The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1921-02-24
A Quiet Path to
the Pierian Spring
By DOROTHY CANFIELD


heard Ot Sucn dlSOrSanlZeu state OF
things.
Suddenly a sophomore dashed up
the steps, her face glowing with impor-
lance what do you think?' she
cried to the first group she enconn-
tered. You remember Annette Walk
er, who was to graduate with last
years class, and went home at the
end of her Junior year to come out in
society? Well, l was down ut the
station just now, and saw her get
off the train, and sure as l live and
breathe, 1t looked as though she was
coming back to graduate.
The news ran along the corridor
like an electric shock. Annette Walk
err Was 1t possible that she was to
be a classmate-she, the darling of
the college, whose disappearance at
the command of wealthy and worldly
parents had been such a blow to the
class before them-Annette Walker,
who was regarded as the type of the
girl of their college, the girl who could
do everything, and did? As though
every one had spoken out, there rose
a unanimous sigh of relief at a prob
lem solved. Thank heaven that she had
come before the class election.
As If making a stage entrance for
dramatic effect, this was the moment
when up the steps ran lightly tall,
athletic girl with an alert. aquiline
face, already marked by drawn lines
of nervous concentration. Behind her
came man, evidently her cab driver.
The first really articulate question
which rose above the clamor came
from Gretchen Hartmann, and Ii was
articulate because her deliberate, Teu-
tonic speech forced attention. why,
Annette she asked with an unimpas-
stoned interest. how did you happen
TO come backT'
Annette turned her head to answer,
but she was overwhelmed in the Choir
US from the others. Without even the
most momentary council of war both
parties of the seniors were asking her
TO be their candidate for the class
presidency.
"And, oh, Annette, won't you be
Cyrano in the spring play? I'm in for
everything this year. It's my last
chance"
"Oh, Annette, how did 1t happen
that you could come back to college?"
asked Gretchen Hartmann.
Annette opened her mouth to an
swer, but the words were drowned in
a sudden onslaught from fresh group
of girls In outdoor costume, who ar
rived breathless. "Why Annette. you
old dearl You are back We wouldn't
believe 1t. Say, will you be candidate
for the captain of the basketball
team?
who's playingf" asked the girl. and
listened with shrewd and calculating
attention TO the names and positions
rapidly reeled off. At the end she
nodded with mans quick decisive
ness. "fd be fool not to captain a
team like that. If you can elect me,
I'll take it."
Gretchen Hartmann stirred to action
again. "Say, Annette, why did you
Gomez" she queried. IL thought your
people wouldn't let you. | thought
you had to"
She turned away into the little
room. opened and full of girls by this
time, and sank down ON the couch
Her dauntless young eagle face
showed haggard lines.
"Why, Nettie, you don't look bit
in good condition." cried one of her
admirers anxiously. you seem fair
ly ragged You've been living in
doors too much, Up here you must
get out more. Oh, l say, won't you
help me to start hockey club?'
Annette's thin body Strengthened It
self with a snap. "Fll do tn she ex-
claimed resolutely.
Gretchen Hartmann sat down by the
girl and took her thin, dry hand In
her own plump one. Annette, you
haven't told me yet why you came
back to college"
II know it, Grettie. I've started to
a dozen times, but somebody keeps
putting in. Why, you see, the mater
got worried about"
A girl dragging a cello passed along
the hall in front Of the open door, As
she caught sight of the occupants of
the room she gave a loud cry of
amazement.
MY sainted mother! If it's not
Annette Walker dropped down from
heaven in our hour of need Annette
are you real? Are you flesh and blood :?
Glory be! Our first violin is provided
forl Herr Radelheimer has been tear
ing his hair. He'll drop dead of joy !
Just wait till | tell him -
Gretchen Hartmann turned again to
her friend, but Annettes face con-
tracted into a petulant grimace of
nervous fatigue.
"Grettie. Hartmann, If you ask me
that again. I'll shake you-and l won't
promise not to bite you! You know
I'm as nervous as a witch, anyhow,
and you've been asking me that one
question Just like clock ticking.