Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1900-11-08
TEE SOPHOMORE.
Observation-Disclosures,

4nS sVPn0m0re lay on the wlndDW
ssak smoking his pipe. The football
tenn had just broken training and
tAs hlss Of undisturbed smoking had
mt worn of. He did not say much,
but anyone could see that he took q
quiet satisfaction in being the only
sophomore named for the All-Ameri.
can event.
The sophomore never did say much,
unymay. His reciuarions were models
of brevity. The two occasions on
which he spoke to girls are college
hstory. But these are stories in
themselves.
n had showed all nighs and the
crossings were showed knee high.
The snow had turned To sleet; now the
s1eet was changing to rain. Now the
cutters were mill races, merely
whirling Attle rahts Of slush to their
destruction ait the corner.
n lie not in THE least an original
thought, yet I often marvel on what
threads a mans destiny hangs.
What impulse turned his eyes but
Of the window alt exactly the same In
slant a trim fgue stopped on the
curb? The sophomore's backbone
strengthened witha jerk.
In one second he had noticed the
green tailor-made gown, the puff OF
brown hair covering her ears; he had
noticed that she had neither rubbers
nor umbrella and had seen the help
less little glance she gave at the knee
deep snow.
The next he was half way down the
stairs He hustled into his coat and
overshoes and jammed on his room
mates best halt. The hndlady's
mackintosh and rubbers hung In
front of the radiator warming.
A sudden idea stopped him short;
he stuffed the rubbers into his pocket
and the macintosh under his arm.
Hs had reached the sidewalk before
he realized what he was doing.
The girl looked surprised al bis sud
den appearance, but d | not move. He
walked straight TO her.
II beg your pardon" he began. Il
am going Ito get my sister; these are
her things" He fshed up the rub
bsrs and coat. Il am going your way,
and if you'd like ITO wear them they'll
keep you dry"
She looked appealing across the
street ana then at him. Someone had
once told him that he looked honest.
1t flashed into his mind now, and he
wondered what she thought.
Then he went on: Perhaps you
know her. She's-or-Kate Carlyle"
That was the girl that his roommate
was always talking about.
"KaEe Curlyle!"
The sophomore shuddered.
"Oh, I'm SO relieved; might have
known be was ALL right
She slapped her hands gayly and
hooked at him again. You are Hates
brother!"
The sophomore grunted indistinctly
She slipped into the things and ramb-
lsa ON easily "WAy, Kate has been
wanting me ITO meet you for ages!
Won't is be fun telling her?"
She stamped her foot to make sure
the hast rubber was on and came un-
der his umbrella.
AT one downpour heavier than
the rest he felt hand resting lightly
on his arm. He heard disjolnted SEN
teuces as if dreaming blocked
no carriage-foolhardy creature
tried ITO walk home-everasting bene-
factIpr-but did not heed them.
'IBs worth the risk. he muttered
No himself. They walked slowly I'M
der the dripping trees and climed the
oil 800. She was u king him and
smiling and looked at him all at one.
He was dizzily happy. Il am SO sor-
~ THAT the family is all away
wanted you Ito meet them"
There was pause. He looked at
her keenly, and she blushed. 81 am
eoing to lunch with my sister, but
He breath came quicker; he was
playing for big sbakes-"Fd much
much rather stay here" The blush
deepened, she tapped her fingers to-
gether AIS If she were annoyed. u
know perfectly we'll that is unheard
Of, and please don't think that I'm
slways so internal rude"
70 had the sort o. voice that women
IKE strong, deep, with tender places
IN VI. She touched the bell. He
stood behind her without moving, and
the corners of her mouth grew tense.
A man opened the door, and she step
psd in, pulling at her gloves. She
turned quickly, saw his dsappoint-
nent and laughed, "Aren't you com.
Ing in to get your sisters clothes?"
Then, after violent tug, Martin,
Mr.. Carlyle and will lunch at
once"
The sophomore pushed back his
plate and folded one hand over the
knuckles of the other. II am q
scoundrel"-he began irrelevantly. He
y. TX q swallow of water and shook
the tumblep absentny. There are
times when hitherto honorable man
will do despicable thngs-and not ex.
perience the least regret. Their
.sp;ug and oll their idpalS NAV he |