++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ DISCLAIMER: Catherine Marshall's beautiful story of Christy is owned by the LeSourd family. I am in no way seeking profit or credit for her story. I am continuing the story of Christy for my own amusement only. Any additions in story line and characters were invented by the writer. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Title: Recitation Day Summary: Christy and David help the children prepare for the Recitation Day. Christy has an idea for an adult school. Ruby Mae is sick with a sore throat. Author: Annie ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ SETTING: This is intended as an `episode'. It takes place at the end of a school year, as the children are preparing for the final Recitation program, at which each child has a chance to recite or make a presentation for the parents. This is a pre-`Road Home' story, so Christy hasn't had to decide between David and Neil yet. It probably fits in the story line just before `Echoes', where Christy and Miss Alice travel to Freedom, Kentucky, and Dan Scott came to Cutter Gap. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Part 1 The school room was filled with the sounds of subdued voices. For once, the hogs beneath the building were silent - they were probably asleep in the warmth of the early summer afternoon. Christy was conducting a spelling lesson with the oldest students, while her Junior Teachers, Rob Allen, Bessie Coburn and John Spencer, were doing the same for groups of the younger children. She was so proud of those three - they had proved themselves to be capable teachers, they helped solve Christy's problem of handling such a diverse range of children, and they had learned and grown from the experience far beyond her expectations. As the lessons all concluded and the end of the school day neared, Christy called for the attention of the children. `I know you all have been working on your presentations for Recitation Day this Friday. Don't forget, your parents are invited to our program to close the school year. If any of you have questions about your presentation, please stay after school to speak to me.' She looked at the front rows where the youngest children were sitting. `You children who are going to recite the alphabet and our sums, I want you to wait for me outside so we can practice together. The rest of you are dismissed!' The daily stampede for the door began, although a considerable number of children headed for her desk. Christy smiled at the eagerness in the young faces. How she'd come to love each one of them over the course of the school year! Each had a special gift, a unique talent. The flood of questions brought her mind back to the present. Christy lined them up for a turn to speak to her. The light from outside was slightly dimmed, and Christy looked up to see David in the doorway. A smile broke out on her face. She recognized that special look in his eyes, just for her. She was glad to see him, too, but she had other things on her mind. `Hello, Rev. Grantland, we're very glad you're here just now. Zack Holt, why don't you and everyone behind you in the line ask the Preacher for help with your recitations for Friday? I'm sure he'll be glad to help us.' David's smile became a little less `special' when he heard that, but he graciously agreed to help. He sat down at one of the desks, and began to sort through the jumble of questions and requests the children all asked at once. Once in a while he caught Christy's eye, and tried to hold it, but she was too busy herself to spare more than a quick glance and smile. Eventually Christy attended to all the children around her desk. She left David inside with his crowd, and moved outside to the younger children waiting for her. `All right, children! Come and sit on the steps please.' Christy looked with pride at her youngest students. `Let's start with our ABC's. Together now: A, B, C, D, ...' and they continued through the alphabet. She noticed Mountie O'Teale, reciting without hesitation or embarrassment, and the proud smile returned to her face. When the alphabet was completed, she had them recite their addition tables. `That was perfect! I'm so proud of each one of you! I know your parents will be very proud, too.' Then with hugs and pats on the back, she sent them on their way home. David was watching from the doorway. He had finally sent off all of his students. Christy climbed the steps and stopped in front of him. `Thank you, David, for helping me take care of the children's questions. I declare, this Recitation will be the biggest event the cove has seen for a long time!' He reached for her hand. Christy returned his squeeze, and then moved into the school room. David followed her as she walked to her desk. She began to gather up her papers and books into her school bag. She stopped at one new-looking book and held it up for David to see. `David, this is the book I told you about. I want you to look at it sometime soon.' He glanced at it, and the smile faded a bit from his face as he looked away. `Is that the book about Swedish schools that you've been carrying on about?' `Not Swedish! Danish! It's about Danish Folk Schools for adults, David.' Christy knew he had made that little mistake on purpose, to show his disapproval. `This is a perfect idea for the men and women of Cutter Gap. They can learn to read and write, do basic mathematics, learn useful skills, -' David interrupted her before she could really warm up to the subject. `Christy, I'm sure it's a worthy idea, but there's just too much work at this mission already! We can hardly keep up as it is. Between our regular duties, and now with Ruby Mae sick, we just can't consider taking on additional responsibilities.' That reminder of Ruby distracted her for the moment, but she didn't intend to let the subject drop for long. `Oh! How is Ruby Mae doing? Is her sore throat any better? It's a shame for her to miss this last week of school.' `The girl just won't keep quiet, so her voice been getting worse and worse all day. Alice has gone for Dr. MacNeill. Fairlight's been brewing some of her teas, but it's not helping. Ruby Mae's been driving the two of them to distraction all day.' Christy had intended to straighten up the school room, but instead decided to head back to the mission house to check on Ruby Mae. [Theme Music plays] ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Title: Recitation Day, Part 2 Summary: Dr. MacNeill examines Ruby Mae. Guess who's coming to dinner? Author: Annie ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Part 2 `Ruby Mae, please, PLEASE! You must stop talking, or your voice will never be better by Friday!' Christy had been alternating between threatening, reasoning and pleading, but nothing worked on Ruby Mae for more than a few minutes. She sat by the bed, trying to keep her patience. `Oh, Miss Christy, I promise I'll be good! I'll be as quiet as the little mouse in the church!' Ruby Mae's voice was raw and hoarse, and it was fading hour by hour, but the force of habit was stronger than the pain in her throat. `I just got to be in the recitation - I got to! I keep sippin' Mrs. Spencer's tea from her granny, so I know I'll peart up real soon. This is only Tuesday, so I got time to heal. Don't you think, Miss Christy?' In desperation, Christy reached for the book on the night table, `Little Women', opened it to the bookmark, and started to read. She knew that Ruby Mae was truly interested in the story, and hoped that she'd calm down and listen. It worked, but once again, only for a brief time. In a voice that was barely above a harsh whisper, she burst out, `Oh, law! Don't you just swoon for that Lawrence boy next door, Miss Christy? I think he's fixin' to -' At that moment the door opened, and they both looked up to see Dr. MacNeill. `Good afternoon, Miss Huddleston. Ruby Mae, I hear that you have been most uncooperative with Miss Huddleston and the other ladies. Not a word!' She started to protest, but his deep voice and very stern manner cut her short. It even made Christy jump a little. She rose from her seat and moved around the narrow room to the foot of the bed. Dr. MacNeill took her place next to Ruby Mae, and crossed his arms on his chest. `Listen to me,' he said very sternly. `This is the last time that Miss Christy or anyone in this house is going to hear your voice, Ruby Mae, until I say otherwise. I warn you now - if you don't obey me, you'll have no voice at all. I've no doubt you've damaged your larynx severely as it is.' He paused after he spoke, almost daring Ruby Mae to speak - but she remained subdued. Christy breathed a sigh of relief. The doctor drew his saddle bags from over his shoulder and took out his stethoscope and magnifying glass. `That's better. Now turn this way a bit, toward the light. Good. Open, please. I need to look at your throat.' The doctor proceeded to examine her throat, check for fever, and listen to her breathing with the stethoscope. He asked a few questions, but only allowed Ruby Mae to shake her head or nod in answer. Finally he put down his instruments. He glanced across the bed at Christy and then turned back to the sick girl. `It's quite bad, Ruby Mae, and needlessly so. You'll have to be completely quiet from now until Friday if there's to be any hope of joining the recitation. Do you understand me? Completely quiet!' A miserable nod from a very contrite Ruby Mae was his answer. Dr. MacNeill wrapped his instruments and replaced them in the bag. As he rose he looked to Christy. `Miss Huddleston, I need to talk to you.' `Of course, Doctor. Ruby Mae, here's your book. Why don't you read a bit, and then try and rest.' He held the door for her, and followed her downstairs to the kitchen, where Fairlight was at work. Neil sat at the table, and Christy poured tea for both of them. After a few sips, he said, `It's definitely laryngitis. She has no fever, and her lungs are fine, but her larynx - her voice box - is quite inflamed. If she doesn't stop talking altogether, the swelling will close off her vocal chords.' Fairlight shook her head in wry amusement. `Doc, for Ruby Mae to be still for anything more'n a minute would be a miracle.' Neil smiled for a moment at that, but became serious again. `It must be done. Fairlight's tea will help her some, and I'll leave some medicine for her throat, but the most important thing is vocal rest. Try and keep her in bed, or indoors at the least. No strenuous activity.' He drew out a bottle from his bag and set it in front of Christy. `One spoonful in the morning, and one in the evening. Shall I write it?' He found a slip of paper and wrote the instructions. Christy answered him, `I'll see that she takes it, Dr. MacNeill, and we'll let Miss Alice know.' She knew the answer to her next question, but had to ask anyway. `Neil, is it possible for her to recover in time for the recitation? All the children have worked so hard on their presentations, and I know she'll be sorely disappointed to miss it.' He finished writing, and raised his eyes to meet her earnest look. He knew that Christy had worked hard and would be sorely disappointed, too. His voice was gentle as he said, `I'm sorry to say that her chances are bad, Miss Huddleston. That girl can't be quiet any more than the birds at sunrise. And they sound a far sight more pleasant.' Christy nodded, and smiled sadly, reaching absently for the bottle of medicine. She felt the humor in the situation - Ruby Mae without a voice! - but she also felt sorry because Ruby Mae had been looking forward to this program with great anticipation for months. Neil understood her, and answered aloud, `We'll hope for the best.' As the doctor stood and stepped toward the door, Christy remembered that she'd left the school room in a mess. `I came right back after school to see Ruby Mae, and I never finished straightening up the classroom.' She followed him out the door, and started to talk about some of the presentations. `Rob Allen has written a story just for the recitation program, but he says it's a surprise. He hasn't showed it to anyone. I think it's a story of Bonnie Prince Charlie. A number of children are going to recite the poem, `Kubla Khan'. Isaak McHone was the first to choose it, and I tried to persuade the others to find something different, but they're all determined to recite it. Four recitals! I'll try to spread them out through the program.' Neil chuckled, `Everyone in Cutter Gap may have `Kubla Khan' memorized by the end of the day!' They slowly crossed the porch together and descended the stairs. Christy smiled up at him. `Thank you for helping Zady Spencer prepare her chemistry experiment. She is so thrilled, and a little bit nervous.' `And is her teacher thrilled, too, and a little bit nervous?' He turned his head toward her slightly, and lifted his eyebrows with the question. She knew he was teasing, and answered cheerfully. `Well, doctor, if you must know, I am. If you could see all the work that the children are putting into the recitation! The days have been flying by faster and faster, and I hope that we get everything done!' `I have no doubt you will, Miss Huddleston. I'm happy to be of assistance to Zady and you. Do you still want me tomorrow for a science lecture?' `Oh, yes. Let's see, I have so many things I want to cover tomorrow! Would the afternoon be convenient for you?' `Fine. I'll be there.' Instead of turning toward the pen where his horse stood, Neil accompanied Christy as she walked to the school. She smiled questioningly at him. `I thought you were on your way to another patient?' `No, I'm through for the day,' he answered briefly. He felt no need to explain his desire to linger with her. She was glad of his company, too, and so they continued to stroll toward the school. A thought occurred to her, and she acted on the impulse. `Dr. MacNeill, would you like to stay to supper?' He looked sideways at her with a bit of surprise, and she continued quickly before he had a chance to respond, `I assure you that it's none of Ruby Mae's possum concoctions. Fairlight has prepared something wonderful for us. Won't you stay, Neil?' She turned as she spoke, walking backwards for a few steps, reinforcing the request with a light touch on his arm. Christy braced herself for a refusal, and her mind was flying to think of her next argument. Neil took her by surprise by saying simply, `Thank you, Christy - I will.' It seemed too easy, but she accepted her victory with a happy smile at Neil. As they climbed the steps to the school, Christy looked across to the mission house and the yard beyond, where David was brushing his horse, Prince. It was clear he'd been watching and listening to them since they emerged from the house. Even at this distance, she could read the displeasure on his serious face. Her smile evaporated. It annoyed her to think that he was spying on her, and she walked abruptly into the school. Neil glanced toward David for a moment, his face expressionless and mild. He then followed Christy inside. He looked up to see Bird's Eye Taylor facing Christy from the side door. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Title: Recitation Day, Part 3 Summary: Guess who's coming to the Recitation? Author: Annie ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Part 3 Dr. MacNeill's mind snapped to full alert, although nothing showed in his face or movements. He quickly spied Bird's Eye's gun resting against the door frame outside, and relaxed a little. Bird's Eyes hands were empty. Neil laid his saddle bags down on one of the back row desks, shoved one hand in his pocket and strolled slowly toward Christy, who had stopped short in the middle aisle of the school room. He broke the tense silence, speaking calmly. `Good afternoon, Bird's Eye.' Bird's Eye met his look with a cautious, icy stare. `Afternoon, Doc. Teacher.' His head turned toward Christy, who had finally recovered from her surprise. Both Christy and Neil saw that he was uncharacteristically uneasy and fidgety, but they couldn't read much more than that. She moved a few more steps toward him. `Hello, Mr. Taylor. Is there something I can do for you?' Bird's Eye's shifted his weight from one foot to another for several seconds without answering. By that time Neil had reached Christy. He placed himself next to her and a step behind. He very lightly put his hand on her back, just for a few seconds. Christy glanced up at him, then turned