The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-10-24
Dear Hattie:
I am a mugwump and your true
friend.
Emily Louise MacLauren.

Then she put the book on Hattie's
desk as the bell rang.
With the class came visible and
audible excitement. Mr.. Page fol-
lowed, his hair wildly erect, and he
conversed with Miss Amanda hur-
riedly.
With visual signaling and labial
dumb show, Emily Louise inplored
enlightenment.
"0urs is the honor class, so were to
be chosen enunciated Hattie, in
staccato whisper.
Rosalie was nearer. There's to be
presentation-in the chapel whis-
pered Rosalie; "sh-h-he's going to
choose us-noW--
Mr.. Page and Miss Amanda were
pairs of eager eyes sought each to stay
those glances upon themselves. Per-
haps Mr.. Page lacked courage, s'The
choice leave to you,' said he to Miss
Amanda. Then he went.
Miss Amanda was also visibly ex-
cited. She settled her chain and
puffed the elaborate couture of her
hair. the while she continued to sur
vey the class. She looked hesitant
and undecided, glancing from row to
! row; then, as from some inspiration,
her face cleared and she grew arch,
victor belong the spoils," she said with
sprignriy humor, "and 1t will, at least,
| narrow the choice. I will ask those
young ladies whose fathers chance to
be of a republican way of thinking to
please arise" -
A silence Followed silence of dis
| appointment to the many; then Emily
Louise MacLauren arose.
Was retribution following thus fast
| because Of that subterfuge of mug
yump? Alas for that conscien-
tiousness Of which she had once been
proud Was it the measure Of her
degradation she read on 'Rosalie's
startled face-Rosalie's face of strick-
en- incredulity and amaze? But no;
Rosalie's transfxed gaze was not Oh
Emily Louise-it passed her to-
| To where in the aisle beyond stood
! another-Isobel. -
But the head of Isobel was erect,
and her eyes flashed triumph: the
throw Of IsobePs shoulders flung de-
fiance back in the moment Of being
| chosen:
Excitement quivered the voice Of
Miss Amanda's announcement. THE
wife of the president of the United
States. young ladies, having signifed
her intention Of to-day visiting our
school, the young ladies standing will
report to the office at once, to receive
instructions as to their part in the
program; tho first, perhaps Miss
Amanda read sex thru self-"a little
Emily Louise on this day carried her
news home doubtfully, for Aunt Louise
and Aunt Cordelia were of such violent
demo cracy.
(. "You were chosen" Aunt Louise re-
/ peated, 'Isobel, to make the speech
and you to present the f1owers?" Aunt
Louisa's face was alight with. excite
ment and inquiry. "And what did
you do, Emmy Lou?"
Il gave them to her up on the plat
form. 1t was a pyramid in lace pa
per-the bouquet"
And then?" Aunt Louise was
breathless with attention.
'She kissed me-" said Emily Louise,
ION the cheek"
Aunt Louise gave little laugh of
qualification and pride. THE wife of
the president-why, Emmy LOU
"'I'll write to her Aunt Katie this
very afternoon" said Aunt Cordelia.
Better look to the family tree
said Uncle Charlie. There's danger
of too rich soil in these public honors:'
But, instead, Emily Louise went Out
and sat on the side-door step. She
. of her ideas.
Aunt Cordelia was pleased and Aunt
:. Louise was proud.
And Emily Louise, with the kiss OF
republicanism upon her cheek, had
stepped down from the chapel plat
lOIul 1IlO OVdLlOu duu duuldl1Ou, ~
find herself the center of a homeward
. group jostling for place beside her
. Hattie had carried her books, Rosalie
:, her jacket. William had nodded tt
+ her at one corner, to be waiting al
! the next, where he nodded again with
an incidental carelessness of manner
and joined the group. Emily Louise
had stolen glance at William, anx-
iously. Had Williams opinion Of hel
j, fallen? It would seem not.
Yet Isobel had gone home alone
:, Emily Louise had seen her starting
. with sidewise glances and lingering
4 saunter, should any be meaning tt
\ overtake her. But she had gone or
alone. Id. 49,.
Because she never told" sale
: Hattie.
Until she wanted to be chosen,
said Rosalie.
: Hattie was final. "It's different,
: said Hattie.
e ooh, very,' said Rosalie.
: They travel thru labyrinthian paths
$ who seek for understanding.
g. The sun went down; the dusk grew
d chill. Emily Louise sat on the doc
d step, chin in palm. -