The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1907-12-21

SO dainty she. II isn't only that
she's % pllin ana Sc terribly untidy-
how do YOU stand that awful hair
but she's 50 ill-natured and rude. You
might think. with all her physical dis
advantages she'd at least try to be po
lite and agreeable to people, but the
outrageous things she says. Why if
she treated even .ou decently, il would
be easier to see her absorbing all Your
time and preventing our ever getting at
you. To think that you and she are
friends. Lily, bow did it ever hap
penn"
II guess II just happened" said Lily.
I've known her always. since We We're
very little girls
With valiant resolution TO keep it
self calm during the half-hour before
election. the class surged out of chapel
One thing ii must know before eight
o'clock, and so it crowded about the
chapel door waiting her. a crowd of
girls surged round her. 1t was SO
easy to encircle her and separate her
from Milicent, pressing up all unWit-
ting for her usual place by Lily's side.
All about Lily were faces, before Of
ten cold. but now bright with friend
ship. Warm hands were pressing hers:
eager voices were speaking their hopes
of their candidate Theresa had given
the class to understand that she had
won. Her words now We're light
enough, but meant much.
Coming up to my room for BIT,
Lily?'
Resolution made I.ilys face white
for an instant, made icy cold the hands
they We're clasping but her voice was
even and sweet, eyes and lips were
smiling as she said
No, I'm going down to the reading
room with MiIlicent.' Her eyes sought
the unkempt head, the ungainly shout
ders that she loved. Where is she?
want her
Instantly they had separated, so that
Milicent stood by Lily's side. Lily put
her arm about her. while her slim fig
ure in the white muslin gown swayed
just a little as she stood there
Il hope you'll excuse me" she said
to Theresa. Thank you for asking
me- The words were addressed to
Theresa. but they We're meant for all.
Meant for all. Meant for all, too, were
the proud uptilt of her golden head,
the shining sweet defiance of her gray
eyes, the resolution of her wistful
lips. the proud, protecting tenderness.
!
melted away silently, each girl knowing
the finest girl in the class had put aside
their highest honor. and had chosen
nstead-Miiicent Harlow.
1t is etiquette that nominated eandi
dates shall stay quietly in their rooms
during an election A little before
eight Lily parted from Alillicent at
the reading room door.
Il don't honestly believe you'll get a
dozen votes, Lii" said Nllicent. with
well-meant comfort
Il know | shant get one" said Lily,
laughing
oh. yes, ONE" cried Millicent
Yes, one" corrected Lily. her eyes
tender as they watched Mllicent's
awkward stride up the corridor.
In her own room Lily did not turn
up the gas She was tired, and thought
she would lie down little while To
that end. she removed Millcent's coat
that sprawled on her couch. Lily
dearly loved order Millicent used
Iily's room as if it had been her own.
also Lily's books and Lily's note-pa-
per and Lily's manicure set. Lily sank
down. pressing her hands to her tired
head.
She smiled as she looked at MILL
cents coat on a chair. 1t looked so
big and ungainly. so like its owner.
Poor dear, Old Millicent. The other
girls did not understand.
Lily knew that Millicent would go
through fire for her; then a bit of a
smile touched Lily's lips. 1t probably
would never be necessary for Millicent
to 90 through fire for her, whereas
little every day amiability. little
pleasantness on Millicent's part would
be very grateful to Lily's patient
nerves
Steps came flying down the corridor,
the door burst open, in t1e hghc Oh
hall Millcent's face was radiant
Theresa wanted to come, but
wouldn't let her Id have Killed any
one who tried to tell you before l uio
and let them know 1t. too. Anne
Brewer got up and ma de such an ODD
soeech-about loyalty and friendship
and sacrifice, and a )ot more oiu
not understand what she meant al all.
But the girls clapped Oh, how they
clapped. And then they TOOK the vote.
~, ;t,s rou, AUD unanimous! |