back to watch Bird's Eye, waiting for him to respond. Bird's Eye cleared his throat, clasped his hands before him and said, `I heered the school was puttin' on a speechifyin' meetin'.' He glanced at her briefly, suspiciously, out of the corner of his eyes. `Yes, the recitation program is this Friday.' `Does Lundy have a speakin' piece t' say in it?', he asked accusingly. `Yes, Mr. Taylor, he does. He's been absent quite a lot during the year, and hasn't been able to prepare as well as I would have liked, but he'll be quoting a passage in Latin.' Bird's Eye humphed at that, but not in displeasure. `Did that boy truly larn Latin? He kin read it and speak it?' `He can, and he shows promise in other subjects, if he could just attend school more regularly. Mr. Taylor, would you like to attend the recitation to hear Lundy?' Bird's Eye took a long time to answer. He shifted back and forth on his feet and looked blankly at the papers and artwork posted around the walls for almost a full minute. Once again, Neil quietly put his hand to Christy's back and looked down at her to lend his support as they waited. She leaned back ever so slightly to acknowledge his presence, but kept her eyes on Bird's Eye. Finally Bird's Eye said, `I b'lieve I will come. Cain't hardly b'lieve that lack-wit boy coulda lernt Latin.' `Mr. Taylor, I'll be happy to have you come to our recitation, and I know you'll be very proud of Lundy. But you must understand something. All you men must put aside your feuding for the program. I won't have the children's special day ruined with fighting among the grown-ups.' Christy tried to keep her voice calm, but the passion she felt about feuding crept into her tone. `The men don't bring their guns into the church on Sundays, and they can't come into the school house with them, either.' Now it was Christy's turn to stare at Bird's Eye. He very briefly nodded, then turned and silently left. After he was gone, Christy took a deep breath, and began to feel a little wobbly. The built-up pressure of the exchange with Bird's Eye left her out of breath and almost exhausted. Neil grasped her arm and guided her to one of the student benches. He pulled up a chair close so that he sat facing her. He studied her face as she recovered her composure. He spoke briefly but warmly. `Well done, Christy.' She looked up into his eyes and smiled a little shakily. `Thank you for your help, Neil.' `What did I do?' Their eyes held each other, and she met his gaze steadily now. `I wouldn't have liked to meet Bird's Eye Taylor in here alone.' At that he became quite serious, and took her hand between his two. He rubbed it very gently for a few moments, pressed it warmly, and then released it. He said, `Friday's recitation is likely to be a very delicate situation, Miss Huddleston,' and smiled wryly. Christy mirrored the smile. `I know - and on top of all this, I have to find something for Ruby Mae to do without speaking!' They both chuckled at that. With another deep breath, Christy got up again and began to gather papers from desks around the room. `This is what I started out to do a long time ago!' Neil asked with a grin, `Kin I holp, Teacher?' She turned to look at him, and put her hands on her hips as she thought. `Well, yes you can, thank you. The map of the United States has to be tacked up onto the side wall. I'm going to have the children make a new banner welcoming the parents to hang across the front.' Without further comment, Dr. MacNeill walked to the map and detached it from its place on the front wall. Christy pointed him to the new location, and directed him as he hung it. She kept changing her mind about the height and position, but just when Neil's exasperation was starting to show, she declared that it was perfect. He couldn't resist fuming a bit. `Serves me right for volunteering!' She was all sweetness in her answer. `Thank you, doctor. You're always a big help to me.' He realized she was teasing, but maintained his gruffness, responding with a growl. Neil saw Christy's eyes light up as a new thought occurred to her. `Neil, why are the mountain folk so set on having their children learn Latin? You saw how Mr. Taylor reacted when I told him Lundy would be reciting in Latin. Why that subject, of all subjects? Miss Alice says it's because of long headedness, but I don't understand.' Neil came a few steps closer to Christy. He gripped the lapels of his vest and gazed thoughtfully at the blackboard behind her. She smiled, thinking how much he looked like a professor. He began, `Well, the tradition goes back to Scotland; and even there, it goes much further back. Long, long ago the only education available in any part of Europe was through the Church. Until 1611, when King James Stuart put his blessing on an English translation, the only `authorized' version was in Latin. So, to get an education, they had to have Latin.' He turned to Christy as he concluded. `And though the need is gone now, the tradition has survived to this day.' Christy nodded. Sometimes she was annoyed by Dr. MacNeill's know-it-all attitude, but she had to admit to herself that he certainly did know a lot! By now the room was in order, and Christy was about ready to leave, but Neil began a leisurely tour of the students' papers and artwork posted on the walls. She was in no hurry, and so she joined him, allowing him to read in silence. He commented on some of the work, and asked a few questions. After the tour was completed, they stood together at her desk.He spoke sincerely. `Christy, you've done a very good job with the children. Considering where they started, I'd say your accomplishment is tremendous.' She was a little embarrassed by the praise, but she was ready to share it with the children. `Doctor, the children are the ones who have made tremendous accomplishments. They have such a desire to learn. They give me the strength to keep going. You know, I've had to work hard myself to stay ahead of them!' He smiled a little mischievously, and said, `That's good for you as well, then. It won't do to have the teacher fall behind the class, will it? Seriously, though, this one year of school has probably given them more education than some of their parents ever had in their whole lives.' Once again, Neil saw the light in her eyes as another idea popped into her head. He braced himself for the rush of enthusiasm. `Oh! That reminds me of my idea!' He crossed his arms on his chest, grinned and leaned forward to meet her eye again. `And what idea might that be?' Before Christy could answer, they heard a step at the door. Both heads turned simultaneously to see a very displeased David Grantland standing in the doorway, hands on his hips. Christy's expression changed quickly from pleasure to surprise to annoyance, while the slightest grin remained on Neil's lips. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Title: Recitation Day, Part 4 Summary: Supper at the mission house. Christy's idea for an adult school gets a mixed review. Author: Annie siriae@hotmail.com ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Part 4 Dr. MacNeill hadn't been a guest for supper at the mission house since Thanksgiving time, when Christy's father was visiting. Of course, he'd been in and around the house so often that it didn't really seem unusual for him to be seated at the table. Naturally, the discussion centered on preparations for the recitation. Even David, who'd been somewhat sullen at the start of the meal, had become caught up in the excitement of the coming event. Christy was talking about Creed Allen. `I promised him on my first day of school that he could bring his raccoon to the recitation. It was the only way to get him to leave Scalawag at home. And now he's got a whole science lecture planned on the nature of raccoons!' David added, `I'm afraid people may consider a lecture on raccoons to be more amusing than informative, even though Creed will be all seriousness.' `That's true, Reverend,' agreed Dr. MacNeill. `He came to me a while ago for a scientific consultation. The boy couldn't be more interested in his subject.' Miss Alice said, `That is exactly what Miss Huddleston has hoped for - to inspire the children to learn, to be passionate about learning. Thee