Bridgewater State University - Alpha Yearbook (Bridgewater, MA)

Page 32 text:

28 NORMAL OFFERING Biittlv .7-Xnininv zmh than ililag. ITTLE Antoine, as one might easily guess from his with' name, was a French boy. Little, he was indeed, .ip . , A and he was a hunch-back. His delicate, clear-cut face, his 'expressive dark eyes, and his long, soft, if dark hair immediately attracted one's attention. His iw - beautiful face, made for smiles and joy, was however, usually serious and at times even sad. Occasionally, his Wonderful smile would transfigure it, and at those times one would catch one's breath in wonder, for it seemed that Little Antoine was seeing beyond this world to his heavenly home. In the little town of St. Quentin, twenty miles north of the Alsace bound- ary line, was a small white school-house, attended by pupils of all ages, and presided over by a stern-faced master. On long, hard-wood benches, ranged about the room, sat the boys and girls. ln one corner, alone, his feet dangling wearily from the high bench, sat our Little Antoine. A well- worn copy of the history of France was open before him. The earnest- ness of his face showed how dear to him was the story of his beloved France. A sharp rap on the teacher's desk silenced the drowsy hum of the room, and instantly all were keen with attention. With a word the master dis- missed the pupils for recess. Little Antoine's face quivered with quick disappointment, for he knew that the torment in store for him was about to begin. Obediently, as always, he passed out with the others, and tried bravely to smile at the cruel taunts and jeers which arose on all sides as he walked. Those boys who were strong and sturdy seemed, with few exceptions, to take particular delight in tormenting the poor little hunch-back because he was unlike them. They even j ostled him roughly, often cruelly hurting the sensitive child, so that they might see the quick tears fill his dark eyes. There were a few, however, who championed his cause staunchly. Whenever possible, Little Antoine remained quietly in his place or slipped out unseen to read his beloved books, for he was passionately fond studying, and was the quickest, most eflicient pupil the master had. With this passion for learning, he had developed a deep love for his country, and he hoped that some day he might perform some heroic deed

Page 31 text:

NORMAL OFFERING 27 Qpvriala. TArthur E. Burrill, Stafford Springs,Conn. Sophia E. Xiacornber, iVestport hiargaret F. Cole, Ashby. Teresa E. Newcombe, New Bedford Lucy I. Hutchinson, N. Dartmouth iiEthel E. Wiestgate lWabel E. Nlacomber, VVestport Sadie E. YVinchester, Brattleboro, Vt. : Address unknown iDeceased. Nnrmal Qlluha. Uhr Erihgrmnivr Glluh nf New Burk zmh Hiriniig, President, Miss Edith Abbott, Vice President, Miss Mary E. War- er, Secretary and Treasurer, Miss Mary A. White. Baurrhill-Erihgrmaier Glluh. President, Miss Alice Haynes, Secretary, Miss Helen Hewitt 3 T rees- iirer, Miss Alice Gile. 0112155 nf IHHH. President, Mrs. Joseph Gillettg Vice-President, Miss Marjorie E. Davis, Secretary, Miss Mary D. Bragdong Treasurer, Miss Margaret J. O'Brien. Erihgvmairr Nnrmnl Aaznriatinn. Gbrganizrh 1345. President, Dr. A. FC. Winship Vice- Presidents, Robert L. O'Brien Dr. C. Irving Fisher Mrs. Clara B. Beatley Julius H. Tuttle Miss Clara T. Guild B. B. Russell Secretary, Flora M. Stuart Treasurer, Charles P. Sinnott

Page 33 text:

NORMAL OFFERING 29 for France. The impossibility of this dream was often the cause of the taunts of his fellows. While we have been thus interested in the lifefof Little fAntoine, in the quiet town of St. Quentin, the outside world of France was engaged in war with Germany. Little Antoine knew only the rumors of the prelim- inary battles of the war which had come to the peaceful town. These only served to fire his soul with a more fervent desire to do something for France. On this very afternoon, while the children were out at recess, a small detachment of German cavalry was riding along the dusty road of the town. Amid the taunts and jeers of the older boys was heard the patter of horses' hoofs and the creak of leather. Above the school-house, lazily- floating in the warm sunlight, was the French flag. As the soldiers near, the curious children gathered in silent groups about the door step, watching the unusual sight. One of the soldiers, dismounting, strode up to the step and roughly shouldered aside the curious children. Near the step with white, tense face, watching for the soldier's next move, stood Little Antoine. Quickly the soldier tore down the flag, and holding it out at arms' length, called to his companion to shot at it. Almost before the words left his lips, the flag was torn from his grasp. Too late, the answering shots rang out, loud and clear, through the sultry July after- noon. Dully the children watched the quick leap of-Little Antoine! as he reached the soldier. There he stood for an instant, clasping his beloved flag to his breast, his face lighted by his wonderful smile, and transfigured by an unearthly light, then-he lay a pitiful little heap at the soldier's feet, tangled in the folds of the flag he had saved from disgrace. Amid a dead silence every person present stood, busy with his thoughts. Those who had taunted and jeered the brave child were offering petitions for forgiveness, while those who loved him were happy with him, for Little Antoine had at last gone Home. H. H., '15