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

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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

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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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10 BULKKLEY NEWS rings which, as soon as received, gladdened many hearts, not mentioning his own. At home Grace didn’t seem the same after the event on the yacht. Her father d iscovered something wrong and after some hard thinking discovered a psychological method of treating her ailments. He sent a long letter to Harold. In reading the much-delayed letter Harold understood and using his witty talent dispatched invitations to all the guests —his personal friend s—who were present at the reception on the yacht, to come to his American home and there be the guests at a surprise party on his sister in honor of the gifts received. The surprise p a r t v was arranged by Harold and his father. The evening of the party came and so did the invited participants. A delightful program was made up and all that tended to pass the evening pleasantly was introduced. The faces of the guests seated around the table waiting for Grace were invaded with smiles as they forgot the past and were lost in the depths of the present. A cable from Mr. and Mrs. Dewey, newly married; previously Dorothy Smith, nurse, and Robert Dewey, corporal, was received from the war zone and read aloud, which added to the pleasure of the evening, for in it they found love, and Grace knew she was forgiven because—well, because she was. —F. Malien. Miss Tooker. I saw a girl across the street, and Thought I knew her. I went across the girl to meet, and For I was sure. The girl she smiled welcomely, and I tipped my hat. “Howdo,” I said, “Come with me?” and She knocked me flat. The judge asked me why I flirted with Miss Tooker. I said with my feelings hurted that I mistook her. “You Miss Tooker,” said the judge “Can’t understand it. Ten days,” and I couldn’t budge Nor comprehend it. —Frank A. Mallen. The cop came around, pinched me, and Took me to jail. In court the girl I did see, and She told her tale.