HANDSOMELY DONE.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume VI, Issue 28, 12 July 1890, Page 19

HANDSOMELY DONE.

Professor Harvey sat at bis desk, discoursing on English literature. He had just finished an eloquent description of the political progress made in England during the reign of Queen Victoria, and of the march of liberal ideas, when Malcom spoke, abruptly. ‘ Professor, whom shall you vote for in November ?’ The master smiled. He had strayed a little from the regular topic of the hour, and now Malcom, naturally enough, was leading the way from English politics to American. The question was a delicate one, for party feeling was running high just then. ‘ We are wandering from our theme,’ replied the teacher. ‘ I spoke of English politics only to show that literature sometimes leads popular- thought, and sometimes follows

‘ But how shall you vote, professor?’ The class stirred uneasily ; they were all interested in the coming election, and curious to know Professor Harvey’s opinions ; but they respected his silence as necessary to class harmony. Professor Harvey felt this, but thus appealed to, he could hardly avoid a direct answer. ‘ I shall vote for Mr Garfield,’ he said, quietly. Instantly, from the rear of the room came a hiss, the first, perhaps, that had ever assailed the speaker. An instant hush fell upon the class. The professor continued, in his well-poised, ready way : ‘ Young gentlemen, I hope you will forgive the disrespect just shown to Malcom. Or perhaps it was meant for me. I am not the actual target, however, as I volunteered no offensive information, and only replied to satisfy Malcom’s curiosity. A hiss in this place is an ill-bred expression. Some one is thoughtlesss. Let the rest of us be considerate, and try to set examples of courtesy which will teach him greater care. ’ A young man arose at the end of one of the rear benches, a tall, ungainly youth. His face was very red. He placed his hand in embarrassment upon the chair before him ; but when he spoke, his voice echoed through the apartment distinct and positive. ‘ Professor Harvey, lam the fellow who hissed; but I wish to explain that I am interested in this campaign, and have attended a good many political meetings where it is customary to hiss hostile ideas, —a bad habit, perhaps, which misled me here. I hissed before I thought, and ask your forgiveness and the pardon of my class. I’m full of -faults, professor, but I’m not afraid to own them and apologize. I’m trying to learn, and mean to stand well toward the head of this class yet in politeness.’ He took his seat with an air of mixed humility and resolve. Someone clapped hands gently. Then followed a storm of applause front the whole class. Professor Harvey arose by his desk with glowing face. ‘ Of course we all excuse Scudder’s momentary thoughtlessnesss and forget it. But, young gentlemen, liere is not alone an apology, but a challenge also. This manly explanation discloses an aspiring spirit which may take Scudtier far in advance of us, unless we are active. Not many in such an acknowledgment can enkindle others, turning penitence into leadership. I commend this to you as a model vindication.

‘ There is much to learn in this life ; only a little of it can be found in books ; and one of the hardest acquirements is promptness to speak at the proper moment in a way that offsets fault, ends ill-feeling, and helps everybody.’ All looked at Scudder, who sat blushing.