The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1905-07-13


d ter in the halls of Mrs
RSR McCallum's rambling old
fashioned house; a snatch of college
song, sung by fresh young voices. float
ed up from the moon-flecked road; from
the distant gymnasium came the throb
OF languorous music, but the ten young
women in one of the upper rooms of
the college boarding house were OBJ
~1lvlons to outside sounds.
The little feast was over. the candles
were burning low beneath the dainty
pink shades, the scent Of fading roses
was heavy on the air, but still they
sat absorbed in the recital of what
use each had made Of the ten years
that interviewed between their gradua-
ton and this night.
Delight Everett sat with flushed
cheeks and shining eyes, and as one
and another spoke, sympathy. admira-
tion and afectionate pride were mir
rored in her changeful face. How
nobly the girls had lived, how we'll
they had fulfilled the promise of their
college days, And through it all she
felt the familiar influence of the dear
room that once she had shared with
Lettice Clayton, who now presided at
this feast Of remembrance.
1t was kind of Mrs. McCallum to ar
range matters so that the reassembling
should be in the place that had wit
messed the last gathering of their col
lege days; it was thoughtful of the
present tenants to relinQuish the room
to these returning girls of "a. And
then. at that instant, she was conscious
of the gala sounds that proclaimed the
high tide of the college commencement,
and for an instant she forgot the years
that separated her from that night so
long ago.
Nine sighs of relieved tension greet
ed the conclusion of Judith Graves e1-
citing story of the winning Of her first
case. and babel of questions and con-
gratulations rose about the table.
Surely Judith's triumph shed reflect
ed glory upon those intimate friends
who had always appreciated the brill
liant intellect, even in the old college
days. Did not the waiting toast to the
most successful belong to her? De-
tight wondered.
But then there was Henrietta Soule,
already taking an important place
among the faculty Of her alma mater;
and Mary Lowell, successful physi-
clan, spending every moment that she
could spare from her large practice in
work among the suffering poor. The
balance wavered here.
+ And what of Lettice Clayton, spend
ing her time and strength in a college
settlement; and Dorothy TAFT, whose
delightful kindergarten made spot Of
brightness in barren little lives;
Eleanor Day, just returned from Paris,
fresh from the triumph her spirited
pictures had Won; Laura Dennison
and Rose Abbott. happy in their mar
ried life and the love ard care Of little
children; and Cecilia Merton, whose
lovely voice not long since had thrilled
them with its richness and its power?
Delight sighed again from excess Of
Joy. The day had been full of the
happiness of revisiting beloved scenes
and renewing old friendships, for the
daughters of '94 had returned in large
numbers, and class feeling had proved
itself strong to withstand the years.
But this evening was the crown Of
all, and in q few moments they would
carry out the old resolve to toast the
one Of their number who had made the
best use of her time and talents since
last they had parted. But oh, how diff
ficult it would be to choosei
Delight suddenly awoke from her alb
sorption 10 find laughing eyes turned
upon her.
Il beg your pardon~ she stammered,
with bright flush. Did you speak
to me-"
I'VE are waiting to hear your story,
Delight Lettice said, gently. Then
we viii put the question to vote"
My story" Delight had forgotten
that she must testify. And what could
she say? Al. what pitiful. meager
record beside those of these fuller,
richer lives. None of the hopes with
which she had crossed the threshold
of college life had been fulfilled; she
had made no name for herself, had
done 10 great work for humanity; had
cultivated no talent until it had become
q minister TO the sum of beauty.
She rose. as had the others, but stood
silently, twisting her fingers in the
old way that the women about her re-
membered tenderly. Then she looked
appeaiingly about and laughed-a
tremu!ous little laugh.
Dear girls" she said, bit instead
lily, Il have no story to tell, for 1 have
just lived along in Durham, and the
record of life in Durham would not
interest you"
Before any protest could be raised,
they w4e surprised by tap at the
door, ana Delight, being upon her feet,
moved to answer it, glad Of the inter
ruption.
20 Mrs. McCallum~ they heard her
say, with sweet cordiality in her tone.
Then she stepped into the hall and
drew the door shut. No one spoke or
stirred until the door swung open
again and Delight stood holding the
knob.