On a certain warm day in summer Rebecca's thirst exceeded the
bounds of propriety. When she asked a third time for permission
to quench it at the common fountain Miss Dearborn nodded "yes,"
but lifted her eyebrows unpleasantly as Rebecca neared the desk.
As she replaced the dipper Seesaw promptly raised his hand, and
Miss Dearborn indicated a weary affirmative.
"What is the matter with you, Rebecca?" she asked.
"It is a very thirsty morning," answered Rebecca.
There seemed nothing humorous about this reply, which was merely
the statement of a fact, but an irrepressible titter ran through
the school. Miss Dearborn did not enjoy jokes neither made nor
understood by herself, and her face flushed.
"I think you had better stand by the pail for five minutes,
Rebecca; it may help you to control your thirst."
Rebecca's heart fluttered. She to stand in the corner by the
water pail and be stared at by all the scholars! She
unconsciously made a gesture of angry dissent and moved a step
nearer her seat, but was arrested by Miss Dearborn's command in a
still firmer voice.
"Stand by the pail, Rebecca!--Samuel Simpson how many times have
you asked for water already?"
"This is the f-f-fourth."
"Don't touch the dipper, please. The school has done nothing but
drink all day; it has had no time whatever to study.
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