The Warner weekly sun. (Warner, Brown Co., Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1885, 1884-12-26

had long been husheG on earth. The
last notes of kathleen MavOurneen'
had Just been borne away by the sum
mer breeZes when Matte, her fayOrite,
gently opened the door and asked per-
mission to enter.
Matte was closely allied to Elise in
all her merry markings, and now she
felt that she ought to try to share her
sorrow.
1t was not long before Elise's tears
had broken through the barriers OF self
control and were falling fast from eyes
that, it seemed nature had fashioned
for smiles.
81 know it is silly to cry about it,
Matte; but, oh, it is such a bitter dis
appointment! No diploma, no medal,
no honor on commencement day, after
so many sessions of faithful labor. And
| have looked forward to my com
mencement day as the happiest, fairest
day of my life. [ would not mind for
only my own sake, but to think of how
disappointed poor papa will be-"
In vain Matte tried to console her
friend, telling her that it was only the
disappointment of q day and would
never count in the news of the battle"
as she had merely failed to attain the
outward 1Ourishes of her recOmpense,
that she had gained knowledge, taste
and adornments which were recognized
by all the inmates other Alma Mater,
and would be appreciated by society in
days to cOme.
But all the logic failed to bring back
the smiles to Elise's face, for she could
not help but deem it a cruel fate that
her first great disappointment should
cast its shadow over the day she had
marked out to be the brightest of her
life.
But after all, when that much-talked-
of day came Elise was not so sad as she
feared she would be. How could she be
sOrrowful in such a scene? Surround
ed by such a convoy Of merry, white
robed creatures, with such a flood of
golden sunlight pouring down upon
them, balmy, perfume-laden breezes
fresh from the gardens of June tanning
their brows and strains Of joyful music
charming their senses, hearts that had
grown old in disappointments o on cast
aside their sadness.
That night after the exercises were
owe and the audience dispersed, Elise's
father led her out on the moon-lit bal
cony to tell her how well pleased he
was with her sessions accomplishments;
he told her how happy it made him to
hear her voice and to see how skillfully
she executed the most difficult instru-
mental pieces.
"But, dear papa, I have no diploma,
medal for you," she said, deeply
signing.
THAT does not, in the least displease
me, my little girl. Gas to medals,
they only represent relative excellence,
and if you are not exactly satisfied with
your literary attainments, and have
your heart set on taking a diploma, You
need not be disappointed, for to-day
Prof. ingram spoke to me of your fail
ure in Latin examination, and told me
the cause of it. He said, as he accepted
the invitation extended him, he would
take pleasure in giving you a few pri-
vate lessons, and you might pursue your
studies in Latin and be able to take
your diploma yet, with very little in
to either party.
This revelation struck Elise almost
breathless.
What invitation, papa?" she asked.
"Is Prof. Ingram going to visit you at
Woodlawn this summer?"
eyes, darling, L have often invited
him to visit me at my summer home,
that we might hunt and fish together
and spend again pleasant time in each
company as in our old college
days. / have always been fond of In
gram, and will be only the more re-
joiced to have him with me if his visit
is the means of making my loved one
more happy"
1t made Elise's heart sink, the pros
pect of the summer before her, when
she had expected to be as joyous and
free as a lark, to be restrained all the
bright, beautiful time by the grave.
dignified Professors presence. How
much more happy she would be to pur-
sue her studies free and alonel
But she did not make known her
feelings because she loved her father so
well and would not for anything annoy
him. She turned the subject as soon as
she could, asking eagerly about her
"Aunty "a maiden sister of Mr.. O,Brien
who lived with him and tried faithfully
to fill the Office Of a mother to his
orphaned child.
For the firstfew days after the Pro-
lessons arrival at Woodlawn Elise skill
fully steered clear of his presence, never
meeting him except at the table and
when she went to take her lessons from
him in the library.
The Professor, although she was per-