must not worry about keeping the program in `proper order', Miss Huddleston. The parents will appreciate every child's presentation, regardless of a schedule. People of Cutter Gap aren't used to the kind of school program thee had in Asheville.' Christy smiled at Miss Alice's encouragement, but then sighed. `It's just a shame that Ruby Mae probably won't be able to take part at all.' David responded, `Christy, you know that Ruby Mae did this to herself. Even now, after all the warnings, she still tries to talk in her tortured, croaking whisper to anyone who comes in sight - except for you, Doc,' he added with a nod to Dr. MacNeill. Christy stood up to clear the plates. When she returned from the kitchen, the others noticed a smile on her lips and a brighter look in her eyes. David asked, `Well, Christy, I see that an idea has come into your head. Can you share it with the rest of us? -Unless it involves even more work and responsibilities, that is.' Christy understood that remark well enough: he was sniping at her adult school idea. She looked daggers at him, and then turned her back on him to speak to Dr. MacNeill and Miss Alice. `I had an idea for Ruby Mae! She can make the welcome banner for the parents. She won't have to talk, and she'll make an important contribution. Fairlight and I already traced some of the letters. Ruby Mae can cut out the letters, paint them, and string them together.' Alice commended her. `That is an excellent idea, Miss Huddleston! If you wish, I will be happy to supervise Ruby Mae's work.' Miss Alice's quaint smile crossed her lips. `This should be an interesting turnabout: she will be silent, and I will do all the talking!' With that settled, Christy and Alice carried the last of plates out to the kitchen. When they returned to the table, Christy brought the pie Fairlight had made for dessert, and Alice carried in the coffee. Christy was still stung by David's slighting remark. She felt he hadn't given her a fair chance to explain the adult school. As she served the pie, she decided to try the topic again. `Dr. MacNeill, I started to tell you earlier about an idea I have for adult education.' The doctor looked up at her as he accepted the plate. `Yes, Miss Huddleston?' David groaned under his breath, and asked, `Are you going to quote from your wonderful book again?' He intended to sound teasing, but there was an edge to his words that cut Christy. Nettled by his sarcasm, she shot back, `It IS a wonderful book, David, and a wonderful idea for Cutter Gap! I don't understand why you're so set against it! You don't even want to hear me out!' Neil broke in to ask, `What's this all about?' Christy took a deep breath to calm herself. Ignoring David, she explained that she received a book from a friend of her mother, Mrs. Brown, who had traveled to Denmark. Many years ago a doctor there formed schools for adults, where rural people could learn reading, writing and arithmetic - not as children learn, but with application to their adult needs. In these Folk Schools, they could also learn manual skills, such as cabinet-making or farming techniques, which would help to improve their standard of living. Mrs. Brown visited one of these schools, was well impressed, and brought the book home for Christy. As Christy continued her explanation, her enthusiasm grew. Although David fidgeted, Dr. MacNeill and Miss Alice listened with interest. Christy badly wanted their approval, so she tried to finish with a strong argument. `The book tells stories of people whose lives were wonderfully changed by these schools. As I read about them, I just knew that something like this would be perfect for the men and women of the cove!' Dr. MacNeill was the first to respond. `I've heard of these Danish Folk Schools.' `You have!' Alice and Christy exclaimed in unison. `Yes, in fact, there was a Danish man I knew in medical school in Scotland who'd come from a Folk School. His name was Jensen. He started attending the Folk School around age 21, when he was old enough to appreciate the value of an education. Jensen was a bit older than most of the medical students, but there were none brighter or more enthusiastic. I recall he was a very happy man.' Christy picked up on that thought. `Yes, the book says that people who learn later in life have a great appreciation for their education. It brings a joy to them - like Fairlight's joy at reading.' She turned toward David as she continued, `That's what I'd like to bring to the mountain people. We ARE here to serve, you know.' By now, David felt cornered, and tried to make a concession. `Christy, it's an admirable goal. However, things are not the same here as in Denmark. You can't expect the same things to work here in Cutter Gap.' Alice's eyebrows went up as she asked him, `Aside from the climate, in what ways are things different?' `For one thing, the people are different.' Alice disagreed. `People are the same around the world, David. They have the same needs, the same desires and hopes.' `Not really. The Scandinavians are industrious and active. Here, the men are born idle and lazy. Superstition is bred into them. It's asking too much to expect them to compete with Christy's wonderful book.' Dr. MacNeill spoke calmly, although Christy saw that he was stung by that comment. `So you write all of us off as shiftless, superstitious and hopelessly ignorant.' David was caught off guard. `Us?' `You forget I'm a mountain man. How do you think I got where I am now?' David fumbled a little for his next words. `Well, but you... you're different.' He raised his voice only slightly, but Christy felt the anger behind the words. `Not different at all. Those doctors who came camping here had the same idea as Christy - they saw a potential in me, though I was just a boy, and gave me a chance to fulfill it.' David didn't give in, though. `Doctor, the habits of these people are too strong, too deep to be overcome with a few reading classes. If there is any hope, it's with the next generation.' Before Christy or Alice could speak, the doctor abruptly rose from his chair. He was clearly annoyed. `I'm going to check on Ruby Mae.' He turned as he reached the stairs. It must have been a great effort to keep his voice under control. `Thank you for a lovely dinner. Miss Huddleston, shall I tell her about that school banner?' Christy's mind was still caught up in the argument, and it took her a few moments to comprehend the question. `Umm... Why, yes, thank you doctor. That would be very good of you.' He left without further comment. After he was gone, there were several moments of silence as the three remaining conversants gathered their thoughts. They listened to his footsteps and the door opening and closing in the hallway upstairs. David leaned back, relieved. He hoped the discussion was over. Christy was as annoyed as Dr. MacNeill, but she wasn't ready to back off yet. Miss Alice was thinking over the conversation. She wasn't surprised by Christy's enthusiasm, but Neil's support for the idea was unexpected, as was David's stubborn rejection of it. Before Christy could recommence her attack, Alice asked David to explain why he believed this wasn't a good idea for Cutter Gap. David's voice reflected the frustration he had felt for a long time. `Well, it's clear to me that the men here will never aspire to improve themselves. After the fire in the school, most wouldn't help to rebuild it for their own children. They wouldn't lift a finger to string the cable for the telephone, even though it's turned out to be a real Godsend for nearly every family at one time or another.' Christy felt her own temper rising as she answered. `Maybe those were our plans, David, and not the mountain men's. If they believed in an idea, they'd join in. Look at how they all worked together to bring the church bell up from El Pano.' David was stubborn in his insistence, and his voice rose as he spoke. `They're not bad people, Christy, and they often mean well. But there's no consistency - I just don't see that they'll ever truly change.' Alice asked, `Are you here to change these people or to serve them?' He wasn't going to admit anything now. `You both want me to do more and more for these people, but they're set in their ways, and they fight against any change or improvement! They don't even maintain their own homes. They're plain lazy. The only real effort some of them make is for their moonshine still! They're only passionate about feuding!' David had worked himself up to quite a fervent level, and Christy's irritation rose to match it. `David, you're being completely unfair! You're angry because they don't jump up to carry out your wishes. I know that they are far from perfect, but you're wrong to dismiss them so lightly!' Christy stood and stormed outside onto the porch, where she bumped directly into Dr. MacNeill. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Title: Recitation Day, Part 5 Summary: Christy and Neil walk and talk. Author: Annie siriae@hotmail.com ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Part 5 Dr. MacNeill had just come down the outside staircase from Ruby Mae's sick room. He saw Christy coming and braced himself for the collision, or else she might have knocked him back a few steps in spite of her small stature. His arms came up to steady her as she reeled. `I beg your pardon, Miss Huddleston.' He saw that Christy was furious from her argument inside, and wisely hid his amusement. He took her arm to lead her across the porch and down to the yard. He watched for a minute while she caught her breath and regained her self-control. She opened her mouth to speak, but Neil raised his finger to his lips to signal silence. She was still agitated, and tried to start again, but he cut her off by asking, `Will you walk with me, Christy?' With his finger raised again, he gestured with his other hand toward the pond. They walked in silence, and Neil kept their pace slow. Soon the flush of anger and the racing of Christy's heart began to subside. She noticed the beauty of their surroundings. Daylight still lingered in the clear, peaceful summer sky, although some stars had appeared in the deeper blue of the east. The thin crescent of a pale new moon hung above the glowing western horizon. She turned to study Neil's face as they walked. This had become her unconscious habit - to watch him and try to read his thoughts. He seemed to have recovered from the sparring with David. He looked down at her, and the calm of his gaze helped to cool Christy as well. Soon she was content to walk in silence beside him - let the words wait. They reached the gazebo, and stepped up onto its wooden floor. Neil sat down on the bench, took out his pipe, and methodically began to fill and light it. Christy leaned against the railing, watching him, waiting for him. When the smoke was finally drawing to his satisfaction, he looked up at Christy and asked, `Now, why don't you tell me what it is you have in mind for this Folk School? Christy's eagerness instantly returned, and she was ready with a long list. `There's so much that could be done! Of course, we need to have the basics of reading and writing and arithmetic, but not the same way we teach the children. They need to have these subjects applied to their own adult needs. Then the men could add carpentry, farming techniques, cabinet-making. There are so many forgotten skills that could be revived.' She was gathering steam now. `For the women there are crafts like weaving or needlepoint, herb gardening, cooking. And then in the different seasons -' Neil put up his hand to stop the energetic flow of words. `Christy! You're trying to take on too much at once. You can't create a complete curriculum out of nothing. That's just setting yourself up for failure!' She looked at him with surprise. `Doctor, I thought you said this school was a good idea!' `It is!' He pointed his finger at her. `But don't do what you just accused Reverend Grantland of doing - coming up with a plan and expecting everyone else to jump up and carry it out.' Christy was stunned to hear her own words quoted back to herself. Dr. MacNeill went on, `Yes, I heard what you said back there - the walls in the house are pretty thin, especially at that level of shouting. He doesn't understand these people, Christy - that's why it wasn't worth arguing with him. But I thought YOU understood!' Christy's first impulse was to argue right back at Neil, just as she had done with David. But as she opened her mouth to speak, her conscience overwhelmed her, stopping her short. She felt the truth of his criticism. Neil was right! How could she accuse David of imposing his ideas on others, and then do the same thing herself? A hot blush of shame crept up her neck to her cheeks, and she turned away guiltily. Now her anger was directed at herself. `Oh, Neil, you're right! You've told me that my -' Christy paused, and said it as an admission, `- meddling has caused all kinds of problems in the past.' She began to pace the length of the gazebo. `I let my ideas run away, and I never consider what the consequences might be until it's too late.' Neil stopped her again, catching her hand as she went by. `Christy. That's not what I meant at all.' But she turned away, staring out across the pond. He gently tugged on her hand. `You've opened up your heart to the mountain people - to all of us. You took us all into your heart. And that's why it hurts so much when your ideas fail.' Christy abruptly sat down next to him. She doubted her abilities, her ideas, her motives. She didn't want to face Neil, but another tug on her hand, which he still held, brought her eyes around to meet his. Now her released her hand, and turned toward her, resting his arm on the railing behind them. Neil continued in a low, soft voice. `That's also why you succeed much more often than you fail, Christy.' He paused to let it sink in. `What I meant to say was that you can't start with the final product - you've got to have a Step One, and then find a way to achieve it. If the people of the cove feel a need to be educated, if they see a use for it, maybe they'll want to come to your Folk School.' His look and words began to soothe the frustration and fear she was struggling with. He was looking straight into her eyes, straight into her heart, and her heart responded with gratitude as she listened to his truthful and kind words. `The Folk School is a good idea for Cutter Gap, Christy. I know that change will come to the mountains - it can't be stopped. I don't call it progress. But this kind of change is better for my people than having outsiders come in to take advantage of them. It's happened before - some families who left the cove for the city weren't able to survive there. Better to help prepare people for the outside world than to let them be swallowed up by it.' Christy knew he was trying to help, but she still felt discouraged and deflated. `But how can it work? David's refused to teach. I know some of the women will come - they see how excited Fairlight has been since she learned to read. But even if that works, I can't teach the men - another man has to do that.' They were both silent for a moment. Then Neil said, `I wish I could help you, Christy.' `Oh, I know how busy you are, Doctor. You have your trachoma research, and you never know when emergencies will call you away. And it's not just Cutter Gap, but Low Gap, Lufty Branch, Raven Gap...' Her voice trailed off. Neil rose and looked out across the pond. After a minute, Christy came to stand next to him, gazing at the lovely scene before them. The still water reflected the last glow of gold fading in the clear western sky. She felt his hand on her shoulder. `Christy, don't fret yourself over this too much. If it's a good idea, there's plenty of time to work it out.' He was studying her expression.`Where's your faith?' This brought a little smile to Christy's face. She lifted her head to meet his eye, thanked him, and then leaned lightly back against his chest, appreciating his friendship and comfort. They stayed just this way for some time, watching more and more stars appear in the deepening violet-blue sky. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Title: Recitation Day, Part 6 Summary: Dr. MacNeill presents another famous Scotsman to the students. Lundy gets cold feet (figuratively). Author: Annie ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Part 6 At breakfast the next morning, to no one's surprise, Alice Henderson reported that Ruby Mae had completely lost her voice. Christy didn't have the heart to scold the poor girl, so she put her to work on the welcome banner right after breakfast, which cheered her up immensely. True to her word, Miss Alice bravely remained with Ruby Mae to supervise her progress. As she walked across to the school house, Christy felt a strange mixture of feelings. She'd been looking forward to the recitation and the close of the school year, and yet it seemed that it was all coming to an end too soon. The hours sped by as Christy and the children went through their last lessons in arithmetic, geography, penmanship. When David came in to teach the final Bible lesson, she was surprised that most of the morning was already gone. They hadn't spoken since last night's argument, and were rather cautious and formal with each other. Christy noticed some of the children observing them closely, and tried to act relaxed and normal. She stayed with the class for David's lesson, watching and helping as she was needed. When lunch time came, Christy approached David to ask a favor. `David, I told Ruby Mae she could attend Dr. MacNeill's science lecture this afternoon if she absolutely promises to rest her voice. Miss Alice has been helping her with the welcome banner all morning, and I'm sure she'll be relieved to send her over here for a while.' Even voiceless, Ruby Mae would be a handful. The mental picture of Alice Henderson frazzled and exhausted by a full morning with Ruby Mae brought a smile to both faces, easing the tension between them. She continued, `Would you be so good as to escort Ruby Mae from the mission house for the science lesson after lunch? She'll have to return as soon as it's over.' David was relieved to be able to do something for Christy. `Of course, I'd be glad to, Christy.' He started to say more, but a ruckus just outside the door claimed their attention. They hurried down the steps to pull Creed Allen and Zack Holt apart. Both boys had picked flowers for Teacher, and were fighting to be first to reach her with the present. Preacher's loud voice halted the dispute, which was easily resolved: Christy reached out a hand to each boy and received their slightly crumpled gifts at the same time. She and the boys went inside to find a suitable vase for her flowers, and David headed for the mission house to rescue Alice from Ruby Mae. As Christy ate her lunch on the school house steps with the children, her eye caught sight of Dr. MacNeill riding toward her across the meadow. She smiled a little sadly. She had enjoyed each of his presentations fully as much as the children, and she felt sorry that this would be the last one for a long time. Without thinking, she stood and walked slowly down to the hitching post to meet him as he pulled up. The feeling of nostalgia was strong, and the doctor noticed her look of melancholy as he dismounted. `Is something wrong, Miss Huddleston?' he queried. He wondered if she was still worrying about her folk school plan. `No, nothing really. I've just been thinking of all the wonderful lessons you've given for the children, and I'll miss them, now that school is closing.' Neil cheerfully answered, `I'll be glad to come and deliver science lectures for you any time you like, Miss Huddleston!' Her melancholy evaporated into the bright sunshine as she recalled his kind words last night, and saw his friendly, open countenance. She returned his smile with heartfelt gratitude. The children now gathered around them, asking the doctor what he was teaching today. He held a large, bulky object, wrapped in a burlap sack, and their curiosity demanded to be satisfied. He wouldn't tell, of course, but instead shooed them back toward the school house. `You'll find out soon enough! Shall we start our lesson, Miss Huddleston? Come, boys and girls!' And he bounded up the steps into the schoolroom, with the children flocking after him. Christy saw David leading Ruby Mae from the mission house, and waited for them to arrive before she entered. As they approached, she warned Ruby Mae, `Remember, Dr. MacNeill will be very upset if you try to talk. You'll have to be on your best behavior.' Ruby Mae soberly nodded her understanding, and entered. With Ruby Mae out of earshot, Christy whispered to David, `How is Miss Alice?' He glanced about to be sure he wouldn't be overheard, and then answered, `I think she'll be all right - eventually.' He didn't have a chance to say more, because Dr. MacNeill was just beginning to speak. The children were already seated and quiet, their eyes fastened on the doctor, who stood at Christy's desk. Dr. MacNeill's lecture was about James Watt, a Scotsman who developed the piston steam engine. His mysterious bundle proved to be a working model of a steam engine, with half of one cylinder cut away to show the inner workings. Christy marveled at it, wondering where it could have come from. He demonstrated how steam drives the piston back and forth, which drives the flywheel, which in turn moves the wheels of the train. He spoke with great enthusiasm, which each of the observers absorbed and reflected. `James Watt didn't actually invent the steam engine - that was probably done by the ancient Egyptians. However, he made it useful and efficient by the addition of the double-action piston.' Neil pointed to different parts on the cut-away as he described the process. `Steam is injected first into one side of the cylinder, and forces the piston forward. As it moves, the piston rod turns the flywheel, which in turn moves the slide valve to open the other side of the cylinder. Now steam enters the other side, and pushes the piston back. Each piston movement turns the flywheel a bit more, and soon it's moving a whole train. Watch now!' Dr. MacNeill paused to demonstrate by puffing air through a tube into the sealed cylinder. As the flywheel began to rotate, there was an appreciative gasp from the children. `That was almost 150 years ago, but the same principle is still in use in our train engines today. It was an American, Oliver Evans, who discovered a way to use high pressure steam, but Watt's engine design is what still drives trains today.' Christy and the children, as usual, were enthralled by the doctor. She noticed that David was fascinated as well. At the end of the lesson, David only stayed to hear a few questions, and then shepherded Ruby Mae toward the door. Dr. MacNeill called out to him, `Reverend! Thank you for bringing Ruby Mae - and for getting her back indoors as soon as possible.' David nodded his acknowledgment. Christy congratulated Ruby Mae for her silence throughout the lesson. She opened her mouth to attempt an answer, but no sound at all came out. She started to try again, but saw Dr. MacNeill watching her, and just nodded her head as David led her out the door. Neil allowed the children to come and examine the piston model. As they were gathered around the desk at the front, Christy reminded them of tomorrow's activities - instead of lessons, their day would consist of decorating the school room for the recitation, and then a class picnic. She then dismissed them for the day. Zady Spencer remained behind to ask the doctor a few questions about her chemistry presentation for the recitation. Christy watched with great pleasure as the young girl verified all her formulas. Finally Zady was satisfied that everything was ready. `Thanks, Doc MacNeill. I'm obliged for all your help.' `It's my pleasure, Zady,' he answered, `especially for someone as clever in science as yourself.' Zady smiled proudly, bid them both goodbye, and lightly ran down the steps. Neil nodded his head after Zady. `That girl has the sharpest mind for science in your whole school.' Christy's head nodded in agreement. `Yes, and you were the one to help her discover and develop it.' Their eyes met for just a moment, and then Neil turned back to the model. Christy hadn't been able to get a close-up look at it while the children were there, and now she approached it with great curiosity. `Neil, that was a fascinating lecture today. Where on earth did you get a model steam engine?' Her hands went out to examine the steel contraption. It looked very heavy to her, although