London Central Secondary School - Golden Glimpses Yearbook (London, Ontario Canada)

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S20 Tl-IE Change of l-leart T had been snowing all day and although the chauffeur had shovelled the walk earlier in the day it was now piled ankle-deep with shifting drifts. Amoury Thornton, her feet shod in luxurious, furred carriage boots, picked her way daintily down to the waiting limousine. With one hand she held up the filmy skirts of her black chiffon dress, while with the other she held the collar of her short fur jacket across her throat. As she advanced to the curb she became aware that someone was watching her intently, and she looked up, sharply. A young girl stood not ten yards from her. She was very poorly dressed and out of a pale, thin face framed in long, shaggy hair stared a pair of large, dark eyes. The short, stiff veil depending from her black toque had been blown back and Amoury's light-blue eyes encountered those other eyes so very different from her own. It gave her the most unusual sen- sation, as though solid ground had suddenly been jerked out from under her. She seemed to glimpse a world very different from the one she knew, a world of narrow streets, of unpainted frame shacks or tenements built close to the road, of dark, dingy rooms filled with the stale odours of cooking. She saw all this in those unusual eyes and yet Amoury knew nothing ofthe life of the poorer classes and had never seen a slum. Her mother had preceded her into the car and now her impatient voice recalled her daughter to earth. ' . Do hurry, Amoury. W'e're late already, as it is. Amoury withdrew her eyes reluctantly al- though she was eager to escape such unpleasant visions. She went on, stepping into the car while the chauffeur held open the door. They rolled smoothly away. Amoury pulled down her veil and straightened her skirts. Did you notice that girl? she asked. No, VVhat girl? She was standing 'there by the sidewalk. She had the strangest eyes I've ever seen. if all tk ak lk Pk if That evening Amoury attended a New Year's dance at the Van Tyles'. She was gorgeous in a dress of painted white velvet stiffened with a lining of taffeta. jewels sparkled on her fingers, her arms, round her throat and from her ears. Her escort was Freddie Lunt, a frivolous young man who had been hopelessly in love with her for at least two long months. They had been dancing but Amoury had asked him to get her some of the favours which were being distributed. She wanted a gay paper hat and a horn. lVaiting for him, she stood near a doorway. wound up in yards and yards of coloured streamers. REVIEW f Betty Patterson First Prize Story---Middle and Upper School Looking up she saw Alan Drake approaching her. Amoury's heart began to beat faster. He was coming to her, wasn't he? Oh everything was all right. The party suddenly became complete and worthwhile. Hello, Miss Beautiful, he greeted her. How are you, Alan? Oh, I'm fine, thanks. No need to ask how you are. How is it you're left here alone like a deserted princess? f'Well I don't think anyone has penetrated my disguise and discovered my identity yet. Oh I see. Didn't you come with Freddie? Yes. He's just gone to get me some favours. Indeed. Well, in the meantime suppose you come and have a drink with me? I'd love to. ' The rooms were crowded and Alan offered Amoury his arm that they might progress more easily. Drinks were served in the games' room at one end of which was a bar behind which stood a japanese butler. What will you have? Champagne, please. Alan brought her a glass. But as she lifted it to her lips she seemed to see again the shabbily dressed girl with the large, dark eyes. In place of the brightly-lighted room, the laughter, the chatter and the clink of glasses she saw a small dark room, in it pale-faced people, and she heard the sound of crying. Amoury's hand shook so that some of her drink slopped over and her elab- orate, expensive gown was irreparably stained. What's the matter, dear? inquired Alan. How queer! exclaimed Amoury. Oh, I'm all right Alan. Their drinks finished, the glasses were set down. Where is your wrap? asked Alan. Why, in the dressing room, of course, replied Amoury, wonderingly. Go up and get it and we'll go for a walk on the terrace. That is, if it suits you? Yes indeed. There was a smile on Amoury's face as she walked from the room, but at the foot of the stair- case she met Freddie. 'LOh hullo, Amoury. I've been looking for you just everywhere, he complained plaintively. That's too bad. I'm just going up to powder my nose. I'll only be a few minutes, but don't wait for me. I'll find you. Amoury came downstairs wrapped in an ermine cloak the collar of which framed her fair IConlinued on Page 88 ll

