Some things should be left to the imagination . Why Mr. Cropper Changed His Mind `` Well , Miss Maxwell , how did you get along today ? '' asked Mr. Baxter affably , when the new teacher came to the table . She was a slight , dark girl , rather plain-looking , but with a smart , energetic way . Mr. Baxter approved of her ; he `` liked her style , '' as he would have said . The summer term had just opened in the Maitland district . Esther Maxwell was a stranger , but she was a capable girl , and had no doubt of her own ability to get and keep the school in good working order . She smiled brightly at Mr. Baxter . `` Very well for a beginning . The children seem bright and teachable and not hard to control . '' Mr. Baxter nodded . `` There are no bad children in the school except the Cropper boys -- and they can be good enough if they like . Reckon they were n't there today ? '' `` No . '' `` Well , Miss Maxwell , I think it only fair to tell you that you may have trouble with those boys when they do come . Forewarned is forearmed , you know . Mr. Cropper was opposed to our hiring you . Not , of course , that he had any personal objection to you , but he is set against female teachers , and when a Cropper is set there is nothing on earth can change him . He says female teachers ca n't keep order . He 's started in with a spite at you on general principles , and the boys know it .
They know he 'll back them up in secret , no matter what they do , just XXXXX prove his opinions .
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