Santa Ana High School - Ariel Yearbook (Santa Ana, CA)

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. J I 4 X gk , p That's grand! I'm such an ignoramus about the canal. I appoint you as my private tutor, lessons to be given by mail once a week.', Ned smiled faintly. Inwardly he observed that it 'wouldn't matter to her if he went, never to return. Ned, where is your jolly old self? VVhat's one failure? I know it's been honorable, because I know your father. If the world only thought as you do! But aren't you looking at the old world through blue glasses ? He was silent. The problem that had faced him for the last month was bothering him. The reverse of fortune, the sudden change in all his plans had made him realize that unconsciously he had always cherished the idea that Rosalia would some day marry him. At the same time, the change shattered all these newly-awakened hopes. Well as he knew Rosalie and her ideals of life, he felt that, having been brought up in luxury, wealth would be essential to her happiness. Not sure of her love, lacking the faith in her that dispels all doubt, he had come to say good-bye, still uncertain whether or not to speak what was in his heart. Finding her cheerful, almost indifferent, as he thought, to his departure, his last hopes vanished. Rosalie sang but he did not join her as usual: she had an elaborate spread prepared for The Young Adventurer Going to Conquer Worlds Unknown, as she christened him 3 and finally, with lifted hand, she made 'him repeat after her, I, Edward Lee llarrett, do solemnly swear, that I will break my blue glasses, as soon as I am bound for Panama, and I will set my face hopefully towards my 11ew work, remembering that it depends upon me alone whether I make good, and that there are friends, who care very, very much about 1ny success. After the last words came an awkward pause. Finally, Ned, miserably looking past the brown eyes before him, took both her hands in his and said with unsteady voice, Chinn, dear, you've been so good. Forgive me for this wretched evening. Good-bye. Rosalie, blinded with tears, half whispered, Good-bye, Ned. Then he was gone. In her room, a picture looked up at her from the dressing table, a frank face with smiling eyes that did not evade hers this time. She Page Ten

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when a Girl 'loves Uiirst Prize Storyj OSALIE slipped the shimmering yellow gown over her curly -eggyd brown head and stamped into her satin slippers. A dream 45, she had called the costume: now it might as well have been le sackcloth. . Ned had not asked to take her to the ball that was to open the 'gayeties of the spring vacation. Ned, who had chummed with her in the days of mudpies and sunbonnets, who had remained faithful during her four years at boarding school, who, until lately, had been her best friend at college. Ned had go11e back on her and been no chum at all for a whole month. Speed up, Rose ! called her brother, and with a last touch from the maid's deft fingers, she went down to join him. Hurrying out to the limousine, they -niet Ned. He loo-ked wretched and downcast, the picture of despair. Rosalie was startled. VVhy Ned, what is it ? I beg your pardon, I'd forgotten it was the night of the ball, and he turned to leave. But Rosalie detained him. You've not been playing fair. It's the first time in years that you haven't let me share your troubles. I'n1 so glad to see you, Ned. Come and tell me all about it. Ned protested but she had her way. ln the house a few minutes later, he bravely began his story. ' Father's failed. We've nothing left. And there was a painful silence. Is that all? Rosalie asked gently, at last. Some of father's friends have found a place for me with a COIN- llally of surveyors, bound for Panama. They leave tomorrow, so I- came to say good-bye. And do you think I would have forgiven you if you hadn't? How long will the trip last?' A year, probably. I Ned! But what splendid experience! And you will share in the canal work ? - Yes Page N ine

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ARIEI- as looked at it wistfully. Oh, Ned, dear, I wish I knew what was going on in your precious brain. Two months later Rosalie graduated from college. She wore sk rr rk :sf Pk . Two months later Rosalie graduated from college. She wore her cap and gown with new dignity and through the gala week never forgot Ned who, by rights, should also have received his degree. june had passed and it was late in September when Ned received a letter from her that left him duinbfounded. She had taken a posi- tion in the public schools of a little town some distance from home. You think, she wrote, that I'm a spoiled daughter of luxury. l'll show you! Teaching the American child is delightful but no joke. Everyone of the dear kiddies is as much a problem as any of your beloved mathematics, but l'm here for business and 1 mean to make good Y Ned read the letter through twice, a growing tenderness shone in his tanned faceg the hopelessness of the past weeks rolled away and a great light illuminated his understanding. lt was almost spring vacation time again. llridal wreath and plum blossoms rivalled each other in showering the world with white fragrance. Coming home one afternoon from a tiresome day in hot, crowded school rooms, Rosalie found Ned awaiting her. A half wondering, Neill One glance at the sunburned face, and she felt strong arms lifting her out of the work and loneliness of the months past. Coi1fess, dear, that you didn't trust me, she told him later. You thought that I could waste my life i11 the senseless whirl of society while you were fighting a man's battle! O, Ned! Girls have hearts and souls l A silence, then Ned's voice, tender but very firm, Now is the only time of year for a bride. And another springtime is so far off,'l whispered Rosalie. And Ned agreed. Sorting HARDY, 'I3. , .Page Eleven