The Opelousas courier., 1899-06-17
THE G.. E. CLUB.
By l.. Foster Madison.

G. E. club, which eliminated in al
open demonstration as the reading Of
the constitution was demanded. The
president raped loudly for order.
ut has been requested that the con.
stitution be read," she said, in a clear,
high soprano.
The girls settled down in their places
and, amid comparative quiet, the secre.
tary, clearing her throat, began:
"This organization shall be called
The Clancy Elopement Club Abso.
Lutte secrecy as to time and particulars
of elopenent shall be maintained ever
among members. Membership shall
be limited to seven, and shall cease
the moment a wedding ring is placed
on a true sisters finger. The older
the man inveigled into clipping the
more credit shall be given the depart
ing sister. Boys under eighteen are
not to be considered responsible.
Trunks and trousseaus are absolutely
forbidden. Long wedding trips are
also barred. The penalty for being a
member longer than for two years is
expulsion. Each departing member
shall suggest a sister to take her
place"
"You have heard the reading of the
constitution" said the president, ris-
ing from her chair. "Now what action
is to be taken?"
MADAM President''-a tall girl
arose with a malicious sparkle in her
black eyes-''the reading of the con-
stituti n was demanded for the pur-
pose of calling attention to the clause
which reads that the penalty tor being
. member for over two years is ex-
pulsion. We have one such member.
I think it time that action be taken"
The members gasped as the auda-
cious speaker took her seat and listened
breathlessly for the presidents
answer. That official raised her head
%defsntly and said haughtily:
II presume that You mean me, Miss
Andrews. I believe that 1 alone remain
of the original seven"
II do, and I move that the vice
president take the chair while we con-
slider the CASE"
"Cne moment, please" The presi-
dent turned to the secretary. "Will
you kindly look up the time of my
membership"
Amid dead silence the secretary re-
ported:
"There are two months remaining,
Madam President"
II thought So" The president
turned to the club, ignoring her of the
black eyes. "You see," she said,
''that it is impossible for the club to
take any such step as the member
moved for the present. I will say,
however, that such occasion will never
become necessary in my case," and a
resolute look came into the blue eyes.
"Oh, Graoe!' broke from the girls
in admiration, for it was an open secret
that the fair president had been en-
gagged for some two years to a dignifed
professor of science, a man some
twenty years her senior.
perhaps you won't mind telling
your 'modus operandi?' "~sneered Sadie
Andrews incredulously.
'Allow me in turn to call your at
tention to that clause Of our constitu-
ton which says that absolute secrecy
as to time and particulars shall be
maintained even among MEMBERS"
said Grace sweetly, although her eyes
flashed at the covert insinuation. eff
there 10 no more business before the
club she added, II declare the meet
ing adjourned"
Grace walked away. ''The hateful
thing!" she exclaimed, the tears filling
her eyes in spite of herself. "I'll
show her! He does love me! He
doesl He will do anything 1 wish.
Only he does not approve of clipping.
Oh, I wish that he did! But Til man
age somehow, and he just must do it,
whether he approves or not"
A month passed, and still no oppor-
presented itself for putting into
practice any of her numerous plans.
Grace was almost in desp III. Sadie
Andrews openly laughed her to scorn
as the timo passed and Oracle was
still Oracle Dawn. Many Of the girls
dubious and smiled family
when Sadie would triumphantly ejacu-
late II told you SOP in their presence.
Grace preserved a calm bearing out
but inwardly ragged at her
helplessness.
One day . merry party Of excursion
lists boarded a boat and went for an
thirty miles down the river.
Among them were Grace and Professor
Harper. The G. E. club was out in
full force, and a mighty resolve formed
Itself in the maiden's mind that this
be the eventful occasion.
A cave in the vicinity visited and
p~artaken Of, the party broke
up into groups Of twos and threes and
scattered over the hills into the woods.
The captain of the vessel cautioned
them against straying too far away, as
boat would put out promptly at S
o'clock. As was natural, Grace and
the professor sauntered off together.
'tNow, whore shall we go?" inquired
the professor. "Have you any special
place that you would like to go to-"
II thought" said the artful miss,
that We might find some specimens
OF the Adiantum psdatum."
"True, my dear. Let me see what
the time is. We don't want to 90 SO
Tor that we will not be able to get back
10 the boat in time"
He drew out his watch, but before
be could glance st it Grace had
snatched it from him.
Nov guess, Herbert" she cried
merrily, putting her hands behind her.
ss4ueSs the timen