The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1902-04-11

! EDWARD BLAKE: COLLEGE Student. ]
BY CHARLES M. SHELDON,
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"In Philip Strong
"Robet Hardys Seven Days"

n a Z 4 -
mo, sir; don't mind If you ask the
questions" replied Edward, feeling q
little startled at the presidents last
sentence and at the same time eX.
periencing feeling almost of relief al
what was coming.
How old are you. Baker
"Ill be p next August"
what are you planning to do in the
world?"
"Well. sir. have always thought
would be a doctor. My mothers IA
Their was doctor and mother has often
expressed Il wish that | go into the
same profession
ITS noble profession. You are
taking special chemistry this year
with that in yieww
Eyes. SIR
You have two mere years in Hope
! college and then three years medical
course?'
Eyes, sir. If can go right on. may
have tn do something one year to make
my way"
"Of course yon are figuring on all
this in case you don't lose your health
OF break down or in case your mother
does not need you on the farm"
Eyes, sir; I've thought of that some
replied Edward, beginning to wonder
some at the presidents questions and
still expecting something different.
you've been ambitious to get on in
your studies here, which are prepare
tory to your life work, haven't you"
Eyes, sir; I've tried to do my best"
"But lately, my boy, you don't seem
so interested. Aren't you well?"
Eyes, sir; I'm well enough" said
Edward, in a low voice, anticipating
the next question.
Tell me now, Blake, frankly, are
you beginning to think good deal Of
one of the young ladies, n good deal
more than you ever did before? is
that what's the trouble with you"
would you call it trouble sir?"
asked Edward, with an unexpected
CLEAN of humor that surprised the
president at first. But Edward was
really relieved that at last the subject
had been preached.
"That depends" replied the presi-
dent gravely. 81 do not know, Of
course, how far your feelings have
gone. y feeling so strong as to render
you unfit for the business that brings
you to college would be trouble, would
it notY'
eyes, sir; l suppose 1t would" Ed
ward answered again in a very low
voice. There was not another man on
earth that he would have confided in
with such matter except President
Royce and even with him it was en-
barrassing work.
"Are you willing to tell me, Blake, If
your feelings-let us call it 1ove'-for
this girl are clear to you? Do you un-
derstand them?"
81 never was in love with anybody
before" Edward answered slowly, and
he said 1t.
"Does the young LADY,
The president stopped purposely, and
Edward colored deeply.
mo, sir; | am sure she doesn't care
anything in particular for me-"
"Have you ever said anything to
her|
"No. sir, but I've looked 1t. guess
replied Edward, with his usual straight
forward desire to tell the whole truth
and keep back nothing.
Again the president was tempted to
smile, but he did not because he plain
ly saw that the affair was very serious
for Edward.
"What do you think l ought to adj
wise you. BlakeT the president asked
after pause.
Edward was plainly confused by the
question and could not think of any.
thing to answer.
"Do you think you ought to go on as
you have begun and allow yourself to
fall in love with this girl il it is going
to embarrass your plans for your life
work ~
al don't know. Can l help 1t. sir
Do you advise me to keep away from
her entirelyT'
NO" replied the president very
quietly. And the reply came as great
surprise to Edward. But the president
understood human nature better than
the student knew it, and he was face
to face with problem now that was q
part Of young mans life. and seri-
Gus part of 1t. According to the way
the problem was met and answered
might depend the young mans whole
career not only In college, but all
through his life.
NO" repeated President Royce: 81
don't advise you to try to crush out the
feeling you have begun to have for
this young woman, IL 1t is genuine and
you know 1t is genuine, for | believe
that every feeling of love toward any
one is always unselfish and ennobling.
But If love is unselfish and ennobling
it is also not wanting in wisdom. You
would not be willing. in case your feel
ing toward the girl were perfectly
right for you to have-you certainly
would not be willing TO allow it 20
harm instead of help you or her. Your
main business in this college is to pre-
pare yourself for the work of life. To
do this you cannot form attachments
In such way as TO render you unfit
for the purpose that makes this college
of any value to you. 1t rs entirely pos
~ 49, .1xt