The Washington times., 1903-09-13

quiet park near the city limits, and
there were happy faces on every side.
And the happiest faces were those of
the middle-aged or elderly people. IL
was natural that this occasion-this
meeting of old friends, this recalling OF
early days-a renewal of youth. in fact
should mean more to them than to the
younger alumni. To many of the latter
it was merely picnic-a pleasant op-
portunity to greet acquaintances. with
none of the sentiment aroused by long
separation.
The little program of music and
speech making that had thrilled the
heart strings of the older members was
almost bore to the younger set,
though they Joined heartily in the song.
written for the occasion, of "Old Rock
ford" But then they really didn't be-
long to old Rockford, at all. 1t was
only the alumni of more than thirty
years standing who had attended the
real "OId Rockford" the dear. shabby,
old-fashioned school building that
burned down and gave place to more
modern structure.
They were a jolly set, those middle
| aged school children. How they
laughed at the recitation of "Spartacus
ola nId
a take-off on the times when "speakin'
! pieces" took the place OF elocution. And
not one but appreciated the comic spec
! tacle Of twelve staid matrons in pig
| tails and pinafores solemnly singing
and going through the evolutions OF the
/ ancient march song, "Trip 1t Lightly,
! just as they did on exhibition day forty
years ago. There was more singing OF
| old-time songs, Cheer, Boys, Cheer,
and Lightly Row." and GLORY Halle
| iujah," then the audience scattered to
meet again in little groups. and there
was much hand shaking and exclaiming
and good natured banter.
Among those who fingered about the
pavilion was a cluster OF men and wo
men wearing committee badges. The!
were chatting pleasantly. evidently 81
far satisfied with the results of theil
| labors, when they were Joined by ;
portly citizen, undecorated.
"Hurrah for Rockford" cried the stou
man as be shook hands all around.
why not?" retorted a tall man o
clerical appearance You're the yer!
man that tried to discourage US. Said 4
couldn't be done. That the older GROVE
were too scattered, or too indifferent, o.
too something. and that we wouldn'
know each other or care to know eacl
other If we did meet Now look arount
you Why. 1 left Rockford in the SOS
but I've found seven OF my class alread!
and all OF 'em overjoyed to see me-
Sure" replied a specialized person
age who might have been either a pro
fessor or politician. they're delighte'
to see the worst truant in the clas
turned OUT luil-ntuBcu OINuOuOl
clergyman"
"Oh, don't mind figuring as fea
ture OF the success" said the minister
when the laugh subsided. There ar
stranger transformations than mine. Bu
it's astonishing how much more tn
men have changed than the women
Here are some Of the teachers" look
=,
school girls just the same as ever, witt
only long dresses and chignons to mari
the progress of time"
Very nice, indeed spoke up iivel,
little woman who might we'll appropri
ate the compliment, but think of tn
penalty we women pay in attending re
unions. One is asked at every turn q
what class did you belong or when di'
you graduate till we might as well hav
our ages blazoned on our foreheads an
be done with It,"
But we ought to be used to that
Lucy" said another mo teacher cal
call her age her own. Everyone know
just how long she's been teaching, an
if they don't it's considered perfect
proper TO ask"
But that's not so dreadful as dis
playing a handful OF children for then
to count by" exclaimed a happy-face,
matron. II have four here on tn
grounds
AS the talk went on two OF the part!
turned away and sauntered toward III
nearby grove.
Wen go wherever you say, Alice,
said the shorter and younger woman
but l know you are more anxious tC
escape the gaze of those bold, black eye:
than 10 look for classmates. 1 noticed
him staring before you spoke. his gaz'
directed squarely at you. Who can h'
be-"
Certainly no one I've ever seen" was
the reply. The speaker, though verginl
on middle age, was remarkably pretty
woman Masses of lustrous brown hal
shaded her delicate features. while he
figure, tail and slender. retained muci
Of it's girlish grace. II don't like hi
looks. and shouldn't be surprised If h
didn't belong here at all. I'm sure hi