The Gavelyte, May 1908

CEDARVILLE COLLEGE. 81 school house. They had always walked home together and were friends as ~choolmates usually are. Of course they received their share of teasing as is usually the case, but little did they care for that. Gri:tdually they ap– pn,ached the age when they should leave rnhool and start out in life for thernselves and seek their fortunes in vastly different ways and places. Mary, whose parents were well to do, was sent to an academy in a town about fifty mileg distant. She was a bright lovable girl and soon be– came very popular. The richest and best scholars in school' were her com– panion\4 and associates. A millionaire's son became very much attached to her amJ wuuld gladly have carried things farther, had he received the slightest encouragement but she was always the s21me, lovable, light hearted girl that had been born and reared in a country home, seeming to be not the least affected by all her rich friends. Deep in her heart she realized thc1,t dometlting was lacking yet could not telI exactly what it was. She secretly yearned for her humble country home and its surroundings, yet she cuulri not have told why had she been asked. Gladly she welcomed the ap– proach of the holidays, and her visit to her dear old home. Her father was at the train to welcome his daughter home. He had beE:'n a little afraid that she might be changed a little, but how gladly he felt her tender white face touch his and press a kiss on his weather beaten one. A husking bee had been planned in her honor by one of the neighbors and Thomas and Mary were invited together. He was in ecstasy and a secret joy took possession of her. She began to realize as they walked along the silent road together, he listening to her experiences at school, that she seemed to be perfectly satisfied; there seemed to be nothing lack- ing. After a warm welcoma ·by alI her old schoolmates and friends, they be– gan the husking bee. Thomas and Mary were again partners. At last - Thoma~ found a red ear but for some reason he had no inclination to make it public. He secretly showed it to Mary and then threw it away. There seemed to be something about the girl that commanded his re~pect. Others were finding red eard and eagerly making use of the opportunity afforded. Soon a grand supper was served and each oue partook of the bounteous · n~past, with much laughter and fun. After an hour of social enjoyment thPy separated for their respective homes. Thomas and Mary made gooj use of every moment of the time they f'ould RpPnt tt1gi>ther But Mary harl to return to school after the holidays,