The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-03-03
CORJEYJ "IJVITLATIOV"
BY Henry Dinfhrop.

Torrance. Gerald tried to follow their ex-
ample, but his eyes wandered back to the
study of Priscilla's pure, clear-cut profile.
She was radiantly beautiful tonight. with
yet that new touch of superiority that seemed
to place her far beyond his reach Why had
he ever dreamed that she was different from
most girls and cared nothing for mere ap-
pearances? He had been mstaken-she too,
set up money for god
Priscilla's half laughing half ironical sal
lies died away under the influence of his
moodiness. 1t was relief to them both when
Mr.. Gardner appeared the scene He in
sisted an Corsey's going home to supper with
them
At the table the two men talked Harvard
Priscilla listened quietly. AS she noted how
strange and constrained Corsey's manner was
she came to sudden determination. The
conversation had drifted to the subject OF
club limitations, when she broke in eagerly.
II think" she said, 'that saw novitia.e
undergoing his ordeal this morning. There
was man selling photographs on fremont
street IN front Of the Common, and he didn't
look bit like the ordinary street peddler."
Corsey stared at her in amazement. So this
was what she had thought! But, what would
she think when she knew the trues? His
voice was very grave as he said, $50 you
saw me-"
Yes, and I have begun to think that you
did not like my seeing you
Corsey flushed slightly. The Honorable
John was looking interested. What society
did you join, Mr.. Corsey?"J
The younger man squared his shoulders.
ITO be perfectly frank with you, it was not
an initiation; it was just that needed the
money
Priscilla gave a little exclamation and
stared down at the bunch Of yolets that he
mad sent her that afternoon. They must have
cost-oh, SO much! And he had needed the
"a cha INV, Cd
was different from any that .she had youcn-
safed him that evening. Perhaps it gave him
courage to face the Honorable John.
You did not give me to understand that
you were trying to work your way through
college when-when we had our little talk"
Mr.. Gardner said coldly.
The flush on Corsey's cheek deepensd.
when induced dad,' he sad ssto let me
come to Harvard, where he had graduated
instead OF going to some western college, he
objected because he said he couldn't keep
an eye on me. In the end he withdraw his
objection on my promising that during the
I four. years [ would neither borrow money
nor get anything on credit. You see his col
| lege chum committed suicide in his senior
| year because his father had failed in bust
| ness and he could not pay back large sums
/ of money he had borrowed.
! Having made the promise, was bound to
/ live up to it. My remittance, which was due
1
you so kindly invited me to join your party
/ this evening, l telegraphed for money and
| was notified that all the wires were down in
| that section OF the country. I simply hal to
| have the money, and to resort to a pawnshop
would have seemed like evading my promise.
| "A cousin Of mine who Is travelling in
Europe had just sent me $50 photographs Of
the sort popularity thought to be most in de-
mand in a students room. I kept twenty
five or thirty Of the best and sold out the
rest at 10 cents apiece. I made $780, and
| that is why Miss Prisila had her violets as
ton, but l don't want to sail under false
colors.'
He ended almost defantly and was sur
across the table and shook him heartily by
| the hand.
Well done, my boy!'' he cried 81 wish
/ had son like you
And Priscilla-why, Priscilla's eyes were
shining with what looked suspiciously like
tears.
} When she had said ''good night and Corsey
had held her hand for one long, delicious
moment, the two men sat smoking quietly In
the freight. The Honorable John at length
broke the silence
. Some time ago, Mr.. Corsey' he said, you
} asked my daughters hand in marriage, and
} l said l must have time to think it over.
} must confess that I did not see the matter
| in very favorable light at first, but to-
night l have changed my mind. You can
| have Priscilla-that is, if she will have you .
And Corsey knew that he had passed his
initiation.