"Yes," was the general answer; and from this time forth he was unmolested,--for he had shown that his temper was proof against teasing.
But on this occasion he formed the resolution of seeking intercourse with his neighbors more than formerly. He saw that his duties to his fellows were not circumscribed by the school-room.
The execution of this design was not long without its reward.
One Sunday afternoon, on returning from church-service, he took his way by the street which skirted the hill-side, called the "Bruck," or Bridge. An old woman was sitting in front of her house with her hands folded and her head shaking with palsy. He said, kindly,--
"How do you do? The sunshine does you good, doesn't it?"
"Thank you, kind gentleman," answered the old woman, still nodding.
The teacher stood still.
"You have seen many summers, haven't you?" said he.
"Seventy-eight: a good number. Seventy years is the life of man, says the Scripture. I often think Death must have forgotten me. Well, our Lord God will fetch me in his own good time: he knows when. I sha'n't get out of his sight."
"But you seem to keep up very well."