The Elk Mountain pilot., 1923-06-07
THE INITIATION
BY MARION KENDALL FROST


coming in from walk one Saturday
morning, her hands full of autumn
flowers.
what girl7" replied her mother. 81
haven't seen any,"
"She is sitting there, rocking, and she
won't speak. Is she crazy?"
Mrs. Rossiter hurried to the door.
Good morning" she smiled, scanning
the stranger from the soft felt hat
with its bright wing to the dusty
suede boots. Il suspect you have
walked quite distance. Won't you
come int"
The guest looked perplexed. She was
a handsome young woman, but
there was a pathetic look to the big,
brown eyes that reminded one Of a
dog. II don't know" she answered,
dreamily.
But where are you goingr'
II don't know"
"What is your name, dearf
Il can't remember" and the beautt
full eyes filled with tears.
"Well, never mind. l feel sure you
have had long walk, and are over
tired. You had better stay with us till
you are rested. 1 am Mrs. Rossiter
and this is my daughter, Enid, fresh
man at Barring college. Come" and she
laid her hand kindly on the strangers
shoulder.
Nonchalantly the girl allowed herself
to be led into the house.
1--WE must try to keep her until
your father comes" she whispered to
Enid, for her husband was doctor
Il hope he will be home sooni'
AS she spoke, CHEEKY whistle was
heard, and Doctor Rossiter came buoy
antly up the steps and into the office.
Hello, therel" he called. "Why,
what's the matter?"
In few words his wife told him,
and he looked grave. II will see her
right away" he said, starting for the
living room.
How do you dor" he began, cheer
lily, as he took seat beside the couch.
"Been walking long way and got
played out? Sensible girl to stop at
doctors house." and his professional
fingers sought her pulse.
"Flne" he exclaimed a moment lat
head acheT'
II don't know"
where do you liver
Live" the girl repeated.
"Yes, your home. Where Is itf'
The patient seemed lost In thought.
Then she wearily closed her eyes Doc
tor ROssiter rejoined his family in the
office. II am going to notify the police
and call up the psychopathic hospital"
he said. ut is just possible that she
may have escaped from there"
But telephOning failed to clear up
the mystery.
Then. If you are willing, should
like to keep her here under observa-
tlon few days" he told his wife.
But what ails herb persisted Enid.
'Amnesia. In plain English. she has
lost her memory"
And SO the stranger stayed. She
seemed very grateful to the doctor and
his wife for the care, but she was
pathetically fond Of Enid and followed
her from room to room. AS there was
NO school until Tuesday, Enid could be
at home. They named their strange
guest Helen"
Monday, Doctor Rossiter's niece,
Madeline BroG IS. a Junior Mt the same
college that Enid attended, came over
to tea. She had heard of the mysteri-
out stranger. and her curiosity was
aroused.
~ never knew Of case like 1t !" she
exclaimed at the table that night.
Then-"Yes ! have. too" ana she be-
gan to laugh.
whats the joker asked Enid.
"Why, 1t reminds me of story
once heard about a college girl who
was being Initiated into Greek letter
society. She was ordered to simulate
total loss of memory for two days."
"There is nothing funny about this
case, Maddie," said Doctor Rossiter
"Helen is really victim of amnesia
The girl you spoke of could not have
fooled physician"
"But she did, Uncle WILL" returned
Madeline. GLORIA Wakefield was
consummate actress, and 1t was to the
home of physician that she went
She completely took him in."
That's something like Helen" said
Enid.
"very much like Helen" replied
Madeline. And now, Gloria Wake
field, alias Helen Rossiter,' as the
president Of the Gamma Beta Phi So
ciety of Barring college, extend to
you the right hand of fellowship
Nobly have you acted your part
Bravely have you ridden the goat AT
our meeting, tomorrow night, you shall
become member, as shall your willy
classmate, Enid. who by aiding you in
your plans has earned admittance
too" Then she extended her hand to
her cousin.
Doctor Rossiter sprang from his
chair.
do you mean to tell me-" he. thun-
dered. but his niece sQuelched him.
"Uncle WILL" she answered sweetly
do you remember one day last sum