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

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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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6 BULKELEY NEWS In Love and War. EUNICE and Grace Hull were commenting earnestly over the contents received only a few moments previous—a letter which a few words contained therein, caused more mental activity to those two girls, for such they were; and handsome, indeed,—than would an event of greater importance. It was not one of the ordinary epistles that confront various persons each day and which they read with little or no interest—neither one of those letters uncared for and not anticipated ; but very much to the contrary. It was, and to be sincere, a letter awaited for with anxiety, and and which received, eased the largest cruelsome burden that anxiety can load on not-quite-yet matured minds. It came a long distance, was a long time coming, and dearer to the hearts of the aforesaid girls than would be pleasures indefinable. Over in France, in a hospital deluged with wounded and dying modern warriors and heroes; an institution which harbored death and death’s accomplices; cries of pain, anguish, homesickness, and disease; where the despicable, but heroic part of life and the various forms of suffering were conspicuous; a tall, well-proportioned young, and good-looking doctor hurriedly traversed a blood-stained floor while making his daily tour to the numerous bedsteads and the signifi- cant heart-rending scenes therein lying, in order to alleviate at least a little of the suffering, if not a great deal. As he concluded his labor and knelt beside the last patient’s bed, Harold Hull’s heart sank within the deep sea of sympathy that so often got the best of him and caused him many horrible pangs. He was treating a nurse—one who faithfully volunteered her life in order to be of use to others. But it was not the nurse as much as the story attached to her that held Harold’s gravest sympathies. She was in love. A soldier was in love. They were in love—and with each other, which speaks the fundamental part of the story. Then she saved his life when he was wounded. Wounded in such a manner, that naught but death could benefit by. But brave girl, optimistic where pessimism should have reigned, she knelt beside his bed and devoted four sleepless nights to his care. Her constant labor was victorious. He rallied, and why not? How can death better such a contending force of bravery and skill which that girl hurled against it? It had to give in. The soldier, well, went off again to lend his services for his Majesty. Her strenuous work, however, rendered her beyond health, which answers for her being in bed instead of out. Harold knew this, and, better still, understood it. His heart gave a sudden thud. A sigh of relief escaped

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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