he had handled it rather easily. His look was a bit crafty. `Oh, I was in El Pano last month to pick up my medical supplies, and I had a little conversation with Javis MacDonald, the railroad conductor, and Tom Franklin, the engineer. They borrowed it from a railroad museum in Knoxville for me. In fact, they would have come here themselves if they'd been able to. Look here on the cut-away. You see, this is where the steam is injected.' He held her finger and pushed the piston to move it across the cylinder. Christy became absorbed in the movement of the engine model, and didn't notice that Neil was absorbed in studying her face. She finally turned to him and joked, `Maybe I will ask for my own science lectures after all!' He chuckled as he wrapped the model in the sack, tucked it under his arm, and headed out the door. Christy followed him to his horse. `You will come Friday for the recitation?' Neil acted surprised. `I wouldn't miss it, Miss Huddleston!' He waved, then turned his horse and rode across the meadow. Christy watched him canter away, and then walked back into the school room to make sure everything was in order. To her surprise, Lundy Taylor stood at her desk. He must have been waiting for the doctor to leave before he approached her. She quickened her steps as she approached him. `Lundy, what is it? Do you want to practice your Latin recitation again?' Lundy showed the same nervous habits that his father had in the same place one day ago: shifting his feet, clasping his hands, staring about the room. Now Christy waited for his response as she had waited for Bird's Eye's. `Teacher, I ain't gonna recite no Latin. I cain't do it. Ya know I'll never recollect it - an' there's no use tryin'.' He spoke quickly and harshly, as though he wanted to prevent her from trying to persuade him. Christy opened her mouth to say, `Of course you have to do it,' but she caught herself, and instead approached him more gently. `Lundy, I know you're well prepared. I've heard you recite the passage, and I know you can do it perfectly. So why are you changing your mind now?' He kicked at the floor and sullenly repeated, `It's jes' no use tryin'.' But Christy waited for more of an answer. Finally, in an exasperated voice he said, `I know my Pa's comin', and he don't like no book larnin'. Don't wanna be shamed in front of him.' `Oh, but he does approve, Lundy! When he heard that you were reciting Latin, he was very impressed - he definitely liked it.' Lundy looked suspicious, but Christy continued to reassure him that his father would be proud to hear his recitation. `Please don't give up, Lundy.' He finally promised to go through with it. With relief she watched him leave. When she looked toward the back of the room, she saw David in the doorway, and wondered how much of the conversation he'd heard. `Christy, I've come to apologize for my behavior last night. I was completely wrong to speak so rudely. Can you forgive me?' He looked very sincerely sorry. Her generous heart instantly warmed. `Of course I will, David.' She let him take her hands, but when he leaned down to kiss her, she stepped back. She still held his eyes. `David, I need to apologize, too. I was wrong to try and force you to support all my ideas. All I want is for you to look at my folk school book.' She couldn't resist the question: `Do you still feel the same way about the adult school?' As soon as the words were out, she regretted them. She immediately read the hesitation in his face, and knew the answer. Her discouragement was clear. David tried to soothe her. `Christy, I know how important this is to you, and I don't want to argue again. Can we please let the subject drop for now? Maybe when things calm down around here a bit...' This didn't satisfy Christy, but she appreciated his effort to make peace, so she agreed. To change the subject, David asked if there was a problem with Lundy. Christy answered, `Well, he was nervous about his Latin recitation in front of his father, and he needed some reassuring. I think he'll do just fine.' David's eyes popped wide open. `Bird's Eye is going to be at the program on Friday?!' `Yes, well, his son is taking part in it. All the parents are invited, David. I couldn't leave Mr. Taylor out.' Christy felt rather defensive. David was quickly becoming agitated. `But think of Taylors and Allens all together here! Right here!' His arms opened wide to the school room. `It'll be a keg of very dry gun powder on a very hot day, with sparks flying!' She tried to keep her voice calm and reassuring. `Dr. MacNeill and I spoke to Mr. Taylor yesterday. He and the other men have agreed to leave their guns behind. We told him in no uncertain terms that feuding will not be tolerated at the recitation. He accepted that.' The mention of Dr. MacNeill's name didn't help to calm David. He mumbled to himself, `MacNeill again?' He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. `Christy, Bird's Eye has a right to come, but I believe that this is a very bad risk to take.' Christy was worried now, but she wouldn't give in. `We'll have to pray and trust God, and hope that they keep their word.' ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Title: Recitation Day, Part 7 (Final) Summary: The big day is finally here! Author: Annie siriae@hotmail.com ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ DISCLAIMER REMINDER: `Recitation Day'is only meant to be an episode. I didn't attempt to solve all problems or resolve all relationships. Some of you may be disappointed that Margaret (tMW) wasn't mentioned. Some may not. I tried to work in as many of the children as possible. Breathe easy, techno-phobes: there are no engines or chemistry equations in this chapter. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Part 7 Recitation Day finally arrived. Christy wasn't able to eat much breakfast, so she walked across to the school earlier than usual. There she found the Holcombs and Coburns, waiting on the benches. The men stood as she entered. `Kin we do sompthin' t' holp you, Miss Christy?' She'd brought Ruby Mae's brightly colored `Welcome Parents' banner, and asked them to hang it across the front of the room. By the time it was up, more families had arrived. They were all dressed in their Sunday best, and there was a look of eager expectation on every face. Christy felt butterflies in her stomach as people continued to pour into the school house, but she guessed that most of the children felt that way, too. The last-minute whispered conferences with the children kept her busy, so very soon she didn't notice the nervousness as much. As the crowd grew, she kept an eye on the Allen family members. When Bird's Eye Taylor entered the school just minutes before the program began, the noise of voices dimmed for a few moments. He had kept his word - he wasn't carrying a gun. He stood silently at the back of the room, staring forward. The Allens eyed him suspiciously. When nothing else happened, the voices resumed, although rather subdued. Christy was relieved that they were ignoring each other... So far. The program began with all the children singing `America the Beautiful' and then `Sourwood Mountain', their favorite song. Mountie O'Teale had the first speaking piece: she welcomed the parents, and finished by saying, `We hope you'll enjoy our recitation today.' She didn't stutter even once! Christy gave her a big smile as the parents clapped for her. Then the recitation went into full swing, and Christy's nervousness disappeared. Each child contributed, whether it was a poem, story, experiment, report, or song. The parents clapped appreciatively for each child, even those who stumbled through their part. No one objected at all to the second rendition of `Kubla Khan', and Christy hoped that the third and fourth would be received just as well - Isaak McHone, who would likely give the best presentation, was scheduled to recite it last. Lundy's recitation of Cicero went surprisingly well, and he grinned as he received his applause. Christy glanced toward the back wall, and thought she saw an approving half-grin on Mr. Taylor's face, and a gleam in his eye that could have been pride. Lundy had seen him, too. Ruby Mae, who stayed near the back of