Rockford College - Recensio / Cupola Yearbook (Rockford, IL)

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A month later 'I 1 played a match game of basket ball with the young- ster who had arrived that fall, and, ont of the kindness of her heart, she allowed the dear child to win. Even as had been predicted, 'II was acquir- ing wisdom. Indeed, so fast was she growing up that her grandmas and aunties, becoming alarmed for fear their little girl was growing away from them into young lady hood, invited her to a baby party in the studio loft. The likes of this affair has never been seen before or sinceg words are power- less to describe the scene that ensued when young-old and old-young mingled on equal ground. Those who took part will remember it to their dying day and others shall be spared the stinging envy that detailed description would arouse in their bosoms. Strangely enough this night did not spoil the child, nor did it in any way stunt her growthg she continued merrily on her Way and shortly afterward was asked by her oldest sister to an all-day picnic at the Dells. They went in busses drawn by such fractions steeds that any dullness which might have been caused by the long ride was entirely forgotten. In fact a more strenuous trip cannot well be imagiuedg the faint hearted mem- bers of the party must have walked a good share of the way, while those who possessed a fine disregard for broken legs and imminent death clung to the jouncing vehicle and tried not to hear the low but heart-felt curses of the driver. lt may be mentioned in passing that although torrents were leaped and precipices scaled that day no fatality occured to mar the hilarity of the occasion. They all returned, safe and sound. to gather themselves together for a mad rush through the finals. These were to be a sort of mile-stone in 1 1's College careerg now or never was her name to be honored and preserved and its full meaning dawned upon her for the first time. It meant that on a june morning two years hence she would be leaving R. C. and all its asso- ciations, her record closed and her name a matter of history. This thought put a new seriousness into her feeling toward the sister class who was going away that month. On the last day of commencement they breakfasted together out on the wide verandah, where the air was sweet with spring odors and the wet grass could be seen shimmering under the slanting rays of the early morning sun. Here they toasted each other for the last time and said goodbye. The following September IQI 1 was back again at the college, noticeably thinner and more sedateg her skirts were lengthened and she was doing up 24

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sister and herself. After this her baby arrogance knew no bounds, and she must have been a sore trial to the family, but they treated her gently, for they had known other babies and felt sure that she would acquire wisdom later on. The sister named 1909 was especially kind and treated her with more consideration than did the others. She had made a party for ,II when she was very little and now 'rr thought herself old enough to give one in return. It was quite a pretentious affair and reflected much credit upon the young hostess who received with all the dignity her short fat legs and bobb- ing curls would permit. This was her social debut and firmly established her as a member of society, but it was not sufficient to satisfy her longings for supremacy. So, in the grey of an early morning, when the cold March wind was whistling over the chimneys, she clambered to the topmost point in the cupola and fastened to the flag staff there her pennant of old rose felt. Crowing with glee, she then defied the irate sisters who would fain have plucked her from her lofty perch and carried her kicking and screaming to her mother. All through the hrst hour class and during chapel she remained upon the highest trunk, catching her death of cold but quite indifferent to both threats and bribes. Only when those storming the fort retired in utter defeat, did she descend, and, bearing her colors aloft, lead a triumphal march about the campus. This was the last color rush ever held at R. C., the pain it caused the Sophoinores was too intense. Sometime after this when the days had grown warmer, baby 'rr and the whole family went away on a long vacation. No one has ever found out where it was she went that summer, some say one thing, some say another, but certain it is that when she came back she was very much changed. The curls had straightened out and the chubby little legs had grown long and thin, but worst of all her nose was broken. Another baby class had come and her place was taken. This was an awkward time, she felt that she ought to act with all the decorum of a grown-up but was uncertain as to the best way of going about it. After long deliberation the idea of giving a progress- ive dinner party occurred to her as being the wisest plan and accordingly she made very elaborate preparations for entertaining her favorite sister. Four courses were given at as many different homes scattered throughout the city, and during the long walks between, in the soft autumn dusk, the two became better acquainted than ever before. 23

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her hair. You know she was playing Ulittle mother to the baby sister just arrived and the task required dignity and much forbearance. Such a fat, heavy baby as it was! IQII could scarcely get her arms around her, but of course she loved her dearly and did her best to ruin the cl1ild's digestion by feeding her the very first thing upon pink candy and purple frappe. The babe survived, and 1911 took a few lessons on Infant Diet, but that early indulgence cast the die for future entertainments. Somewhat later a card party, over which the little sister of a few months presided as hostess, was given for IQII at the Nelson Hotel. Every body had a lovely time and 1911 remembers it as one of the nicest parties she ever attendedg it made her very proud of the small girl who had come to stand beside her through her last two years at the college. But these years are mostly in the future and so you see I cannot finish my story tonight but another time, I promise, some one else will tell you the last chapter in the life history of the little girl whose name is 1911. Junior Officers MARTHA DUNTON, Preszkiefzt BERSHA HUNTER, - like Preszkiezzz' MAUDE I-IULBARD, 1S6 C'1'6lfIl711ll77Zd Tl'E'd5ZlV677' MARJORIE KILBURN, - Ciass HzS!01'z'a1z 25