Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1918-11-30
THE DAILY NOVELETTE,
MYSTERIOUS ELIZABETH
By Era Symmes

TT WAS nearing O'Clock one after
i noon in November. The college
campus was almost deserted beneath
the red rays of the Indian summer sun.
A few girls kicked the crisp. fallen
leaves from their pathway as they
slowly crossed toward the dormitory.
Say. Ethel" exclaimed one wearily.
isn't it fearfuly lonely this year with
Al the boys In the army training corps
Why; i can't become reconciled to 1t
Nor I. Nan" replied Ethel. Then
with sudden inspiration: Lets go
eyer eyer !. to the athletic field and watch the
why. Ethel, are you crazy? The dean
would never. never approve -
siOh. l must have something for cX-
citeInent. Come; right about face :!
Without further discussion off they
I went toward II e drill ground.
- called Nan in a voice as loud as
campus etiquette permitted - .,o
direction of the voice.
did you wish to speak to me- she
asked In even, rich tones That courte-
Gus, reserved manner so peculiar to her
dampened at once the ardor Of the
girls, and left them speechless for the
moment, half ashamed of their foolish
errand.
finally conquered her embarrassment.
I'VE were going over to watch the hoys
drill ard thought perhaps you might
care TO 60 with US
sH t''No, thank you, girls. I'm sorry that
duties VII fngage IbHt MY fHe sng f afiGP she
turned away.
There. Nan" said Ethel. as soon as
Miss j. was out of hearing, you got
your rebuRt all right! Isn't she Won
derfui. though; so charming. yet so cold
and unapproachable :"
10
feelings still smarting from the en-
counter. But, Ethel. she is queer just
the ssn.e. She never has time to mingle
in any college gathering, nor does she
even try to become aCquainted.'
\ The athletic field came into view
Five squads of stalwart young manhood
were endeavor.ng with speed and ac-
curacS, TO follow the sharp commands
OF the offceis. The young commandan It
himself stood H. the center OF the field
md criticized.
sarnestpess and perfection of the per-
formanos.
Ethel, dear. aren't YOU just proud of
them? asked Nan. admiration ,glinttng
forth from vide blue eyes. oh l am
.i~oAl Isn't Commandant b per;
fecsly spleidid Nan? How I would
,'Cheer up, Mamie. There aren't so
very many gins who could rival yoL
except, perhaps, Miss j.
Then, after a or.ef interval. Let's go
home now You know there Is Red
Cross meeting tonight.
''Sure enough acquiesced Nan, and
off they went.
Seven o'clock brought a crowd Of jok-
ing happy girls TO the Red Cross room
An open meeting was the order Ot the
evening" pi iofitable exchange Of plans
and ideas.
Apparently from no cause sudden
hush came upon the group. All eyes
watched the aisle where young woman
made her way TO the front.
1T is Elizabeth j. whispered
Nan to her chum. How did it ever
happen"
10 going to make a speech
Without any explanation or delay the
newcomer stood facing the assembly
Her smile was more beautiful than
ever because It had lost former por'
4 tlon of its mystery. There was look
almost akin 10 tlmidity on the face usu-
ally so composed, Thus she began:
.'Girls, you are surprised to See me
here tonight I have surprised myself
My message is sort of confession tC
( you
A wonder-stricken silence fell upon tn,
Until this afternoon" she continued
III had never realized that my alCofnes
had been noticeable. Two of your class
Invited me to walk with them, and be
cause ! was in a hurry declined
Z Please do not misjudge me when | say
that the dlsapproval in the faces o
those girls startled me. 1t set me think
ing that / was not meeting the coleg
obligations fairly.
II am sorry. girls, for my seemin
coldness. did not understand, Wi
YOU fol give me--if | give you my conf
dence in return
Here the girls face became sweet an
beseeching. A cheer broke from he
s fellow-students.
'Hurray for Miss =! Yes, ye'
please tell us"
Then you must come nearer, for IN
secrets cannot be scattered toe ia
abroad. That Is much better" as IN
girls came closely about her
~Tomorrow, girls, II l am spared.
nhall start TO do my share In the car
ffen work.
She paused a moment. Not the slight
( <kt whisp>r violated the Stiffness. bl
Al MAS the calm before a storm.
via frenzy took possession of the girlI
The> cheered until they were hoarse
II>r danced and SANG they Rugged eac
<<hc1 madiy some even Yepti Mis-