. . no, he doesn't. He simply holds me in contempt
and I don't mind confessing to you that it worries me miserably. It
isn't that he is so very bad . . . he is only rather mischievous, but no
worse than some of the others. He seldom disobeys me; but he obeys with
a scornful air of toleration as if it wasn't worthwhile disputing the
point or he would . . . and it has a bad effect on the others. I've tried
every way to win him but I'm beginning to fear I never shall. I want to,
for he's rather a cute little lad, if he IS a Pye, and I could like him
if he'd let me."

"Probably it's merely the effect of what he hears at home."

"Not altogether. Anthony is an independent little chap and makes up his
own mind about things. He has always gone to men before and he says girl
teachers are no good. Well, we'll see what patience and kindness
will do. I like overcoming difficulties and teaching is really very
interesting work. Paul Irving makes up for all that is lacking in the
others. That child is a perfect darling, Gilbert, and a genius into the
bargain. I'm persuaded the world will hear of him some day," concluded
Anne in a tone of conviction.

"I like teaching, too," said Gilbert. "It's good training, for one
thing. Why, Anne, I've learned more in the weeks I've been teaching the
young ideas of White Sands than I learned in all the years I went to
school myself. We all seem to be getting on pretty well. The Newbridge
people like Jane, I hear; and I think White Sands is tolerably satisfied
with your humble servant . . . all except Mr. Andrew Spencer. I met Mrs.
Peter Blewett on my way home last night and she told me she thought it
her duty to inform me that Mr. Spencer didn't approve of my methods."

"Have you ever noticed," asked Anne reflectively, "that when people
say it is their duty to tell you a certain thing you may prepare for
something disagreeable? Why is it that they never seem to think it a
duty to tell you the pleasant things they hear about you? Mrs. H. B.
DonNELL called at the school again yesterday and told me she thought
it HER duty to inform me that Mrs. Harmon Andrew didn't approve of
my reading fairy tales to the children, and that Mr. Rogerson thought
Prillie wasn't coming on fast enough in arithmetic. If Prillie would
spend less time making eyes at the boys over her slate she might do
better. I feel quite sure that Jack Gillis works her class sums for her,
though I've never been able to catch him red-han