Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1897-03-18

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The professor himself appeared a
minute later, with his usual courteous,
controlled manners, but Dess thought
he seemed troubled.
'Prof. Raymond" she said, impul-
sively, II am sorry, but could not help
hearing little. May ask-could you
tell me, is Miss Fancher in trouble-or
oughtn't to ask?
"There is no objection, think" he
replied, after little hesitation. 1T
will soon be known throughout the
seminary. Miss Fancher's ..ent has just
died, and with her death her payments
for Miss Harriet's education end, and
she must postpone her cherished plans,
and teach for awhile before going on
with her studies here. Now, for tho
junior plans, please, Miss Elizabeth"
At dinner that day Miss Fancher was
in her place, paler than usual, but con-
trolled, though there was suspicious
redness about her eyes.
When the board came to Bess's room
in the evening, to discuss the reception,
she made no response TO their knocks,
but continued to lie on her bed in the
darkness, engaged in "a good think"
There ought TO be some way to help
her." she thought. But how?" Then,
But she is SO disagreeable! And the
| girls won't want to help. And--and-
if she leaves now, am sure of the prize
for debate"
She flushed with shame at this
| thought; she felt the hot color mount
as she lay in the dark, and she said to
herself: Elizabeth Kingsley, you con-
| temptible creature, are you so mean as
that?" But moment later, she added:
why need trouble myself about this
| girl who has snubbed me so systematic
ally?"
The next morning her mind was made
up. A hastily-summoned meeting of
the board found her pale and tired,
but with a new light in her eyes. And
with little tremble of sympathy she
told what she had heard about Harriet
| Fancher.
80, Bess, do you think that we can
help her." cried the girls, unani-
mously.
II felt sure you would say this" re-
piled Bess, gratefully. II have a plan,
but I'm afraid you may not like it."
| go on Bess," cried Kate. Your
| plans are usually not half-bad."
Bcss made Il mock courtesy to this
| compliment.
| "Well, you know, the reception comes
next month, and we are planning for
| some pretty gowns and gloves and fine
| feathers, and most of US will spend
| $75 or 500 before we get through with
it. Papa will count himself lucky if
my bills come within that, for I've been
preparing his mind for two years. Well,
my dears, shall ask him for this money,
but there will be no new gowns for
this child"
Bess paused, and the girls were silent
for 4 minute. Elizabeth Kingsley, do
you mean that you. the juniors presi-
dent, intend to stay away from the re-
ception?" Belle asked, tragically.
"Why, no; 1 shall go in the simple
muslin gown which the heroine always
wears in novels"
Bessie, you are an old jewell" cried
Sallie, while Kate went up to Bess and
kissed her softly.
NO, girls, l came near being very
mean and cowardly about this" said
Bes3; but Belle placed her small hand
over Bess's lips, and the board set up
three vigorous cheers for the juniors
president.
What my president does, shall do, -
said Belle.
"And T." ''Me, tool" ehimed in the
others.
Bessie's blue eyes glistened. Girls,
you make me proud of my GLASS;" she
said.
what an odd within of the Woman's
Board to wear those plain white gowns, -
remarked many student at the recep-
ton. But the board kept their own
counsel, and gave to Prof. Raymond a
roll of bank notes labeled: For Miss
Fancher, from her friends"
| 1t took all the professors tact to
persuade Harriet to take the money,
but she finally consented, and her pale
face was radiant as she went about
her work. The girls forgot their old
prejudices as they felt her softened
manner, and greeted her with their first
cordially.
When the prize debate took place the
subject CHANGED to be the relative i'm
portance of home and foreign missions.
Bess spoke with ease and natural grace
in her defense of home missions, but
the dark-eyed girl who had lived and
worked, suffered and buried her dead
in foreign field, spoke with burning
eloquence, and carried her audience
with her. And Bess was the first to
congratulate the victor, and graciously
took second place.
1t was many years before Harriet
knew why the seven had appeared in
simple muslin dresses at the juniors
reception, but long before this she had
learned to appreciate these girls, who
seemed so gay and easy-living, but were
at heart so kind. 1t was good lesson
for them, too, to see a girl no older
than themselves bravely entering upon