“I trust that you will find our association agreeable,” said Miss Nermal, smiling and walking toward him.

This remark turned Belton’s mind to thoughts that stimulated him to a brisk reply.  “Oh assuredly, Miss Nermal.  I am already more than satisfied that I shall expect much joy and pleasure from my association with you—­I—­I—­I mean the teachers.”

Belton felt that he had made a bad break and looked around a little uneasily at the principal, violently condemning in his heart that rule which led principals to escort young men around; especially when there was a likelihood of meeting with such a lovely girl.  If you had consulted Belton’s wishes at that moment, school would have been adjourned immediately, the principal excused, and himself allowed to look at and talk to Miss Nermal as much as he desired.

However, this was not to be.  The principal moved to the door to continue his tour.  Belton reluctantly followed.  He didn’t see the need of getting acquainted with all the teachers in one day.  He thought that there were too many teachers in that building, anyhow.  These were Belton’s rebellious thoughts as he left Miss Nermal’s room.

Nevertheless, he finished his journey around to the various rooms and afterwards assumed charge of his own room.  Some might ascribe his awkwardness in his room that day to the fact that the work was new to him.  But we prefer to think that certain new and pleasing sensations in his bosom were responsible.

When the young lady teachers got together at noon that day, the question was passed around as to what was thought of Mr. Piedmont.  Those teachers whom Belton met before he entered Miss Nermal’s room thought him “very nice.”  Those whom he met after he left her room thought him rather dull.  Miss Nermal herself pronounced him “just grand.”

All of the girls looked at Miss Nermal rather inquiringly when she said this, for she was understood to usually pass young men by unnoticed.  Each of the other girls, previous to seeing Belton, had secretly determined to capture the rising young orator in case his personal appearance kept pace with his acknowledged talents.  In debating the matter they had calculated their chances of success and had thought of all possible rivals.  Miss Nermal was habitually so indifferent to young men that they had not considered her as a possibility.  They were quite surprised, to say the least, to hear her speak more enthusiastically of Belton than any of the rest had done.  If Miss Nermal was to be their rival they were ready to abandon the field at once, for the charms of her face, form, and mind were irresistible when in repose; and what would they be if she became interested in winning the heart of a young man?

When school was dismissed that afternoon Belton saw a group of teachers walking homeward and Miss Nermal was in the group.  Belton joined them and somehow contrived to get by Miss Nermal’s side.  How much she aided him by unobserved shifting of positions is not known.