Mrs. Higdon replied that she was not aware that there was anything wrong.
Mr. Ikin went on to say that the local managers had written to the Norfolk Education Committee, complaining that she had lighted the schoolroom fire against their instructions, and that “as she had so many faults to find with the place, would the committee kindly remove her to a sphere more genial?”
That a good, healthy, religious enemy is not to be despised the lives of Bruno, Galileo, Kepler, Wycliffe, Wesley, or a study of the Thirty Years’ War will prove.
Here is a copy of the letter sent to Mrs. Higdon:
Norfolk Education Committee,
Shirehall, Norfolk,November 29th, 1913.
Burston and Shimpling School.
Dear Madam,—In a communication received from the managers on the 13th of November, the committee were asked “if they will kindly remove Mrs. Higdon to a sphere more genial.”
I may remind you that this is the second place in which you have come into conflict with the managers.
The committee have decided that the managers’ instructions are to be obeyed, and as they have instructed you that the fire is not to be lit, I am to give you directions to obey these instructions. I trust there will be no further friction.
Yours faithfully,
Thos. A. Cox, Secretary.Mrs. A. K. Higdon, Burston School, Diss.
It seems the old method of fire-lighting still prevails. That is by friction.
In reading this parochial letter of complaint one cannot help but admire the warm interest which the Reverend Managers’ Committee display in Mrs. Higdon.
They are so solicitous about her welfare that they desire the Norfolk Education Committee to “kindly remove her to a sphere more genial.”
One is here tempted to quote Ingersoll’s advice to his wife. Once upon a day, when the lady was suffering from heat in the head—vulgarly termed temper—he turned to her, and mildly remarked:
“Darling, I am afraid that you have not yet shed all your Christian virtues.”