Villa Maria Academy - Trumpet Yearbook (Erie, PA)

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While Mrs. Thorpe sat there still stroking the face and hair of her beloved child, Stella tried to imagine home without her moth-er. How she regretted, too, the many rude words she had spoken, and, as her thoughts came thick and fast, she prayed from her heart that God would return this precious gift. Soon after Mrs. Thorpe's departure, Stella experienced the terrible loneli- ness which only a mother's absence could produce. As Mr. Thorpe7s business forced him to be absent every day except at mealtime and a few e-venings a week, Stella did not have a hard time cheering him. It was then that she missed her mother most. It was then that her conscience smo-te her for the many unpleasant words she had spoken to her best earthly friend. Oh, how she regretted the cutting words she had uttered to her dear mother's request that she refuse a certain invita- tion! lt was then she resolved to guard carefully this abominable habit and never speak an impatient. word to her mother again. But, how often one forgets resolu- tions made with the fullest intentions of keeping. lt was with great joy that Stella looked forward to the day of her motheris return. How happy she became as she freshened the house and adorned it with flowers. How her heart sang as she made these preparations! With What out- bursts of greetings did she not welcome her at the station! However, after a few days life began again to fall into routine. Stella soon found her old habit asserting itself and though at times she fought bravely she gradually drifted into a discorntented miss whose bitterness of tongue in herthome was far from edifying. As she returned from a party one evening her mother pleasantly inquired whether she had enjoyed herself. Quick as a flash came the answer, As good as can be expected in a dress one has worn continuously at every social affair for a whole year. Marion's mother cared enough about her to have finished making the dress, the material of which she bought the same day I bought mine. Poor 1nother! How that hurt! Silently she rose from her chair and left the room. Stella's heart sank for she knew that her mother had been feeling poorly again and that as a result was obliged to lay aside the unfinished garment. Sadly she sought forgiveness which was graciously given from the lovable and Weary woman. After a restless and troublesome night Stella rose the next morning at the call of her father who informed her that he had called Dr. Post for mother was quite ill. Half-dressed she rushed to the bedside of the patient only to be turned away as the doctor and nurse arrived. Finishing her dressing she anxiously awaited Dr. Post's coming from the sick room. Calling Mr. Thorpe aside, he was about to speak to him when Stella, unable to control herself any longer cried: 'fTell me, too. My mother will get well, won't she?,' Gravely he turned to the tear-stained face of Stella and full of sympathy said: 'fPossibly, but there are complications which means a hard fight. Dutifully and lovingly sho watched her mother suffer. How she longed to change places with her. Over and over again she tried to tell the patient sufferer rt G2

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A Repentance That Came Too Late 'fYou have a lovely daughter, Mrs. Thorpe,'l said the visitor as she was leaving the door. '4She is such a favorite with her frierndsf' Her attention had been attracted by a happy, rosy-faced girl coming down the hill from St. Mary's Academy with her friends. Yes, Stella is the life of our home, answered her mother quietly, and, with a last good-bye, she turned and re-entered the living-room. A moment after, she heard Stella rush through the hall and the sound of her rummaging in the closet off the hall. I What is it, Stella 2 she asked. Oh, my skates! Stella replied, appearing at the living-room door, an im- patient frown upon her brow. A person can never find anything in this housef' I think, my dear, that you put them in the closet under the stairway, suggested Mrs. Thorpe, gently, as Stella hurried off again. Yes, I have found themj' the daughter called. '4Grood-bye, mother, I won't be out long, and the light-hearted girl was gone. No wonder she was a favorite with her school chums, for a happier, mo1'c unaffected girl than Stella Thorpe was hard to find. Strength of character lay in her sweet face and an intelligent mind acted under her dark hair. But, in her home, this beaut-y was slightly marred. She did not think so much of 'it now as at first, for cross and impatient words were becoming a common thing. When her conscience did remind her, she would ease it by thinking: Oh, well, she doesn't mind it, she knows I don't mean anything by them, anyway. Her mother, however, did mind them and was often hurt, although she never reprimanded Stella about this fault. ' Stella was almost a grown girl now, and her mother, a. rather delicate Woman, looked to her for all that love and sympathy which a mother is justified in expect- ing from her daughter. Stella gave up many pleasures that she might be company for her, for she loved her mother dearly, and was unkind in just this one way. That evening as Mrs. Thorpe was lounging in a comfortable arm chair in the living room which was lighted only by the flames from the fire-pl-ace, Stella drew up a chair and sat by her side, resting her head on her moither's knee so that her hand softly caressed her face and glossy head. Stella,,' said Mrs. Thorpe presently, '4If I should go away for a few weeks, would you try to fill my place and cheer your father ZW Why, where are you going? asked Stella, in a surprised tone. The doctor says I must go to the city, and be under the care of a good surgeon, if I am to get wellf' There was silence for a moment and finally Stella said in a low voice: Of course, mother, you must get well. I am sure I will do my best. A sweet look of tender affection greeted the motherls eye. 61

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how sorry she was for every unkind word she had uttered. Mother smiled but was too weak to assure the brokenhearted daughter that she had long since for- given her. As the days wore on it became quite evident that the patient was beyond all earthly he-lp. Just before the dawn of an early May morning her soul took flight to its Master. Tenderly Mr. Thorpe carried the unconscious Stella to her room where she was obliged to remain for the whole day. During the quiet hours of the night Stella stole into the dimly-lighted liv- ing-rooni where her mother's corpse lay. How those closed eyes which she had caused so recently to fill with tears tortured her! How those motionless hands th at had served her every whim made her heart bleed! There in those grief-sticken mo- ments Stella changed from a carefree, quick-tempered girl to an amiable, serious woman. i M. E.. '3l. 0300-150 A Tribute 020 To them we owe our greatest thanks, Not one can we single from out the ranks Theylre all so kind, so true, so good, These Sisters lneath St. Joseph's hood. They've taught us since we've been in school. And showed us the wisdom ot' every rule. Their patience well deserves our praise, Theylve gladly helped us through many a maze, WVith encouragement here, and helpfulness there, And a sincere trust that leads not to despair. ' Tn rrismi-y, mini, ri-61,011 and Mah, They've guided us thus far on Life's path. ln practical knowledge their methods are wise , It' we follow their teachings, we're bound to rise. Their friendlv spirit has made itself known At parties and dances and not that alonee At programs, recitals, athletics and meetings, Theylrc always present with their friendliest greetings. Wlicn our school days are o'er and we think of the past The most prominent memory-the one that will last Will be the days spent in dear Gannon Hall, Surrounded by the goodness and kindness of all THE FACULTY. V. M., '31 -fi' 03 i