Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-05-26
CHAPTER 2


"ALL RIGHT. Edward Wen try
Il tomorrow. Hunt is not pro-
nounced hut but / don't know what
can do about it. Maybe tomorrow
We can find an somewhere
wait minute how many times
have I told you not to leave papers
sticking out Of your book?" Joan
Spencer caught her voice as it ran
upwards and swallowed YEARLY.
For the seventh time that day her
eyes travelled to the calendar. Only
four days morel Her linen froclx
was crumbled. Chalk dust choked
her. Her skin felt as dry and untidy
as her mind. She wrinlled her nose
delicately as the warm smell of chill
dren and old musty cupboards as
sailed it. The windows were flung
open but the June air wasn't strong
enough to blow away the school
room odors that left her utterly de-
jected. Or worse. she thought, be-
cause she wasn't as unhappy as she
was disconnected and Joan hated dis
content
IF l were 10 years younger and
30 pounds lighter. I'd take up tap
dancing. Lordy. but I'm sick of
teacher in my ears all day." Louise
Mears wiped her broad brow and
sank into the visitors chair"
"Cheer up. it'll soon be over. Four
days morel" Joan wore the express
sion Of prisoner going out into an
unfriendly world.
Joan. how would you like to come
UP to Maine with me and see my
folks for a couple Of weeks? It
would be change from this place"
Joan looked at her archly. "Would
you say about July first?"
THAT would be fine time." Louise
answered too quickly.
"Hmmm. Yes" Win would be
bringing his fiancee home for the
Fourth. Louise. you're sweet but I
wish you'd stop being sorry for me
and being angry with Win. 1t
wasn't quite fair but. after all. maybe
he felt the same way I did and that
an understanding wasn't really an
engagement"
well. 1 wouldn't call it very gall
liant of him." Louise emphasized her
d
sion.
"Oh. Louise. you're so unworldly
Gentlemen aren't supposed to be gal
liant any more. It's up to the girls
these days I guess it's easier for
u.s."
That's what you Think"
I'LL let you in on a secret. I
don't think any more. I'm so tired
Of trying to think If it is better to
promote Buddy Johnson or keep him
in the second grade for the third
year. think I'll toss a coin."
Got all your other promotions
finished? And did you locate first
edition of that book for Mr. Evans?"
Good heavens. no! I've : done
everything could think OF. I even
wrote to the Week End Review Of
Literature. They have a personal
column you know but 1 haven't
heard yet. He'll just have to get
new one ! guess"
Mr.. Evans. county superintendent.
made an annual award to the grad
uate with highest honors. Of a first
edition of poetry.
Louise remarl1ed:
ut all makes for excitement any,
way. Let's get out Of this stuffy
place. I'm dying for something cool
to wash the dust down my throat
But no ice cream. mind you. It's do
or die with me since I started this
reducing campaign and by next
autumn I'm going to be so slim I
won't be able to see my own shadow"
Louise patted her rotund waistline.
"Why. Louise! I mean. why ever
go to any trouble? You're perfectly
comfortable and happy now" The
words themselves were not important
but a little frown Of perplexity gath
cred on Louise's brow when she
heard them.
"Joan Spencer. you're not talking
like yourself at all! You you
aren't like yourself. But I know
what's the matter with YOU"
IF you do. you're smart. my pet.
because I'm sure don't" Joan bent
over her desk.
whatever Il is. it's Win" Louise