Harry scampered off, and sat close by Lily Forester till school was out.
In the afternoon, Mary’s scholars were all collected around the school-room door before she arrived. As soon as they saw her coming, they ran to meet her, and Susan Field brought a bunch of beautiful flowers for her. Mary was very fond of flowers, and she thanked Susan, and said she would keep them in water for her little scholar’s sake.
Then she took a china vase which she kept for flowers, and allowed all her scholars to go with her down to the spring for fresh water; and she filled the vase with water and arranged the flowers, and then she said,
“Now we will all go to school, and enjoy them together.”
Three afternoons in the week Mary taught her scholars to sew, and knit, and work samplers on canvas. She thought every little girl should know how to use the needle, and cut out garments. Then, when she grew up to be a woman, she could keep her own wardrobe neatly, and be helpful in her family besides; and if she had leisure, after doing her share of the family sewing, she could teach poor little children, and make garments for the sick and old, who were not able to help themselves.
This was sewing afternoon. As soon as they were all in their seats, Mary took out a large work-basket, that was filled with little parcels, nicely wrapped up, and the owner’s name was written on each parcel. Lily Forester and Harry Linn stood beside Mary to pass along the work as she gave it to them. They were the youngest scholars in the school, and they were always glad when sewing afternoon came, because they could help Mary.
One girl had a pocket handkerchief to hem for her brother; one had some patch-work; one was working a Bible-cover in cross-stitch; one was learning to knit a garter; and little Lily’s work was an apron for her doll, which Mary had fitted for her.
While the girls were busied at their work, the boys, (except Harry Linn,) stood up to say a geography lesson.
Now, my little readers, whoever you may be, can you tell how many boys were in the geography class? You will remember Mary had eight scholars. Read over how many girls were at their sewing, then add to their number Harry Linn, and say how many boys were in the class.
Harry and Lily, somehow or other, always had their little heads close together. Harry liked to help Lily, and Lily liked to help Harry. Sometimes, like other little children, they quarrelled; but they soon became friends again without any body’s help; and then Harry would say, “Come, Lily, let us kiss and make up.”