University of Texas Austin - Cactus Yearbook (Austin, TX)

" It will be impossible for me to go, " he said, " come to my room and I will give you a note for Miss Rane. " There was something in his tone which made the other obey without remonstrance. The note was written and the committee of one joined his fellow conspirators. It was a little before eight o ' clock when five Junior boys knocked at George Thompson ' s door. After a short pause the door was opened and the party entered . " Came to see if we could help you get read} ' for the reception, " said one of them cheerily. George faced the boy to whom he had given the note. " I am not going, " he said quietly, " Miss Rane does not expect me. " " O, I say, Thompson, " said the fellow, awkardly, " I didn ' t get to see Miss Rane. Awfully sorry, but — but — " he broke down and tried to look away from the stern eyes. Five boys sincerely wished themselves in Hali- fax — or some other very distant place. Without a word Thompson walked to his table. Upon it was a student ' s lamp, an open letter, a box of white flowers, and a photograph. He picked up the picture and handed it to the boy who stood nearest him. " Look at it, " he said. It was passed from one to another — a sweet girl face, with tender, mirthful eyes, and smiling lips. Under it in round girlish hand was written " Alice, " and under that in a man ' s firm hand, " My Sweetheart. " It was given back to him and he handed one of them a letter. " Read it aloud, " he said. And one read : " My son — " Alice (lied this morning at four o ' clock. She died with your name on her lips. I wish I could say something to comfort you, but I know too well that I cannot. Your mother, M. Thompson. " The reader silently returned the letter. What this scene had cost this proud, sensative soul none could ever know. His voice trembled : " Boys, I cannot go to-night. " A slip of paper fluttered down from the flowers and he who picked it up saw " Alice " written upon it. As he laid it back upon the table he saw a pawn-ticket for an overcoat — the price of the flowers. It was not a time for words. Silently five boys went away. The Freshmen reception was a grand success, but there were no repre- sentatives from the Junior Class. Next morning there was the usual clamor and noise in the boys ' dining hall. When George Thompson failed to come down to breakfast, the busy matron stopped to inquire at his table if he were sick. No one knew. i6j