noon
`` Oh , '' she gasped in mingled surprise and relief , `` lemon juice and salt will take that stain out , if it wo n't fade away with just washing . '' Again an audible titter ran around the room , and the teacher , furiously red , repeated for the third time , `` Take your seat , Peace Greenfield ! '' Much mortified and confused , the child subsided in her place and tried to hide her burning cheeks behind the covers of her volume of anecdotes , but fate seemed against her , for Miss Peyton promptly ordered the paint boxes put away , the desks cleared , and the scholars to be prepared to tell the stories they had found . Now it happened that generous-hearted Peace had lent her book of Presidential reminiscences to several of her less lucky mates that noon , and as she was one of the last to be called upon , she listened with dismay as one after another of the tales she had taken so much pains to learn were repeated by other scholars . In order that all might hear what was said , each pupil marched to the front of the room , told his little story and returned noiselessly to his seat ; so when it came Peace 's turn , she stalked bravely up the aisle , faced the throng of scared , perspiring children and beaming mothers , made a profound bow , and said , `` George Washington was pock-marked . '' She was well on her way to her seat again , when Miss Peyton 's crisp tones halted her : `` Peace , you surely have something more than that . Have you forgotten ? ''