Edgerton High School - Edgertonian Yearbook (Edgerton, OH)

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home and begin teaching, as that was her great aim. This decided answer from Katherine rather startled him, for he was intensely disappointed. His deep love for her had seemingly not been returned-for this reason their friendship was not so strongly' united for a while. But, as Katherine's last year of work was nearing its close, and she was preparing for her part of the recital, she decided to sing the song which had always been Henry's favorite. He was eager to hear her, and he knew,--yes, he felt,-that she was singing it entirely for him, a fact which made it all the more sweet and charming. He hesitated, however, to tell her all he thought, and not until the day of her departure did he whisper to her not to forget him even though the ocean separated them. After bidding her friends farewell, amid pleasure and joy, and expressing her manifold thanks to them for all their kindness, she left Germany. Amidst great rejoicing, just two years and a half after she' left home with her parents, she was within the bounds of her dear old home. Every one was so pleased when Katherine returned, and it was not long until she had a class, and was ready to teach. She was not only successful as a teacher, but often she would cheer those who were in distress or sorrow by her sing- ing. Her services in the church were appreciated to the fullest extent, and after she had spent two years of her life in her chosen work, she had made much progress. just five years from that eventful day when they had left New York harbor, Katherine received a letter from across the ocean, which somehow made her heart beat in excitement before she had time to discover its contents. It read as follows: - I-Iamburg, Germany, May 19, --- My dear Katherine: It has now been two years since I have seen or heard from you. The time has been very long to me, but I thought I would let you reach the height of your ambition, and I would attain mine before confronting you again with the question which you answered me so decidedly. I hope that your love has grown stronger and that you will answer this time in words more consoling. If I say that I will be with you by next Christmas I trust that then you will be ready to take a new scholar in exchange for your class at present. Yours sincerely, HENRY. So it was arranged that I-Ienry's wish should come true, even though it was a year after Henry wrote his first letter that Katherine gave up her class. Although she gave up her teaching, her career as a singer did not end with it. During her entire life she was always ready to do a deed of kindness, and if sorrow befell them, it was always Katherine's voice who brought back the smile of relief. ROSE C. VALET, 'l6. CK

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4 During the days which followed, Katherine became more and more at- tached to her cousins. They, with several neighbors, Henry and Frieda Lendeng, spent many happy hours together. The days seemed to fly very quickly, and her love for the home of her forefathers began to grow stronger each day. Therefore, she said to herself one day, If it were not for being absent so long from father and mother, I should not hesitate one minute to remain here, for I know Uncle John's love for me and wish for me to stay. Marguerite entered the room just on time to hear her last few words. They struck her so, that she thought perhaps her mother had granted her request after all. However, her mother was still inclined to think otherwise. There- fore, having made arrangements to leave for America, by way of Amsterdam, on the fourth of September, they bade their friends farewell. But, alas! when they reached Amsterdam their steamer had gone. There had lDCCll a mistake as to the date of its leaving, and their tickets were useless. This was a keen disappointment, because Mr. Fink was expecting them to come on that ship. Yet it could not be helped. They had to resort to the next best thing, and Mrs. Fink said to Katherine, Perhaps this had to occur in order that you might still get a chance to remain here. These words from her mother sur- prised her greatly, but she saw that her mother was in earnest. After a 'day's arrangements at Amsterdam, the following telegram was sent to Uncle john: Our ship has gone, and I shall return to remain with you. K. lVI.f' Katherine was so much taken up over the sudden turn of affairs that she could hardly control herself. On the following day, when her mother left, she burst into passionate tears. She was so excited that when the train for Hamburg pulled into the station she had not even purchased her ticket. In her excitement, she felt a hand gently touch her shoulder, and, looking around, she stared into the face of Henry Lendeng, the young man who lived next door to her uncle. She quickly told him of their misfortune, and by hurrying. he had just enough time to purchase her a ticket and together they returned to her uncle's home. W ' After spendiii a few days there, she began in voice culture, as she had already taken up instrumental music. She had a beautiful voice. It was so full of sweetness, so clear and thrilling that those who heard her could not help but be touched by the words which were always so full of rapture. The young people of their neighborhood, including Henry, who had helped Kath- erine out of her difficulty, were often entertained by Katherineis singing, and Marguerite's accompanying her on the piano. Katherine wrote home often, and her parents were well pleased, as she told them that she loved them as never before, and how she was progressing in her music. She told them, too, of her experience after her mother left, and how kind Henry had been to her. Katherine had noticed that he lingered after the others had returned home quite frequently. After a year had passed, the intimacy between them had grown far beyond that of the first day when he so kindly assisted her. On their return home from a social gathering, one night several weeks later, Henry surprised her by asking if she thought that they might ever meet in America. Frankly, she said that she thought it might not be impossible, but that when her musical education was completed, she would return to her

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THE SURPRISE. Clarice entered the postoiflce with an air Qf hopelessness. It has been so long since I have received a letter, she complained to Mildred, her com- panion, I'm sure I never would survive the shock if I did get one. The young doctor, who stood in the shadow, looked up from the letter he had been reading, and smiled to himself. He folded the letter carefully and placed it in his pocket as he moved toward the door. Clariee rose on her tiptoes and looked into the mail box. There is one there! she cried, then gasped, for me! In a pretended faint, she staggered backward into the arms of her ehum. A merry laugh from the girl, however, informed her of her mistake, and she hurled around to face-the doctor. O-o-o, she stammered in confusion, I beg your pardon. The pleasure, replied he, was all mine, and passed out of the door. VVell, the nerve-, began Clariee, but the sentence was never finished, probably because she could think of nothing adequate. She almost forgot her letter, but her friend reminded her of it. Then came the fun of reading it. From Emily Davenport, she exclaimed, and an invitation to her house party next week. Gaily the girls hurried off to make preparations. Of course Mildred told her brother of the incident in the postoffice, and he imme- diately informed Clarice's brother, Don. That night at dinner Clarice was much more quiet than usual, for she was a girl full of health and fun. lNhat's bothering you, my dear? her mother asked, but before she could reply her brother spoke: Oh! she's in love, didn't you know? VVith young Doc. Carroll, he went on to explain. XVhy. she even throws herself into his arms in public. Clarice blushed furiously and stared at her plate. Look at her blush, he teased. Aw, come, sis, deny it if you dare. Evidently she didn't dare, for she rose hastily and fled to her room. XVhen she reached that haven, she threw herself upon the bed and began a rigid self-questioning. XVhy didn't she deny it? Wfhy? Xlihy? Dr. Vernon Car- roll had only reeentlv come to Carson. He was young and good looking, and consequently caused quite a flurry among the young girls. Clariee was nine- teen and had been as interested as any. But the doctor was very cool and distant, and so far none of the girls had succeeded in making any impression. Not until this evening had Clariee been aware how deeply interested she had been, but Don's taunts had laid bare the truth. After Clarice had left the table, her father reproved Don, so the next day nothing was said of the affair. She and her mother were busy getting ready for her visit at Riverview with the Davennorts. .Xt the same time. other preparations were being made in Carson. Dr. Carroll, too, had received an invitation. The days Hew by, and Tuesday afternoon saw Clarice ready for her journey. Don accompanied her to the train and saw her comfortably seated, and that she had the necessary supply of fruit and magazines. The train was in motion before she had time to notice her fellow-passenh ger- The bleed left her face an she saw Dr, Carre!! only a few meats distant,