Then Jumper left her and ran back into the schoolroom. He took hold of the dress of one of the little girls and tugged and tugged. At length she too followed Jumper to the door.
By this time all the children were on their feet and quickly followed the teacher out of the schoolroom.
They were none too soon. The last little girl had hardly passed the door when, with a great crash, the roof fell in.
All the children were safe, but what had become of Margery's dear books and letters and other things?
Margery did not lose her school. A rich man who lived near ordered the schoolhouse to be rebuilt at his own expense.
Another gentleman, Sir Charles Jones, having heard of Margery's good sense, offered her a home if she would teach his daughter. In fact he finally fell in love with Margery, and they were married in the great church. And what do you think! On her wedding day, while the bells were ringing, Margery's brother Tommy came home. He had become the captain of a great ship. He had sailed to many lands, and he brought her all kinds of presents. Do you think she deserved to be very happy?
She did not forget the children, you may be sure. A house in the village was fitted up as a school, and all the boys and girls were taught to read and write.
Ascribed to GOLDSMITH