelings of the scholars,
and yet avoid the objection he had named to such gifts. A quantity of
paper, of uniform size and quality, was distributed among the pupils,
and each was requested to write something upon a sheet, and sign his
name to it. Drawings and paintings on paper were also solicited, from
all who received instructions in those branches, and such as were
deemed worthy, were accepted for the collection. These materials were
then collected and arranged, and sent to a book-binder in another town,
who bound them together into a handsome volume, with gilt cover and
edges. Thus, at a trifling expense, a novel, beautiful, and, to the
teacher, a really valuable keepsake was procured.
Mr. Upton was quite taken by surprise by the gift, and in his reply to
the presentation address, said it was peculiarly acceptable and
pleasing to him, because its cost to the donors had been chiefly an
expenditure of time, care, ingenuity, and taste, rather than money. A
gift procured at such a price, he said, was far more appropriate as an
expression of esteem and affection, under the circumstances, than one
purchased simply by money, no matter how costly. It was far more
precious to him, too, as it contained something which would cause him
to remember every one of them, as long as he lived.
As soon as these ceremonies were concluded, one of the boys brought and
laid upon the table a portable rosewood writing-desk, of plain but neat
and substantial workmanship.
“Mr. Page, will you please to step this way?” said Harrison Clark, who
stood near the table.
Marcus came forward, whereupon Harrison proceeded at once to address
him, as follows:—
“DEAR TEACHER:—It is my pleasing task to present to you this
writing-desk, in behalf of the pupils of Highburg Academy, and
to ask your acceptance of the same. The same considerations
which governed us in the selection of a testimonial for our
worthy preceptor, restrained us from procuring a more expensive
one for yourself. It is a plain and simple article of utility
that we offer you; but though its intrinsic worth be small, we
trust it will possess some slight value in your eyes, as a
memento of the affection, esteem and gratitude which we all
entertain towards you. The ability and success with which you
discharged the arduous duties of the preceptor for several
weeks, during his illness, the fidelity with which you have
labored through the term in your own sphere, the gentle and
patient spirit with which you have borne the many short-comings
and provocations of those of us who have been more immediately
under your charge, and the firm yet always kind manner in which
you have led us on in our studies, and restrained us in our
errors, have made an impression on our hearts which time will
not efface. Many of us hope for a continuance of this pleasant
intercourse, in months to come; but those of our number who now
meet you for the last time as your scholars, could not let this
opportunity pass without a public expression of our gratitude
and esteem. Accept, then, dear sir, this slight token of our
affection and good will, and may the good Father of all grant
you a long, a useful and a happy life!”
To this Marcus responded:
“MY YOUNG FRIENDS:—I came here to help you surprise your worthy
preceptor, and had no idea that any such trick as this was in
the programme. You have taken me by surprise, most completely.
I rather feel as if you had got the advantage of me, too. You
knew you couldn’t do this to the general, with impunity, and so
you thought you would try it on his aid-de-camp. I shall look
out for you, another time, you sly rogues! But I wont scold you
very hard, this time. No, I will rather frankly confess that
this is the proudest moment of my life. Young and inexperienced
as I am, such a gift from my first scholars, accompanied by
such kind and flattering words, may well make me proud. I
accept it with gratitude, only wishing that my poor efforts
were more worthy of such a reward. I am sure that no honors or
gifts that may fall to my lot hereafter, can ever displace from
my heart the memory of this token of esteem from the first
pupils I have had the honor and pleasure to instruct. May
Heaven reward you for your kindness, and bless you in all your
ways!”
The desk presented to Marcus was supplied with a variety of stationery,
and was really a beautiful and appropriate gift. He learned, afterward,
that Harrison, the once mischievous and troublesome scholar, had been
foremost in procuring the testimonial. Marcus always wondered, however,
how the matter could have been kept from him so completely, inasmuch as
every one in the family but himself was let into the secret.
Oscar’s parents were much pleased with the part he sustained in the
examination and exhibition, and with the general improvement visible in
his conduct, habits and character. They left for home, the next day,
but not until they had expressed their warmest thanks for the interest
manifested by Marcus and his mother and aunt in Oscar, and their
gratification on beholding the improvement he had made under their
care. After their departure, Oscar discovered an addition to the
inscription in his prize book, written in the delicate hand of his
mother. The inscription now read as follows, the first three lines
being from the pen of Mr. Upton, and the other three by Mrs. Preston:
Highburgh Academy, Feb. 18, 185-.
────────
+AWARDED TO OSCAR PRESTON+,
For Faithful Endeavors:
+THE FOUNDATION OF ALL EXCELLENCE+,
+AND THE PLEDGE OF+
+FUTURE HONOR AND USEFULNESS.+
------------------------------------------------------------------------
VALUABLE WORKS FOR THE YOUNG.
----------------------------
YOUNG AMERICANS ABROAD; or, Vacation in Europe: the Results of a Tour
through Great Britain, France, Holland, Belgium, Germany, and
Switzerland. By JOHN OVERTON CHOULES, D. D., and his PUPILS. With
Elegant Illustrations. 16mo, cloth, 75 cts.
A highly entertaining work, embracing more real information, such as
every one wishes to know about Europe, than any other book of travels
ever published.
