Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1892-03-30

ieuoii dii upOuO IL, odiu MAY. lOu
know, dear, how proud st. Anne is
of its musical and Evolutionary tai
ent; well, ten gentlemen have club
bed together to present prize of
one hundred dollars to the girl who
delivers the best recitation at an en-
tertainment to be given in the acad-
envy hall OIL the evening of May
thirty. There, Ruth, is the whole
thing in nutshell; do you wonder
at us losing our heads?"
"Who is going to try for the
prize?" asked Ruth. "Only pupils
of the academy"
mo, any resident Of st. Anne
who is over fourteen and under
eighteen years of age can enter the
lists. The competitors must hand
in their names to Professor Thorn
ton by the twentieth OF May. There
is the bell--good-bye"
The girls ran toward the school
room. With a thoughtful face,
Ruth walked homeward, with a
half-formed resolution entering her
heart. For the next two DAYS she
was a prey to a feverish excitement
which was as unusual with her as
her former quiet manner. Late on
the third day, while walking in the
academy grounds, she was met by
Professor Thornton.
well, Miss Ruth, out for a
walk?" he kindly said.
IL came out to meet you, profess
sor; | have something | wish to
say to you in confidence" And
Ruth raised her large eyes with that
pleading look which none could re-
sist.
Tell me, Ruth, and if it is any
thing | can do you may depend up
on me-"
Thank you sir. II am think
ing Of entering the contest for
the one hundred dollar prize" she
said, while a soft flush spread over
her sweet face.
If Professor Thornton felt any
surprise his voice did not betray it
in the least as he answered calmly
and earnestly:
That is well, Ruth; l hope you
will be the fortunate one
"Oh, Professor Thornton, do you
really think | have chance?'
asked she, trembling with excite
ment.
Most assuredly." ,
"And you will help me?"
with pleasure, Make yourself
easy on that score"
you are very kind!' said Ruth,
gratefully. but none must know
of this except ourselves and man.
ma, though ! am afraid she will OBJ
ject to the undertaking. She must
consent, for more depends" She
checked herself, and hastily added
mo one knows what disappoint-
ment to me her refusal would be-
Never fear; this very evening
we will lay our plans before your
mother, and win her consent to the
scheme. Come now, it is getting
late" And he quickly led the way
to the little side gate,
Thus was the blind girl enrolled
in the list of compel itors for the
prize, and none woked more faith.
fully than she.
BY the twentieth of May eleven
names from the Evolutionary class
had been handed in, but, so far a,
was known, no outsider was brave
enough to compete with such talent
as the class could produce.
AS the momentous time drew
near, excitement ran high, and OF
the night of the contest the acad
envy hall was crowded to its utmOs
capacity. There were three distin
guished men from the city TO ac'
rs Judges; and Miss Niles, the direct
or of the musical department, wa'
there also.
As Mrs. Elliot and Ruth entered
the hall one of the ushers conduct
ed them down the aisle to the right
of the stage, where Professor
Thornton had reserved seats.
At the rear of the stage was ;
small apartment in which the com.
petitors were assembled, and there
was no little curiosity among them
concerning certain part of the
program, where line of stars was
inserted in lieu of name.
"Whois the nameless competitor
asked May Powers, who everybody
predicted would win the prize.
81 haven't the slightest idea, "
said Ida Carroll, "though I'm fairly
bursting with curiosity. Look,
girls, there is Professor Thornton
ready to deliver the openinO address,