the room between Miss Alice and Dr. MacNeill, was praised for her fine work on the banner. Christy called her forward to take a bow. She glowed with pride, but remarkably didn't attempt to speak. Christy had warned the other children not to make any comments about Ruby Mae's laryngitis, but she noticed a few whispers behind hands. There was a brief pause in the program for lunch. Some of the families moved outdoors to eat on the steps or on the grass around the school house, but many remained right where they were, not wanting to give up their place. Christy snatched a quick lunch, and spent most of the break conferring with one child or another about the afternoon presentations. She managed to stop for a few moments to speak with Dr. MacNeill and Miss Alice and Ruby Mae, but then the crowd surged back inside, eager to see more. Before Christy moved to front of the room, Alice touched her cheek. `Thee has brought about a wonderful thing here, Miss Huddleston. The seeds you planted have begun to bloom even now.' Ruby Mae hugged her tightly. Neil nodded and smiled. With that encouragement, Christy opened the second half of the recitation. David ran the Bible memory contest, with a number of children reciting long passages of scripture. Creed Allen surprised everyone by reciting the longest passage - a genealogy out of the book of Numbers! He held his pet raccoon, Scalawag, as Christy had promised him he could on the first day of school. David followed along in his Bible, and looked over at Christy with an astonished nod to affirm that Creed had indeed recited all the `begats' correctly. The applause as he accepted the prize was thunderous. His enjoyment of the moment was spoiled a bit when Jeb Spencer's dogs rushed in from outdoors to chase after Scalawag, but the dogs were called off, and Scalawag survived the fright. Creed was relieved, too, since he hadn't given his science report about raccoons yet. One presentation followed another throughout the day. Rob Allen's story was indeed about Bonnie Prince Charlie - he kept the whole audience spellbound throughout the adventure, and was loudly praised by all. After all the children had recited, Christy awarded the prizes for spelling, arithmetic, geography, Latin, penmanship and other subjects. She had made every student a certificate for the completion of their studies. Christy was savoring each moment of the program, watching each child's face, trying to commit it all to memory. To her great relief, the Taylors and Allens seem to have forgotten each other. The program finally came to a close with another song by the whole school. The parents joined in as they sang `Down in the Valley'. Then, just when Christy was about to make her closing remarks, John Spencer, Rob Allen and Bessie Coburn, her three Junior Teachers, stood up in front of the crowd. This wasn't on her schedule of events, so she waited to see what they would say. Each one spoke briefly about her and what she'd done for the school. John Spencer spoke last, and he finished by saying, `Miss Christy, come on up here, please.' She walked forward, feeling all eyes on her. Her nervousness returned in a rush. `Miss Christy, we want to thank you for all the things you taught us this year, and for all the hard work you did for our school. We're obliged to you.' Rob Allen turned to take a wrapped present from his brother, Little Burl. He now presented it to Christy. `Go ahead and open it, Miss Christy. Uncle Bogg made it - it's from all of us.' Christy tore open the brown paper to reveal a beautiful carving of a horse. Now she was speechless, and her vision blurred from tears of joy, but it didn't matter, since all the parents and children were stomping and clapping and cheering. The children crowded around her. When the applause finally died down, she thanked them, and told them how much it meant to her, how privileged she felt to teach here. Her prepared remarks were forgotten, and she spoke from her heart. She kept her speech very short, because she feared her voice might choke with emotion. Finally, she dismissed everyone to the reception in the meadow. Outside, there were tables and tables covered with pies and all sorts of baked goods, brought by all the families of the cove. Several men had brought their instruments, and Christy soon heard some music starting up. Students and parents, one after the other, took their turn to thank her and congratulate her. Children wanted to hold her hand one more time, or stand near their Teacher, and parents wanted to express their pride in what had been accomplished. In fact, Christy was so popular that she never got to the refreshment tables at all. At one point, David brought her a glass of juice, but they didn't have more than a minute together before she was caught up in a crowd of children again. Finally as the families began to head for home, she stood before the empty tables, exhausted and happy. Her only regret was that she'd missed all the food. Dr. MacNeill waited for the crowd to disperse before approaching Christy. She saw him coming with his hands behind his back, and she watched curiously. As he reached her, he carefully brought his hands around to reveal a plate with a large piece of apple pie dusted with white sugar, and a glass of lemonade. Christy realized she was starved, and eagerly thanked him as she took the plate. He looked at her with a mysterious grin, and as she devoured the delicious pie, he signaled with his head to someone behind her. She turned to see Jeb Spencer and Bob Allen. She hadn't spoken to them earlier, so she greeted them and praised their wonderful children. They also wore curious expressions, and Christy began to feel a little suspicious. She turned back to Neil with a questioning look. He cleared his throat. `Miss Huddleston, I would like to introduce you to the charter members of the Cutter Gap Adult School.' The two mountain men stood at attention. Her jaw dropped open, and she nearly dropped the plate as well. Neil reached out to steady her hand. Now he was smiling broadly. Jeb Spencer spoke up, `I reckon I cain't let my young'uns git too much smarter than their daddy. After the fall, when we git a wee bit o' time away from the fields and bee hives, I'll be proud to git me some book larnin'.' Bob Allen said, `Mind you, I don't want nothin' fancy, but I figger that some book larnin' could help me when I do mill business in El Pano. Doc here says he'll help us git started.' Christy turned wide surprised eyes to Neil, and received a wink. She couldn't believe what she was hearing! Had Neil MacNeill volunteered to teach in the adult school? The two men bid her good evening and rejoined their families. She nodded to them, but immediately turned back to stare at the doctor again. Her mind was whirling. Christy finally found her voice, but couldn't figure out just what to say or ask. `Neil, did - ... How did they - ... I mean, what - ...' He allowed her to stutter out a few more half sentences, and then answered the question she meant to ask. `Christy, I told you the other night your idea's a good one. I told you I wanted to help.' He paused and looked around the meadow before continuing. `I've thought about it more since then. This school is something that will help my people.' His eyes were serious now as they came back to meet hers. `In the long run, it can improve their lives, put more food on the table. I've got to keep stitching up knife and gunshot wounds, and tending trachoma cases, but it's this school that will start to solve those very problems.' A grin returned to his face. `I'll just have to make the time for it.' Christy's hand reached out to rest on his arm. He winked again. `I told you, there's plenty of time to work it all out.' Christy beamed a beautiful smile at Neil. `I have faith, Doctor.' THE END [Theme music plays: http://www2.tsixroads.com/~sonja1/christy.mid (cheers, Sonja!)] As the credits roll across the screen: Little Burl and Creed Allen race up to Christy and the doctor. Creed takes Christy's hand and he begins to tug her toward the school house. Burl does the same with Dr.MacNeill. They allow themselves to be led up the hill to the flagpole, where they assist the boys in lowering and folding the flag. The End!