CHAPTER XIX.
MISS PANNEY IS "TOOK SUDDEN" "I have spoken to Mr.Ames about it," said Dr.Tolbridge to Miss Panney, as two days later they were sitting together in his office, "and we are both agreed that teachers in Thorbury are like the vines on the gable ends of our church; they are needed there, but they do not flourish.

You see, so many of our people send their children away to school, that is, when they are really old enough to learn anything." "I would do it too, if I had children," said the old lady; "but this is a matter which rises above the ordinary points of view.

I do not believe that you look at it properly, for if you did you would not sit there and talk so coolly.

Do you appreciate the fact that if Miss Drane does not soon get something to do, you will be living on soggy, half-baked bread, greasy fried meat, water-soaked vegetables, and muddy coffee, and every one of your higher sentiments will be merged in dyspepsia ?" The doctor smiled.

"I did not suppose it would be as bad as that," he said; "but if what you say is true, let us skip about instantly, and do something." "That is the sort of action that I am trying to goad you into," said the old lady.
"Oh, I will do what I can," said the doctor, "but I really think there is nothing to be done here, and at this season.