9 Since communities paid schoolmasters too little for them to live on their own and no one wanted the burden of putting them up for an entire term, schoolmasters "boarded round," living for a time with each family with a child in school.
Notice, by the way, that the schoolmaster is "progressing," as was promised in the story's title. He is more confident and hence uses less punishment in the classroom, and he is broadening his knowledge as well. Career schoolmasters are rarely credited with the ability to learn and grow. Ironically, Master Horner's increasing abilities mean that he is becoming too capable to remain in the profession much longer.
Notice, by the way, that the schoolmaster is "progressing," as was promised in the story's title. He is more confident and hence uses less punishment in the classroom, and he is broadening his knowledge as well. Career schoolmasters are rarely credited with the ability to learn and grow. Ironically, Master Horner's increasing abilities mean that he is becoming too capable to remain in the profession much longer.