Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1909-12-02
May Flowers
By FRANK H. SWEET

Butterflies, rainbow and tinsel, with
thought only for the present moment,
pleasure to the eye and Senses" MUIR
INJURED Miss Radcliffe, more to herself
than to the professor. There was no
envy in her voice, no sarcasm, only
Just %philosophic speculation with per-
haps a little wonder. And in her eyes
was the same expression as when an
alyzing a new bug.
The professor regarded her admir-
tngly, respectfully. There was much
the same look of impersonal wisdom
in their eyes, and much the same net
work of fine, studious wrinkles gath
ering along the base of their brows.
They had delved into the depths of
knowledge beyond self, and were now
exploring for explorations sake. And
both were comparatively young, with
untaXed strength and untried fields
ahead.
But as the professors gaze followed
hers through the window to the but
terflies and tinsel, there was an III
usual wistfulness in his eyes. Miss
Ratcliffe's profile was Grecian, without
flaw. The professor never felt any
scholastic difidence in her presence,
but was always calm and self-con-
tanned, as when immersed in his stud
les. But as his gaze followed hers out
to the gayly-dressed girls swinging
about the May pole, something very
like longing showed in his eyes.
"They are very happy" he said;
very happy, and joyous, and bright
colored."
aa"Yes, very happy" aassented Miss
Radcliffe, sand very Joyous and. bright
colored. like butterflies. But they
are young ladies now, and Miss Charl-
ton is 90, l believe. The butterflies
are irresponsible, however, and mean
ingless JOY is their mission. But some
OF them have unusual ability, as Miss
Charlton; and precious time is con-
sumed in arranging tableaux and romp-
ing and swinging around a pole like
that.
Miss Charlton has been the main
stay of her home, l understand" said
the professor, gently; land l am told
she earned the money to come here
herself, by working in a factory"
YES" regretfully, "she is a girl of
much force of character. That is why
l deplore the scene out there. Life is
not long enough to learn all that every
one ought to know, and with Miss
Charlton's abilities the idle hours
could be made to yield a vast store
acknowledge for either personal salts
faction or an extra means toward a
livelihood"
Sometimes l have felt lately that
our lives may have lacked some of
this color and idleness, and-and fun,''
the voice was still gentle. "Of course
we could not change our lives, even
should we desire; but IL think a
little color added might make us hap
pier"
Il have not felt that way at ALL" re.
turned Miss Radcliffe, thoughtfully
Moreover, l feel that, as head of the
school,. Prof. West, yot ought to &c
out and speak to the girls. They all
have a strange liking for you, and
would listen to no one else. 1t is a
crucial time in their lives, and NO
better opportunity could be had than
to advise them now, while they are
dancing and singing around the pole,
covered with their May flowers. Really,
1t is a duty with you, professor"
Prof. West rose reluctantly, an I'M
mistakable color now in his face.
Well, if you really think So, Miss
Radcliffe" he said. "I-I-of course
the school comes first"
AS he crossed the lawn, the whirl.
Ing girls paused for a moment to catch
their breath. Then they caught sight
Of the handsome, strongly-built figure
coming toward them, and several of
the girls started forward. Miss Charl-
ton alone did not advance. She was
standing by herself a little to one side.
Prof. West spoke a few words with the
others, and then vent straight to her.
II would like to say a few words
to you, Miss Charlton" he began. All
this color and gayety and-and fun
out on the lawn, where everybody can
see, seems" as the color began to
rise in her face, "er-very nice. "Yes,"
more decidedly, very nice, and like
it. We need more color and fun in
our lives, and you have been very
good to us in this way since you
came. IL am out here to thank
you. My life has been very colorless,
70 far, and lately IL have thought
he was beginning to founder again at
something he saw in her " and
added: Il would rather have some OF
your joyousness than anything else in
the world. and-and will you be my
wife, Margie?"
Prof. West!" the girl stared and
drew back; but he saw it plainly in
her eyes now
You do love me?" he said eagerly
Yes, but IL am not fit"
ut is | who am not fit. 1 am too
sober and Flooding. Will you be my
wife,"
"of course" simply, eff o want
me-"
Not in His Line.