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Q2 Tl-IEREVIEXX! Battle Royal f Dorothy Philli ps p A Play . . . One Act . . . l-Wo Scenes QBased on My Last Duchessuj Scene I. g CENE-QA magnificent' reception room in the ancient palace of the duchy of Ferrara, pan- elled walls, rich hangings, stately paintings, graceful furniture. ' Duke-fpacing up and down the thickly carpeted floor 'and speaking aloudj-It must be done. This shall not continue. I am proud, but my pride is justified, my anger righteous. I will speak to her. fPulls a silken cord hanging nearbyj. CTO the servantj-Ask Her Grace to come to the library. The Duchess fa tall, graceful woman, young, beautiful, aristocratic, enters. Her eyes reflect a deep sorrowj-My lord wishes something? Duke-My lady, give attention to what I am about to' say to you. I am not jealous, but I forbid you to treat other people of lesser rank in the same manner that you treat me. VVoman, have you no pride, no sense of social rank? Duchess ftossing her head angrilyj-My lord, may I remind you that you are addressing an equal, not a menial. You have no right, no cause to speak thus. I shall hear no more! Cturns to leavej. Duke-Stop! You forget, my dear, that I am the Duke of Ferrara! I can have you punished for disobeying me. Yesterday that fawning fool, Gio- vanni, broke a cherry bough in the orchard for you. You thanked him, graciously, smiled on him, blushed and were delighted. Duchess-Giovanni is a polite, charming lad,' and he displays better manners than my lord. I shall continue to thank men for the kindnesses which I receive gratefully. Duke-Are you trying to set your wit to mine, to make excuses? :lllllll f v Illlllll I iilllllll t , l .isa gases I f ' A I I I 2 ::::i f if lie: I li I 1 I v--- I 2 a l. gl ! -. '11, . C .f--1 X555 I I sl gi A l I ILSJD fd? x X I I W ll gy , ll NS. ,. .-'U' I Q ' . ' l 'BID YOU G-ooo 21-'ifgfvffva Dun-4 v Pfnuff: Duchess-I could be quite empty-headed and still match my lord in intelligence. I make excuses to no one. Duke-Silence! Bah! you rank my priceless gift of a nine hundred years old name with any- body's gift! You show more true affection and take more delight in the white mule than you do in me! Duchess-If you had some of the endearing qualities of the mule I should think better of you. As for your gift of a name, I prefer politeness, kindness, consideration, and love to any empty meaningless name! Duke-Woman, you insult my family! It is unforgivable. Why, may I ask, were you so gra- cious to that penniless pauper, Fra Pandolf? The mere painting of a portrait could scarcely fill you so with joy, nor could my presence be the sole cause. No doubt, he complimented you, and, foolish creature, you thought it was courtesy and cause enough for joy. I command you to behave as a lady of rank. Be distant, cold with inferiors, and reserve your graciousness for your lord alone. This is no humble request, it is a command! Duchess-My lord, I shall act, henceforth, exactly as I desire. You shall not control my behaviour. My estimation of the Duke of Ferrara has been considerably lowered. I bid you good evening. QExitj. The Duke stands astonishedg suddenly, he leaves the room and his harsh voice is heard talking to the servants outside. Scene II. Scene-same, three months later. The Duke and Duchess seated before the massive fireplace. Duke-Madam, I warned you, I commanded. You disregarded all my decrees. Your attitude and behaviour pass all bounds. You smiled on me, the selfsame smiles you bestowed on the stable boys. You are unbearablejand I am forced to condemn you to death in the same manner as I condemn all who refuse to obey. Duchess fturning pale-speaking slowlyj - You condemn me to death for that reason ? fpassion- atelyl. You would murder me because I am gra- cious, polite, kind and democratic! You are intol- erable. I should have died soon, anyway. You are the type that causes any human, sensitive nature to wither. In fact, I prefer death to a life spent in misery with you! . Duke Cstanding upj-Enough! In a quarter- hour your executioners will be here. Prepare your- self for death. A ' I I Continued on Page 94