Dexter High School - Signet Yearbook (Dexter, ME)

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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?

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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.

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THE SIGNET 27 The style is so unmistakable that it would be recognized no matter how one tried to camouliage it. Ah, the clerk answered, that will not happen, these dresses cannot be exchanged, therefore, Madame, you need not worry. Very well, said Mrs. Draper, well pleased that her fears had proved ground- less. Kindly wrap it up and I will take it home with me. Soon Mrs. Draper started home in her Hupmobile sedan and quickly drew up at her beautiful home on Virginia avenue. She stepped from her car and walked light- ly up the walk, taking her box with her. Opening the door, she was about to start up the stairs when she saw her daughter in the living room. Oh,'Catherine, she said, hadn't you better go up and dress for the party? I rather like your idea of having the parties on the same afternoon but in different rooms. Oh, yes, I got a new dress for the occasion. So did I, replied the daughter, You know you suggested that we were both in need of new ones, and when I was down town this morning, I picked up something I liked. It really is sweetg I'm crazy about it. What does yours look like? Well, it is hard to explain, responded her mother. Let's go upstairs and put them on. I am ready now, are you? Come on. Sure thing, was Catherine's reply, a dress never looks the way one pictures it. You have to see it. Both women went up stairs. In the hall they stopped at their own doors. Well, said Catherine, laughing and ap- parently in high spirits, let's both go in, U change our dresses, and then come out at the same time. All right, replied her mother. Are you ready, daughter? Mrs. Draper called from her room a few moments later. Yes, mother dear, one, two, three, ap- pear, Catherine called as she hastened to open her door, while her mother did like- wise. A moment of painful silence ensued, so painful that it seemed an age, as each stood looking at the other wearing the duplicate. Mother, where did you get that dress? At Hudson's? Yes, she confessed. Didn't you ask if there was a dupli- cate ? inquired Catherine. I did, but they said that they had only one duplicate, and that it had been bought this morning by a young girl. It never oc- curred to me that it might be you, because I knew that you very seldom go there. I know, she said, I just took a notion to go in. Isn't it terrible, mother anl you so hate to buy a duplicate! What shall we do? Well, we can at least take one back. I am sorry, my dear, but they said that they accept no exchanges or returns. I am positive that they will make no exceptions. For a moment mother and daughter look- ed disconsolately at each other, then the humor of the situation revealed itself to them and both laughed so long and hard that their dresses were endangered. Mo- ther and daughter were both good sports so they wore the duplicates and acted as hostesses at their parties. Phcebe Hilton '26. THE What a wonderful thing the baby is! He is quite helpless, yet it will not be very long before he will begin to notice and to copy the very same things that you do and say. Here most of your responsibility lies. Whatever you do is all right for him to do or, at least, he thinks so, and if he grows up to be an honest man, part of this will be due to your iniiuence over him. BABY He is watching you all of the time, whether you realize it or not and you can mould his life in any way you desire. So don't forget that you have an influence, for good or bad, over every child with whom you come in contact, and that you also have a great responsibility. Rena Glidden '26,