Cup and Saucer Challenge (updated)

Mabel Did You Hear?

            “Mabel, did you hear?  Ms. Keller is not coming back this year,” second-grader Betsy exclaimed in her best bossy voice as she and her best friend climbed the stairs to the one-room schoolhouse on the first day of school.

            “But I liked her best!  She was so much better than Mrs. Ross.” Mabel plunked her lunch pail down on the wooden bench reserved for coats and outdoor shoes.

            “Now Betsy, where did you hear a thing like that?” fifth – grader Anne asked in disbelief.  “Ms. Keller would never leave us without saying goodbye.  She told me herself that she wouldn’t leave our town ever again.”

            Glaring at Anne for interrupting the conversation between friends, Betsy flipped her braid and said, “You know that my mom is head of the school board.  I heard her talking with her friend at the general store about someone named Mrs. Green.”

            “Well I don’t believe it,” Anne huffed as she pushed her way past Betsy and Mabel to enter the classroom. 

            A strange man greeted the children as they filed into the classroom.  “Good morning children.  My name is Mr. Green and I will be here for the morning while my wife takes care of some important business.  She should be back at lunch.  Are we ready to start our lessons?” 

           

            In unison the students responded, “Yes, Mr. Green.”

            “Good.  Let’s begin.”

            Three hours later it was time for lunch. Betsy and Mabel fled to their favorite spot on the grassy area and spread out their blanket under the sprawling maple tree.  It was perfect weather for a picnic. 

            “So, Mr. Green seems nice.  I wonder what Mrs. Green will be like?” Betsy asked reaching for a grape. 

            “Ms. Keller HAS to be coming back.  Just like Anne said, she promised us.”

            “But he said his wife is our teacher.  How can it be Ms. Keller?” Betsy argued.

            Picking up her sandwich Mabel spoke between bites, “All I know is what Ms. Keller said and I know she didn’t change her mind over the summer.”

           

            “How do you know?” Betsy asked.

            “Look over there!  Ms. Keller IS Mrs. Green,” a triumphant Mabel exclaimed pointing in the direction of the schoolhouse. 

            “All I see is Mr. Green hugging someone.  Wait a moment . . . he is kissing Ms. Keller.  She must have gotten married over the summer.  So that explains it.”

            “I told you so Betsy,” Mabel said smugly with her arms crossed.

           

            “Why were you so sure?”

                       

            “The cup and saucer on the teacher’s desk were the ones I gave her for Christmas last year!” Betsy and Mabel laughed together before gathering their picnic as they rushed over to congratulate their mutually favorite teacher Mrs. Green.