The Heroism of Matilda.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXVIII, Issue II, 11 January 1902, Page 95

The Heroism of Matilda.

(By Ruth B. Hand, age 15.)

Matilda was six and chubby. Three (lays ago Matilda had walked proudly up from the kindergarten and had taken a seat in “school.” “School” was a wiluiy exciting place to Matilda, so much so that sometimes she would sit and gaze enraptured at the reciting class, forgetful of lessons, until Miss Kate, the teacher, would gently remark, “Matilda.” when Matilda’s pink cheeks would grow pinker and she would obediently fasten her eyes on her primer. But yesterday a terrible thing had happened. The boy next her had

spoken “right out loud” in class and said, “Miss Kate, Teddy Jones 's whisperin’.” Miss Kate had looked very severe and had told Harry sharply not to tell tales. What a terrible thing it must be to tell tales and have Miss Kate speak to you like that! Matilda writhed at the thought. Matilda was pondering upon all these things while making numbers on a slate. She was at eight now, and toiling laboriously, making first one iittle “0” and then another on top of it, when—- “ Ouch!” groaned Matilda inwardly. There was a sharp pain in the back of her neck. She moved cautiously to the end of her seat, but—there it was again, this time in her shoulder. Grasping her plump shoulder in her plump hand, she slid to the other end of the seat. Vain hope! The pain went to the other shoulder. Matilda bent flat upon her desk, her eyes smarting and her cheeks hot with agony, and as tne pain renewed it-

self in her back she slid about on her seat quite recklessly. Miss Kate looked at her wonderingly. “Can’t you sit still. Matilda?" “Yes’m,” replied Matilda, obediently, and sat up, with her eyes on the slate. There was no peace for Matilda, however, and the torture began again; but this time Matilda sat silent and quiet, till at last two big tears rolled down her plump cheeks. “Why. what is the matter, cliildie?” asked Miss Kate, coming over to her. Matilda bowed her head and wept. “Oh-h.” she wailed hopelessly. “I didn’t want to tell a ta-ale, but somebody's been stickin’ pins into me!"