Delaware Valley College - Cornucopia Yearbook (Doylestown, PA)

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4 THE GLEANER put her delicate hands around his neck and tenderly looked into his face. His heart bounced within him at so much affection but he resolved not to yield too soon. Father, she pleaded, please don't deny me this time, and ap- pealingly waited for an answer. Although her father resolved not to grant it too soon, yet he did. It happened many times in his life, that when he was at the verge of carrying out his resolutions, he would yield at the mere request of his child. Dress yourself carefully, he called after her when she left the room and then threw himself in the armchair with a heavy sigh, as if he had gone through a hard task. As soon as Katia obtained per- mission she donned her fur coat, and together with her friend set out briskly in the streets of M., and in spite of the biting cold. conversed with youthful interest the proba- bility of many more such days. lloctor Shoohin was a young physician with a growing reputa- tion. llc met Katia once, and since then her fair face haunted his flrrain many a night. llc sought li--r closer acquaintance very often. lint his endeavors fell flat. llis sen- tinel-ntal disposition therefore re- laitsed into dornianey until more snitalile conditions and chance, fin that day lloetoi' Sltooliin was talled lu a patient. Ile put his coat on in a haste and rushed ont into the street. Ile was walking full -iii-eil when he noticed Katia on the otlier -ide arf the street. Ile cgl:nn-c al Int' on-'e and again. 'lliere was sivltwllllllg lwettllill' Illnvtll lll'l' fJlt't'. and involuntarily he glanced- again at her to assure himself of it. just then the full truth dawned upon him. It terrified him to think of something bad happening to her. Yet it was true and immediate ac- tion was necessary. Her nose was undergoing a physical change oc- casioned by the frostg the tip of it was turning to a fatty whiteness, a sign predicting the falling of the affected part. What could be done? He hesitated for a brief mo- ment to shake off the mental stupor, and then without explaining or say- ing anything he crossed the street. picked up a handful of snow and slapped it into her face. Her face. and nose especially, was a covered mass, A pitiful sight. He ap- proached her with the intention to assist her, but her eyes full of in- dignation flashed at him and in- voluntarily he drew back. Mean- time a policeman appeared, and at the reciuest of the young lady seized Doctor Shoobin and led him away to the court. In the meantime. however, Katia was taken to a drug store and care- fully washed so that her father might not know about it. No one had the slightest idea of the favor rendered hy the young physician and the narrow escape Katia had. Katia had almost forgotten ahout the whole affair when the next day she was summoned to court. Now matters hecame more complicated. ller father insisted upon knowinn the cause of the unexpected call. iX'hen told the reason, he declared that he is going to take a glimpse at the riseal that raised a hand on l'is only child. 'I'he judge was sitting on the

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Uhr tflranrr VOL. VI FEBRUARY, 1917. NO. 6 ilitrrar RAPI-IAEL GLASS, Editor. REWARD The month of December was not very far advanced, and yet it was unusually cold. The barometer in- dicated the approach of a frost. The ground which was covered with snow for months froze hard. On the morning of the 18th of the month old ,lack arrived with gor- geous splendor. It seemed as if he wanted to surprise the people of M.. with his natural beauty and put his skill to task. He cov- ered the wind-ows with various de- signs: some were beautiful and pleasing to the eye. others mon- strously shaped, terrifying in their aspect. The smoke from the chim- ney rose in the air :ike pillars and lost themselves in t-he atmosphere. ln the streets the frost had a dith- cult effect. There it displayed the essence of its existence. lt attacked violently noses. ears and eyebrows. It froze the breath and formed icicles around the mustaches and lmeards of men. The snow was squeaking under the feet. ln short it was one of the many frosts fa- miliar in Russia. VVe will let old .lack go his way and turn to the object of our story. Katia Eliseyevna was an only daughter of a high, aristocratic Russian family, Nothing was ever denied her. Yet she was not a spoiled child. She possessed quali- ties that are very seldom met in their circles. Her father was con- scious of that fact, and his pater- nal heart would stir with emotion. pride and tenderness whenever she would address him. Her mother was dead for many years. but her father never married again and dedicated his life to bring up his only child. On that same day Katia entered her father's library. He rose to meet her but she beckoned him back. saying, 'Papa, allow me to ask your permission to take a walk with Maslia, The weather today is invigoratrng and rouses one to lifef' Her father's face darkened and he stood forlorn, not knowing what to do. Then suddenly, Katusha, l can't grant it. lt is impossible to put a foot outside today. I beg of you not to insist in the matter. But here she approached him and

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THE CLEANER 5 platform ready to pass judgment. and accord mercy, if absolutely es- sential. Nevertheless he was en- raged with the doctor for his con- duct, and was anxious to question the case. WVe are not surprised then that as soon as Katia and her father ap- peared he called the accused and accuser to stand. The latter stated her charge. and her face grew crim- son, as she energetically stated the facts. Throughout the whole time that the charge against Doctor Shoobin was made, he was carelessly play- ing with the gold-en chain of his watch. Even when he was insulted he was as calm, as man ever was. At last the complaint was finished and he was called upon to tell his side of the story. ' VVith a clear and distinct voice, Doctor Shoobin explained the cause of his conduct, already known to us, and laughingly he concluded, does Katia Eliseyevna still accuse me of disorderly conduct P No one spoke. In fact every- body felt ashamed. Especially so felt Katia, and was very embar- rassed. Silence prevailed for a brief moment, then the judge broke the intolerable tension: 'Will your ladyship please withdraw the charge? Her father came to her assist- ance, for a lump was rising in her throat and tears stood in her eyes, ready to escape their beautiful abode. I, as father, withdraw the 37 ' charge, he exclaimed. The judge thanked Doctor Shoo- bin for his kindness to humanity and his fellowmen. Ile also praised him for his keen observation, and e:-:tending to him his hand con- cluded, some day you will be one of Russia's greatest men. As they emerged from the court house Katia extended her white little hand to Doctor Shoobin, Her musical voice rang in his ears, and he could hardly understand when asked for pardon. He pardoned willingly, and eagerly accepted the invitation to visit their house. Time went on rolling its cease- less volumes, and working miracles. 'Winter was at the end and the se- vere cold had to give room for amiable spring. The trees began to bloom and their fragrance added a charming aspect to the city of M. It was then that Doctor Slioobin and Katia were seen arm in arm in the streets of M. Suddenly they halted for a moment and looked at each other with apparent fondness. .-X world of love mingled in their eyes for each other. It was the place where the well-remembered incident took place. The beginning of their friendship. They moved. carried along by the crowd. She pressed his arm and leaned closer up to him and murmured, my poor Constantine, in prison for my sake. Never mind, he exclaimed. It was worth it. NATHAN B. GOLUB, '17.