Central High School - Almanac Yearbook (Toledo, OH)

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THE 1914 ALMANAC with Jane,-ffor everyone knew, of course, that Forrest and .lane would share those pleasuresj She, to be sure, had been with them only the one year, but the Lewis family had been prominent in the East, and Jane had become almost in- stantly an idol of the girls, and most popular with the boys of the class. She had also been quick to perceive that Forrest Castleton was good looking, witty, bright and in every way desirable in addition to being the class presi- dent. She had forthwith decided that his attentions were to be desired. It was evident that she liked him, and since she did, what else was to be expected than that he succumb to her charms, and be her every-ready, every-willing and gracious escort on every occasion. That was why the class knew that Forrest would only be deprived of one additional evening with Jane. :But the knowledge, even of Seniors, is sometimes mistaken knowledge. This trifling social concern was the exact cause of all of Forrest's trouble and gloom. In accordance with the expectations, and for the satisfaction of the class, he had asked Iane for the Banquet. At the same time he said to himself, And of course, I'd rather take her than anyone else. But the Senior Prom was not a strictly class function. and as it happened, Forrest knew a few girls besides those of his home town. Furthermore. one certain girl from Chicago, he happened to know still better than lane. VVhat wouldn't I give. said Forrest as he proceeded in private to pour out maledictions upon his own head. because of his blessed luck, What wouldn't I give if I hadn't sent-that letter to Chicago. Not that I have changed my mind in the least about wanting Helen to come down for the Prom-for goodness knows, I like Helen even better than ,lane-but matters would certainly be less complicated for me now. if I hadn't asked her. Two different girls, for two different functions, but on the some night! But the letter to Miss Helen Launsbury, requesting her presence at the Senior Prom, had unfortunately been mailed the day previous to that of the fatal class meeting. Of course there were more ways than one in which the situation might have been relieved. I-Ie could have explained the situation to Helen in a second letter, and she would be certain to understand: or any one of the fellows would have been only too glad to help him out by asking jane for the Prom, if he had told them. But none of these methods proved a source of comfort or satisfaction. The situation appeared too complex to unravel just then and he decided to await the workings of time for a while longer at least, and see if a plan would suggest itself. As for lane,-with her there was also a friend,-and a good friend, too, back in Philadelphia. Good fortune alone was all that had saved her from a situation quite as troublesome as that of the President. Burdette Rogers had counted on being on hand for the June festivities, but he had only just written that an unexpected trip to the lVest would make such arrangements impossible. At first Jane had been disappointed-ffor didn't she like Burdette even better than Forrest?l But now she was glad. etern- ally glad that she didn't have to worry about the Prom. Forrest's grouch also seemed to be wearing off, and things slipped back into their usual tranquil channel. But time slipped by too, and the after- noon of the eventful day arrived. VVith a start Forrest realized that his problem still remained unsolved. He had continued in his oblivious, trusting state too long. Helen was coming that very evening, and he had promised 59

