Framingham State University - Dial Yearbook (Framingham, MA)

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21 don't think so. I hate teas. Do you think I ought to go? she said in one breath. They are not so bad after you get there, as you imagine. Go with me now, said Myra quietly. Oh, I can't, I have got one hundred and one things to do, and then I want to practise basket ball. That's just as much my dut . y Oh, all right, said Myra. Thus Tamar excused herself by trying to think that basket ball was her duty. It was, but it was the duty she enjoyed, and was the easiest for her. So she went on through the first year. She did what was right in the big things, but in little homely duties she did her own way. She had won a few friends, but she missed the unchanging loyalty of her crowd. No one supported her now. Alas! her power was broken. She felt it and it cut her to the heart. Her spirit fought and struggled. She would never yield. But why fight? Yes, why? when there was nothing to fight on but rank wilful selfishness. She never saw it in that light before. But Self said, Keep on. Regain your power. You can. Don't give it up. Ah, but one year in the Normal School had taught her a new truth :- To live for self is fooleryg to serve is the only worthy life. But what had she for a foundation? A strong body and a keen mind, but no clear-cut sense of honor. She and the crowd had determined their own right and wrong. Her morals were made for the occasion. To be sure she had the sense of square deal and a mighty sense of class loyalty. But for the little things? Today's duty, today! Failing to do the ever present duty because the will was lacking. Ah, that is where she failed. She felt her weakness, yes, she knew it. She fought to overcome it. Day in and day out she fought. No one knew what a constant struggle she made. It was present even in her recreation hours, never ceasing. As she passed the Reservoir, she noticed the mighty rushing of the water, falling, falling, and flowing on, on. She saw the upper layers of water blown and tossed as spray. How like herself! The outward nature, blown and tossed by the world, but the inward, the lower water, ah, it kept its power, ever onward. It gave her a new hope and a new courage. She felt victory in her innermost soul. A year later, almost the end of her training at 'tdear old Pram. The party leaves to-morrow, about tcn o'clock. Be sure and be on hand, Tamar. You know, a picnic at the Reservoir, No. 3, means loads of fun, called Lora as she ran across the lawn. Guess I do, answered Tamar. Won't. it be fun though? Wheel she said, and chuckled to herself in contemplation of the trip.

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20 s . The Victory TAMAR was born and brought up in a village. All her life she had been to the public eye a free, easy, big-hearted girl, and had won her way into the hearts of the townspeople. Her playmates loved her and admired her, for she was leader of the crowd, But a crowd in a village is not always understood. Perhaps ten or fifteen boys and girls from ages varying three or four years would constitute a crowd. They come from any and all of the families, play togetherg go to school together, and often have clubs. What the leader thinks and does, the crowd do. Here is often the root of trouble. ' Tamar was leader in her village. She had about seven devoted followers, some boys and some girls. Then there were about six stragglers who followed at their will. Of course, Tamar realized her power. If any boy or girl went contrary to the unwritten law or betrayed a secret or played mean, then Tamar would be missed and the culprit, too. No one said a word. Everyone knew that they were together thrashing out the trouble and the straggler would come back, forgiven. Tamar never lost a follower and she never lost her lead. The power to win seemed born in her. A picnic, sleigh-ride, entertainment, camping party or any such capers were always carried on by Tamar. There she stands, a big, stalwart girl, strong enough and violent enough to shake any backslider into working order even if moral suasion failed. They feared her temper and admired her strength. But these conditions can not last forever. Tamar has grad- uated from high school, a young lady, and ready for what? A stranger says: Why do you all love her so much? I don't feel particularly attracted to her. That's because you don't know her, is the ever ready answer. A newcomer' sees how, when a sleigh ride is suggested, the crowd comes together around Tamar. She makes the plans. No one says, Let's see Tamar. It is understood. The drawing power is the last tie of the crowd spirit that is soon to be shut up in the hearts and among the treasures of their childhood days. The day has come when Tamar says 'tgood-bye and goes to Normal School. Now things have changed. Think of such a girl living in a dormitory with sixty girls! One afternoon in the first term, Tamar came rushing into her room and threw herself on her couch. Myra, Miss Sims told me I ought to go to the Tea. She said that it was my duty to go. I

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22 That morning, about nine o'clock, Tamar ran to Lora's room and said quietly, Can I help you get ready? Got all your supplies from the village ? Yes, thank you, Tamar. just pack that box and make a bundle of these pillows and couch covers. Good, as if in approval. Of course, you are all ready. I'm sorry, but I can't go today, never mind, but I simply must stay here. Can't go, why? I'd like to know. You are a great one to back, out at this late hour. I am not backing out because I want to, Lora. I know you will have slews of fun, but I must stay here today. I have asked Corinne to go in my place. Don't say anything more, please. Myra knew when Tamar spoke that way, it was useless to tease. just then the party gathered and the'girls set off. Tamar slipped away in the excitement. She wasn't missed until the party were off the hill. Where's Tamar P said Meg, looking around. Why! She was with us in your room, Lora. Where is she? said another, and several voices called, Yes, where ? Lora said, She isn't coming. I don't know why. She simply said that she couldn't. Well, I'll bet she is staying at home with Esther. You know she planned to go and was sick this morning. That's just like her. Isn't Tamar a 'prune ?' You may be sure if she decided not to come, there was some- thing worth staying at home for, said Meg. She is a girl worth knowing, I think. The girls surmised correctly. Tamar did stay to keep Esther company, and yet Esther didn't know that was the reason. Tamar had won in her fight and had learned the lesson. Now she is not a leader but a server, and a nobler server because she knows how to lead. I DQKSQ6 Rhyme of the C. Seniors . A is for Anna, which one never mind- To live as old maids they all are resigned. B is for Bertha, so jolly and prim, As study hour closes she'11 douse the glim. C is for Connolly, Mary and Martha, Whenever you see them they're full of laughter. D is for Daniels and also for Dwyer, With studying hard they never tire.