Newport High School - Blunita Yearbook (Newport, PA)

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8 THE BLUE AND WHITE Bob Davis entered and was introduced to Mrs. Grayson, who having properly welcomed the guest, wisely withdrew, taxing curious MIsb Nancy with her. “Your valentine—?” Faltered Dell when 'they were alone. “It was only a little messenger,’' he whispered. “I said I came east on business. It was to take you back with me Dell!” He held out his arms to her and quickly she’ went into them. The ruined cushion and the valentine, so small yet so important, emblems of an eventful day, lay forgotten. Cupid claimed two more as his own. A TURN OF FORTUNE Hazel Schmid, ’29 There was a sad heart in the low, dark-stained little house that stood humbly by the road under some elms. That very day God had called home the only one who could ever make the dreary life cheerful. Five small children stood around the corpse of their mother being led in prayer by the eldest, a girl of sixteen. It had been customary in this home for the children to kneel around the mother to say their evening prayers. The thoughtful child, Joan, was making use of the few privilege rights. Soon she would be the only one that could take the mother’s place. In her childish mind her mother was taking care of them. As her mother was laid in her final resting place, the rearing of the four children was placed upon Joan’s shoulders. Standing again in her home tears gathered around the clear blue eyes, which were nestled in a very beautiful face. Cupid bow lips were twisted in a way that showed that Joan was doing some very hard thinking. The sad expression soon lighted and as her lips parted in a smile, pearly teeth flashed. Into her mind had come the thought, would her mother want her to sit around pining, and the answer came quickly—no. Whatever the trouble might have been Mrs Joaness had met it with a smile and had tried in every possible way to disentangle it. One month had passed and Joan knew that If she didn't soon find something besides the few washes which she had managed to persuade the people to give her, she would have to put the children in a home. She had never heard what had become of her father. She remembered him as being very quick tempered. When he was home she had pretty dresses and a nurse to lake care of her, and then came baby Marceline Ruth, and she never saw her father again. As her pretty dresses wore out they were replaced by inexpensive

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THE BLUE AND WHITE 7 When Della's mother died, James Grayson and his wife had extended a cordial invitation to Della to live with them. Any other time she would have refused, but overcome with grief, she was ffUd to seek refuge from the haunting memories of the old home. Mabel Grayson, thoroughly frightened by her daughter’s report, hurried to learn the cause. “Della! What is • • tell me did Grandma d—d—Oh, I can’t believe it!” Della, aroused from her reverie by her sister’s hasty entrance, Interrupted. “There is nothing the matter, I just received a val • • • why. Mart), you left that butter drop off your knife on that new cushion! Quick, take it off! It will leave a grease spot!” Mrs. Grayson, in her excitement, had carried some butter, intended for the cake, into the room with her, and had nervously twisted the knife about in her hands until the butter dropped off. What shall I do? It won’t come out! Jim’s aunt Agnes gave me that cushion only last week and she is coming to visit us either today or tomorrow. It is ruined—oh dear! Why must I be so terribly awkward? Well, I suppose we must just leave it alone. Maybe when It is dry, it will not be so noticeable.” They looked gloomily at the buttered victim. Then Mrs. Grayson 'turned her thoughts elsewhere. “But your letter, Dell? You didn’t tell me. Why were you so sad?’’ T was only thinking and dreaming. I got a valentine from Bob. To-morrow is St. Valentine’s Day, you know. It is the flrfrt message I have had from him since that silly quarrel a year ago. I wonder why he choose this time of the year to renew friendship and recall old memories.’’ After a few moments she added, “Oh, why did we quarrel anyway-” “Well, that is the way it goes when folks are young and foolish and don’t know their own minds,” Mabel said, and left the room glancing ruefully at the havoc the butter had wrought Several minutes later the doorbell rang. It’s Aunt Agnes, I know.” Whispered Mabel. “There Is a taxi and she always comes in one. It never rains but it tpours. Hide the cushion some place— quick!” Dell kicked the cushion under the sofa and went to the door. A fall, broad-shouldered young man stood there. “Hello, Dell! I come east on business and—” “Bob! I didn’t recognize you! Come in.’’

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THE BLUE AND WHITE ft ginghams. From their lovely home her mother had brought them to this dirty part of the city. Soon she began to take in washings, and so she lived working until sleep would overcome her. Then one day death claimed her. While she worked so hard, her husband was becoming a wealthy man in the city where he had fled, after he had grown tired of his family. She heard of his wealth but had not called upon him for help. The money which he gave to charity would have been more than self-sufficient to provide for his children. But they knew not of him and he, now, did not know where to find them. He did not even know that his wife had departed from this earth. “Oh Joan, here is something we could try!” “What is it. Jack?” Jack's dark eyes followed hie fingers down the page until at last he found the advertisement, “Are you listening?” “Yes.” “Work to be sent to your home for you to do. Earn from $15 to $25 weekly. Particulars given for a two-cent stamp. Box 123, Memphis, Tenn. “See, I could send at least and find out what it is. I believe I will send.” In three weeks they were working hard on the home work which they had sent to them. . From then on they got along very well. Everyone could help in doing the work, except Marceline Ruth, and even she would struggle to dust and do a little odds and ends. A year had passed. The children were going to school, all except Joan. Jack had started his Freshman year in High School. Before and after school, he helped Joan. They earned $30 a week on the home work. They moved to a better place and managed to save $200. Then a dark cloud crept into their house of sunshine. The place where they received their work closed down, and slowly but surely the dollars that were saved dwindled away. The money Jack made barely bought the food, let alone pay the rent. They were forced to move into the slums where the rents were low. Jack continued in school, because there was nothing more he could do and it didn’t cost him anything. Joan took in washings. With these small incomes they managed to live from hand to mouth, and to save a few dollars for the rent. One month it went harder than usual and when it came time to pay the rent, Joan only had half of it saved. The man who col-