Santa Rosa High School - Echo Yearbook (Santa Rosa, CA)

Page 5 text:

THE PORCUPINE 3 praised her execution Allie studied her intently. She was attired in a black velvet gown and wore no orna- ments save for a few crimson buds which nestled amid the glossy ringlets of her hair and which contrasted so prettily with her pale, expressive face and dark eyes full of fire, yet soft and pleading. A pleasant conversation followed and soon Allie was unfolding to her listeners, whose kindly tact and sym- pathy had won from -her the story of her life and am- bitions for the future, her desire to be present that even- ing in the Declaine Gardens and hear the renowned sing- er whom the enthusiastic queen of wealth was enabled to summon into her presence. Suddenly, inspired by a new thought, Allie asked, “Will you sing for me now?” The lady hesitated, then catching sight of the pleading face, nodded acquiescence. Her sweet voice broke the stillness of night and, accompanied by nought save the splashing waters beneath her, she charmed her two lis- teners into breathless silence until the conclusion of the strain. It was a strange sight, the two fairy frigates gliding along side by side, bearing two enraptured lis- teners and she who so charmed them with her voice that their oars were almost unheeded and the tide was bear- ing them where it would. We must not omit the great, shaggy dog, and also the lanterns which enabled each to behold the faces of her companions. “Oh, it was wonderful!” Allie cried, then paused, un- able to express her thoughts further. “JT must tell you,” the lady replied, “that I am the sing- er whom Mrs. Declaine summoned. You know we sing- ers are proud with that pride which is born of independ- ence.” She struggled to control her rising indignation. “Mrs. Declaine did not question me in regard to her sum- mons, or rather commands, so I wrote her no word of re- ply. I would willingly disappoint any woman who so forget herself as to impose upon one who is her inferior only in wealth. . Still, she has continued to expect and I came here merely to forget. And now I have a sugges-

Page 4 text:

2 THE PORCUPINE er was but a memory in the hearts of those who loved her, Allie faced the future bravely and, day by day, com- forted and encouraged her father, who was often sadly de- spondent. For him the future was but a thorny pathway which he must tread before his journey of life should be completed Bnt to return. “I am glad for you, dear,” Allie re- sponded, then hastened away that her sister might not see the tears which she was unable to conceal. When alone she endeavored to form a mental picture of the re- nowned singer, who that evening would delight her hear- ers in the beautiful gardens of Mrs. Declaine, whose wealth enabled her to satisfy her every fancy. But could Allie have realized what the future contained for her, her joy would have known no bounds. The evening had come. Elaine had disappeared in a vision of white loveliness and Allie was alone save for her father who was so occupied with his evening tasks that he failed to notice her dejected air. Finally she re- membered the pretty row boat which was available at all times and stole down to the lake whose waters sparkled beneath the wan beams of the moon. Raising her voice, she calied for Rover who immediately appeared and, per- ceiving her intentions, barked joyously while the boat was being released from its moorings. A moment later, and Allie was busily plying the oars, humming softly the while. Her sweet, clear, though untrained voice at- tracted two young women, the sole occupants of another craft. One of them exclaimed brightly, “Oh, do sing for me, will you, please.” Her companion seconded the re- quest and, after a little urging, Allie consented. At first her voice was weak and unsteady, but seemed to gather strength from effort. The words were touching and ap- pealed to her listeners, for they seemed to come from the depths of a yearning heart. When she had finished she gazed into the face of one of her listeners for whom she had conceived a great admiration. While the lady

Page 6 text:

4 THE PORCUPINE tion to offe r. You have a wonderful voice, as you cer- tainly should realize. After your sister has graduated from college and your father will not necessarily be with- out companionship, I will undertake its training in ex- change for nothing except your constant perseverance. But listen, dear, do not interupt me. You may repay me when your voice has created demands for your presence in public.” Surprise, gratitude and bewilderment seized Allie sud- denly and she leaned over the side 0 the boat and threw her arms around the neck of the beautiful singer who had opened a fountain of joy at her feet from which she might quench her thirst which had been raging unsatisfied un- tilnow. They parted, one happy in the consciousness of having bestowed happiness, the other in the lofty ambi- tions and the earnest hopes and purposes which were hers. When Allie re-entered the room where her father still busied himself with his evening tasks and saw before her the accustomed duties, she thought of the singer as one whom she had beheld in a dream. Elaine had returned and immediately proceeded to give her sister a few de- tails concerning the experiences of the evening. “Oh, Allie, the singer was not present, for some ac- countable reason, and after wandering up and down the Grdens we were obliged to go. Mrs. Declaine was so embarassed and annoyed she could scarcely treat her guests with civility. It was stupid.” Allie seated herself at her sister’s side. It was a long while before she could gain the courage to unfold to her the events of the evening, but she finally did and, while her father listened with tearful eyes, Elaine drew her closer and, embracing her tenderly, said, “Allie, dear, you’ve sacrificed yourself for me and I am truly grateful for the unselfishness you’ve shown.” Then laughingly, for it was never possible for Elaine to be serious long, she continued, “Father and I may agree and we may not, but you shall not suffer for our