The Mineral argus., 1885-01-01

had long been hushec on earth. Jht
last notes of Kathleen Mavourneen"
had Just been borne away by the sum-
mer breezes when Matte, her favorite,
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, il seemed nature had fashioned
for smiles.
IL know il is silly to cry about it,
Matte; but, oh. it is such bitter dis
appointment! No diploma, no medal,
no honor on commencement day, after
so many sessions of faithful labor. And
l have looked forward to my com
mencement day rs 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 fiourishes 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 Ivy 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 cruel fate that
her first great disappointment should
cast its shadow over the day she had
marked ont to I've the brightest of her
life.
But after all, when that much talked
of day came Elise was not SO sad rs she
feared she would be- How could she he
sorrowful in such scene? Surround
cd by such a convoy Of merry. white
robed creatures, with such 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 soon cast
aside their sadness.
That night after the exercises were
over and the audience dispersed, Elise's
father led her out on the moon-lit bal
cony to tell her how we'll 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.
no medal for YOU" she said, deeply
signing.
THAT does not, in the least displease
me, nv little girl. AS to medals,
they only represent relative excellence,
and il YOU are not exactly satisfied with
your literary attainments. and have
your heart set on taking 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 Won might pursue your
studies in Latin and be able to take
your diploma yet, with very little in
convenience 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!
ayes, darling, 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
others company as in our old college
days. have always been fond OF In
gram and will be only the more re-
ioiccd to have him with me il his visit
is the means of making my loved one
more happy"
It made Elise's heart sink, the pros.
pect of the summer before her, when
she had expected to he as joyous and
free as 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 alone!
But she did not make known her
feelings because she loved her father so
we'll and would not for anything annoy
him. She turned the subject as soon as
she could, asking eagerly about her
"Auntv "a maiden sister of Mr.. O'Brien
who lived with him and tried faithfully
to fill the Office of q mother to his
. orphaned child.
For the first few days after the Pro-
. fessors arrival at WoOdlawn Elise skill
fully stecred clear of his presence. never
, meeting him except Mt the table and
when she went to take her lessons from
, BIN in the library.
r The Professor, although she was per.
, fectly polite to him. saw that she avoid
ed him, and the hour spent with hin
{ IN the library each morning was a real
punishment to her. The first morning