Heaven (Casteel 1)

her class. "I hope you are proud of both Heaven and

Tom."

Pa looked totally astounded as he glanced at

Tom, then flicked his eyes m

y way. For two solid

years Miss Deale had been writing him notes to tell

him how bright she thought we were. The Winnerrow

school was so delighted with what Miss Deale was

doing for deprived hill kids (sometimes considered

half-wits) they were allowing her to "advance" along

with us, from grade to grade.

"Why, that's a very nice thing to hear on a

beautiful Sunday afternoon," said Pa, trying to meet

her eyes and hold them. She refused to look at him, as

if afraid once she did, she couldn't look away. "I

always wanted to go on to acquire a higher education

myself, but never had the chance," extolled Pa. "Pa," said I, speaking up loud and sharp, "we've

decided to walk home . . . so you and Ma can leave

and forget about us."

"Don't wanna walk home!" cried Our Jane.

"Wanna ride!"

Near the doorway of the store Sarah stood watching with her eyes narrowed suspiciously. Pa bowed slightly to Miss Deale and said, "It's been a pleasure to meet you, Miss Deale." He leaned to sweep Our Jane up in one arm, lifted Keith with the other, and out the door he strode, seeming to everyone in the store the only cultivated, charming Casteel the world had ever seen. Not one pair of lips was left together, all gaping as if at a miracle not to be

believed.

And again, despite all I'd said to warn her,

something admiring lit up the gullible sky-blue eyes

of my teacher.

It was a rare kind of perfect day, with birds

flying overhead, and autumn leaves softly falling. I

was like Keith, caught up in nature. I only half heard

what Tom was saying until I saw Fanny's dark eyes