Santa Fe new Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1898-1951, 1899-10-31
THE C. E. CLUB.

THE G. b. CLUB.
There was an air Of suppressed excite.
ment among the members of the O. E.
club which eliminated in an open dem
o%nstration as the reading of the con-
stitution was demanded. The president
raped loudly for order.
"It 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-
cary, clearing her throat, began:
"This organization shall be called
The CLANCY Elopement club Abso-
lutte secrecy as to time and particulars
of elopement shall be maintained even
between 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 departing sister.
Boys under Is 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, rising
from her chair. "Now, what action is
to be taken?"
MADAM Presidential tall girl
arose with a malicious sparkle in her
black eyes--''the reading of the consti-
tuition was demanded for the purpose of
calling attention to the clause which
reads that the penalty for being a mem
Der for over two years is expulsion. We
have one such member. l think it time
that action was taken"
The members gasped as the audacioua
speaker took her seat and listened
br%eathlessly for the presidents answer.
That official raised her head defiantly
and said haughtily:
II presume that they mean me, Miss
Andrews. l believe that l alone remain
of the original seven"
II do, and I move that the vice
president take the chair while we con-
slider the case."
Zone moment, please" The president
turned to the secretary. "Will you
kindly look up the time Of my men,
bership?"
Amid dead silence the secretary re-
ported:
"There are two months remaining,
Madam President"
~ Thought So" The president turned
to the club, ignoring her of the black
eyes. lyon see," she said, "that it 10
impossible for the club to take any such
step as the member moved for the pres
emit. I will say, however, that such ao-
ton will never become necessary in my
case, and a resolute look came into the
blue eyes.
"Oh, Oracle" broke from the girls
In admiration. for it was an open secret
that the fair president had been engaged
for some two years to a dignifled pro-
lessor Of science, a mar some 20 years
her senior.
"Perhaps you won't mind telling
your 'modus operandi?' eneered Sadie
Andrews inoredulously.
"Allow me in turn to call your atten-
zion to that clause of our constitution
which says that absolute secrecy as to
time and particulars shall be maintained
even between members, said Oracle
swestly, although her eyes flashed at
the covert i%nsinuation. IF there il no
more business before the club" she
added, II declare the meeting ad.
journed."
Grace walked away. "The hateful
thingl" she exclaimed, the tears filling
her eyes in spite Of herself. "1'n show
herl He does love mel He does! He
will do anything l wish. Only he does
not approve Of clipping. Oh, ! wish that
be didl But I'll manage somehow, and
be just must do it, whether he approves
or not"
A month passed, and still no oppor-
tunity presented itself for putting into
practice any Of her numerous plans.
Grace was almost in despair. Sadie An
drews openly laughed-Aer to scorn as
the time passed and Oracle was still
Oracle Dawn. Many Of the girls looked
dubious and smiled family when Sa'
die would triumphantly calculate 81
told you sol'"in their presence. Grace
preserved a calm bearing ~outwardly,
but inwardly ragged at her helplessness.
One day a merry party Of excursion.
lists boarded a boat and went for an out.
ing 80 miles down the river. Among
them were Grace and Professor Harper.
The @. E. club was out in full force,
and a mighty resolve formed itself in
| the maiden's mind that this should bt
the eventful occasion.
A ave in the vicinity visited and
lunch partaken Of, the party broke NJ
into groups of twos OF threes and scat
tered over the hills into the woods. The
captain of the vessel cautioned them
against straying too far away, as thu
boat would put out promptly at [
O'Clock. As wal natural, Grace and thu
professor sauntered of together.
Now, where shall we gof' inquired
the professor Have you any special
place that you would like to got"
~ thought" said the artful miaa'