h he marked by driving in large brass headed
nails.

Nelly and her cousin, who had watched these arrangements with great
interest, were very curious to know their use. The teacher, smiling,
bade them wait and see.

"Is all ready now?" asked Frankie.

"Not quite," said the teacher. "I must have some small chairs for my
little scholars; also some more apparatus."

"What is apparatus?" inquired Nelly.

"It is any thing by which we can illustrate or explain our ideas. This
blackboard, and these cards, are apparatus. You will see, when school
begins, how I shall explain to you many things by their help. Then I
have a large globe, a numeral frame, and an orrery."

"I had an orrery once," shouted Frankie. "It was made of wire, with
potatoes and turnips. Is yours like that?"

"O, no," said the teacher, with a hearty laugh. "The planets are made of
wood, or plaster, and painted very prettily."

"I shall like to see it," said Frankie.

"So shall I," said Nelly.

The children then took their leave, after bidding the lady good by; but
presently Frankie returned, all out of breath, to say, "Miss Grant, I
have a whole box of beautiful great cards. They were my birthday present
from papa and mamma. You may take them, if you want to, and hang them
around the room."

"Thank you, my little friend," said the teacher, giving him a kiss. "I
am going now to my boarding place, and you may walk with me, if you can
stop until I put on my bonnet."

"I should like that," said Frankie. "I'll run out and tell Nelly to
wait."

Miss Grant locked the door, and taking a small vase in her hand, joined
the children who were waiting near the gate.

"What is that flower pot for?" asked Nelly.

"When school begins, I shall beg some flowers from the lady where I
live," answered the teacher. "I like to have the room look cheerful and
bright, so that the little scholars will like to be there."

"I wish Monday would come quick," exclaimed the boy. "I want to begin to
go to school. I mean to carry a great big bouquet, out of my own garden.
Did you know I had a garden, Miss Grant?"

"No, I did not; but I am very glad to hear it. I love flowers almost as
well as I do good little boys and girls."

"I should think you would love your mother better than either. I do."

Miss Grant's lip quivered, and tears gushed to her eyes. "I do love my
mother," she said, softly, "but she is in heaven."

"I'm real sorry," said the sympathizing child, affec