Covington High School - Lest We Forget Yearbook (Covington, KY)

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SOFT STILLNESS AND THE NIGHT. About tive o'clock one summer afternoon a gay crowd of girls and boys were assembled at Dennis's boathouse. janet Dennis had invited her friends to a moonlight picnic on the lake, and the evening of the longed-for treat had come. Qnly one more week remained before the opening of college, and they were trying to crowd all the fun possible into seven short days. This was the crowning event of the summer, and they were prepared to enjoy it to the full. VVith Mr. and Mrs. Dennis the party numbered just ten, and there was plenty of room for all on the Dennis's big launch. The whistle blew, and all hurried to get on board. A thrill of happy anticipation went through all as the launch left the boat- house, because the best part of the whole plan was that no one knew just where the picnic was to be held. They had all guessed every place tha could think of, but Janet had only smiled wisely and said, VVait and see. Now they would soon see. The launch steamed up a lake of red and gold, for the sun was just setting, and the colors reliected on the rippling water were gor- geous. It would be hard to find a happier crowd than thisg Mr. and Mrs. Dennis only added to the fun, for they were still boy and girl in feeling, and entered heartily into all the pleasures of their daughter and her friends. They were all laughing and gaily surmising where they were going, when Janet quietly said to her father, K'Up this way, and the launch was soon headed into a quiet arm of the lake. VVhen they saw which way they were going, Fay, janetis best friend, turned to her and said: There, Janet, I told you so. I knew you couldn't resist coming to our - Hush,H said Janet. VVait and see. You will be 3 sur- prised as the rest. They went on for some time, then janet said, Here, father, Her father stopped the boat, while the others looked f 495

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Ham thopefullyl-You might give him some of dad's bad whisky. Noah-Your Honor, I object. It was only a sample bottle of Peruna. Sataaz-Cut it out, Noah. That joke's been retired and has been living on a pension for ten years. Next! Socrates Ctrembling, with one eye on Xanthippej-Your Honor, I suggest that you make this man live with-with Xanthippe for four months. BIackst01zcfI object, Your Honorg first, on the ground that the enormity of the punishment is altogether out of proportion to the crimeg and, secondly, because this victim remains in our power only one minute longer. So, Your Honor, I suggest that the punishment be this: That Mr. Clarence take all the male members of this honorable company to the nearest cafe, and treat the crowd. Satmz-Good ideal How does this plan strike the court? All the A1011 and Xantlzifvpe-Fine! Satan-All right, then. Court's dismissed. Forward, march! To the fount of the flowing amber, Clarence. lThey all crowd around Clarence. just as they are about to set out, the power of the tetra, etc.. is exhausted, and the shade of Clarence vanishes into his body. The shock of the collision is sufficient to awaken Clarencem Clzwcncc Know soberl-And what do you think of that? XVeally. the most wonderful dream I've evah had, don't you know. Me for Cumminsville and mother, to-morrow. lExit.l lCurtain.1 Am: S. BEHRMAN, '1o. 'S-dl E' as W .N .'i' ggi. .li 7 Ealilaiilirs r ff .vcr X .Lyla 0.54-L-I C481

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about them in astonishment. They were entirely surrounded by water, on their left the sun, a great ball of fire, could just be seen between the trees, and seemed to tinge everything with a soft, rosy light. In front of them, at some little distance, was the shore, covered with trees, among which the shadows were just beginning to steal. Back of these rose the hills, where the lights and shadows would have delighted an artist's eye. Cn their right was the wooded shore, and behind them only water could be seen. The soft, still air of a summer evening added the finishing touch to a picture that was too beautiful for words. janet paused only long enough to let the beauty of the scene sink deep into the heart of each one, then called the boys to help her father put out the anchors, and the girls to help her mother and herself set the table and prepare the picnic supper. Fay is still in dreamlandf' said Janet, donlt disturb her, but I will give her a grander picture than this later on. Supper was soon ready, and all took their places about the table. The sun went down, and the shadows began to steal over them, while they still lingered at the table. All shut your eyes, and when I have counted three, all look to your right, said janet. In a moment they were told to open their eyes, and all with one accord turned to the right. Such a picture as met their eyes! The moonf a great white ball, was just visible through the trees on the shore, and a path of shimmering moonlight came streaming over the water to the very edge of the boat as she lay there at anchor. The water rippled softly around them, and a few belated birds chirped their good-nights, but except for that, the silence was profound. They watched the moon as it slowly rose from behind the treesg no one uttered a word: the beauty and grandeur of the scene awed them to silence. Soon the moon was above the trees and Flooding everything with light. Janet looked from one to another of her guests, and saw that she had accomplished her purpose, for each one seemed to feel the beauty of the scene, and she was not sorry she had shared it with them. She looked again at the moon, which seemed to be smiling down at her and enjoying her pleasure. Soon Fay drew a long breath, as if awakening from a spell, and, turning to janet, said: I How did you ever happen to find this place, Janet ? C507