Dexter High School - Signet Yearbook (Dexter, ME)

Page 27 text:

THE SIGNET 25 him with respect and esteem, but as no one will do this he must feel annoyed by every- one with whom he comes in contact. He thinks too meanly of everyone except him- self, and does not give others the respect which they deserve. But as a result he will soon be repaid for people will not want to give favors or even respect to a man like this. As he is likely to be sensitive, he will not only suffer from insults but will have numerous disappointments. His pride is a hindrance to improvement and he soon loses everybody's sympathy while his enemies are increasing. When a peacock spreads his gorgeous tail in pride, other birds instantly cry out ugly legs and voice. The against his proud oak is riven by the thunderbolt, while the humble the storm. The pride bush lives unharmed through of Alexander the Great made him believe himself a god, and this led him into every kind of extravagance. His pride threw him into a fever and he died when very young. Hamon, though placed in a court above all princes of the realm was very miserable because a poor Jew would not bow be- fore him. This overwhelming pride led Hamon into a murderous plot against all Israel thus causing him to be hanged. Franklin says, Pride dines on vanity, and sups with contempt. And Lord Bacon says, A proud man, While he despises others, neglects himself. Pride is injurious to prosperity and happi- ness so we should watch our conduct care- fully and not have too much pride. Let us have modesty, yet have it without sacrific- ing courage or self respect. Irene Felker '27. THE UNF ORTUNATE LITTLE MOUSE A story for little folks A little mouse from his cozy corner in a big drawer among paper bags, broken toys, and Christmas things, first opened his pink eyes to gaze upon a world all unknown to him. Everything seemed quiet, and all was darkness. He began to stir around, making a little noise to keep himself company. What kind of a place is this, I wonder, he said to himself? Things seemed strange and new. Soon he grew impatient to learn where he was, and what would happen if he moved his corner. from He' crept up over the side of the drawer, drew a long breath and climbed down the other side. He was so sleepy, that he stag- gered a little as he slowly crept along the fioor of the attic. Just then he heard voices and footsteps approaching, so he scooted behind a large barrel. 'tNow he thought, what next shall I see Y Two little girls came in carrying a lan- tern. Now where shall we find some tinsel and Christmas things up in this horrid spooky place, asked Mary, who held the lantern? Well now, let me think. Oh! I know. lr: this drawer I'm sure we'll find some, cried Beth. Oh! Oh! cried Beth! Look at the horrid foot tracks of a mouse. The little mouse heard his name men- tioned, and wondered what it was all about. Soon the little girls went out. Now the little mouse had overcome his sleepiness, and his curiosity was aroused. He found a good-sized hole in the door, and crept through. A light from a crack of another door made him creep stealthily along. He got through there, and fixed himself comfort- :ably in a corner. His first glance around the room caused him to give a little squeak, because he was so delighted at what he saw.

Page 26 text:

24 THE SIGNET slowly toward the boat and as he reached it he saw the golden hair of Hans gleam- ing in the moonlight. Hans slept peacefully curled up in the bottom of the boat. The god of the North had returned the boy to his people and they rejoiced for their creed was a simple creed and their god was a faithful god. Eleanor Herrick '26. THE CAT What a wonderful beast is the cat! He is always affectionate, always frolicsome, yet always ready to eat. Surely, it is a cold, cheerless home that has. no puss by the hearth. Since the days of the ancient Egyptians, has he been a friend of man. He means al- most as much as a dog in the life of human beings. Ordinarily, he is a good natured creature, yet once in a very great while he shows resemblance to his primeval an- cestors-the lion and tiger. For instance, have you ever tried to introduce your pet cat to a neighbor's dog who chanced to bc an acquaintance of yours? If so, you probably know the results. It is really not a very successful plan. Many of these animals have I seen in the past but there is one that has proved him- self worthy of comment. In the eyes of the household he cannot be surpassed. Everyone recognizes his merits for he is not a common cat. When the mistress crosses the threshold at night he is there to greet her, welcoming her with the eloquence of a dumb animal. To the children he is a faithful playmate. Even a dog could be no better. A rough mauling means nothing to him, for he knows his friends. Surely, no harm could ever reach him within the walls of his peaceful domain. With the inmates of the house he is at ease, trusting every one. But if a stranger crosses the threshold-lo! where is the cat-he is gone, fied from the sight of the enemy. I well remember the day his mistress en- tertained. The living room was filled with guests, all talking together when suddenly a cry arose above the voices. The noise stopped. The guests looked at one another. What could it be. Rushing out, the mis- tress found to her amazement that the cat was sitting in the middle of the floor, passing remarks about the company. It was really a very saucy thing to do, but I believe his misdemeanor was good-naturedly forgotten. Somehow, he seems to know when its shopping day. When one enters the house with a red salmon can in his hand, the gray cat always stands near by. And he is not to be fooled either. With him there is no substitute. He knows what he wants, and demands it, but if the listener doesn't heed- well, he is sure to hear something sooner or later. And yet some people are ignorant enough to say that a cat has no brains. The per- son who makes such a rash statement does- n't know what he's talking about. For when a cat can substitute himself for a dog in the household, when he can become as a mascot to the children, a pet and plaything of the whole family, it is time some people changed their views. Virginia Clark '26. PRIDE Pride is a bane to happiness. It is a con- ceit of our merits and superiority, accom- panied by a mean opinion of every other person. It will be a source of such constant annoyance to us as to embitter life and make us very unhappy. A proud man esteems himself too highly, and is not satisfied unless other people treat

Page 28 text:

26 THE SIGNET There was a monstrous arm chair drawn up before the fireplaceg and he thought- How I should love to crawl in between the cushions to get warm. Then he noticed an immense fir tree, all covered with sparkling things, which seem- ed the most beautiful of anything in the whole wide world. His glance rested for quite a time on the four stockings of different sizes, hanging up over the fireplace. Now what in the world would anyone want to do that for? he thought. He was so curious that he gnawed a big hole in the smallest stocking. Several toys and some candy fell all around him, which frightened him. He scampered away to his corner, in order to see what would happen. Nothing happened, so once more he ventured forth to the Christmas tree. Underneath the tree were several pretty packages, with names on the outside. On one, he read the name of Mother, and decided that probably there would be candy in that package. He tore the paper off, and found, sure enough, a box of Whit- man's chocolates. Ol I'll bet they are good he cried. He immediately started nibbling them. After he had had his fill, he looked around some more and discovered the name Fath- er, Something which was unknown to him was revealed in this package. It had a long wooden stem, with a little round thing on the end. That doesn't interest me at all, he said, because I don't know what it is. The sudden noise of footsteps and voices broke up his reveries, and sent him scam- pering to the nearest corner. All the pack- ages were strewn on the fioor. Some young people came gaily tramping into the room. As the poor, little, mouse watched them sadly, he thought of the contrast between his own lonely life and theirs. He wondered if they appreciated their pleasures and blessings. Unable to stand it any longer he crept out into the frosty night air. He wandered and wandered, wrapped in thought, till finally overcome by cold and weariness, he sank down and went to sleep. However, his last thought was of the lighted room and what a delightful time he had had there. Betty Brewster '27. THE DUPLICATE Is that the only one you have? asked Mrs. Draper, looking with a critical yet not displeased expression at the little soft green satin dress, which was draped grace- fully over the clerk's arm. Mrs. Draper stepped backward to get a better view. It certainly is a pretty one, she admitted, more to herself than to the clerk. Would you care to try it on, Madame? questioned the clerk. Yes I would like to. So into the fitting room they went, the clerk talking continuously. The dress was quickly slipped on and Mrs. Draper turned to see her reflection in the mirror. That decided the question. Do you want the dress? the clerk asked. Yes, said Mrs. Draper, then as the clerk started off with the dress thrown over her arm she inquired, You say that is the only one you have. Did you ever have another like it? Yes, the clerk grudgingly admitted, for she had been in the business long enough to know when she must answer directly. However, she added, that one, a size thirty-two, was sold this morning. It was She would never You see, if the bought by a young girl. be any of your friends. Hudson store does.order a duplicate dress it orders a woman's size and a girl's sizeg therefore you'll certainly make no mistake in buying it, the clerk added with a nod to emphasize the truth of her last remark. What if the girl should chamge her mind and bring back that dress? Suppos- ing a friend of mine should take it then?