There was much confusion and jostling in the class when Beryl unrolled the picture and laid it upon the flat rock. The little ones pressed round her, eager for the pretty sight; and the elder ones pushed their way into the cave, determined to see the object which was exciting such cries of admiration.
For a few moments, Beryl found it impossible to preserve order. She was obliged to rescue the picture from the rude and dirty hands that were laid upon it, and, holding it high above her head, declare that if they did not instantly sit down, and become quiet, no one should look at it again. The elder children, quite as eager as the little ones to see the picture, supported the teacher's authority, and by shakes, and pushes, and many an angry word, reduced their young brothers and sisters to submission.
Then Beryl arranged that only three children at a time should enter the cave and look at the picture. This plan answered admirably, and each child had a good look at the picture without any confusion or uproar. The exhibition of the picture occupied some time. When they had thus examined it, Beryl contrived by means of some pebbles to prop the picture up against the wall of the cave, so that all could glance at it.
Then, sitting down, she began to tell the children in simple, childish words, how the Jewish mothers had ventured to bring their little ones to Jesus, and how the disciples had tried to drive them back, but Jesus had stretched forth His arms to them in love, and said, "'Suffer little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven.'"
Beryl's simple talk was far more effectual than her reading had been. Her quick imagination gave many a graphic touch to the narrative, and as she pointed every now and then to the picture, and drew her listeners' attention to its various details, there was quietness and order in the class.
After awhile, of course, they grew restless and began to fidget, and then Beryl knew that she had said enough. She now tried to teach the children the first verse of "When mothers of Salem," and actually a few little ears caught the words and remembered them, and, led by Coral and Beryl, the scholars sang the verse in a queer, discordant fashion.
Beryl was well pleased with the success of her endeavour this afternoon. Her heart felt light and happy as, rolling up the picture, she told the children it was time for them to go home, reminding them, however, that she should hope to see them again on the next Sunday.
"Oh, Beryl, how nice it has been!" cried Coral, as the last child toddled away, and they were left alone. "Weren't they good to-day? That picture was splendid."
"Yes, how pleased they were with it!" said Beryl, her face aglow with delight. "I was dreadfully afraid they would tear it at first; but they were very good afterwards. And I really believe they understood what I said."
"And didn't they sing the hymn well!" said Coral.