Winthrop University - Tatler Yearbook (Rock Hill, SC)

Page 28 text:

CLASS PRCPHECY, 1898. 'Twas the last Friday night before the Commencement, and the faculty were holding the last and llityfllf meeting of the year, in which they were to decide the fate of the members of the Senior Class. The majority of the students, free from the cares of school-life for a season, and intent upon making the few remaining nights ones to be remem- bered, were enjoying the long-looked-for German. I was very much depressed and worn out by the strain and hard work of the last three months, and had determined to remain in my room to restp but finding the heat oppressive and the glare of the electric lights trying to the eyes, I went out on the veranda to enjoy the cool breeze. The stars were out in all their splendor, and I spent some time in trying to recognize the few constellations I know. Then sink- ing down on a rug, which some one had neglected to carry in that evening, I fell into a deep reverie concerning the duties of the approaching commencement and the inevitable separation from my class-mates at the end of the following week. I-Iow long I remained thus I do not know, but was finally aroused by a long drawn sigh, coming seemingly from below. Thinking it to be the night watchman, I looked down and was about to call, 'L Uncle Aleck, is there anything the matter ? when, imagine my surprise at seeing a short, slightly built man of about eighty years of age, clothed in a long, black flowing robe, with a mantle of the brightest scarlet thrown loosely over his shoulders. A long beard added to his venerable appearance, and his hoary locks were covered with a tightly fitting cap. I-Iis eyes, which twinkled as brightly as the stars, were gazing very intently up at the heavens. In his small, shrivelled hand he held a curious looking little book, and I noticed that he turned its leaves rapidly after his survey of the heavens and jotted down a few lines on a scrap of dingy, yellow paper. This he repeated time after time. Always after writing he made some significant gesture, such as crossing his hands over his breast, or shaking his head 3 frequently a chuckle, and then again that deep sigh, which had first aroused me. My curiosity was very much excited as to what he could be writing-evidently something depending upon the stars, for each few lines he wrote was preceded by along and care- ful gaze at the heavens. It was now growing late, and soon the bell for lights out would ring, but I had made up my mind to see the last of him. Finally, I heard him mutter so himself, thats all, and then I saw him fold the scrap of yellow paper, and carefully place it inside his robe. I was about to ask him what he had been doing, when, with joy, I saw that the paper, instead of going into his pocked as he thought, had fallen to the ground, and, without it, he slowly wended his way to the gate. Impatiently I waited until the dark, bent form had disappeared in the dis- tance, and then ran quickly down the steps and caught up that wonderful little piece of paper. I carried it to my room, and bolting the door, immediately began to decipher the curious writing. You may be sure I could hardly restrain my feelings when I read at the top of the page: The future of the Class of '98, as predicted by ,lui

Page 27 text:

The most interesting feature of the year was the Star Course, a series of entertainments. They were looked forward to with great pleasure, especially when we were permitted to receive our friends. One delightful night, a few weeks before the close of school, if you had peeped in you might have seen an interesting crowd of about seventy-five young ladies. Why such an assembly? The Juniors were receiving the Seniors, Post-Graduates and our President in honor of the Seniors. We had looked forward with pleasure to this happy event for several weeks, for we felt highly honored to have with us such distinguished guests. YVhen the bell announced to the students that the third year of Winthrop was about to open, there were thirteen Seniors found in their allotted places. Before the first term had ended we were saddened by the departure of one from our small number on account of sickness. ' Can you realize, my dear classmates, the swiftness with which this year has passed? It seems only yesterday that it was announced we should go to Astronomy Thursday morning at nine-forty-five. How we enjoyed those recitations, especially when Prof. B. showed us plates illustrating the different heavenly bodies. Every one felt, when she finished the course, that she was a mere speck in this great universe. Still we gained much in the knowledge of the order and system of God's works. We appreciate the honor bestowed upon us by the junior class in the delightful reception given to us. And we wish that their brightest anticipations may be realized in their Senior year. 3 i

Page 29 text:

The name I could not make out, and so eager was I to ascertain what the old man had learned about us, that I was quite ignorant of his name. and since, much to my chagrin, I have lost the paper. The first name was Maggie Anderson. I read: Great lover of sciences, Mineralogy and Geology especially 'a--a a destined to marry some great scientist, who, though not very attractive in features, will be loved devotedly by her in order that she may sometimes be allowed to look upon those specimens which won her heart while a student at VVinthrop. Much elated over the treasure I had found, I read the next words. These were about Ethel Cooper, and I was delighted tthough not surprisedl to learn that she will become one of the rnost famous artists of the twentieth cen, tury. She will teach one year of her required time in the Public Schools of South Carolina, and take the money thus acquired and continue her art studies in Paris under the celebrated Bouguereau. Her first paintings. it seems from the old man's disconnected words, are to be exhibited at the Paris Exposition in igoo, and will excite much ad- miration and cause much comment about our modest little American. The next is also to leave her native country and cast her lot with strangers. Agnes Corbett, one of our best and most conscientious girls, will be a missionary. If the old man predicted truly, we shall probably hear of her in after years, through the Foreign Mission Journal, as patiently toiling among the poor benighted women of China. Her life is to be one of happy usefulness, many burdens, it is true, it will be her lot to bear, many trials to meet: but these will be transient-soon forgotten in the jov of reaping the abundant harvest which will crown her efforts. The writing about Margaret Douglas was dim, and it was difhcult to read what the stars had reveale. Hbout her. But I made out enough of the words to find out that she is to be honored in years to come by the high-soundi .L title of Doctor. XVho knows but that if any of us is so fortunate as to attend a Commencement at this College ten years hence, she may find in the Infirmary a door labelled: Office No. 2. Dr. M. M. Douglas. Hflice hours from 9 a. m. to 4:45 p. m. She is to be Dr. Millers assistant-not that we anticipate so much illness at IVinthrop, but probably to help keep the Seniors from stealing over there with their books to cram for examination. Margaret will have passed this stage then, and so strict and severe will she be in expelling the poor girls from that haven of rest that one would never suspect that my was ever a Senior. By the time I had deciphered so much of the old man's hieroglyphics, the last bell had rung. My room-mate had rattled the door in vain, and, as a last resort, had crept in at the window. The teacher on dutyhad called lights out l several times, but I still eagerly bent over that insignificant looking little paper. The next was about Minnie Brock. VVhen I saw her name my mind went back to that bright October morning when the Senior Class had gathered in the laboratory for the purpose of studying our first minerals, and, in spite of Miss W'oodrow's injunction tw concen- trate our undivided attention on that one subject, we were conversing rather freely on the frivolous topics most likely to occupy a school-girl's mind. I-Iow very distinctly do I remember hearing Minnie's sweet, calm voice making answer to a teasing remark from one of the other members: VVhy yes, Kate, I do intend marrying some day, but, of course, I do not know when nor whom yet Y And as I had her future in a nutshell, as it were, I wondered if it