Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1886-05-23
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and hurried away.
III.
1t was near the end Of The summer
term. The higher local examination
was over, and Baroko's logical girls,
four Of them, had won through Group
D almost by miracle, and satisfied"
the examiners. Only Alice Hargreaves
passed with second-class honors, and
the Professor congratulated her before
the others in the blandest Of all bland
tones, while Molly, listening, smothered
q laugh, for she, like the rest Of US, was
not averse to sarcasm when it was
levelled at people she did not care for.
But Molly was leaving the academy.
She was eighteen and an accomplished
young lady. Her conduct, all the mas
tiers said, had been eminently satisfac-
tory through the term. Baroko said
SO. Arcturus had taught her botany
and geology he said so too. There
had been botanical excursions lately,
which were very enjoyable.
The summer term closed with a
garden party, which was, every one
said, a tremendous success. But with
the bulk of the proceedings have no.
thing to do; suffice it that the weather
was glorious, and that the grounds
were really excellent for a garden party.
with tennis lawn and strawberries and
green alleys, down which the guests
wandered at their will.
Molly was present, Of course, looking
extremely charming in white dress,
with her favorite red geraniums at the
throat. She had never been like a
schoolgirl; but to-day she seemed to
have lost the last vestige Of the type,
for was it not her eighteenth BIRTH
day, and she thought that she was
growing old? She played in tennis
match, and Baroko looked on. When
it was over he went up to her. She
had several cavaliers already. ALI
the girls brothers wanted an introduce
ton, but Molly was not given to for
sakipg old friends, and she turned from
the throng to greet Baroko.
81 am tired" she said.
"Come into the shrubbery; it is
cooler there" said the Professor, in his
old tones Of calm authority, and the
two marched away. Molly's young
cavaliers were dismayed and indignant,
but they were Baroko's pupils at the
neighboring college, and too much in
awe Of him to follow. So Baroko and
Molly wandered down one of the green
alleys together, and there was smell Of
sweetbrier in the air.
$50 you are leaving us, Miss Drum
mond?" said the Professor rather curt
ly. "You are not sorry?"
4" Indeed l am" exclaimed Molly
warmly. Sometimes l think should
like to go to school all my life. l have
enjoyed everything this term"
"You will soon recover from the
pang of parting, and in six months all
you have learned will have slipped
blissfully from your memory" said
Baroko unkindly. 81 promised, Miss
Drummond, never to be sarcastic ;
otherwise / should say that your at.
tainments were more brilliant than last.
ing. | never had more promising
pupil ; but however quickly you have
learned, trust me, you will forget much
more quickly"
knowledge is not everything
said Molly a little proudly, for she
thought the thrust uncalled for. II
does not make one happy. l know !
shall forget; but shall not forget the
pleasure | have had, nor the kindness
You have been very, very kind to me,
Professor Brandon. shall not forget
that"
"You think not ?" observed Baroko
dryly.
IL don't think know" said
Molly Indignantly. Why are you SC
unkind to me on this last day: | was
so happy, and now you have made me
miserable"
81 did not mean to be unkind to
you" said the Professor quietly, but
with sudden strange warmth at the
heart. "You have no truer friend.
am old and cynical"
"No." interrupted Molly hotly.
"Old and cynical" repeated the
Professor, sand universally detested.
That you have been able to place some
confidence in me has afforded me great
pleasure. | was wishing for an oppOr
tunity to tell you-Ah."
He was conscious that a sudden
thrill passed through the frame of his
companion, and glsncipg at her face, be
saw it irradiated with new light. The
reason was not far to seek. At the
other end Of the green alley Arcturus
was neutrality-suspicious. aud ra.
disnt-with new fossil cephalopod in
his hand that he wished to show Molly,
In moment he was at the girls other
side.
Sand now" said Baroko, five min.
utes later, with the old, inevitable sa.
tire in his voice that was like laugh
half bitter and half kindly. at himself
and at the universe at large, 81 must
leave you two, for ! have an engage.
ment."
Don't Co." said Molly earnestly
A transient doubt struck Bsroko
Could be possibly have been wrong
he looked into Molly's candid eve:
once more and knew that be had moi
been wrong.
~ must CO." he replied suavely
turning away. "You are aware thaI
my engagements in society are numer.
Gus. You will be able to sntsrtsin Mis-.
Drummond, Madison. ! know that
She Ia interested In Foss;ls.u