Galt Collegiate Institute and Vocational School - Specula Galtonia Yearbook (Galt, Ontario Canada)

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SPECULA'GALTONIA 29 labours. Surrounding the boat were myriads of white lily-cups with their chaste petals open to the heavens above. How strange is it that such pur- ity should arise from the slimy mud of the lake floor, even at the call of Persephone, the Spring Maiden. Presently we passed this pool of the gods and slipped into deep, open water once more, leaving the lilies to bloom alone, unconscious of their peerless glory. ABL The Last Word By MARION STUART SCENE I HE interior of a fashionable modiste shop. From the back a plump, middle-aged lady who looks as if she had been slipped into her black satin dress with a buttered shoe-horn, glides forward with an oily in- gratiating smile. Two young girls have just timidly entered the shop. Saleslady, in a stentorious yet suave voice- Well, young ladies, what can I do for you to-day ? Mary Jane, nervously- I-I would like to see some afternoon dresses if you please, something quite new. Saleslady- But of course we do not keep anything here that is not a la mode. fShe leads them into a little dressing-roomj. Mary Jane- Something green, if you please. Saleslady, condescendingly- Aquamarine, peacock's feather, spring leaf or lapis lazulif' Mary Jane, bravely- Lapis la-Lweakeningj spring leaf please. Saleslady produces a creation of a sickly yellowish shade bearing a faint resemblance to a toga bound at the middle. Mary Jane slips it on. Saleslady- Enchanting, divine. Mary Jane-- But isn't it-isn't it rather long or big or something ? Saleslady- But no, ma cherie, it is the new style, so graceful, so fem- inine, so chic, so- Mary Jane- Betsy, do you like it? Betsy watching the proceedings with interest and thinking, 'fGee it looks fierce, with enthusiasm- Darling, it's perfectly sweet, simply ador- able. Mary Jane- It's frightfully expensive. Saleslady- It is a model dress. Betsy, helpfully- And when a thing is good like- Mary Jane, fiercely taking the plunge- I'll take it. SCENE II The living room of Mary Jane's home. Father is sitting in a big arm chair, smoking and reading the paper. Mother is doing un1or's homework while Junior sprawled on the floor on his stomach 1S reading Tarzan of the Apes.

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30 SPECULA GALTONIA Mary Jane sails proudly in wearing her new dress. J unior- Well, well, look what's barging in like a house aflre. What's the big idea, going to a masquerade ? - Mary Jane, with dignity- Jun-i-or, this is a very exclusive model. Junior- Exclusive is right! nobody else would want it. Mary Jane, dropping her grown-up air- What do fresh kids know about clothes, anyway ? Mother, looking up from her long-division- So this is the dress you paid so much for ? Junior- Goshl with that little belt up there she looks like a sack tied about three-quarters of the way to the top! Mother- Juniorl how many times must I tell you not to use that word. Just the same, Mary Jane, I must say I like the long waists better. Junior-- Say, Mum, do I have to go out with her looking like that. What a mess I Mother- Junior, be quiet! It's not so bad as that. ' Mary Jane, fiercely-- So bad as that! I like that. J unior- You never were so much to look at but you did have pretty good looking legs and now you'Ve gone and covered 'em up. What is there left ? Mother- Junior, I am surprised at you, noticing such things at your age. What will you be when you get to be your father's age ? Father, after patiently trying to make some sense out of the paper during this uproar. Here, here, what's all this racket about? Can't a man read his paper in peace without these children eternally scrapping. fLook- ing at Mary Janej Why the funny get up ? Mother- I thought she was old enough to choose her own clothes and use some judgment, but I see- Mary Jane, violently bursting out- I think you are all perfectly hor- rid. You don't know a striking dress when you have one before your eyesg fwarming to her themel just because men wear the same old clothes for ever and ever, is that any reason why I should be a conservative old stick- in-the-mud. J unior- Aw go on, pipe down l Mother- Children, children, that is no way to talk to each other. Just the same, Mary J ane- Mary Jane- There you go again, scold me some more as if I haven't enough to bear having a saucy imp like that for a brother. I never do any- thing right. If anybody says another word I'll scream, I'll- Junior sticks out his tongue. She takes a step forward and trips on her dress. Junior, with glee- Pick up thy skirt and walk. Mary Jane flies from the room blinded by tears and choking with anger- Junior, after a moment's reflection-- Say, Mum. Mother- Yes dear ? J unior- I got to thank long skirts for something. Mother- What dear ? J unior- For once in my life I had the last word with a woman.