The Marshall republican., 1910-01-07
May Flowers
BY FRANK II. SWEET

piehsuTe 10 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 ph~ilosophic speculation with per-
haps a little wonder. And In her Dyes
was the same expression as when an
alyzing a new bug.
The professor regarded her admir-
ingly, 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.
terfies and tinsel. there was an un.
usual wistfulness In kis eyes. Miss
Ratclife's profile was Grecian, without
flaw. The professor never felt n
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."
Yes. very happy" assented Miss
Ratclife, land very joyous and bright.
colored, like butterflies. But they
are young ladies now, and Miss Charl-
ton Is 20, ! 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, ! understand" said
the professor, gently; and | am told
she earned the money to come here
herself. by working in. a factory"
Yes" re%gretfully, she is a girl of
much force Of character. That is why
| deplore the scene out there. Life Is
not long enough to learn all that every
n ought to know, and with Miss
Charlton's abilities the idle hours
could be made to yield a vast store
OF knowledge for either personal salts.
faction or an extra mean toward a
livelihood
sometimes ! 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-
Miss Radcliffe, thoughtfully.
Moreover, l feel that, as head OF the
school, Prof. West. you ought to 80
and speak to the girls. They all
have a strange liking for you, and
would listen to no one else. Il is a
time In their lives, and NO
opportunity could be had than
advise them now, while they are |
dancing and singing around the pole. |
covered with their May flowers. Really, |
Il 10 q duty with you, professor"
Prof. West rose reluctantly. an un.
color now in his face.
Well II you really think SO, Miss
Radcliffe" he said. "I--I--of course
the school comes first.a
AZ he crossed the lawn, the whirl.
Ing girls paused for q moment to catch
their breath. Then they caught siKht
the handsome, strongly-buiit figure
toward them. and several OF
he girls started forward. Miss Chari-
Ton alone did not advance. She was
by herself a little to one side.
Prof. West spoke a few words with the
others. and then went straight to her.
Il would like to say a few words
o you, Miss Charlton" he began. All
his color and gayety and-and fun
on the lawn, where everybody can
zee. seems" as the color began to
tse In her face, "er-yery nice. Yes
more decidedly, very nice, and I like
t. We need more color and fun In
lives. and you have been very
rood to us In this way since you
'ame. I'll am out here to thank
'ou. My life has been very coloriess,
far, and lately I'll have thought"
70 was beginning to founder again at
something he saw In her eyes, and
ldded: Il would rather have some of
our joyousness than anything else In
world. aud--aud will vos, no W.
rife, Margie"
PROF. West!" the girl stared and
rev back; but he saw It plainly In
Ter eyes now.
You do love mel" he said eagerly.
Yes. but I'll am not IT."
1T 10 who am not At. / am too
and piodding. Will you be my
me-"
aAo~ 1890