A SCHOOL-MA'AM' S STORY.

I was a teacher then, as now,

And made a little spending money.

By training big and little sprouts,

In a mining town called Pony.

One night the biggest boy I had,

For having cracked a rigid rule,

Was bade to stay and con his books

Some fifteen minutes after school.

I for a moment turned my back —

On other duties then intent —

The fellow slyly raised a sash

And through the opening quickly went.

Next eve, as extra punishment,

I gave him minutes forty-five;

And, lest he play the prank again,

I kept my every sense alive.

The task performed, he left the room;—

The sun was shining then, no more,—

And when, soon afterwards, I left,

I found him waiting at the door.

“‘ Tis getting late,” the youth remarked,

“For ladies to be out alone,

And, may I have the pleasure, Miss,

Of seeing that you're safely home?”

I smiled and took the gallant's arm,

What else could anybody do?

I've liked the fellow ever since

And have no doubt he likes me too.