St Francis Xavier Academy - Xavier Yearbook (Providence, RI)

Page 25 text:

THE XAVIER 23 “How much she needs a true friend and protector,’’ was his mental comment, and then and there he offered himself to be that friend and protector. Dorothy did not speak, but the light in her blue eyes told Donald that he was fully answered. At the end of June, she resigned her position and during the following August became the bride of this true-hearted, noble and unselfish young man, who knew his duty to his God and to his neighbor. They made an extended tour through Europe, visiting all the centres of interest in music, art and history. At their return a great surprise awaited Dorothy. By instructions to his lawyer, “Don” had bought his wife’s old residence, and thither they journeyed on that home-coming. Nothing had been changed, even the old servants, bowing and smiling, stood awaiting them in the hall and here taking up the golden threads of life, they spent their future, happier by far, Donald always maintained, because of the misfortune which had befallen Dorothy. Margaret Hayes.

Page 24 text:

22 THE XAVIER “Remember, too,” he said, as he bowed and turned to go, “that your critic will never accept a final negation to the question that he has so vitally at heart.” He returned to the city with the picture of the rural school teacher strongly before him. He was an exemplary young man, wealthy and of good family, but for the sake of the art he dearly loved had, since his graduation from Columbia been a critic for the State. In the old days he had known Dorothy well, and would have openly declared his affection for her, but feared always to be repulsed. He knew her as a high-strung, impulsive, noble girl, and if he admired her formerly, his admiration was deeply increased by her fine attitude in this present trying condition of things. And what of Dorothy ? Her heart had always inclined toward Don, but now she put this one consolation aside, as being unloyal to her beloved father. Many were the visits from the critic, but whether they were for the benefit of the pupils or the teacher is not known. However, he seemed to make no further progress than at first. The insurmountable barrier as of ice remained the same and with a saddened heart he began to think that her life and his were to run in ever widening channels. In the meantime, what were the thoughts of the teacher? Her father had now become so ill that his end was not far distant, and her great care was for his eternal salvation. At his best, Mr. Dorsey had never been a fervent Catholic, and many years had passed since his feet had trodden the aisles of a Church. This had always been a great trial to his pious wife and to his daughter. She now prayed night and day that God might soften his heart, and finally her prayers availed, for he died a most holy death, after receiving the last Sacraments with fervor and contrition. She alone kept her lonely vigil with the beloved dead, for they had made few friends in their straightened circumstances. On the last night, a gentleman called at the house. One glance was sufficient to let her know who it was. He had read of her bereavement under the heading, “ Death of a well-known Financier,” and had come to offer sympathy and aid.

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24 THE XAVIER CLASS SONG I Thirteen girls and three are we, Joyous and frolicsome, full of glee: A happier class, there never could be Then our band of thirteen plus three. Alas ! Alas ! we oft did say,— Our pranks will out, we soon shall pay For all our breaks, for gala day,— We must reform,—’Tis S. X. A. Refrain Sweet Sixteen ! the links that tie Future days with days gone by. Dear St. Xavier’s, love untold Dwells within our chain of gold. II But as we sit, and laugh, and sigh. We see old Father Time go by: We try to hide from his stern eye But no, his sign means, part,—good-bye. St. Xavier’s, to us all so dear. Our refuge loving and sincere: We leave thee with a smile and tear, Yet hope to meet year after year. Marik Kei.ton.