She bravely set her lips and entered.
“And now what can I do for you, Miss Graham?”
“I’ve come to apply for a teacher’s place in the school.”
“Ah indeed, I’m glad to know that. There is only one difficulty. You must be loyal. Your people were rebels, and the new government has determined to have only loyal teachers.”
“I think I’m loyal enough to the old flag now that our people have surrendered,” said the girl.
“Yes, yes, I dare say, but do you think you can accept the new régime of government and society which we are now establishing in the South? We have abolished the colour line. Would you have a mixed school if assigned one?”
“I think I’d prefer to teach a negro school outright to a mixed one,” she said after a moment’s hesitation.
Tim continued, “You know we are living in a new world. The supreme law of the land has broken down every barrier of race and we are henceforth to be one people. The struggle for existence knows no race or colour. It’s a struggle now for bread. I’m in a position to be of great help to you and your family if you will only let me.”
The girl suddenly rose impelled by some resistless instinct.
“May I have the place then?” she asked approaching the door.