Gilpin observer., 1909-11-04
HER COLLEGE
VISIT
By ROBERT STERLING BLAIR
copyright, by J. B. Lippincott Coz


quired George, as from the mail on
the table picked out the usual square
envelope indicating that you are ex-
pected to come and bring gift, or an
nouncing that the deed Is done and
that you were not even among those
present.
YES" said; "and year ago 1
would have guaranteed that l would
be the best man when Phil Vaughan
Joined the order of Proud and Some
what Youthful Benedfcts."
rs there a story in IT." asked
George, seating his long frame in the
easy chair opposite. "Once upon
time"
1T is not fairy tale" replied,
but keep awake and keep still and
III tell you about it,
'All right" he grunted, eyes al
ready half closed.
You see," / began. Il was always
fond Of practical ;ol-a-too fond for
my own good. Four years in prepara-
tory school and three years in college
didn't refine that inclination out OF me,
though it's considered beastly bad
form across the river, and this ten
dency nearly resulted in my breaking
up Phirs love affair, without my IN
tending any such disaster. Phil and /
had roomed together. freshman and
sophomore. He was fine fellow, and
liked me first rate. though l am sure
! Jared his sensitive nature at times.
Vaughan was engaged to a nice
girl-her name is coupled with his on
we tried joke on Vaughan. The Delta
Epsilon were to give a revival of an
old play by Marlowe. 1t was one of
the events of the college year, and of
course Vaughan invited Miss Endicott
that was the young lady's name
and her mother out.
Vaughan didn't know what he was
about for twenty-four hours before she
came. He salted his coffee at break
fast and at dinner Pat a piece Of
chocolate pie down his collar instead
OF in his mouth. l guyed him, but he
didn't realize it, SO gave it up.
Might as we'll stick pins in paralyzed
man SO far as results went The E,ndi-
colts came, had a lovely time at the
play and the reception which followed,
and the next morning they were to
come out and see Vaughans college
room before they took the train for
home.
1T occurred to me that ought to
have a hand in their reception, so l
arranged with Sanborn. who roomed
across the hail. that he should come
in and help NE fix the room when
Vaughan had gone out About ten
thirty Vaughan went over to the car
station at the square to meet his
guests. When he left, the room ap-
peared as if 1t had been cleaned by a
Dutch housewife; it looked positively
uncanny-not bit like the room we
were used to.
Then Sanlsorn and l started in to
give it more Bohemian atmosphere.
We went first to Sanborn's room, and
he began to dig in his trunks for some
posters. l stood in a corner while he
worked. Sanborn unpacking a trunk
reminds one OF dog digging In a
sand-bank to bury a bone.
"Sanborn held up the posters and
asked II l thought they were giddy
enough. l thought they were. When
we had the collection tackled up in
vaughan's room we thought there was
no doubt about 1t. Ladies in bathing
suits. or what looked like them, were
drawing attention to the various excel
lencies Of certain light wines and
brands of cigarettes. In all parts Of
the room one was was face to face
with girl with a merry twinkle in
her eye.
Now, that's what l call a brilliant
effect said Sanborn admiringly as he
gazed at damsel in crimson hanging
above the fireplace.
What shall we put on the table =
/ asked. 1t looks as II it were for
plain study now. and that won't do
Wait a moment, old chap, he
said. and he disappeared, only to re.
appear moment later looking like a
wet.goods store on two legs.
He placed q choice assortment of
bottles on the table. and in various ef.
fective places on the man:el and book.
cases. The head OF one was left coyly
peeping from beneath a cushion on
the window-seat.
begins to look something like
remarked Sanborn. squirting at his
handiwork with a critical eye.
How we worked to put on the truly
artistic touches. We scattered some
poker'chips carelessly over the pipe.
tray. along with couple Of packs of
well.thumbed cards.
do you know Of snything else that
would make this look any more like
the abode Of a high.ro;ler? / asked.
mo, don't believe do said San.
born slowly. You'd almost think !
lived here. II really has the local col.
| or, as Professor Harris SAYS. But.