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

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THE PORCUPINE 7 a magazine. good?” “Yes, mother,” cried a fair-haired girl appearing in the doorway, “Lydia Nolan is the authoress, and you would actually believe that she had once influenced a wandering brother or friend, for she describes his return to virtue so vividly. I,really lived amid the scenes of the story while reading it; and, mother, dear, I quite determined to take a greater interest in. my brother Tom’s affairs. You know ‘Tom is falling into bad ways.” This last was uttred in a low, Sad tone. “Yes,” said the mother tearfully... “And your father, too, will be gratified to learn of this:new. resolve, and will aid you as far as possible. Hark, I hear foot steps. Run, dear, to the door.” Jessie obeyed, and a moment later. an elderly man entered the room. It was Mr. Eversham. . He appeared to have left all cares at his office, and his. genial ;counten- ance quite dispelled thoughts of gloom. Jessie settled herself to study, and Mrs. Eversham further discussed the “Wanderer,” which she declared promised great things for its author. “And husband,” she continued, “Jessie has been spurred to a brave determination concerning her brother Tom. She hopes to convince him of his error, not by precept but by example, by the very purity of her own life. What a blessing it would be should she succeed. A sister’s influence is more precious than gold or silver; its value cannot be estimated in coin. It should not be regarded lightly.” Mr. Eversham started. He remembered Miss Nolan. How selfish his conduct had been. Truly, he had esti- mated the value of Miss Nolan’s influence in coin. He recalled his worldly conversation with a feeling of euilt, The next day, Miss Nolan received a note from Mr. Eversham. She read the following words with great joy: “You may be excused from your duties at my office not “Jessie,” she said, “was this‘Wanderer’

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THE’ PORCUPINE “One Good Turn Deserves Another.” “T am sorry, Miss Nolan, but I could not consent to such an arrangement. You are aware that a certain amount of responsibility rests upon each member of the staff.” “T was thinking,” said Miss Nolan, her blue eyes filling with tears as she glanced at the stern old editor who was even now perusing the contents of a manuscript, “that, perhaps, under the circumstances, you would con- sent. I do not wish to shirk my duties; it is on my broth- er’s account that I would be excused next Tuesday. He has been at sea for a year and a. half, and writes that he will be able to spend one day with us before starting upon another long voyage from which he may never return.” At that moment, Mr. Eversham tore in two one sheet of the manuscript on the desk before him. He then glanced at the young woman at his side. She was very shabbily attired, and something in the quaint hood and old fashioned shawl which she always wore aroused him to intense pity. However, he summoned all. his will- power to the occasion. He spoke of the prospects of future prosperity which constant labor made possible, and the moneyed realm of labor whose necessity none disputed, but these bits of worldly wisdom did not tend to hush the inner voice which bade him be kind. “TJ do not wish to shirk my duties,” she said, not curtly, but sadly, “I understand, however, that your words imply refusal. Good evening.” “Good evening,” he replied. % it % % Mrs. Eversham drew. aside the heavy curtains which shaded the windows of her cozy drawing room, and gazed upon the lighted street. She then settled herself in a comfortable arm-chair and idly turned. the pages of

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8 THE PORCUPINE only Tuesday, but the whole of next week. Such is the reward of faithfulness. When you return, 1 shall raise your salary. Your “Wanderer” certainly promises great things. Continue to write and to improve your ability, but this week especially, exert your influence in your brother’s behalf.” While Mr. Eversham had been writing these few lines, Tom had returned home. He had been welcomed with great fervor by his sister Jessie, and had seized the opportunity to draw her aside and whisper, “I have given up my evil companions. This change has been wrought by a sailor lad, who won my confidence, my admiration, and my respect at once. He, Harry Nolan, is going home for a week’s stay with his mother and sister, who, how- ever, do not expect him until Tuesday. How joyfully surprised they will be!” The name had conveyed to Jessie Eversham more knowledge than her brother supposed. Aor: ————— — — LEE eeeeeeee it 7 —s