Wellesley College - Legenda Yearbook (Wellesley, MA)

Page 22 text:

lo At Wellesley will let me get specimens, and not expect too much from my limited powers of conversation. This was the beginning of Ruth ' s ro- mance. August came and went, and in September the girls returned to college together. Ruth took charge of the un- packing, while Nell rummaged the village shops for chocolate and condensed milk, got the curtain-rods recut to fit the win- dows of their new abode, and did other small errands. Ruth hung up the gowns and put away the linen, unpacked tea-cups and filled her shelves with books, talking all the time as fast as circumstances allowed. Fan Reed had called to help or hinder and ask questions. Good time ! Well, I should think so. Nell was enchanting. Every member of my respected family is in love with her. Kate ' s baby cried dismally when we left, and the others forebore to scold her out of pure sympathy. I can see them

Page 21 text:

A Question of Science 9 Have another cup ? put in Edna. Yes, said Ruth, after a pause, to steady my nerves. I have decided. What Ruth had decided was to assume the function and responsibihty of Provi- dence, and ask Nell to visit her at the shore in August. Nell, she said appealingly that even- ing, as they left the village behind them, and with many odd-shaped packages, toiled toward the East Lodge. I shall miss you wofully this summer. Yes, assented Nell impartially, I suspect you will. ' You might have compassion on me and come to me for the month of August. It is n ' t very exciting, but I want you to meet mother — and Ellis. Don ' t accept too rashly. Eat a chocolate. We are far enough from the village and civilization. I really want you to come very much. Nell took time and the chocolate. There was a short discussion; then she said : Very well. I will come if I can. You

Page 23 text:

A Question of Science 1 1 now ; — Mother and Kate in the doorway, Ellis holding the sobbing baby in his arms with an expression that said, Go it, Marjory. I ' m with you ! She paused for breath and threw two sheets and a pillow-case to Fan. Make up my bed, Fan. There ' s a dear! You may make Nell ' s, too, when I come to her sheets. What does Nell think of Ellis? This pillow-case is torn, my dear. ' ' Wait a minute. There are more. Of course she liked him, but — would you be- lieve it ? — she thinks a sight more of Mar- jory. She had some distractingly pretty gowns — Nell, I mean, — but I had a tug to make her wear them. It did n ' t matter, though. I believe Ellis never knew once what she wore. He collected specimens ; he explained things ; he taught her to develop photographs ; he read scientific French with her ; — he was perfect ! She liked it all, of course, but she did n ' t nearly appreciate the situation. Fan Reed, Ellis gave up a yachting trip with