New London High School - Whaler Yearbook (New London, CT)

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8 BULKELEY NEWS they are present,—but why continue? Grace had many friends—in fact, too many. When she arrived in New London she met them. Greetings were passed and delightful topics discussed. Grace's conversation with them, however, was not lost. She told her friends each to bring a ring to her after the race; that is, provided Yale should win. Confidentially this ring proposition was told to many—and the said many responded. The many in question were also invited to a social aboard Grace’s father’s yacht The Regag, after the race. In some of the many, thoughts of marriage spinned and hummed, but however great their troubles, they were not for a moment skeptical, and without further comment bought a ring—for Yale must win and they knew it. At last the hour for the race arrived and along with it came great expectations. William Feeley’s only regret was that he couldn’t row for Yale—other regrets were to the same effect. However, he and they armed themselves with Yale pennants and determined that even if they could, not row, they would make Yale win. “Are you ready Harvard—are you ready Yale?” With these words from the referee and an affirmative answer from both cox wains addressed, a gun was fired. Observation trains began to move along the banks of the river as oars splashed ; muscles were strained, bodies bent to and fro, and strength was exerted. The two objects of the race swept along the river on their own power at a prodigious speed. They were cheered, hooted at and lauded. From observation trains came shouts and songs; from yachts guns were fired; while the throngs along the shore executed their part neatly by encouraging their favorite crew at the top of their lungs. Regardless of these various acoustics the rowers plod skillfully on— trying for victory—indeed, fighting for victory. Excitement was at its height; anxiety at its worst; and expectation at its greatest, when the Yale crew displayed their superiority by gaining slowly on lengths. When they passed five good-sized lengths ahead of their friendly adversaries they fou nd no more need of rowing desperately, for they had at last reached the finish line. Some were happy; some were discouraged; others didn’t care, but nevertheless the noise which greeted the Yale victory announced overwhelming enthusiasm. Perry Stone were constantly visited by prospective ring buyers and they sold so many that if a local lover wished to buy a wedding ring there, he would be disappointed. These wise jewelers, having such a busy time, were prognasticating what the ministers would have, that is, if the ring buyers made good the expres-ions engrossed on their countenances. To the yacht Regag, lying peacefully in the harbor went all sorts of young men, and with each went a ring, which made some jewelers happier, and which were to make many couples still hap'pier than they were before. On the Regag a table was set; plates for thirty-six were provided, as that number came. The guests assembled in their proper places and all was

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BULKELEY NEWS 7 his lips, for he knew that she would live. He retreated to his office to spend a few moments on thoughts pertaining elsewhere, across a sea, where peace and harmony in their brightest robes, dwelt. “Listen Sis, I’ve got an idea,” presently spoke up Grace, breaking the long-stayed silence. Eunice looked up to regard her sister, and, as if awakening from an unpleasant dream, listened. We’ll get some rings and send them over to Europe so the soldiers can marry the nurses in memorable fashion. Brother writes there are a good many nurses and soldiers who wish to marry —but what is marriage without a ring to keep as a remembrance —remembrance which contains infinite numbers of priceless reveries?” These sentences seemed to strike Grace with effective force, for the precious letter dropped from her fingers and Heaven’s Own Daughter, for such was her name among her numberless admirers, was pleased with the suggestion. “Oh, that’ll be lovely!” answered Grace in her much-envied voice. We’ll go down town this afternoon and buy some to send away.” “No, we’ll not,” interrupted Eunice, “We’re not going to spend our own money, but let those who can afford it spend theirs,” and Eunice finished by whispering a suggestion. Sister, you’re a wonder—you and brother are a team, ’ ’ com m ended Grace, while she kissed her younger sister. “We’re going down to New London, Friday, for the races, you know, and will be sure to meet the boys then,” said Eunice. Grace was again lost in thought. Days that were years; hours that were months; minutes that were weeks, and suffering that is too intense to describe, all passed by with the coming of light and dark in a small rural hospital in France. Some went, some came, and a continual coming and going was in progress. Harold Hull, the same, still continued his daily tours through the hospital. Brave nurse, Dorothy Smith, was progressing. Earnest Cupid was also progressing. The recalled-to-fife soldier daily visited his sweetheart —matrimony gradually became the subject of their thoughts. Harold saw all, knew all, felt all, and retired to his office each day to enjoy the wholesome ecstasies and pleasures of recalling better days. Friday found New London and New York in importance. Automobiles, yachts, and trains assisted in conveying the large influx of enthusiasts to that city. Every state in the country was represented at the hotels in various personages and all walks of life were noticeable on the overcrowded streets. Boat Race Day is an important event to New Londoners, a hap-penning which hotel keepers and officials look forward to with pride. All was merry and bright, cheerful and enjoyable, and encouraging. Yale and Harvard were to race, consequently college students and their followers flocked to the scene, and when

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BULKKLEY NEWS 9 tranquil again aboard the yacht. Each held his newly-bought ring tightly and for the first time wondered at the meaning of it. Was she to pick a husband, or what? Eunice giggled almost to her discovery as she peeked from behind a curtain waiting for—the wcrst. Grace sat at one end of the table and for the first time, as she glanced at each anxious and eager face, realized the extent of her doings. She was determined to resign herself without explanation when the thoughts of her brother bending over the bodies of wounded and dying brave soldiers invigorated new action within her. She got up courageously and commenced to speak: “Friends, while we are making merry here, there is a dreadful war going on in our other world. You are probably aware that Harold is a red-cross surgeon there.” Silence enshrouded the audience as these words brought to their imaginations, instead of the thoughts of a good time and a welcome surprise, their dear old friend Harold doing his duty at the risk of his life without comment or complaint. Even Eunice’s attitude changed. Fighting back an insistent sob, Grace continued : “There are many young soldiers who are bravely sacrificing their lives for their respective countries and as the way of the world has it they frequently come in contact with brave nurses with whom they fall in love. Cupid interferes and marriage is the result. Harold has written me of this and adds that donations will be gladly received. I have therefor taken this opportunity (in a voice new to her) to—to deceive you (faltering) so that you can con—con—c—I—I (and with a last effort) I hope you will forgive me.” Her audience were anchored to their seats and their eyes were glued to Grace as if in a hypnotical spell as they sat bewildered. When her last broken words reached their ears they displayed an open expression which made anything, good or bad, she had done to them, already forgiven. She could continue no longer. Taking out Harold’s last letter, she handed it to William Feeley, who read it aloud to all. They understood even better than she could explain, but she was unable to explain—she had fainted. Mr. Gager hurried into the room from the deck; Eunice leaped from behind her hiding-place. The boys rushed here and there for water, fans, stimulants and all else. When the necessary remedies were at hand the work of resuscitation began. When Grace opened her eyes she first saw many apparitions and as her strength gradually came, she noticed the boys endeavoring to aid her in every way possible. But she was too weak—too feeble, and was carried to her room and laid in bed. A small pile of rings lay onthe table —thirty-six in number—when the guests left the yacht after they had been assured of Grace’s safety, influenced with the phrase “Everything is fair in love and war.” The desolate air that swelled a small hospital in France was miraculously dispersed with the arrival of a small package. Harold opened it expectantly and found within thirty-six