Glass High School - Crest Yearbook (Lynchburg, VA)

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I THE CRITIC 143 Dartmouth. They arose a few moments later, and Myra left the portals of the Ritz with a disturbed mind. She would demand an explanation from Dick when he took her to the theater the following evening. In the meantime she sat down and penned a few lines to Mr. Edwin Saunders, 23 University Place, 'MJ Alpha Kappa Phi: MR. SAUNnEas : . I am writing to inform you that our acquaintance is ended. Is it not rather ludicrous to expect me to attend a dance with a waiter? MYRA NADMOND. The next evening when she was with Dick at the theater her bravado was gone, she was nerveless. When the first act was over Dick said, Myra, there's Ed over there in the third box, right across 3 hels evidently anx- ious for you to bow. She glanced over to see him, and to the utter surprise of Dick, bowed ever so slightly. I L Dick, I saw that boy as a waiter at the Ritz the other day. Now, what must I infer from that Z I-Ie grinned broadly and said in a low voice, A bunch of us at the Frat house made a bet with him that his earning capacity was extremely limited, and to prove otherwise, Ed applied for the waiter's position and received pay for one week. We all admired his nerve very much, but I suppose it did look, right funny to you. Myra regretted with allaher heart the cool little note she had sent and longed to be able to tear it up. The next morning Ed Saunders, opening his mail, was si little puzzled to find a large fat envelope addressed in rather familiar handwriting, yet he could not think whose it was. Oh, yes I he thought, it certainly must be Myra's. He opened it and found within a smaller envelope bearing the in- scription, To Santa Claus. He broke the seal and read: A

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142 THE ORITIC A little incident like this does not alter civilization, nor make the world stand still, but it does help along the plot a little. Myra, in giving the family an account of the func- tion, said that she had had a marvelous time and had met a good-looking boy from Dartmouth, with him she had a date for the Christmas dance. s 1 u Q n n s u The Christmas spirit had enveloped New York, the surg- ing mass of humanity, the drifting snow, and the cutting wind retold the same story. The shops of Fifth Avenue were displaying exclusive models of feminine apparel, While 'all along Broadway hordes of newsboys were screaming to un- heeding pedestrians the headlines of Clemenceau's latest speech. On the corner of Broadway and 42d Street, a man dressed like Santa Claus was selling holly sprigs and mistle- toe. Mrs. Nadmond and Myra had just purchased a leather traveling bag as a Christmas present for Mr. Nadmond, and were relieved that the annual shopping expedition was about completed. Mother, time is simply flying, Myra said, looking at her watch 5 Uwe have one hour to get tea and catch the train for home, and let's go to the Ritz. I love it theref' They entered the Tea Room, secured a table, and Myra, after giving the order, began to describe an evening gown which she had seen in a modiste's shop. The orchestra was playing from a balcony partially hidden by palms, and Myra forgot the outside world of clanging traffic. Once her attention was drawn to an over-dressed, middle- aged woman at the next table. This pompous lady was pro- nouncing the French dishes with a strong Yankee accent. One small cup of bullion femphasized bullionj, and one order of pommes de terra. Myra looked up, saw the waiter's profile, and almost stared. She was certain that he, was Ed. Saunders, the boy from

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144 Q THE CRITIC' DEAR SANTA CLAUS: Do you remember a long time ago when I insisted on you bringing me great big dolls with golden hair and blue eyes? Well, this time I Wrote a note to a boy breaking an acquaint- ance and a date because I was peeved. I was so sorry after- wards because the friend who introduced him explained how unjust I had been. I thought that perhaps he had a dual personality like the famous Dr. Jekyll, but my imagination was childish. Bring back his forgiveness as a big present for, MYRA NADMOND. The conventional ending for every fairy tale you ever read will be changed a little here. They had a wonderful time at the Christmas dance and lived happily ever after. .. l-.-. Unlock the door this evening And let your gate swing Wide, Let all who ask for shelter Come speedily inside. What if your yard be narrow? What if your house be small? There is a Guest whose coming Will glorify it all. Unbar your heart this evening, And keep no stranger out, Take from your soul's great portal The barrier of doubt. To humble folk and weary Give hearty Welcoming, Your breast shall be tomorrow The cradle of a King. -JOYCE KILMER.