Bloomington High School - Aepix Yearbook (Bloomington, IL)

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THE AEGIS They crawled away for some distance, then broke out in a mad dash for the gymnasium. Not a word was spoken as they sped along, but at the sight of the first friend, up went a wild shout of glee from the two. ' 'Hey, Davy, come here, called Rud, We've got a good joke to tell you. Needless to say, Davy came running and between gasps and many interrup- tions, the whole story was soon out. Say, that 's good, laughed Davy, Jennings 'll feel like crawling through the hole in a doughnut when he gets out of that. When he goes waltzing in on old Williamson for dinner. Ha! Ha! I can just see him now. His apparent joy brought a crowd of fellows and it was not long until the news of the trick had spread among the older boys. During the jubilations, Daddy Howe, a kind old history professor, chanced to pass, and overheard enough to arouse his suspicion of a trick on Jennings. Awaiting his opportunity, he slipped up to the pensive youth and led him into conversation. The gray- haired man was loved by all students for he was fair, helpful and sympathetic. It was not hard for him to draw out Howard 's confidence and soon the formal note was in his hands. He had been through a Freshman 's life at a preparatory school himself, and understood. Not wishing to shatter the boy 's dream imme- diately, he said nothing, but going back to his work, he began to plan. The event- ful evening was two days off yet, and he knew he could always work on William- son 's sympathies. He had little doubt but that his plan would mature easily. Classes had just been dismissed on the following day when Howard, smiling to himself, went very quietly whistling down the hall. He stopped before one of the many doors and knocked timidly. Hello! a hearty young voice responded. Howard pushed open the door and stepped inside. HWhy, Raymond, he began, I just wondered if you have a-a-white bow-tie I might use this evening. I-Ilm invited to a party and can 't find mine. Sure enough, was the quick reply, for Raymond was aware of what was going on. Want any thing else? I 've got a swell walking-stick you can have if you want it, he added with a swagger. UNO, thanks, I have everything else I need. I'll have to go now and get my French. Good-bye, he said. So-long, called Raymond, but as the other lad closed the door, he said to himself, Poor kid, he 's in deep. Raymond was truly sorry for the boy, in fact, he was the nearest approach to a friend that Jennings possessed among the students. But even so, he could not spoil the fun by giving the secret away. It was exactly 7:02 o'cl0ck that evening when a much dressed up young man stiffly walked up the steps to the VVilliamson door. With just the very tip of his white gloved finger, he pushed the bell. The door was opened by a pleasant look- ing woman. Hat in hand, Howard entered and stood twirling his hat in his hands, feeling and looking much embarrassed. Mn Jennings, I suppose?' ' began Mrs. Williamson, for it was she who met him. We've been expecting you. Just come in here, won't you please, where our other guests are? 27

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THE AEGIS Luncheon was the popular meal with the boys at the Academy, for it was then that their mail was delivered. Then homesick Freshies were cheered by loving words from adoring mamas. Seniors, well weaned from home, were cheered by the prospect of a money-order. So, it was, apparently a happy crowd that eagerly filed into the dining-hall. Among the pupils was Howard Jennings, a solitary lad who seemed rather in awe of his upper classmen, and, indeed, of his Freshmen brothers, as well. While other boys romped and played, he contented himself by watching yearn- ingly from a distant corner. He did not seem to be at all enthusiastic as he came in to lunch on the day following the 'little conspiracy. He expected no mail and always felt a little out of things, when other boys were enjoying theirs. Even his appetite did not make him eager. He had few friends, either in school or out in the world. Now, he was here merely to be out of the way of his society-struck mother. But today, as he carefully seated himself amidst the subdued scramble and clamor of his associates, he noticed an envelope at his plate. Closer glance showed it to have gone only through the local post-master's hands. He did not under- stand, but slipped it into his pocket, for it was at least something to which he might look forward. At the Sophomore table sat two boys who apparently were unusually inter- ested in the Freshman table and it was evident from their half-concealed glances that the center of attraction was Howard. But to their utter disgust he displayed no excitement, did not rip open his note and eagerly devour it, as they had antic- ipated, but calmly ate his meal in silence, as usual. During the noon recess, however, Howard sought a favorite secluded nook in a far corner of the campus and there, with no one to interrupt, he broke the seal. The card read, Professor and Mrs. Henry Darth Williamson request the pleasure of Mr. Howard J ennings' presence at dinner, on Friday, November fifteenth, at seven o'clock. 418 University Avenue. Utter amazement, mingled with joy and fear shone in the boy 's face for a few moments. A dinner party, and for him! Impossible! fTrue-Professor Williamson was his mathematics instructor, and he did seem to favor the lad sometimes. It was addressed to him, had his name in it. Yes-it must be all right-how good he felt already. All this passed through Howard 's mind as he sat gazing steadily at the ground. Behind the bushes, unseen but seeing, crouched two boys. HHe fell for it, all right,' ' excitedly whispered Rod, I told you so.' ' Shut up, he 'll hear you. Come on, let 's go back. It's most time for the bell, ' ' cautioned Fitch. 26

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THE AEGIS Yes'm, thank you. Guess I'm sort of late, he meekly replied. His hostess had pushed aside the portiers and ushered him in. The three professors to whom he recited were seated in the brightly lighted library. How- ard seated himself in a high stiff backed chair and pulled at a button on his coat, nervously wishing that he be unnoticed. The men were undoubtedly discussing matters of which he knew little and he was not bothered. But soon the conversa- tion took a musical turn. By the way, I wish some of you would play the violin, the host said. I have a fine old instrument here, but it has been years since I have used it. Can- not one of you play? I got it out this evening hoping We might have a little con- cert. I 'm rather hungry to hear it.' 7 Sorry, but I'm no musician, one answered. HForgotten all I ever knew, another. But unnoticed, Howard slipped to the floor, tiptoed over to the piano and took down his violin. I will not try to describe the music as the strings responded to his masterful bow, but after two or three measures, the men stopped speaking. The remainder of the evening passed as in a dream. It was several hours before Howard fell asleep, tired, but happy. HHa! Ha! That is a good one on you, Rud. 'tBully for you, Rud, you're a bear at playing jokes. If I couldn't do any better than that I'd stop trying to fool the Freshies, H were a few of the greetings that reached Radford as he came out upon the campus Saturday morning. I-Iuh! what's the matter, anyway? he asked, moving a little more slowly. Look at this paper if you want to know, Davy shouted, grinning sar- castically at Rud. He held up a sheet of a local paper and pointed to a ection in the society news. It read: Professor and Mrs. Williamson very pleasantly enter- tained a few friends at dinner last evening. A most enjoyable feature of the evening was several violin numbers rendered by Mr. Howard Jennings, an accom- plished young musician from Baltimore, who is now a student at the Academy. The boy was stupified for a few seconds. Then a most sheepish grin ap- peared. Well, what do you know about that! he ejaculated. 1exqwvC,ggvg?'vef?H-f'2vj-snfs?Qy5g,?fff vw ' it V e we s Qkyll if 28