Batavia High School - Bee Aitch Ess Yearbook (Batavia, IL)

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1916 BEE AITCH ESS 1916 Jimmie murmured something about a pain that people gave him, and what did he care about old autos anyway. However, that evening, as Charles waited for Louise to put on her coat, a small figure glided past the door to the waiting car. Louise and Charles came from the house, entered the car, and sped swiftly away. As they glided along a quiet road, Charles slowed the ma- chine to a snail's pace and above the noise of the engine came his voice loud and clear. Louise, won't you please do as I want you to? You know it means a lot to a fellow, tell me, will you-? 1 No sir, she won't piped a shrill voice from the rear. Louise looked around quickly. Did you hear that, Charles ? she asked. Yes, what was it? It sounded suspiciously like my small brother. The little voice went on. 'Tm right with you, and you might as well go home. I'm here to see that Louise behaves. Drive on home, Charles l Roaring with laughter, Charles stopped the car and went to investi- gate. Surely enough, there was Jimmie riding on the extra tire strapped on the rear of the car. A dusty little Jimmie he was, but well content with the accomplishment of his duty. Louise, much irritated, murmured to Charles, He'll never believe you only wanted' me to go to the dance at Withrow's with you, and if he tells Father there may be trouble all around. N ever mind, Louise, we'll go out again tomorrow night and fix every- thing up, consoled Charles. The next morning an argument ensued. Jimmie refused to divulge his reason for wishing to ride, and Louise insisted he should not go with her that night. Sure, I'm going, said Jimmie, think I want to stay here all alone ? You've stayed alone lots of times, besides Father is here. If you'd only tell me why you want to go, I'd let you. But if you don't tell, you can't. Can, too. I say you can't I Can I Can't! and Louise ended the undignified argument by slamming the screen door behind her. Oh, yes, I can, and I will, too, sang Jimmie in a high, shrill voice, but he turned away with a worried look, for his plans were not yet finished. With utmost secrecy, Charles and his car waited a block away from the house until Louise came running through the summer dusk. 'Tm sure I've lost him this time. Let's hurry, and she jumped into the car. l68l

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1916 BEE AITCH ESS 1916 L-Tlialitlyful Qfimmiev Frizz Stnrg S Mrs. Carter was to leave for a two weeks' visit to her aunt's, everyone was busy saying good-bye to her. She had asked her small son, Jimmie, to help her carry her suitcase to the station, and thinking this a good opportunity to give him her last instruc- tions she asked him to walk slowly so they would have time for a few departing words. N ow, dear, remember what I said, 'You're mother's little man,' and be sure to take good care of Louise until I get home. With a final kiss, Mrs. Carter boarded the train. Jimmie slouched away, hands in pockets, head hanging. What is home without a mother, especially if she is to be gone two weeks and a giddy sister remains behind? When he reached the front steps, he sat down to think over his duties: to water the lawn and 'tend the flowers, and last but greatest of all, to take care of sister, Louise. A girl has no right to be so pretty, thought Jim- mie, what do fellows like girls for, anyway? If Louise only had some sense I wouldn't have to bother about her. It might be explained that Mrs. Carter had asked Jimmie to watch over Louise and see that no admirers ran away with her. Mrs. Carter had not dreamed that Jimmie had taken her words seriously, but he had, and now he was pondering over the cruel ways of the world. Louise, who was busy about the kitchen work, had noticed Jimmie's gloominess and wondering what was the cause of it had asked him if Mother had reproved him when they were talking before her departu1'e. Of course she didn't, answe1'ed Jimmie. Louise glanced out of the window as she sat on the high kitchen stool while she was paring the potatoes, saw one of her numerous admirers com- ing for a morning call. There comes Charles Payne now. I knew he was coming but not so soon. 1kJimmie sat and frowned as a tall young man came swinging up the wa . . Hello, Louise, he called as Louise went to meet him. Tonight is go- ing to be a fine night for a ride, don't you think so? Jimmie's ears we1'e alert for everything they said, and as they planned he made arrangements also. When Charles left, Jimmie said to his sister in a teasing manner, Louise, may I go riding with you and Charles ? Louise, looking at his sweet face and suspecting something, said, No, dear, I'm afraid not. You see, Mr. Payne has a one-seated car. l67l

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1916 BEE AITCH ESS 1916 Once out of town, Charles made sure no Jimmie was riding in the extra tire, while Louise remarked pensively, I can't imagine why he acts, so, he never paid any serious attention to me before. He's a funny boy. Really, sometimes he seems lots older than ten. Then the talk became more per- sonal. Meanwhile, Jimmie had troubles of his own. While wandering about the yard thinking of plans, a sweet little voice had hailed him. Hello, little boy. Who are you? I'm Elizabeth Gilbert. We just moved here. I've seen you lots today. Why are you so cross? Don't you like girls? You look lonesome. Come and talk to me. In a flash, Charles, Louise and even dirt itself left J immie's mind. Fluffy yellow curls, tied with a pretty blue bow, and brown eyes have often accomplished wonders like this. Say, I've got some candy. I helped sister plant some flowers in the garden this morning and she gave me ten cents to buy some candy. With the help of Jimmie's candy and Elizabeth's friendship, they were soon busy exchanging histories and melting glances. When Charles' car on its return trip drove up in front of the Carter residence, the headlight showed two small figures perched on the stone curbing, the yellow head close to the brown, while the two children care- fully divided what remained of the candy. Jimmie gave one guilty look up- ward and fied, pursued by the mocking laughter of Louise and Charles. Several days later Mrs. Carter came home. After the greetings were over she turned to Jimmie: Did you do as Mother wanted you to '? Jimmie traced the pattern of the carpet with his toe. Well, sheep- ishly, I fed the chickens and watered the lawn, and I was hot on the track of Louise and Charles when along came Elizabeth Gilbert and spoiled it all. Girls spoil everything. You just think you've got a chance and- glancing across the street at fair Elizabeth who at that moment was sharing an apple with Tom Johnson, then they up and slip something over you. Charles, listening attentively to this talk, nodded his approval, then turned to Mrs. Carter. I guess he's about right, Mrs. Carter, but with your consent, I'll do all in my power to capture one young lady and prevent her from slipping something over me,' as Jimmie expressed it. Mrs. Carter smiled and said softly, Charles, you have my consent, and I hope you're successful. You and Louise will be happy. I think I've been hoping for this for a long time. Jimmie gave one startled gasp, then with deepest disgust muttered, Aw! they're all alike! Here I worried and watched that Louise for at least a month and now Mother says, 'Just what I've been hoping for.' Women are funny, that's all I have to say. EUNICE SHUMWAY, '17. l69l