Three intelligent lads, who knew how to use their eyes, accompanied
their tutor on a European tour; and, from a carefully-kept journal,
they wrote out, in a series of letters to a favorite companion in
study, at home, their impressions of the most remarkable places _en
route_. The pencillings are genuine and unaffected, and in all
respects form an interesting and instructive record of
travel.—_Sartain’s Magazine._
One of the most instructive and delightful books of the age.—_Southern
Lit. Gaz._
Boys, here is a book that will suit you exactly. It is a series of
letters from certain boys travelling in Europe to their classmates in
this country. It will improve your knowledge and amuse you during long
winter nights.—_Methodist Prot._
It is worth much more than many a larger and more pretentious volume
for giving a daguerreotype of things abroad.—_Congregationalist._
A beautiful book for young people, unlike any thing we have ever
seen.—_Ch. Ob._
Most interesting book that can be put into the hands of the
young.—_Olive Branch._
The best book of foreign travel for youth to be found in the whole
range of American literature.—_Buffalo Morning Express._
THE ISLAND HOME; or, the Young Castaways. By CHRISTOPHER ROMAUNT, ESQ.
With Elegant Illustrations. 75 cts.
The best and prettiest book for boys that we have lately seen.—_Boston
Post._
A stirring and unique work. It will interest the _juvenile men_
vastly.—_Olive Br._
Delightful narrative of the adventures of six boys who put to sea in
an open boat, and were drifted to a desert island, where they lived in
the manner of Robinson Crusoe.—_N. Y. Com._
A book of great interest, and one which will be a treat to any boy.
_Harte Circle._
The young will pore over its pages with almost enchanted
interest.—_Transcript._
A modern Robinson Crusoe story, without the dreary solitude of that
famous hero. It will amuse and instruct the young in no ordinary
degree.—_Southern Lit. Gazette._
A story that bids fair to rival the far-famed Robinson Crusoe. We
become as much interested in the fate of Max, Johnny, Arthur, and
the rest of the goodly company, as in the Swiss Family
Robinson.—_Sartain’s Magazine._
THE AMERICAN STATESMAN; or, Illustrations of the Life and Character of
DANIEL WEBSTER, for the Entertainment and Instruction of American
Youth. By the REV. JOSEPH BANVARD, author of “Plymouth and the
Pilgrims,” “Novelties of the New World,” “Romance of American
History,” etc. With elegant Illustrations. 75c.
☞ A work of great interest, presenting a sketch of the most striking
and important events which occurred in the history of the
distinguished statesman, Daniel Webster, avoiding entirely all points
of a _political_ character; holding up to view, for the admiration and
emulation of American youth, only his commendable traits of character.
It is just such a work as every American patriot would wish his
children to read and reflect upon.
VALUABLE WORKS FOR THE YOUNG.
BY REV. HARVEY NEWCOMB.
HOW TO BE A MAN; a Book for Boys, containing Useful Hints on the
Formation of Character. Cloth, gilt, 50 cts.
“My design in writing has been to contribute something towards forming
the character of those who are to be our future electors, legislators,
governors, judges, ministers, lawyers, and physicians,—after the best
model. It is intended for boys—or, if you please, for _young_ gentlemen,
in early youth.”—_Preface._
“How to be a Man” is an inimitable little volume. We desire that it be
widely circulated. It should be put into the hands of every youth in the
land.—_Tenn. Bap._
HOW TO BE A LADY; a Book for Girls, containing Useful Hints on the
Formation of Character. Cloth, gilt, 50 cts.
“Having daughters of his own, and having been many years employed in
writing for the young, he hopes to offer some good advice, in an
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fifteen. His object is, to assist them in forming their characters upon
the best model; that they may become well-bred, intelligent, refined,
and good; and then they will be real _ladies_, in the highest
sense.”—_Preface._
Parents will consult the interests of their daughters, for time and
eternity, in making them acquainted with this attractive and most useful
volume.—_N. Y. Evangelist._
_The following Notices apply to both the above Volumes._
It would be better for the next generation if every youth would “read,
learn, and inwardly digest” the contents of these volumes.—_N. Y.
Commercial._
These volumes contain much matter which is truly valuable.—_Mer.
Journal._
They contain wise and important counsels and cautions, adapted to the
young, and made entertaining by the interesting style and illustrations
of the author. They are fine mirrors, in which are reflected the
prominent lineaments of the _Christian young gentleman and young lady_.
Elegant presents for the young.—_American Pulpit._
Newcomb’s books are excellent. We are pleased to commend them.—_N. Y.
Obs._
They are books well calculated to do good.—_Phil. Ch. Chronicle._
Common-sense, practical hints on the formation of character and habits,
and are adapted to the improvement of youth.—_Mothers’ Journal._
ANECDOTES FOR BOYS; Entertaining Anecdotes and Narratives, illustrative
of Principles and Character. 18mo, gilt, 42 cts.
ANECDOTES FOR GIRLS; Entertaining Anecdotes and Narratives, illustrative
of Principles and Character. 18mo, gilt, 42 cts.
Interesting and Instructive, without being fictitious. The anecdotes are
many, short, and spirited, with a moral drawn from each, adapted to
every age, condition, and duty of life. We commend them to families and
schools.—_Albany Spectator._
Works of great value, for a truth or principle is sooner instilled into
the youthful heart by an anecdote, than in any other way. They are well
selected.—_Ev’g Gaz._
Nothing has a greater interest for a youthful mind than a well-told
story, and no medium of conveying moral instructions so attractive or so
successful. The influence is far more powerful when the child is assured
that they are _true_. We cannot too strongly recommend them to
parents.—_Western Continent, Baltimore._
------------------------------------------------------------------------
● Transcriber’s Notes:
○ Missing or obscured punctuation was silently corrected.
○ Typographical errors were silently corrected.
○ Inconsistent spelling and hyphenation were made consistent only
when a predominant form was found in this book.
○ Text that:
was in italics is enclosed by underscores (_italics_);
was in bold by is enclosed by “equal” signs (=bold=)
had extra character spacing by plus signs (+stretched+).