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THE 1914 ALMANAC with favorable eyes, and the result was our special class meeting of yes- terday. To be sure, we couldn't be expected to omit any one of the functions for which we have arranged. Consequently, so that we might not incur any ill will on the part of either parents or faculty by entirely disregarding their wishes, we conceeded to the extent of combining the Class Banquet and Prom. That's the entire situation. As they talked they reached the lockers and there found the customary groups of girls, tryingito reason out particularly troublesome parts of the day's assignments which single brains had evidently found too much of a task. lane and Harriett were however, social leaders, and had scarcely ap- peared in the doorway when a simultaneous closing of books was heard. The different groups formed in one large circle with the two latest arrivals in the center. Classwork was entirely forgotten and the late social change became the sole topic of interest. Strange how a small particular can so materially affect such a number of girls! XVith the exception of a few who were merely interested listeners, each girl expressed her ideas regarding the new social combination. This round of opinion continued with animation until the warning gong sounded. Then things grew quieter and the talking died away in a long sigh. But as a last gloomy word one girl was heard to say: They began by laying re- strictions on our good times here in the building, fwhy in the world we have to break up and run into the Assembly at the first sound of that horrid gong, is more than I can seejf' Oh now, donyt be a pessimistf' called Harriett, as she caught Janes arm and headed the procession to the Assemblyg As to the banquet, that doesn't involve anything much worse than deciding which one of those charming gowns, which we have selected, is to be eliminated. As to this rigid discipline, mother and dad both say that they haven't the slightest doubts as to its necessity. They say they weren't dealt with any more leniently in their day, Qthat must have been about nineteen thirteen or fourteenj and I guess they couldn't have been any worse than we are. It's only natural that girls should get together and make known their exact feelings. In the boy's lockers things were different. XVhether it was because they were simply not inclined to impart their feelings and dif- ficulties to everyone. whether they were not so seriously affected or whether they are slower to awaken to subjects of that sort, I do not know. For some reason, however, only an occasional remark could be heard in regard ro the subject which the girls had found to be of so much interest. Probably the change didn't make much difference to them in general. There was one, though, with whom things seemed to be going wrong. But there was 110 one who. after diligently employing his mental faculties and searching his memory. could conceive of any possible cause for the gloom and gmzcral grouclz of Forrest Castleton. Forrest had always been such a good fellow-that was the reason thev had made him Senior President, in spite of the girls' attempt to fill that ofhce. I-le had always been so enthusiastic in making the best, and a suc- cess of all arrangements: what could have come up to create such a change in him! lt certainly couldn't be such a trifling matter as the parents' ek- travagance limit, which had brought about the doubling up of social events. That wouldn't do anything more than deprive him of an additional evening 58

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THE 1914 ALMANAC to be on hand for her at 9:30. How it was to be accomplished he didn't know. The noon train for the East was crowded, and when Helen boarded at one of Chicago's suburbs, she found one remaining seat, and that with a strange young gentleman. Sitting down, she decided to make herself as comfortable as possible. lt wasn't long before each one of the two occu- pants of that seat concluded that the other might under different circum- stances, prove very interesting company. And long before the end of the journey was reached, they had found out that they were both destined for the same place, and had mutual interests in the same T. H. S. and its Senior Class. Surprising coincidences were forthcoming, and soon Miss Launsbury learned that Mr. Rogers was an old friend of Miss Lewis: that a western trip of his had been shorter than expected, and he was arriving wholly un- looked for. In turn he learned that Miss Launsbury and Mr, Castleton, the Class President, had long been friends, and that she was intending to be present at the Senior Prom that evening, As he listened, Nr. Rogers' expression changed, and he began ponder- ing several things in his mind. Miss Launsbury had certainly intimated that the Senior President was to be her escort that evening, and he was positive that jane had written the same thing in one of her letters. Some things were most assuredly muddled! Some minutes later he had a suggestion. He would like to look in on the gay company, why couldn't he take Miss Launsbury, and have her at the Hall. before Castleton had a chance to escape from the Banquet. l-lelen considered the plan and thoroughly enjoyed the novelty it might afford. Forrest would already have left when she arrived, she would dress and then go with this newly found friend. XVhv shouldnit she surprise Forrest? Consequently they agreed and when the train rolled into the station, their plans had been determined. Shortly before this hour, when the time had come. Forrest jumped into his car, and with the bravest attempts at playing his usual self. sped on his way toward .lanes Upon their arrival at the hall. they found themselves in the midst of a gay, joyous throng. The entrance of the two was the final signal for action. The crowd moved forward for the pleasant hours of banoueting. Tall, graceful baskets of flowers adorned the tables, palms and ferns stood about everywhere. a soft light was cast over the entire room. the set- ting was iperfect. the spirit that predominated was thrilling. How could any one be anything but happy? Fven Forrest seemed for a time to discard his ill forebodings. but as the evening wore on. pleasantry began to prove a task, a forced effort. Fven the food so temptingly placed before him seemed to lose its savor. Thought was distressing. The last toast had been made, enjoyed and applauded. when with one accord the crowd arose. Their banoueting together was at an end. and they moved on to enjoy the intermission before the evening dancing began. Forrest and lane, among the last to leave the l-Tall. passed on in the direction of the lobby. Forrest himself was in a state of torture. He had placed everything in the hands of Chance, and Chance hadn't favored him. 60