The classroom was very quiet.Outside,the leafless trees were white with the first snowfall.But not one pair of eyes strayed from the history books which twenty-five little girls were studying so earnestly.
This was the yesr 1877,and the school was in Warsaw,Poland.A large part of Poland had been conquered by Russia.The Russian Tsar would not allow Polish children to study the history of their own country or even their own language.But here the teacher and her pupils were doing just that,although the Russians had spies everywhere in Warsaw.
Among the children was Manya Sklodovska.She was a very bright pupil.She was deep in the book she was reading.Suddenly there came the faint sound of a bell. Manya listened fearfully.Was it the signal?Yes!Two long rings,two short rings.
Every head came up.Quick hands grabbed all the Polish history books off the desks,and hid them away.The girls swiftly took sewing materials from their desks. They began to embroider little squares of cloth.
The outer door opened.There stood Inspector Hornberg.
Hornberg had been put in charge by the Russians of the private schools of Warsaw. He was a heavy man in a tight-fitting yellow and blue uniform.With his was Mademoiselle Sikorska,the head of the school.
"We have two sewing classes a week,Mr.Inspector,"explained Mademoiselle Tupalska,the teacher."I read to the children while they work."
"And what have you been reading to your pupils,Mademoiselle?"Inspector Hornberg demanded.
She held up the book."Russian fairy tales,"she said.
The inspector gave a grunt of approval."Now,"he said,"I should like to question one of your pupils."
"Manya Sklodovska,please stand up,"the teacher said quietly.
Manya rose from her seat without a word,trying not to tremble.
"Recite the Lord's Prayer----in Russian,"Inspector Hornberg ordered.
Manya recited the prayer in a low voice,careful not to show her feelings.
"Now name the members of the Imperial Russian Family."
Manya gave the names.
"Now tell me,"Hornberg demanded,"who is our ruler?"
Manya's face went pale.She opened her mouth,but the words would not come.
"So,my little Polish patriot,you do not wish to tell me who rules over us,"the Russian inspector said,"Answer me!"
"His Majesty Alexander II,Tsar of All the Russias,"she said.But her voice was trembling.
"That's more like it,"Hornberg rose from his chair."Now Mademoiselle Sikorska,I wish to visit one of the other classes."
When the door had closed upon them,the schoolgirls began to stir.Without a word,the teacher put her arms around Manya and kissed her.Manya was in tears.
相关链接
站长信箱：ebigear@yahoo.com.cn 英语交流QQ群 捐助贫困儿童
