The Gavelyte, November 1909

J:iO THE GAVELY'l'E, ---------- - ---------·-·-- but now she dreaded to· think of it. When McNeil tapped on the door .3he gave a little jump, for she had forgotten that he was coming. As they stepped out into the fresh air, and Mc eil began reciting some of his funny storie~, her spirits re>vived and she soon forgot herseif in the presence of that strong mine. They were swept into a new atmosphere, as they entered Palace Hall. On evrry side could be heard the hum of voices and the expression on every face was t•ne of gladness and anticrpation for the rest of the summer vacation. As the Seniors and Professors took their places on the beautifully decorated stage, them swept over the audience a wave of reverent awe, for as they looked at the solemn facE:s of th< se they knew they rPalized that they were together possibly for the last time and as thPy drew apart that night t0 go into there separate worlds to carry on the work they bad been laboring for, they would no longer have the aid of those faithful professors. As parents and friends listened to those orations, they were able to realize what great advancement their sons and daughters had made. Many a mother's and father\; heart swelled with pri<le, and t.he memories of pri– vations, ~nd pleasures misaed, to keep their chi Id ren m school, "'ere forgotten. When Gertrude had finished that beautiful oration ''The Hand of Destiny", the house sat breathless for a full minute after she sat down, and then bruke forth in one long applau::;e. It was then that she knew she had not made a failurf'. When the diplomas had been given and they v. ere off the stage, her father came to her, kis;;ed her, took her in his arms ar.d said, ''well done." She knew there was all the love of a father in that caress, and in those tw0 words. It was then that she felt nmply pait.l for all the good times she had given up for the sake of her studies . Wlwn she saw Beth and McNeil among their own friends, rece1vmg their C"ongratulations and having a pleasant time, she remembered Roy, that not one of his friends or relatives we1 e present, that he was all alone ex– cept for his C~llege friends and even Scott had deserted hi111 for the time. It was then that her heart went out to him and she wished for one moment that it were she whom he cared for rathPr than Beth. She went t0 him and putting her hand on his arm said: "let us go." They passed out into the moonlight, and as thl"y looked up at the stars, she looked into his eyes and that sad look went straight to her heart, causing her to f'xclaim: