Search results

(1 - 50 of 75)

Pages

Creator: Raymond, Susan
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel, Ditkoff, Andrea
Date: 1864
Text: SUSAN RAYMOND, '71Chronicle of 1871 Susan RaymondNov. 1864. Wednesday 30. How can I write about what I do, when I do nothing! Here I have spent a whole day, and absolutely done nothing. In the morning the folks went out to look for apartments, leaving Mabel and me alone. I had to amuse Mabel, for she is so very lonely. So I made paper dolls for her, and kept her amused till lunch time. they all came home about that time, bringing good news with them. They had at last got rooms. After...
Show moreSUSAN RAYMOND, '71Chronicle of 1871 Susan RaymondNov. 1864. Wednesday 30. How can I write about what I do, when I do nothing! Here I have spent a whole day, and absolutely done nothing. In the morning the folks went out to look for apartments, leaving Mabel and me alone. I had to amuse Mabel, for she is so very lonely. So I made paper dolls for her, and kept her amused till lunch time. they all came home about that time, bringing good news with them. They had at last got rooms. After dinner we went out to walk, and went into the D...s. They were having Vespers, and we stayed a little while to the service. I am afraid we are going to be disappointed in our lodgings. The entrance is not good. I don't know yet what we shall do. By tomorrow I think it will be decided. I finished a letter to Kathchen to-day. I am always delighted when I can write another name on the list of "Letters written", and still more when I can write one on the list of those received, but that is not often. Thursday. Dec. 1. We are again disappointed. We have had to give up our rooms. The woman was very disobliging, and would not give us the rooms unless we would pay her 30 francs more. We were also not to eat in the parlor, and could only have three beds. The folks are all out again in their weary search. Friday Dec. 2. Again it is the same. Mabel and I are at home and waiting for the folks to return to luncheon. Evening. Uncle T. Mother, Jennie, and I, went to the opera this evening. It was the Ballo in Maschera. It might have been stupid if it hadn't been for a pretty little page who spoilt her own part, and madeevery one laugh. She was a perfect little beauty. She had a beautiful voice. Saturday. Dec 3. This evening we went to see some private theatricals, got up by the Americans and English. They played "The Little Demon", and "Poor Pillicoddy." In the former, there was only one good actor, who acted the part of the little demon. He was a boy named Arthur Kelson. There was only one professional actor there, and the only paid one, for all the rest gave their services, as it was for the benefit of some Asylum. This actor, ... Wylie, was speaking (in the play) when a baby out in the audience, cried. That threw him entirely out of his part, & he had to stop! The other man, who was on the stage, said "Oh that's nothing, only a baby!" This other miserable fellow had to go aside-to laugh! When he came back, he could not remember his part! There's a good actor for you! In the farce, there was one gentleman, Mr Gould, who was a capital actor, and he was only an amateur. Even Father had to go off in fits of laughter. There are to be three more of these entertainments, & perhaps I shall go to another. Sunday Dec. 4. This morning, Jennie, Uncle Tooker, and I went into some of the churches. At noon, Uncle went away. We were so sorry to have him go. In the afternoon, we went around to a little house that we had looked at before, and took it. So that's settled. Monday Dec. 5. Today I stayed in the house, and read, and packed the trunks, that isto say, I packed Jennie's for her. This evening, we went around in a carriage to our new home, where we found our new servant, Theresa, waiting for us. Tuesday Dec 6. We stayed at home and unpacked. What a stupid journal this is! Only getting up, going to bed, eating, drinking, sleeping, reading, & walking! I suppose I shall not have any thing better to say if I go to school, for then it will be nothing but study! Still, although it looks stupid on paper, I am really having a nice time. We have such fun in this darling little house. I wish Uncle Tasker had seen it, so he could tell the folks at home about it. It is very cosy, only the sun won't come into the parlor, and so we sit in the dining room. I haven'tseen Miss Birch since she called on me that day, but no wonder. She goes to school in the morning, and stays till four. She has only one holiday in the week, and that is only half a day, on Wednesday. Saturday, she goes to school all the same! Just fancy it! I don't think I will go there. Wednesday Dec. 7. To-day we made a call. On the Cislas. Then we did a few errands, and spent the rest of the day at home. I wrote to Annie Copp. That's just the way it goes! Nothing interesting to tell about. What do people put in journals I must tell you about our landlord He is a Frenchman, and an old bachelor. His name is Hippolito Jean-veau. Jennie is setting her cap for him, or rather, he is setting his cap for her. He went out yesterday inthe garden, where Jennie & Mabel were walking, and met them - quite by accident, and of course, had to walk along by her side, and talk in the most winning voice, and the sweetest expression he could call up! In the place of his beautiful red handkerchief, he had the most splendid cravat on, and a gorgeous pin. He must have looked gay! I didn't have the pleasure of seeing him, for I very foolishly stayed in the house. I shall always walk in the garden after this. Well, Hippolito invited the girls into the conservatory, and the gardener picked off the only blossoms on the Heliotrope and presented it to Miss Jennie. She, of course, was very much obliged, and admired it exceedingly. That roused the jealousy of poor Hippolito. He looked around indespair, until at last, one blossom caught his eye; he hastened to pick it; applied it to his own nostril, remarked that it was not very sweet; and presented it with his own fair hand, to Miss Olds. She took it, admired it, and of course, thought it very sweet. Hippolito was consoled, and delighted. I shall keep my eye on Miss Olds. Thursday Dec.8. This morning we stayed at home, as usual. In the afternoon we went to the library, and each got a book. Jennie got "John Marshmont's Legacy," Mabel "The Black Princess," and I "Agatha's Husband," by Miss Mullock. It is very nice. I finished it last night. Friday Dec.9. Went to the other library at which we had a subscription. We got Machiavelli's "History of Florence," Vasari's "Lives of thePainters," "Geoffry Hamlyn," by Kingsley, and Holiday House for Mabel to read. Saturday. 10. This morning Father and Jennie went to the railway station to meet Mrs Olds, but she did not come in that train. So this afternoon they went out again, and I with them. On our way, we stopped at a pionoforte establishment, and hired a piano. It is coming home Monday. At the railway station we had to get tickets, for the privilege of waiting there for Mrs Olds! When the train came, Mrs Olds was there, and we all got into a carriage and rode home. If Nelson gets through with his studies, he will perhaps come here to go with us to Paris. In two weeks or less it will be Christmas. How we shall miss all our friends then! I am afraid we won't havemuch of a Christmas. Sunday. 11. This morning Father & Mother went to the American Chapel. In the afternoon I went to Mr. MacDugals Church. It is so funny. They all stand up during prayers, and the hymns are so queer. Monday Dec. 12. Our piano came home to-day. It is very pretty. It is a Paris piano. I spent most of the time practising. This afternoon I was in the parlor with Jennie, when we had an earthquake!! Really, we had an earthquake!! The house shook all over. That man in Paris predicted it. He predicted the flood, which has taken place with a vengeance! He says too that at Venice there will be a flood,and the houses will be turned upside down, so the lower story will be up in the air! I guess we won't go to Venice. Tuesday 13. Today I have nothing to do but practice and read. Wednesday 14. I declare, this is wretched! Rain! Rain! Rain!!! I have got such a cold that I feel quite miserable This evening Father read "Enoch Arden." It is beautiful, and said to be the best thing that Tennyson has written. Thursday 15. Nothing new. Read-write-practise! Friday 16. I might as well leave out this week, for it is so interesting that I fear it will take up too much of your time to read it. For a wonder, it rains to-day! We have had such lovely weather all the week! Saturday 17. For a wonder, it doesn'train to-day. I must stay at home this morning, but in the afternoon Mother and I are going to see Mrs McDougall who is going with us to the School of the Deacons. Afternoon. When we got to the school, Mrs. McDougall asked for the sister "who speaks English." We were shown into a parlor up stairs, and in a room directly opposite, we heard the girls singing. It sounded very prettily. Presently the sister came in. She was dressed in a dark blue dress and apron, no hoops, and she wore a very deep collar, and a little close white muslin cap. I mention this because it is a regular uniform. It was settled that May & I should go to school from nine till twelve, to commence Monday. Sunday 18. We went to the American Chapel this morning, and in the afternooncalled on the Birch's. Clara was not at home. After our call, we went to the McDougall's church. Monday 19. Today we commenced to go to school Mother & Jennie went with us. After they went away, we were taken into a room full of little children, from eight to twelve years old. There, I was shown a seat between two girls, one German, and one English. Mabel was taken into another room. The little girls were all talking and studying out loud, and they made such a racket that I could hardly think. I sat still and heard them recite two lessons History & Arithmetic. Then we had "Recreation," during which I was questioned in a most patronizing manner by those children. "What was my name?." and "Did I like to go toschool?" I almost expected them to pat me on the head and call me a "little dear!" The meaning of all this was that I didn't know much French, and had to be in the room with the youngest scholars. I suppose they felt their superiority over me, because they could jabber & chatter away like parrots. The older girls too patronized me. The two daughters of the vice consul, Helta and Florence de Karayan, made friends with me at once, & there was one girl, with beautiful hair falling down her back in long braids, who came rushing into the room, asked me a great many questions, and was off again in a flash, before I had time to collect my wits & answer her. She is an American, and very pretty. Her name is May Morgan "Recreation" lasted fifteen minutes, andthen they had another lesson. The scholars then had recess from twelve until one, and went home at four, but Mabel & I went home at twelve Mother came for us. Young ladies, and children are not allowed to go out alone, not even to school. The sisters' names are, Soeur Ida, Rosa, Anna, Louisa, Victorie, & Augusta. My teacher's name is Victorie. Soeur Anna is the youngest and the prettiest. The lessons are all in French, and they all speak it to-gether."At any time of life a great affection is a great happiness; the spirit comes to take refuge in it entirely." Eugenie de Guerin. "There is more power and beauty in the well-kept secret of one's self and one's thoughts, than in the display of a whole heaven that one may have inside one." Maurice de Guerin. "Noble thought produces Noble ends and uses, Noble hopes are part of Hope, wherever she may be. Noble thought enhances Life and all it's chances. And noble self, is noble song--All this I learn from thee!" Robert Buchanan. "To David in Heaven.""Much I make as make the others. Better much another man Makes than I, but much more over, Make I which not other can." Friedrich Ruckert. "Who is the man, by force or skill, Can stem the torrent of a woman's will? For if she will, she will, you may depend upon it And if she won't, she won't, & there's an end on't!" From a pillow created in Canterbury. "Where you can give, give freely. There is no grace in a benefit that sticks to the fingers." "This above all- To thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man." Hamlet."Love me not for comely grace, For my pleasing eye and face; No, nor for my constant heart For these may change, and turn to ill, And thus true love may sever. But love me on, and know not why, To hast thou the same reason still To dote upon me ever." From "Wives and daughters." "Many a learned man is like the cashier of a banker; he has the key to much money, but the money does not belong to him." "Sentimental people stir their feelings till they foam, and then think they have full, over-flowing hearts, but it is only air.""Poverty is a sand-bank; riches a rock, in the sea of life. The fortunate ... between. From poverty our own strength may protect us; from riches, only the grace of God." "The secret of all power consists in this; to know that others are still more cowardly than we." "There is nothing new under the sun. Our statesmen of today who use such strange measures to suppress the demands of the age, are only imitating the French clergy of the middle ages who once, to prevent a famine, ordered a three-day fast." From B...Prophecy for Class of '71. A prophecy, a prophecy! How can one write a prophecy, who has neither the clairvoyant's far-seeing eye, nor the astrologer's all-heavenly, piercing gaze? This riddle can be solved only by a compromise between the Past and Present, a joining of these two great forces for the realization, or rather, idealization, of the third and most interesting to us - the grand and open Future of probabilities - Possibilities may be the more fitting word, but not the more satisfactory, therefore say we again, "Probabilities." Is it better, by a long preamble, to excite still further the evident consuming anxiety for a glimpse into the marvellous "To be"; or immediately to relieve from the thralldom of suspense, that at peace maybe the seekers for the light of the new morning? This problem we will now proceed to answer. (Blair) The first is one whom we shall see no more in these halls, who leaves to become a Happyer creature, doing good to the benighted of this word, our ... herald to China - A stately ship leaves the port, bearing missionaries twain to the Eastern Empire. Methinks, even now the people wave their handkerchiefs to the departing ship - even now is heard the last farewell. (Keip) Through greek roots, latin synomyms, sixty minutes a day, and three years college drill,we can safely say that this maiden, ... in ancient love, will never forsake the path of learning, but ever dipping deeper in the fountainof knowledge, Keep Reedy. (Hileman) Once thy happiness was complete, but soon was .... Yet again was it restored, tho' not to the same state. No, another picture has taken its place beneath thy pillow, and now is the song "I'm Waning away, Jean, I'm Waning." In future days we see her Waning - the laurel wreath of fame rejected, lying at her side all forsaken, all awarded to her fine 'Ed.' (Hiscox) Alas! Another is it our sad duty to chronicle as among the missing, soon to be. These summer evenings glorious, will see her still receiving calls by candle light - again Juliet's sweet tones in the balcony are heard, the dim light of the "candles of the sky"proving sufficient for her, for him the start of earth, her sparkling eyes, will brighten all below. (Esty) Alack! What do the Fates tell us! Can such mischief be wrought by celestial minds? A faithless youth, a careless maid - For their rashness dearly paid; but, thanks to good sense, peace is again restored, and again is verified the adage that "the course of true love never did run smooth." "Two friends can ne'er be friends - When towards one the feeling tends." Kuckuck, Kuckuck! (Garnsey) What strange combinations are found, at times! Is it not strange that the luckless Maria Stuart should still find (2 admirers) (1 romantic) in this ...? Even so it is, however, and still sees the Future Lady Stuart anda great English Novelist's namesake cosily picnicking through life, discussing the coming article on the worthy "Union", clear to both these royal personages. (Slocum) What means this Kingly dwelling? Is't palace, is't court? Nay, my friend, 'tis the "corner store", a ten story marble building, the whole sale depot of "Raisins, Nuts, Apples, Boots and Shoes, Fish and Dry Goods" proclaimed by the "Sign of the Cod" Opposite we see a palatial, high stoop, brown stone front; in every window flowers bloom, on every table herbaria. A love for Nature is every where shown, from basement to garret. Further on rears its stately outline the grand university which Josiah has endowed, with noble mind.(Bowker) A reader of character now comes. O give us for once the power to discover her secret! We await the revelation! It comes! 1st test: Hardness - 2nd test luster and diapheneity. The diapheneity of some people is surprising! They vary from transparency to opaqueness. Some are so clear that you can see right through them; others allow you to think them translucent, but it is only the edges that transmit light - subtranslucent! Again there are some entirely opaque; nothing can be done with such! 3rd test: solubility. Well, ah, well, vinegar is the most powerful acid, represented by ... or ..., and those who withstand this are of the highest degree of hardness, 10. a true jewel in the world - It has again left us, but To her it ever will remain [four lines in German] Musician of Bergen waits, waits longingly for his "brightest eyes" coming - The impelling power of the grand organ, the coming physician, ... - and she, in shimmer of satin of pearls, is standing by his side, a blooming, blushing bride. (Rochester) In future dim we see the Gates of happiness waiting to receive her. E'en now they are ajar, and she is destined e'er to be the treasurer of his heart, unles her mind does chand, and she resolves to be the treasurer of her own alone. But looking deep into the clear late of destiny we see her sitting by the well-spreadtable, giving a slightly candle lecture to her husband. It seems that he differs from her in his favorite candidate at the coming election, and she is striving to convert him to her side of the question. Since woman's weapon has always been her tongue, so we suppose, will it continue to be, but no less her tongue than her perfect, polished all-convincing rhetoric. However, if this last fails, the next view will be dissolving, so to speak. We see her nailing up a barrel fast with a Cooper's skill, and that is the last to be seen of her own, her sweet, her darling Will. (Mitchell) We see a stage, we see an orchestra, we see a multitude of up-turned fans, all waiting in their homage to one who stands before them - all hearts,all minds, all purposes for once agreeing in love and admiration for this "singer sweet of minstrelsy." Now, look! a slender form, a dark, kindling eye - but hark! hear the sweet sounds, can it be from earth? The voice trembles with pathos, grows confident and hopeful, and at last they hear only the lingering murmur of her triumphant tones, high avove, among the arches wandering, like a silver thread about the pillars twining. Clear and subtly charming, their hearts are lifted far, far into the realms of space, and some have had the greatest possibilities in their nature awakened by this little strain of song. Ah! the power of all of us is as great in its way, but not all, like her, will show it thus. A bless-ing on all with the gift of song, who use it to charm the ear, and make every sadness forgotten. (Glover) Well, one can hardly , at times, imagine the things which lie concealed deep down in some hearts, Ah! here is one, alas! alas!! who will show her power, her hidden forces, in driving to their death one doctor, one lawyer, two theologues - the ugliest, the crossest, the grumblingest of wives; the sweetest, most charming, benevolent and guileless of widows. With her cunning boudoir adorned from top to bottom by pictures of her "dear departeds," wreathed in crape[sic] and immortelly[sic]. Thus she sits and weeps after each departure to the spirit-land (for were they not truly martyrs?) waiting for the next, and hersong is "Come into my parlor, said the spider to the fly. It's the darlingest little parlor that ever you did spy!" (Rowe) One, devoted in our band, Will go to a distant land. Will clothe young "savages." Will teach them how to write & read, and their young mouths with pudding feed. Then she will return, and visit Vassar College. The "College family" will be called to assemble in the chapel for a few minutes after dinner, to listen to her words of travel, hardships, crusts and bones. She will relate the tale of persecution, of snakes, of Savage Kings, and alligators. Will live honored and respected, it may be , because she will always be away, but we think not. And shewill always "Row her own canoe." (Wells) The young lady who so delights in playing practical jokes, directing letters to single gentlemen for single ladies, is hrd to prophesy for. Whether she will live forever on pickles and pound-cake, as Miss Lyman says, or will settle down a life of lessed trained-ness, is different to say. But we see, we see, we know clearly now -- yes, happy doutless will be her portion - horses, carriages, all things nice and fine -- she will play an important part in the Comedy of Life. (Stevens) Oh! dear. Who shall decide when doctorrs disappear? Come to our assistance, we languish, we [pinch]!! Such quantities of cadets to choose from -- such fickleness displayed! finish one, then the other. Of course its hard to keep forever fond and true to the same uniform, for somehow they all do look alike: the broad buttons dazzles our eyes so that when all are so charming it somehow makes a mire of affairs. But to the fates we have it all - they will give her a just allotment, a happy decision we know they will [dried] her to. (Everett) ... - voice, blue eyes, oh! there is no need of saying "..." - how could we? Whatever home is blest by her smile, be it hat or ... halls, will ever be one of content and happines. Forever can we say, "..." (Brown) Far from the sunny South comes a classic maid, like Grecian fair, in ancient story, to worship at Minerva's shrine. Skilled in the history of her people, as in this lesser world, so in the great world will she an historian be - to chronicle the fortunes of her kindred. Even now, we see her staggering under the weight of the wreath of honor and glory awarded her by a grateful people - with rusty armor hung upon its walls, and laurel garlands all about, her room gleams and glimmers in the sunlight - more like a masion's chamber than that of our ... stirring with the pen - but so will it be, and in future time, it will never be said "A prophet is not without hour, even in his own country." (Parsons) Of an obedient daughter write we now. So rare an example of filial love is rarely seen. Can we relate to a gaping public the mandate of the "Cruel Parients." the correspondence so rudely broken off? Never. But this we can say, that next door houses, which contain dark moustaches are dangerous things: likewise, when they (the houses) contain windows looking out on croquet-grounds-By-the-way, moonlight nights behold strange things at times. How gently clicks the mallets stroke upon the balls. So lightly, one can hear the dew that falls, And the softly-whispered knell "Farewell, farewell." Fifty years hence will see our heroine a stately, dignified old lady,With silvery curls & friendly speech Nodding kindly to all she meets. (Smith L. C.) With flowing tresses, dark & wavy, Glowing, upturned eye She cometh through the labyrinth mazy Our singer sweet of poesy. Let us spend an evening with the poet. Cast your eye about, "here, there, & everywhere" are the sources of her inspiration, in green and gold, in gold and blue. See them shining on their shelves - The fruits of the transcendent genius of this being is every where beholden-take down a volume, look therein-what name upon the title-page? Nay, start not, 'tis but the name of this room's lovely occupant-Yes, the times are changed indeed-Now, a poet draws inspiration from self, from works of self-All these books, this vast library, are herown sweet, lyric songs; and she is crowned, after the long struggle after fame, with fame, and books! (Adams) Hie-spy! Lets hie To Ida & Arthur Neither a martyr who first finds And fast binds These hearts together Never to sever? An ... to her hours The tour of Europi A French-roofed cottage A happy life - What more could be asked? "Multum in parvo" a whole life-history in three lines Condensed expressly for the College Catalogue of all its Anna Matildas. (Sibley) A physician now greets our eyes - one well known to the world. Pictures of her beaming countenance adorn every periodical - Almanacs are daily issued, bearing her seal. 10,000th edition. Read the wonderful cures wrought by the greatSanatorianess, the grand Sibyllic physician. Consultation free of charge! May be seen entering the city at 5 P.M. in a chariot golden, drawn by eight snow-white studs, caparisoned in crimson velvet, driven by four liveried coachmen in green and gold!!" (Sherman) Ah! the greatness and goodness of a coming alumna may easier be felt than expressed. We, who foretell the future, deeply feel the honor we receive in sitting next to the ...-hearted philanthropist, and feel ourselves almost great through contiguity to greatness. Yea, once one saw the lip quiver, the eye flash, the mouth settle itself into lines of firmness, when one, our mother, with a most charming ..., mentioned the proposed legacy of a coming graduate for "single rooms for all." Looking up, we saw her face, by our side, the determination that she, she should be the benefactress of Vassar College. Now, in the "Magic Mirror" may be seen - by anyone who will cross our palm with silver - the bust of pure Carrara marble, placed on the desk of the Rostrum, garlands of blooming flowers every morning fresh, gracefully drooping over the classic brow, e'en o'er the dark expressive eyes - Imagine the effect on the coming generation! (Blakeman) G-o-sh! Whizz!! Bang!!! Good heavens, what greets our eyes? An immense oval-orbicular structure, something like an umbrella, something like a hoop - skirt. It is silken, too - bright golden, spangled with cerulean blue stars - the order or nature reversed, you perceive. But what does it mean, explain! We hardly know what it means, our pen trembles in undertaking the task of description. In a dress - if so it may be called - of rose and silver-gray clouds, girded at the waist by a ray from the setting sun, with a little gleaming sceptre[sic] of dim stars, with which the being strange, touching the world, whirls it into darkness, at will. The apparition descends lightly, resting one foot on the earth, the other poised upon the edge of the "Chariot of Clouds" - gazes wonderingly about for a moment; then, waving the sceptre above her head, is whirled rapidly thro' her native ether,and lost to sight. Leaves us lost in darkness, at her bidding. The name of this illustrious? How can we so come down from our lofty heights to a mere name? Ah, we miserable! 'twas only our Black-man, who such power has gained. (Palmer) 'Twas forbidden Eve to taste the apple, but Eve did it, you may have heard - Even so is it forbidden a man to marry his grandmother, but we have never heard, however, that any one attempted that. Cousins or namesakes are equally as bad, and it has been found that a here-to-fore studious and persevering young woman of '71, (that is not her age, our friends) has entangled herself into a troublesome corres-pondence with her cousin, or at least somebody very like that individual. We do not say that this is troublesome to the young lady herself, but only to her numerous friends and other admirers. We do hereby solemnly prophesy that if her well wishers continue to remonstrate with her, before twenty years have passed away she will be a living example of "Love in a Cottage," living on mush and milk: and that, before she will have reached the age of sixty, those "raving" locks will be thickly sprinkled with gray (tho dyed): that she will wear a false chignon, that the best gold plate the dentist can produce, will be in her possession, and That her children ten Will marry rich men That all will go well Like a marriage bell.(Cornell) We feel some compunctions of conscience at revealing the future of this one - Truly "Coming events cast their shadows before," but may it not become somewhat embarrassing to the young lady To publicly announce How the Count then Mounts By a rope ladder When a slight shudder Preparing to fly From a window high May dimly be seen Down she goes On the tips of her toes Gently, gently Troubled ment'ly Fearing lest Pater Or loved Mater The footsteps hear Safe at last The danger past They hast'ning go To reach the depot When the tardy train They speedily gain "En route for Utah." The University doors are closed now "Gainst all young men with charming bow And now no more is seen The Russian Count To quickly mount The hempen perilous way. (Hoskins) Professor in Josiah's University, among the Green Mountains, she occupies the chair of Ancient Languages (Sanscrit and such) and fills it well. Her blonden tresses float airily over her shoulders, while we behold her, telling of ancient heroes, and how they "fought, bled, and died" - guiding the trembling steps of the learner[sic] under her care. Both lasses and laddies constitute her classes, for in the year 1900, Colleges will be thrown open to both sexes, and each will strive with the other for the highest honors. Then will Latin and Greek be among the preliminary examinations, like spelling and Arithmetic - Haven and Wayland will be required as "Quackenbos" now. Amid all this will our "Southern savant"direct and guide, omnipotent as - shall we say, as V.C.'s Lady Principal? No, let us rather declare that her influence will be such an one as she may be entitled to by her merits. (House) Not a thousand miles from the banks of the Hudson, lives David, renowned of old. He may be told by the delicate cane he swings, by his lavender Kids, but most of all, by the picture carried close to his heart, in the inside pocket of his outer covering, on the left. But sad, sad it is to say that before another year shall have passed away in the debtors's prison he will be, his fortune scattered to the four winds of heaven - bankrupt thro' undue outlay instamps and paper - Here will the noble nature of a worthy member of the Class of '71 come forth like a "Venus from her ashes" like a "Phoenix from the sea" - Listener, do not criticise if, at times, we seem slightly mixed in our quotations, for our enthusiasm is so roused when we are speaking on our "... subject" that we forget ourselves, and consequently, everybody else. "To return to our ...," our heroine fainting with tears in her eyes and a heavy bag in her hand, to the ... will proceed. O tinman, tinman Do bring me a fan I come, I come, With this you see, And ne'er will me it, To release my Jewett This is a letter, Ne'er was a better And stamps are here Oh! I very much fear That he must be in jail If thou dost me fail.Here the man, an, an, Did them scan, an, an, And ... never one it, ne it, ne it That he released her Jewett, ewett, ewett. (Smith M. E. L. ) Since the times are to change so much, cannot a prophetic eye as clearly foretell a woman's destiny in the political world, as a man's? Now we see a stump orator, in M. E. L. low tones, but clear and singing, advocating her candidate for the Presidency. Susan B. Anthony and Ernestine L. ROse, are thrown entirely into the shade; Lucy Stone eclipsed - the all-swaying influence of the fair one, as the moon to the sun, one, seemingly, the most quiet of our band, but yet exerting, as thro' long working at the forge, the power of a Smith. Time will see her Secretary of State, whenher correspondences will be known to all the world. Ah! none can there be private. (Nicoll) Is seen a minist'ring angel, verily! Carrying divers bowls of gruel from house to house, feeding the poor with tracts without number, all that was formerly pertaining to his majesty Nick-all vanished - a minister's wife, far from busy hum of factory, or rush and roar of railroad - twice in the month, only, will the peacefulness of this rural spot be broken by the stage's rumbling wheels. She, tending to household duties - in her proper sphere - living in a one-story cottage, fulfilling her mission in life - tending to dinner, tending to mopping, and tending to whipping the children:while her faithful spouse, supposed to be collecting spiritual food, gathers inspiration for the coming sabbath lounging by a neighboring trout-brook, with hook and line lazily dangling in the water. (Raymond) Light of the World! Truly a grand future should this Sunbeam have. Should we speak selfishly, we would forever doom her to remain the "Light of the world" - But we can hope for two years, to have this light follow us, illuminating our pathway thro' the laborious mazes of Junior and Senior years - After that, we must follow her course, far out into the world, when she will radiate the pathway of another more favored than wetill eternity. Of our world, the light Will fade from sight But of another's way Will always be the -ay. (Wendt) Once upon a time This is for the rhyme Came to Vassar College Dearly bought knowledge In the shape of a box Which, by divers knocks At last was opened. In many a delicate paper Lay clusters tapes Of lovely grapes Pure and white As morning light Luscious and sweet For princess meet Now look outside After the long ride What see you there? To Miss E. W. Are sent a few Nice pleasant grapes From hers till death In Elizabeth. The maiden blushed And then she rushed Frantically about. Touch them she would not Tho' many times, like Lot Would she back have turned But soon t'was found And flew around That a mistake it was A simple joke That unhappily took With the dark-eyed maid So all have said. Miss A. L Sanford June 12. 1869.Poems written by the Class of '71.Our Class Sleigh-ride. A month ago, one fine afternoon, Our class assembled in the recitation room. The first great question for us to decide, Was the "Profs" to be asked to our sleigh-ride. For Backus and Orton then was quite a strife, But alas for us all, they each had a wife. Now what do do with these jealous wives, Caused a racking of brains for us to devise. But at last 'twas agreed them all to invite, And to trust to the wives to do what was right. We invited our guests, we hired our team, And now for some fun all ready ...'d seem. But alas! on Saturday when we did arise, What a miserable sight did greet our eyes! A drizzling rain and a ... street, And thus was ended our longed-for treat. I. W. Adams. Our Last Class Meeting. Anapestic Monometer Acatalectic verse must be read with great care in order to bring out all its beauties. It is just four week today Since we met in Society Hall, Where Ellie, so smiling and gay, Stood to receive us all. As I came in from the rain, How pleasant the room did look With Susie and Ida and Mama And others, scattered in each nook! Soon to the dance we went, But Millie at the piano staid, And the sound of feet & music were blent While Millie so beautifully played. When with the dance we were weary, We had a charming charade, In which Minnie, Nell, and Mary Interesting lectures made. But when the lectures were finished, A sound was heard overhead; The tones of the bell us admonished That it was time to go to bed. J. P. BrownThe Candy Pull of Seventy-one. A History in Rhymes. At Vassar College in Po'keepsie, (A place where people ne'er get tipsy) The jovial Class of Seventy-one Made up their minds to have some fun. So, when the snow was falling fast, Not thinking they how long 'twould last, They had a meetin in room K, And then they fixed upon a day To have a sleigh-ride-Saturday night, When woods & fields were clothed in white, (Pardon the bull for the sake of the rhyme, I'll try to do better another time!) When the silvery moon was shining down Over the country and over the town, They'd bundle up in cloak & hood,And have a sleigh-ride, that they would. And now have patience, in my ditty, With a little praise of our committee. With patient care they did indite A letter to Fitchett, as will they might, Fitchett, the owner of horses & sleighs, Better ask him if the business pays. But one of the rules of the house-well ... Is that "The children must never go out alone." And so our Secretary, so polite, Backus and Orton did invite, Yes, and she also invited their wives, Wouldn't leave them out, not for our lives! And then she added Professor Mitchell, A woman who wouldn't fill a niche ill In Westminster Abbey, near London town, Or in any other place of renown. Thus were the Juniors prepared to go, But alas! alas! it ceased to snow, And the sun came out, & the rain descended, It wasn't at all what they'd intended. The Junior faces were under a cloud, They didn't want to say it out loud; But if there were only a kitchen handy In which they could make molasses candy! No kitchen appeared to the Junior eyes, So they went home a-heaving of sighs. But soon, though strange to you it seem, A change came o'er the Junior dream. By magic art there opened a kitchen, And all they had to do was to pitch in, Get the molasses and have a good time, Surely you can't suggest 'twas a crime! Saturday night, white-aproned & smiling,They stood & watched the candy a-biling. Visitors mighty appeared on the scene, Wondering what the uproar could mean. And Angie patiently stirred the molasses, While other pretty and homely lasses Chopped up the chocolate, buttered the pans, Got everything ready, then folded their hands. And Angie patiently stirred & stirred, While we sat quietly waiting the word That should put our faces all in a glow, When we put the candy out on the snow. Unto every thing cometh a change, Things long accustomed, & things that are strange And at last, with the word, "the candy's done cooling," We buttered our fingers, & all began pulling. Our Millie showed a most wonderful knowledge (Wonderful even in Vassar College) Of the art sublime, unknown to the ancients, The art that requireth very much patience. And Kate the good-natured made us our caramels Perhaps she knew we wouldn't have had 'em else, x x x x x x x x x x x x Who made the discovery? "Twas whispered low "The candy is burnt, & people will know That the glorious class of Seventy-one Don't know when their candy is done!" Louise the plucky wouldn't endure it, And so she thought of a way to cure it. To go straightway to the generous steward, And see if he couldn't be allured By greenbacks, held 'tween thumb & finger. Sugar to give, & with it some vinegar, That the gay and jolly Junior crowd Might have some what where of to be proud. The brave ambassadors brought what was needed Faces radiant showed they'd succeeded. Ask me not what became of this last, Our fate was sealed, the die was cast, But the turbid dream of candy was not o'er It rolled o'er the couch of my mother's daughter, All night long, and in the morning, When the first dim, gray light was dawning, I firmly resolved to mount the steed That we name Pegasus, good at need. The beast is short legged, his gait is peculiar, He don't travel swiftly ehough for a courier, He's such an uncomfortable beast altogether That I most seriously wonder whether I hadn't better get off his back, Give it a most tremenjuous[sic] whack, And devote the rest of my strength & will To my friend & companion "Natural Phil." E. M. Folsom.Members of the class of Seventy-one, Good I wish to all, and ill to none; May you many homes make pure & bright, And on Science shed rich rays of light E. H. Garnsey. The Sunshine. I sat at my study table Quite early the other day. All alone in the parlor, For my room-mates had gone away. The world was bright about me, The sunshine lay on the floor, On the wall, and on the table, And played hide & seek with the door. But a book was lying before me, And I studied and studied on - Hardly raising my eyelids, For the lesson was not half done. Till by and by the sunshine, A little tired of its play, Left the door to its darkness, And quietly crept away. Crept farther on to the table, Crept over the leaves of my book, And made them bright and cheerful Destroying their sober look. How could I but see the sunshine, How could I but think of it too, And let it creep slowly into my heart As it seemed to long to do? And as it crept in so gently, It filled my heart with love For God's world & all His creatures, A messenger from above.God's beautiful, glorious sunshine, It filled my heart and soul With its beauty and its loveliness, Thus purifying the whole. And when I went back to my lesson The hardest, roughest part Was only a pleasure to me, With God's sunshine in my heart. M. O. Glover. Have you heard the story old, That for many ages has been told? How once some twenty maidens odd, Solemnly pledged themselves one & all To seek after Genius, that gift of God. These twenty maids dwelt in classic halls, Which they greatly revered deep down in their souls And here lay the gem concealed, it was said, Which glory would, shed, round the maiden's headWho to its discovery should have led. Each of the maids had a casket planned Wondrously by God's invisible hand; But these were all so intricately wrought That the maids, although with a will they sought Couldn't for days get open the lock. But with perseverance they worked away, And after a while the light of day Peeped as curiously thro' the lids as they, To see in which the gift might be That they were all seeking so anxiously. Deep down in one with lustre gleamed The gem so rare and bright that it seemed To the wondering eyes of the maids as they gazed On its beautiful, brilliant, reflected rays That it must be a treasure of Paradise. The one to whose casket the treasure was sentAll looked upon with wonder, ... With love, as having it in her dower To aid in dispersing the gloomy lower Of the clouds round men's minds with such wonderful power. Dora Hileman. In the woods when the shades are deepest, When the flowers bloom the sweetest, Song of bird, and hum of bee Make the fairest of music to me. On the lea, when the fresh wind bloweth, When the cool stream gently floweth, Brook, and sky, and smiling lea Make the fairest of pictures to me. When the sun o'er the mountain strayeth, When the pure air freshly playeth, Sun, and mountain-air so free Hold the fairest of treasures to me. Kate Jewitt.To write a rhyme, I have no time. Louise La Due. I have wooed the muse, But begin to despair Being able to summon her Out from her lair. S. B. D. Lewis. An Excuse. A poem, you say, you must have, But you little know what you ask, Or you would have waited a year & a day Before setting me such a task. In justice to myself I would say, The muses have deserted me quite, So all that remains for me to do Is, sorrowfully my excuse to write. K. A. Loveland.To make a verse rhyme Is an impossible thing For I tried all the time To write an original something. M.C. House. The day is almost done; The work is already laid by; Tell me, thou setting sun, O whither dost thou fly! What is there in the West Where thou dost take thy way? Goest thou to lighten a breast, In a flood of golden day? The stars begin to peep; The heavens doth grow dark; I lay me down to sleep With a heavy, burdened heart.The faces I knew long ago, The voices that were dear, One face comes up from the Past My heart has grown heavy & drear. The angel of darkness has come Over my life to spread His wings of doom - some Hearts grow as heavy as lead. Folly - unhappiness - death Of many hopes once bright - Sickness - bewildering doubt - Can such a heart be light! Rosy lips, whose lusciousness Ever to mine was held - Sweet kisses, whose blessedness My passions quelled - Gone! each joy must have an end - Gone! each face must vanish away- Gone! each voice must withdraw its tone- Gone! each kiss must die as the day. Lizzie Merrill. The Class of '71. You have heard of the class of '71, But I don't believe you have heard its roll 'Tis a mixture of jollity, wit, and fun, And will make you laugh beyond control. Ida Adams. First comes the husband of Mother Eve, (Her first name's that of a favorite duck.) If you ask her what she admires the most, Be very sure she will answer "pluck." Julia Brown. The next is a color, a common one, Which the Quakers are fond of wearing; If at this one's size you ever poke fun, Look out, friend, that's past all bearing. May Clinton. One of us bears the honorable name Of a general great in story, Her first name's that of a charming month So full of blooming glory. Emma Cornell. You've heard of that far-famed institution, On the shore of a distant lake. It bears the name of the fourth on our roll, And we're proud of her for its sake. Millie Esty. My friends, do you know your alphabet? If so, repeat it to me. Begin with A, and go straight through,- But be sure and paust at S. T. Ellen Folsom. We had a candy-pull 'tother[sic] night. Girls, have you paid all your dues? The full sum, you know, must really be had, Or else our treasury'll lose. Minnie Glover. O the man! O the man! This is the cry of another. "What man? what man?" is anxiously asked, Why, Marie Otheman Glover! Dora Hileman. You wouldn't think that in our class One should turn out a vile one: But if we haven't a hireling, friends, We have the next worse, a hileman. Mary House. All men must have a place to dwell. The Arabs like their tents, But we Americans prefer a house, And so do all nations of sense. Kate Jewitt. If sometimes the meat you have is tough, I know who'll tell how to "do it;" And the same may be said of your troubles in life She says "why chew it, chew it."Effie Hopper. Prof. Orton teaches his class To classify animals proper. Haven't we perfectly learned, my girls, That a toad must be a hopper? Louisa LaDue. One of us has a frenchified name, Which means "the duty," "the debt." Would that she'd keep to her name's import, For she might make something yet. My friends, my time has given out, And so I must close this ditty. To those of you whom I haven't mentions, I can only say, 'tis a pity. But you know the roll is only half called, And at another time If our life is spared, I'll tell you all, Only - it won't be in rhyme! M. S. Nicoll. Life, my friends, is full of anguish, Essays on our steps attend; 'Tis in vain we sigh and languish, Duties meet us without end. But by far the greatest trial Is when classmates stern demand (Countenancing no denial) Proofs of Genius from one's hand. Now I have my task completed, Brought my talents to the light, I am ready to be greeted With expressions of delight. Susie Raymond. If write I must, I'll do my best, and let my class-mates know Where there's a will there's ever a way Proves not always quite so.To make a rhyme, can any one, 'Tis a tendency of nature, But a poem worthy of the class of '71, Requires another feature. We learn that when the world was made, To each a share was given; The poet did not come for his, But lingered still in heaven. He came at last, but 'twas too late; For every part was taken. Then Jove, a place within his gate Granted to the one forsaken. Still he visits earth, and oft has let His mantel fall on those who pass, And as it has been within our walls, Why not with a member of our class? A. E. Rowe.As I sieze the pen, doth tremble my hand, To try my stupid wit at poesie, But in obedience to the stern command Do undertake the embassy. To a fertile mind, 'tis hard to choose Which from the Muses to abuse; Whether dramatic or lyric For a professed empiric, Or epic or blank For a mountebank. But, quoth I, sure why not invent The grandest of measures i'faith That to man the Muse hath e'er lent To appease the uneasy wraith Of class-mates, indignant That one should fail In attempt to enchant Twenty-three female! (Pardon here the grammar For the ends won't meet Unless once in a whilePlural the singular ....) Can't write any .... It's no use I know, For always 'tis so: That howe'er much one may implore They're sure to be struck to the floor When they're not so strong As the hurrying throng - The bell hath rung for tea So this is the last you'll see of me. A. L. Sanford. The Widow's Heart made glad. Night was gathering in the village, Storm was raging thick and fast, As a lonely widow woman Through the busy street did pass. Sorrow's child, I saw too plainly Written on her noble brow; Poverty had wrought its mission; She was poor and friendless now. No one noted of her coming; No one in that busy throng Cared to ask her of her sorrow Or to give her heart a balm. On she trudged with weary footsteps, Looking timidly around, Till at last she reached the gateway Of a mansion far renowned. Timidly she asked for bounty, Proudly was it her denied, As the haughty, scornful lady Drew her costly robes aside. We do not confer our bounty Upon every starving one: Over yonder is the poor-house, There your longings may be done. Lady, begged the suffering woman Three sick babes have I at home. Oh! for Jesus' sake do give me Bread to hush their starving moan. As she saw still cold denial Written on the haughty face, With a cry of torturing anguish Lifted she her poor, wan, face. Lady, will you hear a story of a life once bright as yours? It, perchance, may teach a lesson Of earth's frailty and woes. Lady, you are rich and happy Fortune's favors all are yours; Happy husband, loving children, All are freely given you.Once I was by fortune favored. Friends a plenty had I then. Life was like a happy May-day, Sorrow never knew I then. But that life, which was so happy Soon for me did have an end And I found that I the cup of sorrow To its bitt'rest dregs must drain. Of the many wooing suitors Who did grace my childhood's home, One there was whom, spite of warning, I did blindly, madly love. Father's sorrow and displeasure, Threats of being turned from home If I dared to favor Harry, Proudly did I bear alone. 'Tis the oft repeated story - Daughter's willfulness and pride, Father's sorrow and displeasure, Disinheritance of child. Yes, I left the dearly loved ones; Madly, blindly did I love Him, who cruelly deceived me As to his undying love. But against the dead I will not murmur, God has judged him long ago. Our brief, wedded life was only One long, weary sea of woe. Tho' I've never seen my father Since he sternly bade me go From the house where I was nurtured, If I loved my Harry so, Yet I've heard from others That that day his hair turned white; Sorrow for his child's behavior Turned his day to darkest night. Tearfully they saw him sinking, Failing, failing, day by day, Till one night God sent his angels, Gently calling him away. "Mary" was the last last word he uttered As he joined the angel band. "Father, I have sinned, forgive me," Is the answer which I send. Father's love, and husband's falseness, Friends once many, now nor more, Disobedience and sorrow Are my momentoes of yore. Ay! too truly comes the warning "As ye sow so shall ye reap." From the seeds of disobedienceI have gathered sorrow's sheaf. Three starving babes at home are waiting For my tender, watchful care. Lady, have you learned a lesson? Can you picture such despair? Tears were rolling from the eyelids Of that once proud, haughty one. I will give you gladly, freely, May God forgive the past undone. And, forthwith, joy and sunshine Lighted up that widow's home, For the wealthy, haughty woman Gave her freely from her store. Surely, there was joy in Heaven When the recording angel told Of that scene which he had witnessed 'Twixt the sad one and the cold. Let us, too, be ever mindful Of the poor who us surround, Remembering our Master's message, "Freely give where want is found. H. J. Sibley. Weary and tired I sit me down To do a thing quite out of my line. To help me through this trying task I call together the muses nine. Sublime or funny, happy or sad, Anything so it's poetical - Regardless of sense, measure, or line, If the verses are only symmetrical. The pale-faced moon and twinkling stars, The rippling waters, cerulean blue - The falling leaf - and fading flower - Alas! I hit upon nothing new! In vain the gentle muse I woo, She only scoffs at my distress ... mortal never was before Born with such woeful stupidness! Consoling though it is to think I'm not for this at all to blame, If brilliant talent had been mine Then mine had been a shining name. But I'm content to lowly be And move within an humble sphere. Where would be glory for the great, If of the great each were the peer? It takes all sorts to make a world, If some are high, some must be low. Nature deals not with all alike; And this is wise in her, you know. Now I've begun, how shall I end?I can't go on, and what shall I do? But trusting each one here's my friend, I'll leave it all to you. Mt. T. Slocum.Prologue read at the second representation of "Romeo & Juliet," in Society Hall, May 13, 1870. The circumstances under which this play is about to be represented, to the literary public, seem to demand a few explanatory and apologetical remarks. Never did true love run less smooth than in the cases of our Juliet and Romeo (the cause of this somewhat strange inversion of names is out of "deference to the ladies," under the new regime). Three weeks has made no difference in the depth of this affection, you will see; tho' the roaring flame which in Romeo's heart did burn had a singular effect upon his wardrobe, whichhas not, as yet, been replaced, owing to that press of circumsances which calls into exertion every Faculty, at times! Juliet is still the same "airy nothing," and has passed her weeks of waiting for Romeo in "flitting about from flower to flower, gathering honey every hour." Mercuth, the gay, Mercuth, the ..., tho' slightly changed in his intellectual exterior (you remember he was exceedingly well-read!) carries the weight of the world upon his shoulders with the same quiet dignity! The heavy father of the piece will appear rejuvenated, a beardless youth again, and shorn by untoward events of the royal ermine. We hope you will bear with us, if the "stage asides" are not performed with the same fiery ardor as before. Also, the soothing influences of time have so far quelled the turbulence of Juliet's affections, that, tonight, she proposes to wait for Romey to come to the balcony, instead of making the balcony go to Romey! If our characters seem some what gravely ..., why then, remember "there's but a step from the gay to gray!" In conclusioh, and in accordance with the lofty strains of an unknown poet. Higher powers than we're Ordain our Costumes here, With many a tear Dropped on their bier We watched them disappear! Angie L. Sanford. Parting Song. '71 to '70. M. A. Glover, assisted by E. M. Folsom. 1. Happy & light are our hearts tonight, But, alas! for human gladness, The brightest day doth ne'er pass away, Without a tinge of sadness. Chorus. Come classmates all, for whate'er befall, We are one thro' mud & weather, By a a joyful lay drive dull care away And be merry and gay together. 2. Soon shall we stand on the white sea-sand And, looking o'er the waters, Shall be horrified to see the tide Run off with Seventy's daughters. Chorus3. As ye leave us now with saddened brow, Ye grave and reverend Seniors, We wish you joy without alloy, And a chance to show your genius. Cho. 4. Then let us sing till the ceilings ring A loud and smiling chorus, For altho' we know that you must go, Our senior year's before us. Chorus. Address to the Seniors. It seems necessary to the harmonious working of the world, in general, that just as we have learned to prize some object in particular, very highly, we should be debarred from the enjoyment of it. So, as we are learning to value our sister 70 more and more, the potent but mute eloquence of "Artium Baccalaureas" entices her away: her last words summoning us to fill the niche which has been hers. Tho' our heart is pierced with the conventional sorrow of sadness, yet we cannot wholly mourn at your departure; for we are human, and would it be natural to wish a presence here, which could but retard our progress?Who would forego the luscious fruits of autumn for the sake of having a some what longer season of genial, glorious summer? When our small but respectable class is tossing helplessly out on the breakers of senioral dignities, and dismally beats about, longing for the tide which shall bear us safely to '70's recently vacated port - then, if ever give us a cheering smile of encouragement, remembering your own frantic endeavors to carry becomingly the honors which descended on your shoulders from '69. In this imitation of your emblem, instead of taking as representatives one leaf from each of your thirty-three branches, daring to foreshadow the future, we have resolved each leaf into a tiny cluster of flowers - we do not feel ourselves over confident in making this change, for what are petals but leaves of a more delicate texture, a more exquisite tint? Yet, if you would remain blossoms, you can never become apples: the petals must fall, the fresh, green calyx must wither, before the fruit of the sturdy tree shall reach maturity. Know, that as we symbolize the breaking-up of your class, we see in each bud and blossom the prophecy of ripe, rare fruit, in the years that are yet to be. A. L. Sanford.A Dream. Through the vista of years, With their hopes and their fears, I look at my childhood time. Oh! the sky was so blue, And all hearts were so true In that sunshiny childhood clime! For old care hid his face In the first of the race, And sorrows were transient & few, E'en my dreams they were bright With the beautiful light Which falls on the morning's fresh dew. And one night, as I dreamed, Right before me there seemed A radiant angel to stand; Both her arms opened wide - When to reach her I triedA scroll only lay in my hand. For the angel had flown, And I there all alone - Still holding quite firmly the scroll - Stood transfixed with surprise, For her far-seeing eyes Had looked straight down into my soul. And, gleaming all bright, In great letters of light, On the scroll one word greeted my eyes, But an instant did stay, And then faded away Like a sunset-cloud out of the skies. It was only one word, But my whole soul it stirred, For "Seek," said the letters of light, And wild thoughts filled my brain That 'twould not be in vainTo seek for my angel that night. x x x x x x x The dream has long passed, But its memory will last Till thro' trials & temptations I've striven Truth's fair angel to find, And when earth's left behind, Face to face I may see her in Heaven. Marie O. Glover June 18, '70.For this precious heir-looms[sic], O '70, which you today give into our keeping, and for your wise words of counsel, so generously given, '71 would be duly grateful. Yet our gratitude is modified by the fact that, as the property is entailed, you are simply making a virtue of necessity. But for the wisdom you have poured out in such unstinted measure, for the kindly reticence you have shown in dealing with our faults and foibles, for your friendly advice to us - can you doubt the depth of our gratitude for these? Was there ever mortal who was anything else than grateful for advice? And is it not pleasant to have a semi-transparent screen held up before one's faults, with a magnifying lensbehind it? Ah! '70, have you never read of those precocious children, who are always letting out the older sister's secrets, just when she thinks their tongues are most effectually silenced by the candy she has given them? We could, if we only would, take up the role you have given us, but we resent alike your proffered candy and the sly box on the ear that accompanies it, and intend to play our own part, today. Though, being your juniors, we wash our hands of all responsibility in your training, yet we are quite anxious that you should appear well as you leave these "classic shades" forthe scattered hours in which you are to use whatever of good or ill you have gained here; for from you the world will form its judgement of us. So we willingly dwell for a little while upon those bright and shining qualities which will make '70's name remembered long after our halls have ceased to echo to her footstep or her voice. Yet be it far from us to insinuate that you need any word of praise from us, or that your faults are so evident as to need no showing. That you have improved since last year, none can deny. We all love our Alma Mater too well to let it be assertedthat a year passed under her roof can be unproductive of good. The young author writes better after the publisher's crushing "not available," the disappointed lover, if he have any grit in him, is made stronger by the "no" than by an easily won "yes." And so we see the Class of '70, a year ago like the scattered dandelion seeds, blown off by the careless breath of '69, today erect and vigorous, each seed transformed into a hardy little plant, holding up its bunch of round, shiny, yellow knobs in fearless honesty. This trait in your character is one in which you have made rapid progress since last year. Now that weknow how you really felt on that memorable occasion, we admire the spartan fierceness which characterized your conduct. We were but Sophomores, then, and to us came no vision of disappointed author or lover. We only thought of a story, heard long before, and half forgotten, of a certain old woman, who, growing weary of the pranks of a once loved kitten, dropped her, securely tied in a bag, into a neighboring pond. This done, our old lady trudged home with a light heart, to find, on her arrival, the irrepressible cat seated, in calm unconcern, drying herself by the fire. The story flitted through memory'sdim vaults, and we found ourselves trying to recall the old lady's name - was it '69? You, '70, would never be guilty of such a deed, for have you not ever been foremost in the College Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals? The weak and the oppressed have always found you with ready ear to hear, and willing hand to help, while the strong have just as surely found you ready to do battle whenever the cause in which you enlisted seamed to warrant the hope that perseverance would be crowned with success. You brought a huge boulder from afar, fondly hoping that under its protect- ing shadow this little sapling might pass the first struggling years of its existence, But, like many other good things you have attempted, the boulder was run into the ground by the higher powere, and the poor little maple left to bear the heat of the day alone. The treatment has not, apparently, agreed with its constitution. But, remembering '70's abject condition last year, oh! maple, you, as well as '71, may dare to be hopeful. There may be a suspicion lurking in the minds of some who are present today, that your virtues, like those of '71, are visible only to '70's eye of faith, the pathway still broader - ay! and with heart and brain she means to work to make it broader for the class of '72. To all who see today the sandy soil on which we are destined to spend our labor, we shall extend a hearty welcome, if, ... year, they come to see the result of our digging. '70, would that you could be of the number! But we know too well that when we meet again, it may be only when some of the links are lost from each golden chain, and as we part today, the word so hard to utter, lingers, and would fain change its import as it passes ourlips - '70, good-bye! In spite of the shadows you have, wittingly or unwittingly, sometimes cast upon our path, we love you still, and hope that the coming years will strengthen the cord that binds together '70 and '71. E. M. Folsom. '71. June 1870.Miss Lucy M. Bullard Care Dr E. G. Cox. Cor. West Baltimore & Pine Sts. Baltimore Md. Miss Mary C. Raymond Care Alpha Morse Esq. Angelica Alleghany Co. N. Y. Miss Susie R. Merriam Care G.& C. Merriam Springfield Mass. Miss Clara L. Blanchard Care C. A. L. Blanchard 85 Beaver St. N. Y. Miss Nellie Barbour Cumberland House Plattsburg, N. Y. Miss Alice Barbour 152 Hicks St. Brooklyn, N. Y. H. W. B. Howard Care J. F. Spalding Round Hill School Northampton ...
Show less

Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Date: 1865-1868

Creator: Fales, Helen Augusta
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Date: 1865 [TS]

Creator: Gaston, Mary E.
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Date: 1865

Creator: Stilson, Sarah L.
Transcriber(s): Hacket, Susan
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Date: 1865-1869
Text: ...[mo]untain air, and ... ...I gained, ... ...last. Abbie,... ...left for home ...We did ... Grateful acknow[ledgement] '69 [ac]counts, these [com]plemented by references...[mo]untain air, and... ...I gained, ... ...last. Abbie, ... ...left for home ... ... We did ......I found... ...for Sunday,... ...and [image] [drin]king it will ...I hope... ...of your..Bien [p]assementore 25 cents Thos. C.Platt vs.Mae Wood (Over)Vassar Records Vassar College From 1865 S.S.Stilson '69 For...
Show more...[mo]untain air, and ... ...I gained, ... ...last. Abbie,... ...left for home ...We did ... Grateful acknow[ledgement] '69 [ac]counts, these [com]plemented by references...[mo]untain air, and... ...I gained, ... ...last. Abbie, ... ...left for home ... ... We did ......I found... ...for Sunday,... ...and [image] [drin]king it will ...I hope... ...of your..Bien [p]assementore 25 cents Thos. C.Platt vs.Mae Wood (Over)Vassar Records Vassar College From 1865 S.S.Stilson '69 For complete accounts, these jottings may be supplimented by references to Journal.Vassar Records. (A few jottings, extracts from journal q.v.) 1865 Vassar College opening day was Wednes. Sept. 20, 1865. Noon of that day first students' dinner in dining hall. Menu: Roast beef, corn beef, potatoes, beets, tomatoes, bread and butter. For dessert watermelons. About 300 hoop-skirted maidens sat down. Dr. Raymond asked the blessing and Mr. Vassar sat at head of table his face beaming with happiness for the climax hour of his life. Evening first service in chapel, Dr. Raymond reading a psalm and offering prayer. The first hymn sung in the chapel was "My faith looks up to Thee." First Sabbath service at Vassar was Sept. 24, 1865. Hymn, "Safely thru another week" Reading of scripture Prov. IV. Prayer. Singing "Rise my soul and stretch thy wings." Sermon on Prov. IX. 10, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." Theme: The importance of beginnings-with the timid, the courageous,...Advice to Vassar students in this beginning...promise of the future. (For full report see my journal) Hymn "Guide me O thou great Jehovah." During the following week examinations of candidates by Prof. Buckham in English, Prof. Farrar, Miss Sal[e]s, Miss Braislin in arithmetic, Prof. Knapp, Miss Fessenden, et al. in language......See first catalogue for names of faculty and teachers.....Mr. Swan in evidence as superintendent Oct. 31 Hallowe'en ... some fun on the sly. Nov. 4 Journal says Cynthis Smith, Clara White, and I go to1865 Po'keepsie in stage in charge of Miss Scott. ... room is 66a. Nov. 10 evening party in room 59. The Curt[] girls Cynthia Smith, Clara White, and I think Bonb[]ghs and Emily Dennis and others. Nuts, candy, and merriment. Tues., Nov. 28 Dr. Raymond in chapel gave a scathing philippic on girls flirting with young men at the lake. This had taken place the day before, I think. Tuesday, Dec. 5. Formal adoption of Constitution and bylaws of Philalethean Society and Election of officers. Previous to this many meetings held. December 7 Thanksgiving Day. Sermon by Dr. Raymond. Evening tableaux in chapel... "The Bashaw and Slaves;" "Sultan and dancing girls;" "The ... of ...family"- our (...Raymond) the other a sack of flour; "Marco Bozz[]'s widow receiving the traveler Strauss," and others. At Christmas holidays []rly all separated. 1866 Saturday March 3 President Raymond in morning chapel made speech in favor of outdoor exercise and specially beneficial in case of rain... An impromptu illustration of his speech was planned by Hattie Griggs and Nellie Baker and carried out by the "water-proof brigade" about 200 strong marching single file in front of President's window out to the lodge and back, solemn black hooded figures like a train of monks filing towards the catacombs. Miss Lyman was enraged at the girls' impertinence, but Dr. Raymond saw the wisdom of accepting it all as a joke and waved his handkerchief at1866 the procession from his window. That evening the name Philalethia was decided on for the literary society. Friday, March 9. Great excitement in college as to whether the Philalethean badge should be [] or []. Evening joint meeting of the three chapters of Philalethia in an entertainment where Dr. Raymond read from "Mid-Summer Night's Dream". Tuesday ... 10 My journal says "Clara White, Belle Strong, and I []ed together. Friday April 27 Whole college rehearsed the march of escort for Mr. Vassar for Founder's Day. This was after tea. Monday April 30, 1866 First Founder's Day Celebration (This was celebrated on the 30th; for tho his birthday is the 29th, this came on Sunday this year. For days and weeks preparations had been going on, money contributed, committees elected, and committees planning, competitions for parts in the program, and excitement increasing as the time approached and the decorations began to go up and rehearsals enacted.) The hour arrived, afternoon of Apr. 30, 1866. Long procession of girls extending from college to lodge standing awaiting the coming of the hero of the day. His carriage appeared at the gate! An outburst of the song of greeting "Welcome father welcome! Joyously we sing!".....Girls walked befoe strewing flowers in his1866 way, and all turned and walked beside the carriage where beside Dr. Raymond sat Matthew Vassar, the Founder, so surprised and overjoyed that his eyes overflowed with tears. The carriage stopped before the front steps at the top of which stood Prof. Wiebe and the choir leading the chorus of welcome to its close. The chapel all decorated was an inspiring scene. Miss Abbie F. Goodsell was President of the day. Prayer by Dr. Raymond Music Prayer from "Der Freischuetz" Lillie Murick Salutation Julia Eli[] Bush Essay "The World's Advance Harriet A. Warner Music "I'm a merry Zingara" (song) Mollie Holz Recitations representing women of different ages Jewish, Song of Deborah A. S[]llas Grecian, Xanteppe Lizzie Williams Roman Emilia and Perpetua (The Sacrifice) M[] Ely and Talbot Medieval Joan of Arc Virginia Butler Modern "The Princess" D. Graves Music Polka de Concert [] Gould & S[]tzes Poem Hill-Top Idyl S. L. Stilson Floral Tribute Flora Fannie Maquire Attendants Mary Babcock Emma S[]tzer, M. Barker, Nell Stuart Lilla Burs Representative Student Annie Day (presenting crown of flowers to Founder) Original Song "Our Father and our Friend," by Choir Doxology Collation Promenades, social converse, gayety. Happy day. 1866 Saturday, May 26 Evening a sort of dress costume masquerade in 66,67, one an Indian girl, one a flower girl I think, one a fairy (?). Present Lillie Murick, ...Bonbright, Lizzie ..., I think M[] Constant, de []lyss, and Clara White. (?) I remember playing the old apple woman. Monday May 21 Had the honor of a call from Mr. Vassar in Room 66! He has been very polite to me since the poem "Hill-Top Idyl" of Founder's Day ....He told of his visits to Europe, his puzzling over what work to engage in to benefit the world, then his anxiety for the higher education of women, when his eyes filled with tears. He spoke of his discouragements in building. .....his hopes for the future of American womanhood. June 5 1866. Mr. Vassar called for me in Mrs. Campbell's room to tell me he was going to publish Hill-Top Idyl (a copy having been given him at his request []ly after Founder's Day I think) and hopes I had not objections. He has been very cordial to me. June 18 Mr. Vassar called and brought a package of the printed copies of Hill-Top Idyl which he presented to me! [These were sold in office - all gone in six hours!] June 26 No graduating class hence no commencement. Pulbic exercises, the program being an original colloquy acted 1866 by Philalethen Society composed by S.L. Stilson. 1867 The first half of college year owing to absence from college at Martinsburgh earning money for tuition there are no records here. Sunday April 21 A cordial welcome back from Mr. Vassar after church. April 29. The second Founder's Day celebration Program of recitations, music, et al. closing with colloquy by S.L. Stilson. May 6. Sent for in the office by Mr. Vassar! He was very cordial, fatherly, kind. June 1867 Vassar's first graduation, class of four. --1869 Class Records-- Friday, May 10, 1867 First starting of '69 to organize. Committee app[ointed] on resolutions and constitution, c[om] of three, the writer of these records being chairman of ... (My journal records breaking the rules repeatedly by studying after 10 in the bathroom! Friday May 24 1867 Meeting of class in K (?), adoption of resolutions as a constitution. Election of officers: Annie Gliddin President, Sarah Schuyler Vice President, M[] Bonbright Secretary, S.L. Stilson class poet, Lizzie Williams, class wit, [] Austin historian. And '69 was thus organized and fairly launched as the Sophomore class of Vassar College. Matters discussed, not decided.1867 June 8, 1867 Invitation of Mr. Vassar, Founder, to "Springside," Mr. vassar's country home. Lovely day, beautiful spot, a pleasant occasion as the founder's guests. 1868. Absence again at Martinsburgh teaching, earning money to return to college is reason why there are no notes of the first semester. April 18, 1868 (Class of '69 now juniors had begun to have little meetings and socials of our own.) Evening of this day we juniors had a little play a take off on physiology gotten up by Lizzie Williams. Fun. May 29, 1868 Juniors ('69) gave farewell party to '68. For many days we had been rehearsing songs and speeches. This was pronounced a great success. Saturday June 20, 1868 Juniors ('69) held funeral obsequies on Draper's Physiology. Sexton Annie Glidden; Parson, Emma Hubbard; chief mourner, Pauline Waddington; lawyer and executor Lizzie Williams; comb-band choruster, Lyra Stilson. Solemn march to grave the pall bearers and band robed in deep mourning moving to slow music of comb band to strains of Dead March in Saul. Funeral matins at grave, solemn and eloquent by Emma Hubbard. Burial to slow music. Reading of will by Lizzie Williams. Burial near bridge at foot of Sunset Hill. 1868 Tuesday June 23, 1868 Class day of '68, Mr. Vassar died. At the annual meeting fo the Board of Trustees he had nearly finished his formal address, had just reached the place where we are offering mutual congratulations and thanks to Heaven that no death has occurred within these walls ..... He paused, looked up, and was gone! Consternation followed. The class day public was given up, but the class of '68 quickly gave the exercises later in the chapel, and the next day the commencement was held amid a thrillingly solemn atmosphere. 1869 Thursday April 1, 1869. '69 now seniors. Delta's April Fool joke on Alpha was about the completest joke ever perpetrated in the Vassar halls. Lizzie Williams was at the bottom of it. A letter received purporting to come from Achsah Ely former Pres. of Alpha promised a set of rich costumes for use in our coming play. A committee went clear to Po'keepsie for them and brought the box to the college with great gusto, Delta secretly watching. When the box was opened and found to contain rags and paper and pebbles, the rage of Alpha at the hoax and the overflowing delight of the Deltans can be imagined. Friday, April 2. Public exercises of Chapter Alpha closing with original colloquy or drama "The Moorish Captives" by S.L.S. 1869 Thursday, April 22. Very spirited meeting of Students'Association on the question whether or not to accept offer of trustees to pay for collation on Founder's Day. Spirited speeches by Pauline Waddington, Lizzie Williams, Nellie Babcock, Lily Adams, Lily Burs, and others. See my journal. Tuesday May 18 Exciting meeting of Seniors ('69) on planning for Class day. See journal. Wednesday, June 16 Hattie Raymond's wedding, the famous "daisy wedding" of Vassar. Beautiful scene, beautiful ceremony. Sunday, June 20. Baccalaureate Sunday for 1869. Dr. Raymond's text "And afterwards I will build my house." Monday June 21, concert. Tuesday, June 22, Class day. See program. Wednesday, June 23 Commencement. See program. Thirty-four received diplomas and we were at last graduates of Vassar! Henceforth our records would be no longer as a unit, as a class but as individuals.For records of '69's members see class histories and archives. Record of '69's reunions. '69's first reunion after graduation was a reunion breakfast in the gymnasium Tuesday, June 20, 1871, two years after graduation. Present: Misses Babcock, Beers, Bonbright, Burnham, Carter, Colby, Daniels, Davis, deClerq, deGolyer-Baldwin, Gay, Goodsell, Hubbard, Liggett, Morrison, Sayre, Sill, Stilson, Strong, Talcott, Waddington, White, - 22 present. Program (After reunion breakfast) Music by M. Bonbright Poem by S.L. Stilson Music by L. Beers Singing by class Song by B.A. Strong Then general jollification. II. The second reunion of '69 was held on the forenoon of June 27, 1876 in room on 4th corridor north. Belle Strong-Miller presided. Present Babcock, Beers, Burnham, Constant, deClerq, DeGolyer, Daniels, Gay, Goodsell, Hubbard, Ladd, Morrison, Stilson, Strong, Talcott, - 15. Program: History by Kate Sill read bt Lillie Beers; poem by Lyra Stilson; prophecy by Lizzie Williams Champney, read by Nellie Babcock Brown. Voted to meet in five years. III. The third reunion of '69 was held in the forenoon of June 21 1881 in 1st corridor north. Present Daniels, Gay, Goodsell, Liggett, Stilson, Waddington, White, - 7. A quiet meeting. Roll was called. Letters read from absentees, a long interesting one from Lizzie Williams-Champney descriptive of life in Spain. IV. The fourth real reunion was not nominally so, but impromptu, (on account of being the 25th anniversary of the college) hence not formal. It was held in the parlor of the Lady Principal, Ablin Goodsell, June 10, 1890. Present Nellie Babcock-Brown, Laura Gay, deClerq-Moore, Colby-Smith, Goodsell, Gilbert-Hinsdale, Hubbard, Stilson. Next day appeared Ladd-Franklin and Davis-Martin, - in all ten. 10 present. It was not formally called to order; but letters were read from absentees while members were tying ribbons on diplomas of graduates. V. The fifth reunion of '69 was held June 12, 1894 our own "silver anniversary," in "W" part of old art gallery. Present Babcock-Brown, Beers-Berthelot, Gay, Gilbert-Hinsdale, Hubbard, Lacey, Stilson, Strong-Miller, Talcott, White, Williams-Champney, - 11. Proram: Election of President Mary Gilbert-HinsdaleReading of resolutions of memory and regret for the dead, Misses Collins, Sill, Wright, Glidden, Goodsell by Emma Hubbard. Reading of class history by S.L. Stilson. Voted to meet in five years, 1899. Class supper. VI. The sixth reunion, June 13, 1899, was held in Raymond Hall Room 111 6 p.m. It was the 30th anniversary. Present, Babcock-Brown, Colby-Smith, Daniels, Gilbert-Hinsdale, Leggett, Stilson, Williams-Champney, - 7. Meeting called to order about 6 Mary Gilbert Hinsdale presiding. Miss Daniels read the minutes of last meeting. Mrs. Babcock-Brown read the treasurer's report. Voted that the contributions for Vassar (amount now received being $23.00) be increased to $500 if possible and it be presented next commencement to Prof. Ely's department (mathematics) thru Vassar alumnae association. Voted to hold next reunion in 1904. Next in order was the necrology, resolutions in memory of Laura Gay deceased July 29 1894 read by Emma Colby Smith and voted on by class. Next followed class history of five years read by S.L. Stilson. Class supper, social reunion, and delightful occasion.VII. The seventh reunion of '69 was held in the Vassar Observatory Tuesday, June 7 1904, the President Mary Gilbert-Hinsdale in chair. Present, Daniels, Hubbard, Gilbert Hinsdale, Stilson, Waddington-Hol[] and next day Babcock Brown (detained by family illness) - in all six. 6. Minutes of last meeting read and approved. The necrology of five years was read by Pauline Waddington Holmes who offered resolutions (which were passed by the class and ordered sent to relatives of the deceased) to the memory of Mrs. Cornelia ("Lily) Lacy deceased Jan. 10 1901 Mrs. Mary Ross Stanton [deceased] Sept. 6 1902 Mrs. Caroline Davis-Martin [deceased] May 6 1903 The class voted to present our contribution of $125 to Prof. Ely. The class history of five years (with brief resume of the preceding) was read by S.L.Stilson The history of the historian was then read by Emma Hubbard - a joke on the historian. Next followed class supper at which all were the guests of the President Mary Gilbert-Hinsdale. Seated "around the festive board" members gave free rein; such a free and easy informality, all so bubbling over with funny reminiscences or news of absent ones from whom letters were read then and there that in spite of small numbers it was one of the most heartily enjoyable reunions of '69. Class adjourned in a body to Pres. Taylor's reception where all put in a plea for Mary Ross-Stanton's daughter Laura a senior. Another of our colleages daughters is Anne Holme a junior. Next day at trustees' dinner '69 was represented by Nellie Babcock Brown. VIII. The eighth reunion of '69 was held on nearly the 40th anniversary, June 8, 1909, in the evening in Room 110 of Strong Hall, Vassar College. Present Lily Adams-Atwood, Nellie Babcock-Brown (who however was called away by her brother's death), Sophie Burnham, Emma Colby Smith, Mary Constant Wilson, Mary Gilbert-Hinsdale, Emma Hubbard, Lyra Stilson, Belle Strong Miller, Clara White, - ten out of 25 living. At a pleasant class supper all were guests of the President, Mary Gilbert Hinsdale, who presided at the proceedings later. Program: Reading of class history by S.L. Stilson. Roll call, each name responded to in a personal report by those present and by the reading of a letter from those absent. It was voted to present the class contribution which amounts to ($751) seven hundred and fifty-one dollars to the endowment fund. It was voted to hold the next reunion in six years, that is in 1915 because that will be the fiftieth anniversary of Vassar, a red letter day. S. Lyra Stilson was elected secretary, historian, and curator of the archives. A vote of thanks was passed to the President for his delightful entertainment. A vote of thanks was passed to the Secretary for the pains-taking history and records. Formalities being concluded, there followed impromptu comments over nuts and candy, - reminiscences, jokes, details of old times fond and funny, items of absentees ancient and modern, - wit and wisdom, a "feast of reason and flow of soul." In short all separating for the President's reception voted it to have been a "splendid time" one that renewed our youth and set back at least a decade the clock of time. At trustees' lunch on Wednesday '69 was represented by Emma Hubbard. It was a privilege to greet Pauline's daughter Hilda in class of 1910. Anne the other daughter graduated in 1905. Mary Constant Wilson's daughter a graduate we also met. Another sister alumna of out daughters is the lamented Marie Champney. '69 has had 4. Balance of pages in this item are blank.
Show less

Creator: Fales, Helen Augusta
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Date: November 18, 1865
Text: Vassar College Poughkeepsie Nov. 18 th 1865 My dear Aunt Susan, As you well know how little 1 have been away from home, and the little acquaintance X have with school life, you can realise somewhat, how very strange all seems to me here. All duties must be performed at the specified time. Walks are restricted to certain limits, and 'thus far, but no farther" the rule of college life. Young men's college life is much freer, than this, they are not so bound and fettered by this...
Show moreVassar College Poughkeepsie Nov. 18 th 1865 My dear Aunt Susan, As you well know how little 1 have been away from home, and the little acquaintance X have with school life, you can realise somewhat, how very strange all seems to me here. All duties must be performed at the specified time. Walks are restricted to certain limits, and 'thus far, but no farther" the rule of college life. Young men's college life is much freer, than this, they are not so bound and fettered by this and that rule. I would like to know if young ladies cant be relied upon, as well as young gentlemen. But notwithstanding all this, life here is pleasant and improving, though one is not exempt from the "blues", by any means, occasionally. The parlors and bedrooms are very pleasant, affording us a far greater degree of privacy, than is usually enjoyed at boarding schools, these rooms may be made to look as homelike as one desires, with pictures, plants, rocking chairs and so on, and some look very prettily. The preaident. Dr. Raymond has a family, who live entirely apart from the school family. He has three daughters aad a son, the eldest daughter is twenty-two or three. Then there are three professors with families, each keeping house too, and having little children of various ages. Besides these there are other professors, and all the assistant teachers, who eat with the scholars. Then there are the housekeeper, and steward, carpenter and about sixty servants. This may give you some ideaof the great number of people under one roof. The chapel and dining room are in the central part of the building. An organ is now being put up in the chapel, quite a large one. The aisles and platform are carpeted, and the seats furnished with magenta cushions. There are twenty-five or thirty tables in the dining hall, each seating thirteen persons, and a teacher presiding at each, as far as the number will go. The bell strikes for any meal, we go and stand behind our chairs. Miss Lyman gives the signal for sitting, by doing so herself. She sits at the head of the first central table. Then when quiet reigns, she strikes a bell for a moment's silent prayer, and eating follows. From breakfast we may be excused at any time, but not from dinner or tea, we usually sit at those meals forty or forty-five minutes. We have very good bread generally, biscuit, coffee and tea, remarkably nice milk, corn bread sometimes, usually meat and potatoes for breakfast, and soup and meat, or meat and pudding or pie for dinner. Good butter and white sugar are freely supplied, and as you may Judge, used. So much for eating. I said something about teachers in Aunt E's letter. Miss Lyman, our Lady Principal, is a lady in every sense of that word, and earnestly seeks the welfare of those com- mitted to her care. She dresses a great deal, wears grey curls each side of her face, and white caps more than black, trimmed with bright colors and ends each side either of ribbon or lace trimmed. Mrs. Medcalf anassistant taacher here taught with Prof. George Fisher in Worcester about fourteen years ago and sends her love and regards to him if you think worth while deliver them to his sister. X dont know her maiden name. Walter and I can compare notes In regard to college life. The end of my sheet brings me to the end of my letter. Is the baby named? What are the people doing In Wrentham. X s the Episcopal church flourishing. Mrs. Vassar was dressed In black not In mourning wore a white straw trimmed with black. It is a lovely day. Do write soon to me auntie please and with much love to all X am Yours affectionately, Augusta This blot came auntie since my letter was finished and In some mysterious manner please excuse it.
Show less

Creator: Sawyer, Kitty
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Date: 1866

Creator: G., Nellie
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Date: 1866

Creator: Cornell, Mary Emma
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Date: 1866

Creator: Camp, Annetta Hortense
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Date: 1866

Creator: Houts, Annie (Glidden)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Date: 1866-1874

Creator: Neef, Nora
Date: 1866

Creator: Teegarden, Mary Treat
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Date: 1867

Creator: Chase, Almira (Cowles)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Date: 1868

Creator: Barus, Annie Howes
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Date: 1869

Creator: Ladd-Franklin, Christine
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Date: 1869

Creator: Taylor, Kate (Huntington)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Date: 1869

Creator: Slocum, Harriet (Palmer)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Date: 1869

Creator: Richards, Ellen H. (Ellen Henrietta), 1842-1911
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel, Ditkoff, Andrea
Date: 9 Apr 1869
Text: 1 1869 Friday night. Apr. 9 - Dear mother - I am so happy tonight and I hope you are. I’d like to [pop?] in & see [what?] you have - & to give you my first flowers - for I have had the great priviledge of finding the first spring flowers he white [Hepatica’s?] - Miss Folsom & I went off a long way, about 2 miles, & I saw the first blossom [there?] [we] gathered quite a little quantity & we were so delighted we were gone only 1 hour from the college - we sent a delicate...
Show more1 1869 Friday night. Apr. 9 - Dear mother - I am so happy tonight and I hope you are. I’d like to [pop?] in & see [what?] you have - & to give you my first flowers - for I have had the great priviledge of finding the first spring flowers he white [Hepatica’s?] - Miss Folsom & I went off a long way, about 2 miles, & I saw the first blossom [there?] [we] gathered quite a little quantity & we were so delighted we were gone only 1 hour from the college - we sent a delicate boquet to your old Prof Mitchel who wil never see the spring flowers again & I carried a cluster to Miss Avery who was pleased & to Miss Lyman who is sick - I unwittingly got into her presence & she was as delighted as a child. & thanked us very much - she was in bed but better - Miss Shattuck said “It was so sweet of you to remember me” Miss Small said she should be as proud as a queen and kissed me for them -- so I think I’ve made a good many hearts happy today consequently feel happy myself. The frogs are peeping - the yellow & blue crocus in bloom the hillsides green. Yesterday I thought of dear old New England. Later Miss Folsom & I were quite noted once in our lives - the President heard of our treasures before 2 hours - as I learned from his daughters & now you must have a fair sketch of the closing delights of the day - Rev J.P. Thompson lecture on Moscow - I can’t hope to do it justice. First I was quite charmed with the man - He reminds me much of [...] Harwood - with - a fully developed head & minus the [abrupt?] murmur - His voice was to say the least perfectly agreeable. I would [attract?]. He had an easy air of assurance, which I like - did not rise with apologies or expressions of embarrassment at appearing before us as so many of our lecturers have done - but his first words were “[To?] be dropped into Moscow in mid winter gives a curious sensation” & he went on in the most modest way I ever heard any [traveller?] speak in - he kept himself in the back ground & only now & then did he speak of himself & then often when he was in a ridiculous fix - Everything impressed me favorably & I was completely satisfied with one lecture at least - In other cities of Europe you see something familiar in some department - a sign over a shop or a rail way or something to remind of home but in Moscow all is strange - at times you fancy it is Damascus now Constantinople now you never saw the like - no streets are straight all kinds of buildings are mingled If you could see it of a clear winter morning ^as I did with the [innumerable?] domes & spires & the magnificent buildings stretching to the hills all on the background of glistening snow - you must wait till you get to the New Jerusalem before your eyes, behold another [crossed out: sight] picture so bewitching so lovely & withall so strange - you see strange houses strange women & stranger men till you feel a stranger to yourself - you see a sign “bath.” you think it is some enterprising American but the h turns out to be the Russian n - & its no bath - even the sun seems strange rising so late & running so low - the language is strange I called a conveyance late one night to take me to my Hotel. I knew but one word of Russian - Gostentsi meaning Hotel - & the name of the landlord Billo - so I said Gostentsi Billo & away we whirld soon I saw we were crossing the foot of the street I knew the Hotel was on - I rose up & seizing the driver by the shoulder shouted “Gostentsi Billo” - He turned & drove rapidly in another direction - again I shouted repeatedly Gostentsi Billo as I saw we were approaching a dangerous part of the city - I saw a lantern of a watchman & I stopped the driver & tried the effect of my magical words on him - he soon set my driver right - it seems he was a peasant who had come into the city for the winter & knew the city no better than I did - but he charged me 3 [fares?] forthe ride - Moscow is the typical city of Russia Petersburg is European next next to Paris & Vienna in in magnificence the grand place is more imposing than the Place de la Concord in Paris 5 wide streets miles long radiate from it - Moscow although three times burned is the crystalizing center of the Empire - she is naturally jealous of Petersburg - the coronation ceremony is still held in Moscow & an attempt to place [that?] at Petersburg would cause a revolution. Russia is 10 000 by 2500 miles in extent contains 8000 miles [...] coast - 9000 land [...arder?] 80 millions people - The cabin that Peter the Great built with his own hands on a little island in the river is still standing protected by an enclosing building - the table at which he sat & wrote his [...es?] I could look out upon the Capital & glory of his empire - there is not the great display of other [...] the Cathedral where all the sovereigns are buried has only plain marble steps with only the words “Peter” “Ann” “Katherine” & c The Russians took to the religious when it was introduced as a part of their duty to the government. A scene is described by one of the histories - a whole city were baptized at once some [...] in 5 the water - some sitting on the stones while the priest read the mass for all - that was the way Christianity was introduced in Russia - the Emperor recognizes not power above him - so he always kneeling by the altar places the crown upon his own head - then passing behind the screen takes the holy bread & wine - no Archbishop is worthy to crown an Emperor of Russia. The Russians have a great deal of religiosity - if I may use that word - at the main entrance to the Kremlin hangs the celebrated picture that winked or nodded or did something that sent away the French & no matter what the [temperature?] all must enter bare headed I tried it at 20° below zero - even the Emperor would not dare to wear his hat - Moscow is a city of churches - by actual count look which way you will - you see 100 domes without turning - the bells are many of them very fine in tune on the eve of Good Friday all of them are silent till Easter morning - when as a signal fire is lighted all the innumerable bells ring out in merry chime & every one as they hurry thro the streets to the early High Mass is at liberty to salute whoever he meetswith the holy kiss & the salutation “Christ is risen” on an evening of the year perhaps corresponding to our Hallow Eve the young ladies gather in a room at night and [then?] [...] on the floor a ring in the dark. each has a dish with a few grains of corn in it. - after a time spent in silent meditation a rooster who has been kept some time without food is introduced and after taking a little time to recover himself as other bipeds do under similar circumstances - he advances & helps himself to the corn - from whose dish he first picks will surely be married. The riding school is the largest building in the world without [obstructions?] or pillars of any kind - 960x160 - 2 regiments can [maneuver?] with ease - Tea is the universal beverage - sugar or lemon or milk at the little eating places - tea with the inevitable piece of lemon by the cup - Of all places in winter a Russian House is the most comfortable you are sure of being warm - a servant ushers you into an ante room where all outer garments are laid aside they never [...] [...] with them on - The inside of a russian house is charming no display but much comfort -- Many ladies are acquainted with 4 languages - one I visited conversed with me in English concerning our war as intelligently as if she had been here - turned to my companion & spoke in his native tongue German of the war just [closed?] - chatted with a French lady - gave her orders to servants in Russian - with no [affectation?] or hesitancy - But one thing you would notice that strikes one painfully is the free use of the name of God - they do not mean to swear it is a native habit = to say as this lady did “God how little tea you take.” “Lord how you Americans travel” - She did not mean any more than young ladies outside the walls of Vassar College do when they say “goodness,” “gracious” [&c?]. I was once told by a French teacher in New York - who was teaching in a boarding school when she first came here of an [experience?] of hers in this [...] - This you know was not a College only a boarding school - The Principal was a very [dignified] lady - & the French Mademoiselle was picking up all the English she could & one day when she wished the Principal to stop speaking she said “goodness gracious hold your tongue” the horrified lady demanded where in the world she got such language - the poor teacher had heard one of the young ladies use it - & supposed it was good English: this is a [bad?] [...] & - They have great churches no seats ⅔ are men no female voices in the choir no instruments - men’s voices very fine & when they are on a low key effect is weird thrilling - All go togeth the country people in sheep skin, filthy as possible, side my side with the rich furs. I said to my wife who was with me - what a pity that we must come to despotic Russia to find all [warshing?] together I was making what I thought a very effective reflection - my wife interrupted me as we were passing the steps - with “If you know the Russians for [...] I wish youd step in and get one [me?] the [close?] [...] was rather [suggest…?] - For a 1000 years Russia has been steadily advancing [never?] going back - its policy is persisting devotion to one idea - Russia will never own the world - America will never be the ruler - happily they [strike?] hands & go on together in our darkest day when those we expected to be our friends failed Russia was by us - the Czar has just purchased a [picture?] a [y...arra...n…?] to be hung with Russia’s heros showing the undying hundred of heroic souls” Thi is a very poor sketch but perhaps you will get a few ideas ---
Show less

Creator: Bromley, Frances M.
Transcriber(s): Hausam, Josephine
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Date: 1870-1877
Text: PLEASE NOTE: Blank pages are omitted, and pages with text are presented in the order in which they were Written (in the original, the diarist left every other page blank from the beginning, and upon reaching the end of the book, began working her way back, Writing upside down on pages that had been left blank). From "The Checkered Scene"-- Dansville, N.Y. 1878 "Mr. Little has been telling me how he went home last night, after our little talk up in Paradise Gate, and had a dream...
Show morePLEASE NOTE: Blank pages are omitted, and pages with text are presented in the order in which they were Written (in the original, the diarist left every other page blank from the beginning, and upon reaching the end of the book, began working her way back, Writing upside down on pages that had been left blank). From "The Checkered Scene"-- Dansville, N.Y. 1878 "Mr. Little has been telling me how he went home last night, after our little talk up in Paradise Gate, and had a dream about me. He did not dream that I got well, he said, but that I became helpless. That I was placed where scarcely anything about me was as I would like it to be - in a hard place - where nothing fitted - and the people about me were uncomfortable people - and little to my taste - but that amidst it all I was sucha happiness to others; which was so much better than getting well." "A little talk with Mrs. Evans tonight. I leave her feeling that there is a blessedness greater than any sadness in knowing that the Master is even now at the gate." "Dr. McLean said to me: 'My wife and I have remarked ever so many times that we would give anything if we could always look as bright as you do.' Blessed be the help that comes to do it! The Master remembers.""Pet's letter came today; and her "why nots" are so full of the unselfishness and heroism that I love so in her that I feel an uplifting. But, O, how it makes my heart ache!" "In due order breakfast. We might pass this over were it not that it gains in importance unspeakably the nearer one comes to not having any!"Sabbath evening- Oct. 9" 1870- A log-book! and mine! I said I'd have a log-book - said it long ago - said it every time I had a peep into Sue's upper, unstratified, bureau drawer, where hers lay nestled - comfortable and un-searchable. I'd like to be born such a night as this if I could be born to live and not grope. day times these mountains make us toil - climb - drag on! "To the heights" is what they say. Tonight they let us look at them and rest. "As the mountains are round about Jerusalem so the Lord is round about his people." Does that mean Hewouldn't miss us if we died? Not even a sparrow falleth to the ground without your Father__Christ said that. He came down from the singing and the glory to tell us that. He cried for us, too. Oct. 16"- Blue and black_all wool! Pretty thing to run in one's head when the minister's text is "consider the lilies". I know the prayers and the metre_Long and common! Doctor told the Lord that "yesterday the icy streams dissolved." I did not know it. Then came the intense heat of summer, and the growing crops, and now the fading leaf reminds us of ourfrailty. It doesn't me! When I see the royalty of everything I remember that I'm born a queen, and longing for my kingdom possesses me, and never a thought that 'tis frail to be royal, or sorrowful for " the king to come to his own." Oct. 23" 1870 "And while he was yet a great way off the Father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck and kissed him." As long as those words read just so i shall never be afraid to die. i shall dream of the Father's house, .. as I dare dream of nothing else. I get so tired of myself. I want to run away from myself and be pleased andhappy just a little while. Nov. 4" 1870 - God can make a beautiful life even out of mine. I pray for it as I pray for nothing else. Twenty two years blossoming in frost flowers - only frost flowers - no pansies, no myrtle, no goldenrod. Nov.13" -- I want to see Paul - I want to know him. It is one of the dear dreams that are to be worked out in Heaven-and Heaven is a great many years long. I could sing tonight. I could talk to Christ. I can't always. Will there be any great blanks up there-can there be? Will I ever say when I have gone to Him and seen Him, "My vacant days go on-go on"?Dec.11"_ My thoughts tonight are organic & inorganic! The way of life is plain.._but tell me-Is there anything else that is plain? When do I pray & not feel the first heart throb those old words-"Friend of sinners! we are in the dark, and bewildered and sick at heart"? I've done a heap of thinking since Wednesday, or dreaming which is only prismatic thinking... A great deal of it is Castleton, but the space between and the way thither is full of shrinking and dread. It seems so hard to stop here - break off the little plans and comforts, and live through shrinking and desolation again! How I amlearning to love "being led" thoughts. Rain day-Jan. 15"_ Doleful! I kept away from myself all day. Blank verse - blank verse - will it ever be anything but blank verse? Aug 8- There's good natured little breeze frisking around here like curly-headed children in a hay mow._________ We touch lives at all angles that seem so satisfied, and I renounce such as I do the world, the flesh, and the devil. I grasp eagerly at any thought that makes the infinite distance between my life here and my life after some great change, called death, grow less and not so terrible. My child! my chicken! More help! more love! more light! .... Senior Editor has fled. The editorials, compositions, printing presses, type, ink, proof sheets, galvanic batteries, reviews, exchances, masculine tone, spurts, printing office, Willow St. & all the chicanery is left on my hands - two poor, bony hands! Life is span- I'm in a stew- Now will you help? Write an editorial-..I'll thank you someday. Prayer meetings may make some people think of tabernacles & Mt. Tabors and whatever's the pural of "good to be here" - but from some of them I couldrun and not be weary. That's the most orthodox way I can find to tell it. Blessed are they that ask for bread and do not receive a stone. The feeling of a great need is grateful to me for it is the precursor of a great pity and great fullness not far away. Castleton -- I feel to strange and lost for anything - I'm afraid to look in the glass for fear it isn't me.... I'm pretty well but tired. It doesn't pay to be tired but what's a man to do? Normal School - Mar-ch-ch-ch-sh-sh! +++ We have more prayers than provender. We have solemn roasts, solemn potatoes, serious pie, & a realizing sense of concocted rice. What will becomeof me in such a frame as this? Laughs are my vital breath.... Soon the bell will ring for supper - not to be eaten but served. Our conversatoin will be heaven, our bread emblematical, our digestion ritualistic. .... My doctor tell me..I must rest or die. Which is the biggest? I don't know which to take. .... These are days of heaven upon Earth, and I rejoice through & through. I'd blossom in purple & red if I knew how. Do you? - Mar. 14" 1871 - Patmos without the vision! Sunday, Mar. 19" 1871 - Mr. ___ is an exminister. I'vespanned him with Montgomery's measuring line wherewith he sounded the ocean's depths and pierced to either pole & his height is seventy six inches. His brain is the seat of sensation. ++++ He prays in minor scale-very minor-and is a very Jeremiah.++++ Mrs.___ you've read about. don't say you haven't for I know better. She abounds in S.S. books and religious memoirs. I never saw a live one before. ++++ I haven't made up my mind whether to be very much afraid of her or make a gasp or two toward "appreciating her worth"! The "Normals" here are awfully old. One of them has taught 37terms! but I find her docile+++ Imagine me before the old, the married, the big - to teach without a book! To be infallible, judicial, celestial, didactic four times a day! Sunday, April 16, 1871 -- I've written the date - anybody could do that. I wonder why we have to live such days. There is discipline in "so as by fire"- discipline even in vacancy - but to have no heart in anything and be simply stupid - where is the help in this? I don't believe I ever felt so utterly cut off from human help beforeAnything that makes me talk to Mr.___ is a terror to me - all his way are. But I believe God is going to help me through. +++ If I never why I was sent to Castleton God has known it all the time. If I could be necessary! - to you - to just a few as i would love to be - as I long to be just once and for always - it would not seem so often, "My vacant days go on - go on". +++I cannot be just a little to any one. I must be a great deal or nothing. "The heart to be all to" will not come to my life. It is one of thebeautiful things that is left out. Love calls to most. It called to me years ago and I Passed it by. It will not call again. ++++ Goodbye. I am very, very tired and only Fanny at that. "half of heaven is the not parting". Why the thought is half heaven! What won't it be to be there and say to each other "Always-always!" And Susie will let you come into her garden and mine where the glorified sumachs [sumacs] and firs are to be. There have been reasons for things, hours for things, andthings and things without hours for them. I used to wonder nights when I went for the milk, and used to [do] up much of my thinking, how it would seem to be twenty three. Now I wonder how it would seems to be a little girl and go for the milk. +++++++++ More than anything I am longing for the woods and hills. Does anyone love a wide stretch of sky and meadow more than I? +++ I thank God for anything that roots and grounds my faith in others. Living & working in thisworld is such a tearing down, pulling away process. My window opens on the grass-plot, which to be truthful must be further limited by the statement that some of it is brick plot! I am thankful for the little bit of green & the little bit of sky bending over it. All around is a high board fence +++ how much of my life lies before me in the pent up struggling grass. How it does fight! "Walled in", I say to myself, remembering how much of me is walled in. "All about ++ everything"! How very modest! Where shall Ibegin? When shall I stop? Would you have any objection to my taking a little bit of the time up in Heaven to finish? I'm afraid I shall hardly be able to get it all in this side. My experience has been that I never seem to get any father than Mr. W. in this world. Castleton--Jan. 18-1872. Something sent Miss H.__ up after school to kiss me & say somehow they all liked me very much. After she had gone one tho't was in my heart. It came rolling up from where the tears are, & the springs of life: "I don't believe I shall every be cross to my girls again."Sunday-Jan. 21--- Something must be done. I am all adrift. For days & days & days I have just gone on; and I must stop a little while & rest & think Tues. 23"- Spoiled another day for my girls, & wish-O yes-yes-yes- that there was help for it! Monday-29".--One thing I lay down for Frances-she must listen to me. "Don't let me hear one cross word this week! Love your girls too well-please do! My life opens into such large wide ways-&&the work makes me so happy && it is like giving the little ones the kingdom. Feb. 24"-- Our friend, philosopher & guide R.G.W. surprised everybody by rising to remark that he had nothing to say on the subject of grammar, butwould introduce to the association Miss Bromley. Nothing less than me - I might say "me less than nothing"! I remember one distinct thrill - from the rest I shall never rally. Monday, Feb. 26"-- What is macaroni? Who first harrowed mankind with it? Why must it be set before me & not desert [dessert] but gingersnaps? A gingersnap is a desert [dessert] but macaroni is dead men's bones. Tues. 27"-- The best thing we have set before our hungriness is rice pudding. How it came to be so good doth not appear but it possesses many saintly qualities. We always have it with beefsteak. Those days do not smile on butter. Thurs. 29-- Again the big noise in our house was me. 'Twasn't bringinga trunk down nor taking a trunk up, but talking Mr. Williams down & bringing life, liberty & the pursuit of happiness up. ++ You mustn't scold a man unless you want to ease your mind, or see what you can do, or show him you are not afraid, or give him an idea of his meanness - but to carry a point-never! Take a silken shuttle & silken thread & spin a man into anything you want - but don't scold him. Tues. March 5"-- Mr. Williams is on a perfect rampage. Stands primed & ready to go off any minute, usually: lately, he runs round to find things to go off about. hawk-like in his nature he looks for achicken & finds one. ++ I've heard of four-footed beasts, & creeping things, & fowls of the air: don't remember to have seen them combined before. +++ Do I get cross any? Not much. There is untold sunshine at the heart of things & it touches me. Thurs. 7"-- Annie A. looks like an untimely frost--bluely dreadful! Sat.9"-- The right proportion, said Miss G., is an ounce of serpent to a pound of love. She was in my room writing a cross letter - both of us cross everywhere but inside. Miss ___ wants to know. Do I tabulate food & clothing? Do I diagram what I don't tabulate? ++++ Mr. Williams prays with his eyes open & [L.] wonders if it isn'ttime his ... was multiplied! March 12"-- Another something that stopped: & I only stop once in a long times to think about it. "Time driveth onward fast, & in a little while our lips are dumb". +++ O for the quiet-calmed-down-toned-down, if need be! only let it reach me. "Friend of sinners! I am in the dark & bewildered & sick at heart!" March 15". O, if the breaths of spring would come faster, would do anything to make the leaves come out. We are cheered by prospects of snow! +++ All the poly things possible to e condensed within four walls take this howling wilderness as their business center. Sat. Mar.15"-- I have learned to fill my soul with a horror of Saturdays. I am in terror over the long dark hall, the sweeping around, above, below me, the orders from below, the inspection of drawers, the bells, the dinners, the harryings by R.G.W. But then I am not a ghoul. If I only had a nice sense of propriety all this would be vital breath - native air. March 27"-- In which I find time to pity myself.== The pivot on which the state turns appeared to us at the first class. We all came in in the afternoon without feathers - we had been picked clean!== The rest of it ishard++but I can bear it. "To distil the one elixir patience" - Must there be another crucible- & another- & another? Will I learn? March 30"-- spring is waiting be wooed-& so is somebody else. Well! March. 31"-- March dies in just such a storm as father died in. Such storms bring it back even over ten years. April 8"-- I am going to adopt Milton's style of address next time I talk to Mr. Williams, Like this: "Sole partner & sole part of all these joys, Earth's hallowed mould, O prince of men, off-spring of Heaven & Earth & all Earth's Lord, O sacred, wise & wisdom-giving Plant, my author & Disposer, what thou bidst unargued I obey"-- And he will answer (probably) "Fair Consort, my latest friend, associate sole"! April 13--Memorable for the contemplated talk with Mr. Williams. Are you sorry to hear that Milton's style was not ours? I know now - how things look different to us as we learn - I can that it is better for me to keep the assistant's place; even tho' conscious that upon me falls the principal's work & more than the principal's care. April 16"-- Winter has very fairly set in! "Come gentle spring! Etherial [Ethereal] mildness come." April 18-- I wish etherial [ethereal] mildness would come to me! I don't possess much. +++ Tt is such a relief to me to be busy setting myself right instead of other people. I know better where to begin! April 27"-- Mr. Williams asks t dinner would we have hot scotch or solid meat? We live to regret the hot scotch & long for solid meat. May2-- It is a sad & sorry thing when one is made to stand before one's self as I have today. +++ I have seen the good, the glory of living, & have fallen in the very presence of it. ++ I stand such a sorry wreck before myself. I have made shipwreck of a whole year. O how the words hurt! May 6"-- We ride down to see them go, & come back to put something in the vacant places so they won't look at us so. We can't see "flame & azure [b]indingeach other - we only see the moving & the places left. May 26" One of the kind of Sundays that I dread when I lie still all day. Thinking is so close to doing that it is hard to have to think when one cannot do. May 29"-- Annie is all in a maelstrom. She makes it a duty to be happy as little as possible, & stay so short a time as possible. +++++++ I will not worry. A pain to bear now that came near enough to be a pain would make me so miserable. I can lay "no plan for next year - not one. I can't see the way. May 30 Would I decorate? I saidnot. She was mistaken. Miss G. & I went ahead with a flag & an umbrella & a flower or two. +++ We came home for the loaves & fishes & found loaves but no fishes. may 31-- A. comes up & I do not spit out much of the hardness that is in my heart lately - the bitterness that comes over one when they have wrought much, loved much, & lost much. June 3-- And the mill goes round & round - & I - if not a hopper what am I? On to the day - the good time out doors - the gala time up in the trees - the rest up in the blue - the whirl in the mill - & the heartsick of it! And what did I do to drive awaythe heartsick for somebody else? Anything? How can I tell? ++ I come up stairs so whizzy & perplexed! June 4--Miss G. asks for tea at dinner. Mrs. Williams arises in presence of us all, unlocks emerald treasuries, wafting odors of Yaddo & Changcha fu chun passes to mysterious precincts eastward. Is gone a long time. We eat on. Reappears - gets a cup. Disappears. Is gone a long time. The door opens. Mrs. W. & the Tea! Someway I'll not ask for tea at dinner. June 6-- "the Lord knoweth them that are his"-- I'm glad for we have a hard time finding it out! The butter is abominable. Never mind - its intentions are all right -it meantto be good. June 7"-- I wish we could browse indiscriminately. We don't. We take "meals regularly". June 22-- My trials consist in getting hammer & nails. Mr. Williams deals out nails as he deals our matches - companionless. +++ We behold with our own eyes a bouncing shortcake in the kitchen window, but not for us. We go down to bread & butter & platitudes.. June 25-- I have had my talk with Dr. F. He made me see things & feel good & now I am coming back next year. June 26-- Pretty hard day, Frances - pretty hard day! June 29-- I do love a wide stretch of sky & meadow: it gives me sucha feeling of perfect freedom - especially when days stretch before me as wide & free as sky & meadow, as full of places for the sunshine to fall & soil for daisies to blossom. +++ How jolly it seems to be company-warranted to rest. July 19" Albany. Today has touched me where I ache & long-on my book side. It was gala-time to me up there in the State Library. I come back elevated seven pegs & a pole! Aug. 10"-- ++ O how glad I am that no one but me knows how I am longing for Broadfields! If only a little piece of it could come into this vacation! At home things are real & hard. We know not anything save "getting a school" & "earning money" & "paying it back".Aug. 17"-- The nicest thing in all day was sitting down by the window with Grandma to knit after the tea-dishes were washed & put away. i wish my life - the whole of it - could be washed & put away for a long time. Aug. 20"-- I cook a great while but not much! Aug. 22"-- It's "no not yet" day! Sept. 5--Castleton-- Things look better. Mother brings deliverance in her very eyes & we set to work cheerily. I never went to my first day with such a heartache & with so little to expect. ++ But I can challenge the promise of this word. I met Miss Bissell first & she throws her arms around my neck & bursts out crying.Sept. 15"-- The silent side - mine - is growing more & more silent as there is daily less to tell & more to bear. Sept. 21-- I wish these days would stay. Why need I when it isn't weather that keeps me fit to live but grace? Sometimes grace takes the form of weather! +++ Folks come & I see them: & they go & I'm properly thankful.... Sept. 29 - Sunday - ++ If religion consists in being pleasant to have about I might as well ask the dear Lord please can't I begin again! Oct. 7"-- When the base & rate are given how do find the percentage? that's what we talk about up at school. Can we afford a new oil-cloth for the dining-room? that's what we talk about at home. How can I come close 7 know - that's what I talk about all to myself. Oct. 18"-- Folks can live & still not have things as they want them. They can still live & not do as they have a mind to. These significant facts are chapter from my personal experience! Oct. 19-- The weather is like last hours with friends before they go. Oct. 28"--What makes me get so tired - so right down tired? I almost wish what I never wished before - that there not five days in a week - that there not forty weeks in a school year.Oct. 29"-- ++ I get up cross - so cross - so cross as never was. Nov. 1"-- ++ I go to school. Sometimes I teach school - other times I only go! Nov. 21"-- ++ I go upstairs to the hall to be alone. Things go so wretchedly I cannot teach. ++ A. comes up softly & puts her arms around me & says, "What do you want me to do about that?" I look about about as pleasant as the piano box & don't want anything. Poor A. goes down. I call myself a narrow neck of land, chiefly stone! Jan. 1" 1873-- Into Isaiah! What does that make you think of Fannie? Play that I asked the question a good ways from todaywhen I have grown up & out of & beyond! Today I only remember the words that have comforted me so & given me out of my storm a great calm - "For the mountains shall depart & the hills be removed, but my kindness shall not depart from there, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed." O years! still let the promise hold me. Jan.6"/73 - Into a prayer meeting. +++I never did want God so much before. ++ The coming home part of the meeting was nice to me: it was like coming up thro' the pines into the world again.Jan 8"/73 - Into red bows & vanities. Did I wear a red bow? When my existence for a long time has been a protest against them. ++ Yes. I deliberately marched to the store, picked out a red bow, came home & tied it & donned the same. If I were the only one who advances on the lifeless bodies of her convictions! By & by I'll begin to resurrect! Jan. 11" - Into grinding processes. Jan. 13" - Into a Cumulo-stratus. I don't seek such places: but sometimes I wake & find myself there; sometimes I'm pushed thro' like a pneumatic railway! sometimes Mr. Williams holds one up for me to jump thro'.Jan. 29"/73 - Into the Promised Land. For what is it but a land of promise to me? ++ I've held it to my soul thro' thankless tasks and heavy happenings++ in days when he was more than usual Williams & I less than ever Frances. That she was there was all & everything to me. In that real land of promise when I glide thro' the open door into the first glow of the warmth & light will my first feeling be one of pain as I feel. My whole life for this? Feb. 3" - Into her eyes - & down deep. " 15" - Into the Spanish Inquisition. ++ One chairman to face & four gold-headed canes - I had never sighed for such bliss! Mr. Williams lookedlike the strongest fortress the Moors ever held in Spain. I only it is ended & Mother's room is the refuge whereunto I flee. Feb. 21"/73-- Into seas of it! Floods of it! ++++ But oh, how cosy [cozy] it looked at home when I came into a nice tea, & a big fire, & a Friday night spasm of content! Feb. 24"-- Into bliss for which I did not sigh. Mother say, "Never mind, it's your last term." The bliss is object lessons & Mr. Williams' face as he looks on "to see if I have the idea"! Feb. 26"-- Into a blue that is the most blue! and I got into it. No alternative is left me, not even that of the man who found hiseyes were out. +++ Poor Mother! how pale & sick she has looked all day. Mar. 2",/73 - Into losing the name of disciple. +++ Could I not have borne for Jesus' sake? I must impose on me sterner discipline, & heart pleadings for strength. Mar. 19" - Into a little more powder now, my boys! Mar. 28" - Into a long pull & a pull a good while. A day of gaspings in Arithmetic, of giant strides in grammar, of much ado about nothing in Eng. Lit., of clutching at & panting in Botany, of crawling Orthography, of leaping for joy in Natural history, of feeling along in other history& going at Algebra in gunboats! What does anything mean for me but school? Mar. 29"-'73-- Into Terra catena - in libera poena-desidero te - English cannot express it. I go reverently to Latin! How much drudgery can be squeezed into one day, & that a leaky, Scrooge-like A.M. - M. P.M. in March I shall know hereafter more definitely than hitherto. April 25"-- Into bein' & doin' & sufferin'. " 17"-- Into matronly perplexities. I do not entertain guests after the primitive style! To turn a cake or bake a kid is very different from nineteenth century breakfast getting. I am sadly inexpert in slicingham, or cutting cold pudding, or finding where Mother keeps things, & I forget to salt! But I do at last muddle a breakfast together. ++++ April 28"/73-- Into knowing how sublime it is to suffer 7 be snapped! I do not bear snaps with dignity. Gentleness & forbearance seems to have been left out of Mr. W.'s religion this morning. My religion was not expecting to be snapped-And so-! April 29"-- ++++ Then I went over to help Ella with her Latin saying sadly to myself, "O Fanny, you have a queer way of laying your life down". April 30"-- Into being a benefactor to Miss Bissell by giving advice which she does not follow!May 1"/73-- Into a night more dreaded than the day. There's no telling what a Board will do. I've always said that. So I was not surprised today when lofty honors were confered [conferred] upon me in the form of a call from Dr. Webber & Gen. G. to learn that it was the wish of everybody & everybody's friend that I should remain here another year & teach with Mr. Williams. I've just sat & held the dreaded thing in my heart until it seems too hard for me - & then the night came for me to toss in & wake every few minutes to think how near heaven was - & now how far. May 2"-- +++ I've worked two ways today. Outwardly - mechanically atthis & that: inwardly at the question "Shall I lay down myself next year that mother & Danny may still enjoy our home here, & the girls come back? or shall I go away?" There is no answer & the rain falls heavily - drearily. May 4"-'73-- Into holding out. ++++ I finish "Middlemarch" & lay it down saying over & over to myself its closing words: "That things are not so ill with you & me is half owing to those who lived faithfully a hidden life & sleep in unvisited graves".keep on asking in my blind discontented way, "What shall be done with me next year? Where can I go?" There's not an answer anywhere. May 9"/73 - Into a next- ++++++ "The one elixir, patience!" How often do I think of that when it seems as if all of me was being thus distilled. There will come a day when there will be a next - so I work hard & find a "forgetting" even in the life of a first assistant. +++ And grandma knits & knits-- May 11"-- Into wishing to be less miserable! May 13"-- Into the more I think I will the more I won't. +++ I know all the words in the Englishlanguage but rest. I rejoice to see the last skeleton of an examination paper dissected, compiled, & filed away. No wonder I never see sunsets any more! May 16"-73-- Into finding people to please & nothing to please them with - such experiences fall abundantly to my lot - they prove disciplinary. May 19"+++ I fish away with imaginary lines in imaginary water & fish up what might have been. ++++ May 22"-- Into feeling heart-bare, heart-hungry, very poor. I am glad to come & find rest in Jesus. Glad of anything that takes me near to Him. May 28"-- +++ Today in my half-decided, sadly tortured state comes a letter from Edward Conant. "Will I go to Randolph next year? "O, yest," I say in my gladness at the thought that anybody want me - that's there's any place for me but this. "O no," I say by & by as I think of Mother & the pretty new house. +++++ June 4"/73.-- Into the new home. We enter it joyfully. Who can know how very good it seems to us? not in ++ its comforts alone but in the happier thought that, if God will, it shall be ours some day. We want mother to have a home all her own again; & we have brave hearts to work for it for her. ++++++++++O Father, reveal to me my duty! direct my feet for I do acknowledge thee! +++ June 5"/73-- Into a deep hard question that I cannot answer. And it grows deeper & harder & makes a burden of my thought to weary me. I am helpless before my life-problem. An answer now & here - its result for all time. I can't stay here next year - how can I! It seems almost wicked when I feel as I do. I can't go away next year - it seems too selfish in me to think of it. O is the right choice always the one that involves the greater self-denial? ++++++ June 7"-- Into taking comfort in the new house with Mother. ++++++++June 9"/73. +++ A new plan possesses me, thought up in a twinkle, but taking may twinkles to work it out. That's one reason why I don't like this world! ++++ June 24"-- +++ All feeling has left me but passivity to accept the best that comes - to let Dr. F. decide. He say stay. +++ July 6 - Albany... There is an ache - a dread in my heart - I have no strength to face next year with Mr. Williams. July 10"-- That Mr. & Mrs. W. will not go to Troy is evident. Won't I live to see the earth open somewhere & gulp him down? Why doesn't somebody want him?July 23/73-- My Latin moves slowly. It is hard for me but I creep on. My hopes rise & fall as a distant college looms before me-- And what will Mother do? is the only pause. Aug. 12"-- ++ I have not knowingly touched terra firma today. I have moved in one most joyous dream of Michigan University, until the year I have so much dreaded seems only as door. Aug. 30"-- I feel restless & stirred up. Nothing rests me or brings free visions of that all enfolding peace; & so I chafe on. +++ It seems so easy to let the Normal School & its troubles swallow me up body & soul: & I lend myself so ready to be swallowed.Castleton Aug. 31"/73-- Into standing before myself. +++ I need greatly these days the strength that comes from the Cross - the look from the Master that humbles. ++ Night comes - & I walk the streets & toss & toss! O Jesus! other refuge have I none! sept. 8"-- Into finding the stuff that R.G.W. is made of! Sept 10"-- A man has been raised up to teach me Greek! Like everyone else raised up for me he wasn't made to order - but I'll make him do. Oct. 12"-- Into the return of blessing. The day had so many things that were restful Oct. 19"-- Into beds of dying leaves.How lovely the trees begin to look. ++ And I, in among the rustling leaves & the lovely places can only think how near I am to being 25. The desolate places would not look to bare to me if Mother, too, was not growing old. Oct. 20"/73-- A letter- +for me. It treats of a fall of 45 ft & no bones broken; of a boy who will study good next term; of money to pay for a slate; of a lamp chimney & four window-lights broken! Oct. 21"-- What I feel like tonight is better conceived by the members of my profession than developed & recorded. Oct 23"-- Dreams of Michiganare like cold water to parched lips, like rest to heavy lids. Oct. 24"-- Into "This is the way the mill goes round"! Oct. 30"--Into patching up today to make it do! Oct. 31"-- Into the Greek Testament. Nov. 1"-- At home this evening is long & cheery: but I want Mother. That isn't all i want. i chafe so under this year's cross - it grows hard to carry & spring looks like a far-off speck. Nov. 4"-- It is what goes out from us from a gathered richness within, more than what comes to us from without that makes us know we live. A bright day - Nov. 5"/73-- Into a little more Greek, at once, my boys! That's all there seems to be of anything except school. A little Greek to read - a little Greek to study - a little rule or two - jump up in my faced every tired minute. But I don't die. I am quite alive. I shall sit up there & feel my way thro' 150 more days, just as tired as this, & then come home to 150 more Greek lessons increasingly hard. Where shall I find something good? In my new garters? Possibly! In Mr. ___? Who can tell? In the original Greek of St John? Always! Nov. 15"-- I've set everythingto rights but me, & I'm all to wrongs! Nov. 20"/73-- Our boy at home. We think he has improved. If God would only give some of us wisdom, strength, influence to hold him back from the pit that is digged - from the snares that lie in wait! Nov. 23"-- Into feeling unfeignedly comfortable.! Nov. 27"-- Home is so full of cheer today - there is so much in it that I want to keep. Nov. 28"-- A boy set down in our family seems to have been an unprepared for event. It is almost sufficient to furnish matter for the Tragic Muse. My hopes lookforward - But, oh "Thou Friend of Sinners! I am bewildered, & in the dark, & sick at heart." Nov. 29"-- Into a cheery Saturday night. I revel in the cosy [cozy] evenings by the fire with Mother. Nov. 30"-- I felt so good this morning so well, so strong. +++ Mother & I walk & talk, & plan for our boy - & next year looks at us wistfully. Dec. 3"-- Mother sat up till three o'clock sewing for Dan. That worried me wide awake: & i thought, & thought & thought if I could give up Michigan next year & let Danny stay in school. Dec. 6"-- Into "[Bils] of Work" by F. B.! Don't look at me, or talk to me. I don't dare look at myself.Dec. 7"-73-- Into a rest spot. Days at home, lately, are so nice all of them! Dec. 11"-- Into whatever is the opposite of "outing": I suppose Patience Strong would call it inting! +++ I go into winter quarters in Greek! Sunday, Dec. 14"-- A day that came like a hope of heaven in a field of graves. Dec. 20"-- Into little done or thought, or dreamed. That last is much missed out of a day of mine. +++ I keep thinking of that pitiful little note from my boy - the sick. Dec. 22"-- I was mercifully spared from a dragging-on existence.Dec. 17"-- Mother has been gone three days. The fires have gone out only three times around. We have eaten starch for soda in our cakes only twice! Dec. 29"-- Into finding things to be glad about. Jan. 10 1874-- I live too fast - so much is certain. +++ i write Greek exercises, & get girls ready for examination & answer the door bell - & after my hands at last drop, & the light is out I want to think of our absent boy & pray & pray & pray for him - but I am too tired to lift my heart. This not the way I was made to live, & my release seems far-off.Jan. 11"-"74-- ++ I am glad of the Sunday - glad to be more & more ashamed "to speak of burdens to a Man on a Cross". O god! give me the life Thou didst give Thy Son! And home - all of it -makes me sorry. Jan. 15-- ++ A vacant day: not music, no dreams - no incense - only vague reality - a living on. +++ Jan. 19". +++ Dr French appears, armed & invincible. he says, "Don't stay here." My heart say "No - I won't." But I must wait. He only, of all others, says "Go to college." Every one else says no. Feb. 3"-- We have ups & downs since Dan's letter came. What he means isincomprehensible. We are left to worry about it - which we do in a manner never before attained. It was a mistake sending a boy down in our family. But we are learning so fast that the next generation may all be boys & we'll be ready for 'em. One can live & worry, too. the latter doesn't kill one - at least not me - any more than teaching with R,G.W.! Feb. 7"-'74-- A good word comes from the boy & our hearts take rest. It is a blessed giving from the King in answer to my feeble asking. He cannot fall away & be our disappointment - not as long as I bear him up to the everlasting Arms. Work makesme feel good today. It is so nice to work at home. Feb. 12" '74-- The bell rang a year ago this morning &, Fanny, do you remember that I promised never to make you walk up to answer its call another first day Feb. morning? This seems like one of the problems where the slate & pencil were taken away from me. The girls bring good cheer. There's a spirit of good times in Normal Hall. ++ I go home from it into a cloud that settles black & grim & sends tears to my eyes. Feb. 13"-- What can she do! I suppose this is one phase of the woman question! +++ The answer seems tobe to start a school, to be its first, its motive power, & its waste material. Feb. 19-'74 ++ I feel so unsatisfied & forlorn today. I can't find higher level & no pastures are green. +++ Feb. 20"-- What the final decision is. I don't know what the [number] of this final decison is. There have been so many since the first one I've lost track. Today proclaims we move. It makes me tired & sorry. +++ There have been cheery things today, & I have been in smoothe waters without much of any head wind. March 1"-- I take long looks at mother & the cosy [cozy] sitting room & envy & enjoy till I am dizzy withthe blessedness. Home never seemed as nice as it does this winter. Mar. 3"-'74-- +++ How proud I should be to have my boy turn out well! Now my heart calls for this as from the Father who had a son in this world & gave him power to overcome mar. 11"-- There are some of my girls that will never let life look very dark to me - some that are as priceless as these priceless days that are taking them from me. Mar. 12"-- I know one thing thro' the day-school. I know one thing thro' the night - Greek. +++ i can't erase mistakes & i am longing to right all things - to make myselffelt forever. ++ if I only could! I love my girls so! March 17"-'74-- I am in my martyr mood today: that is I go about kind o' pitiful & work with my teeth set & my hands holding on hard; but not a word do I utter! This well for those who learn of me. Mar. 19"-- I feel a good deal forlorn. I drag Fanny around. I make her teach & write & translate - & the child doesn't want to. Even Michigan is a terror to her. Mar. 20"-- I change my habits & become a guest. ++ E. has a pretty home. I envy girls with a father. ++ There is a plant here they call heartsease & I love it. Mar. 23"-'74-- ++ I'm tired of buying coats for a contrary naughty boy who will do what we don't want him to. Don't let me worry about it. ++ Let me grow patient & keep busy with living. Let me lay day - & lay down -& lay down - that I may take again. Deny - deny -deny- thyself. Mar. 24"-- In which I cannot face a frowning world. +++ Danny is head-strong & unreasonable, school stormy & discouraging, & my head fairly swims for want of rest - & all of these things move me. "Jesus - A Saviour" - I need nothing tonight so much as to be saved. Mar. 25"- There is a happiness in the bright morning when soul & body wake together strong for whatever comes.++ O if I can only keep tender, loving feelings & be patient nothing else shall worry me! Mar. 26"'74-- In which I am "pleasant to have about". The rarity of this accounts for its being recorded! The whole day has been like a hope of heaven. I love these new fresh days! Mar. 28"-- it seems so strange to feel the shackles of my work so unceasingly. I reproach myself for taking one moment to play. But rest is coming. April 1"-- In which i lift up mine eyes unto the hills & help cometh. There's spring enough to smell the sweet breath of pines, & see the water running, & watch the sunset glory on bare hill-tops. ++ I thought of Sue. She must bethe poetry of my life for there is no beautiful thing that does not bring me thoughts of her. All before this lay a day of hard work with a headache & thoughts roll & roll. April 7"-'74-- ++ School is such a treat to me when I feel like work - & I do today every inch of me. April 9"-- I go to prayermeeting & hear about living above the world. I know less about that than I once did. The work of this world - the hope of success draw me & chain me. ++ "Bringing every tho't into captivity to the obedience of Christ!" Ah, I have work to do-- There's mud & sow & spring is an ancient myth. April 10"-- ++ It's so nice with Mother today. What I shall do when I can'twork by her & talk to her next year I can't bring myself to think. April 14"-'74-- In which a wave of trouble rolls across my peaceful breast. It takes the form of a coal bill. I have been so in hopes those old bills could wait a little. I feel bound hand & foot this spring with Michigan before me. School partakes of the coal bill - so does the sitting-room & the coal stove! Not much "Broadfields" about me today! April 18"-- +++ Well - there's one thing - my salary is a comfort to other people! April 19"-- Heaven has sent us a reminder of itself in the day: a suggestion of what may be somewhere. I felt like resting my heart in thetenderness that is in the Almightiness. I asked for bread & he gave me a creed! never mind. The beauty of God & the glory are all about me. ++++ Mother & i have a nice visit. We talk of the time when Danny will be thro' school, & be a joy & comfort to us - when the old debts shall all be paid, & our new house shall be builded! April 23", '74-- +++ These are pleasant days to me after all; full of the work I live & the light of young faces & loving hearts. April 25"-- We are in another [woful] snow storm ++++ I suppose all we can do is to shovel paths & hope. +++ A letter from Cousin Mary lays hold of me: "You cannot do too much for your mother. If you could see things as Isee them now would love, trust & indulge her more than all the world." April 26"-'74-- The ninth regular snow-storm in the series was delivered today! ++ but there's cheer inside. I am very tender to Mother all day. Can anything ever take her from me? How weak I feel to keeps her! - & yet how strong! April 28"-- In which I don't know what to do with Fanny ++ If she had said anything today it would have been cross. ++ How thankful I am for the little sources of discipline. I wish I had enough more to make me behave. ++ O for power - for power to become a son of God! April 29"-- ++ I'm so cross I can'tstand it! +++ The mignonette, in the dear little bouquet that came yesterday, has helped. It holds me fast like soft hands touching mine in the dark. May3"-'74-- In which I consent to live. It begins to smile out of doors, & the desert places are going to blossom. +++ Mother & I chatter, chatter thro' the day. ++ I write to the boy, too: & I lie awake & think & pray that God will give his angels charge concerning him. He must ot break my Mother's heart. I think over & over what Mary wrote - "Trust her, love her, indulge her more than all the world." May 4"-- In which "heavy, heavy hangs over me." I go up the Monday steps slowly & not steadily. I ponder overin my heart the things R.G. said to me & I take fire. ++ I guess I shall stand it! I've had an extended course of standing it. +++ Comfort comes in the girls' prayermeeting. May 8"-'74-- ++ I think & think what we will all do & how we can get along: but nothing comes of it. In the meantime I write to Michigan & ask big questions. And so the days go. May 15"-- In which there is something new to be glad about - my copy of De Quincey. +++ There's an end to every trouble under the sun. Even examination papers will fade away. But there's no end to a joy. My books are durable riches. May 17"-- In which serene is thelight in the soft May weather." My heart rests & sings. ++ "O moment gone too soon & morning left behind!" The pale gray night comes down, & in the stillness I am left with God +++ He is nigh even at my doors. May 18"-'74-- In which one girl gets tired - too tired to think or be good. But as old Mr. ___ says: "It's a good deal to ask any body to be good all the time"! May 19"-- In which the things that make me tired are not less. "A lodge in some vast wilderness" has had a pleasant sound of late. +++ I am a living martyr to the present ideas of education: & I scold to myself about it which martyrs never do. May 24"-'74-- In which rest remaineth. ++ It has been a hard week. +++ My thoughts of heaven are alloyed with thoughts of work, & dreams that do not centre near the Throne. I never needed more a tidal wave to sweep over in my life & carry me out of myself. Will not God send it? Or must I always live this way? May 26"-- In which I am again in the crucible. === I go to bed but cannot sleep. Life touches me at so many points: & who is sufficient for these things? May 27"-- +++ My head fails me. Every little nerve sends up its feeble protest. But there is no help. I must workFanny still: & if she runs over & lets out cross things how shall we punish her? Ah, the punishment is swift & sure! There are nights of pain - unknown. June 2"-'74-- In which I find plenty to do. You may have heard something of this kind before! ++ This is Sir Launfal weather; & the nights are those in which Maud came into the garden. ++ Life is full of grammar & arithmetic & essays: but the blue is somewhere! June 6"-- In which my desires lie in the direction of a ride & not in the direction of Botany questions. But I do not take the ride & I do take the Botany. I can't set myself to work. I have to drag the child to it & pin her witha star. She has things on her mind & she is restless. June 9"-'74-- ++ School is pleasant. It's one of the days when I resolve to teach always. June 12"-- ++ I'm glad I'm just as I am - mostly. I'm so up when I am up & so down when I am down. But it's good to enjoy with all your might even tho' you suffer in the same way. June 29"-- In which our mode of life is primitive. ++ I wash windows & sweep, & contemplate my work as the gods eat ambrosia - in a fit of divine abstraction. ++ My greatest housewifely accomplishment consists in being able to be here washing windows, & being off somewhere else at the same time - in fingering & thinking at opposite ends. July 1"-'74-- In which chaos is no more. One only needs to move to be reminded of the creation. Cohoes-July 13"-- I am full of the summer pleasantness, & a quiet, restful content. I have a feeling as if I had just been converted: & what is that like but opening tired eyes & seeing the "place prepared" for the first time. July 17"-- In which I am in the middle of the pasture, & do not even put my head over the fence. July 21"-- In which courage predominates. She kind that works & will not stop - that dodges pain - &will not worry. Aug. 1"-'74-- In which August drips in. Greek & I are getting on very good terms now. +++ I don't jump around at my work & sing: I creep when I'm up & sit down pretty often. +++ The moment D. leaves me nights I worry & I worry until he comes in. It makes me feel better, little book, to tell you about it. If I could only look on & see him safe-! Aug. 5"-- In which my boy is good to me & shows me his best in our quiet talk. Almost every summer has had in it some intense longing which has been put into words only for God's ear. This time it is all for my boy - the pain & longing. God is God -"To doubt is still disloyalty". My neuralgia is assuming painful proportions. I am found pitying myself. Aug. 9"-'74-- In which it might have been glad & heartsome. That is hasn't been makes me toss & toss. buy why do I chronicle my tossings as if they were good things to keep? As if in God's world the aches & sorries did not perish & the bright things only live on? God tells us so much about blotting out. I sat up stairs a good while & the quiet made me over. Aug. 10"-- Everything at home has taken on the most uncomforting aspect. I do so want Mother to be at least a little happy: & I think &think & plan & plan - but the night takes it all up away from me. Aug. 15"-'74-- In which its time Sunday came. I love the Sundays - look, long, wait for them - most of all when I am with Mother. I keep in my heart most lovingly the memory of our Castleton Sundays. They'll be dearer than ever when the little mother is gone. What made me think of this? It must be because she is so pale & tired today. Aug. 17"-- In which I make great efforts to be a hero. My most desperate attempts have been in two directions - to study some, & to sit up straight & still & bear the toothache. I've a great desire to see someone who achieved heroism by this method. I'd like also to knowif two of their teeth ached. +++ The little Mother is better. Her face brightens & she is her own dear little self again - our everyday hero. Aug. 19"-'74-- After a wilderness I come upon a goodly heritage. I am requested to be in Castleton at one & "take charge of the Normal School". +++ I hasten to order me a hat, & walk as the head of a Normal School would be expected to walk: & I dream as girls dream. Forgive my weakness! Mother comes home springing. Castleton - Aug. 22"-- In which I am fully instructed as to the kind of charge I am to take of the Normal School. My reception at Castleton partakes of warmth: I am waited uponby the dignitaries of the town, & compose myself to a placid benignity in the hotel parlor. Developments are not slow: i soon see that taking charge does not mean taking charge at all. What I think of it will not now be recorded. In the meantime observe my benign placidity. Aug. 23"'74-- In which He strengthens my heart. I have so dreaded this Sunday without the little Mother. God has not let me miss Him, too. +++ I am ready to take the place I did not choose - to be subordinated & humiliated if it be His appointing. Aug. 24"-- I go to the task of filling up the Normal School with a vanishingcourage. Lilly C. comes & takes me to ride - carries me off to reverie & dreams. I do not come back as I went. I am so like a child about going into the deeps of a joy; & so not like a child in my efforts to rise above the heights a a sorrow. Aug. 25"-'74-- In which they sent Mr. Sherman to talk to me. It is the old story that is told to girls & women as they learn with every struggle that they contend with men. A college boy, because he is a boy, is preferred, without experience or years: & the woman is passed by. Ah! don't I know how it feels. A man, they tell me, "will give the school more of a name." Andso the letter is already on its way that recommends Mr. Hyde to the principalship of the Normal School; & I, who have loved it so, & worked for it so long am out of sight. The whole of me says, as I toss 7 toss, "I will not stay." Aug. 26"-74-- In which I look for God's answer in a calm that is strange & welcome. The drawing away of the profs in Castleton means, does it not? that I shall realized my dearly-loved purpose & see Michigan. Aug. 28"-- In which there is a high tide & low tide. ++ I find myself the joyful recipient of a letter or two stating the certain coming of a student or two;& in the same mail I find myself the woe-begone recipient of other letters stating the certain staying away of a student or two.! ++++ R.G. Williams is vanished from my horizon! I have lived to see this day! Aug. 30"-'74-- A day of peace in country places. +++ Tonight I could pray for my boy & it has seemed sure, so sure, that he should be preserved from evil, for my faith grows stronger & stronger. Sept. 1"-- In which the tendencies are domestic. I sit on the upper piazza & aspire to make good sheets! +++ The day is full of the thoughts that almost always come with stitches. Someof them are restless; but those that stay are calm & full of courage. I feel so sure that the best shall be for me & mine. Sept. 4"-74-- In which I am at the height of all dreariness. ++ Which means that the Normal School is not filling by tens & dozens. ++ How am I to get up any spirit? I must find a way out of this. Come-arouse! The generations are calling & you are not a hero! sept. 6"-- In which there comes a growing comfort & a Sabbath peace. I wish I could make myself feel something away down deep - as deep as I ever feel. What is going to come upon me to bring me out of this valley?Sept. 10"-'74-- +++ The Board has met & it is done. E.J. Hyde is principal. God is plainly calling me to do a hard thing - To stay here & take the lower place - to stand here in the dark & suffer! Sept. 13"-- In which I am quiet a few minutes. How well for me it is! Anybody like me ought to be quiet a great many minutes: but my life spins on ++ while all the time I am wishing so still to myself that I had a little home & my work could lie inside of it. +++ I take all my steps in a maze - for where do they lead? Sept. 21"-- +++ I come back from the dear little home-visit with the firm purpose of making all the peoplepossible glad that I am to live among them! Sept. 24"-'74-- In which my hands are unequal to their burdens. Oct. 3"-- In which the King comes to his own. ++ It seemed God's message when the doctor came & took us up to the lake & among the woods & hills. ++ Was I ever known to forget my rides -- they form epochs! Oct. 5"-- ++ This girl is a mystery unto herself. She might be always kind, tender-hearted, forgiving - but she is far from it. O-God help her! Oct. 7" +++ Work is a delightful solace tho' I can't talk & explain. I sit in a grim silence which means only sorrow.Oct. 9"-74-- In which the evening is long & quiet to myself alone - one of my lovely times when I can bear to look out upon things as they are & not lose heart Oct 11"-- In which the day is delighted in ++++ It is easy to be homesick but I won't let me. ++ Everything cosy [cozy], even a cosy [cozy] thought, is a comfort - & I find a few. Oct. 12"-- ++ My courage is slowly coming back, as the old work is taken up & the put-away things are taken out. How funny all my dreams see - I who was to have been at Michigan! Oct. 13"-- ++ A metamorphosis going on. A cross girl is to be fixed over into a sunny girl. Come & see!Oct. 14"-74 ++++ The girl wakes & clings - oh, how she clings! - to the hand held out to her - lest a cross word come - a heartless word - God help her! I think the struggle going on down here in the dark is part of the battle for Christ. I can feel Him so much nearer since the conflict began. Nov. 2"-- In which the leaves go & the comforts begin to take their place. Nov. 3"-- In which the girl wonders how so many happy things could come at once. Nov. 4"-- In which mine is the deep joy, the unspoken fervor the sacred fury of the fight! This is one of the days when the girl likes to talk to herself - & to God. What she says in those still moments,let us hope will make her what she finds it so hard to be. Nov. 11"-'74 +++ I am clasped in the cold arms of Duty! This is why I am not at Michigan. You find me a favorite phantom chased & not graceful Sophomore. I am learning - how slowly! - not to expect all things to move for one girl. Nov. 17" ++++ I've not watched this girl today & I feel - as if it would never be helped. Do I not know the sunless depths that come after such a day? Am I never to be helped? Or must I be shown & shown & shown that without Him I can do nothing? Nov. 24"-74-- +++ There's a girl here that's wanting to go home. Some days she never hears the cars : today every car-ring goes thro' her. +++ I don't believe she is sorry down in her heart for this hard day. The pain is so sweet - the help so precious. +++ The home letter teases the child to come. Danny, bless the loving boy-heart! - sends dear words to me. Nov. 25"-- In which this looks pretty hard. ++ The joy that I can do it makes my face bright as I kiss the girls off & watch the trains go. How good life is even such times! Dec. 2"-- In which I make the world a little brighter for some people. +++ I take some time tobewail that I have downs as well as ups. This is also a source of regret to those who have to do with me! I stand the girl up straight & say, "Are you comfortable to have about? Then I'll know how much of a Christian you are." +++ I tell you what you may believe it or not but I'm good today. I've embraced Miss W. 1 I try to radiate geography & make the highways of grammar & arithmetic glorious. Hard job! Dec. 5"-74-- in which it's about so! Dec. 16"-- in which I come to a standstill. Dec. 19"-- in which I embrace my Mother & enter into rest. +Dec. 27"-- In which I come to a great calm.Jan. 8-/75-- Gives me the idea! I comprehend at once about what I've got to come to. I can get a good deal in a taste! All the joy there is in holding a girl down tight & making her stay is mine to the full. How thankful I ought to be for blessings like these! Jan 26"-- Shows me prospects of continued discipline. I fight at the very thought. I raise up an armed insurrection in my heart : but there's nothing to do but quell it & meet my fate. Jan. 29"-- Has to go chasing about for endurance. It is a pitiable sight. One can't gaze upon martyrs every day. Jan. 30"-/75-- Gets where the Dark is. These are cheering pages. What an addition they would be to the literature of the desponding! Such chroniclings of love rising triumphant over frowning worlds - of a brave will conquering & defying fate - of a patience that is not afraid to walk alone! Let the heroic record stand for "some forlorn & shipwrecked brother," +++ I go sorrowing these days for appreciation. Isn't this high moral courage? Feb. 2"-- Brights & darks alternate. Anything like a bright even with a dark tied to it comes as hopeful as the sounding tread of a victorious army to the waiting prisoners in the city!Feb. 3"-75-- Floats me about - My catch words do not of late convey any idea of fixedness. I am a spar floating, or a spindle whirling, or a speck wherving, or a piece of endurance chasing about. Feb. 12"-- Pushes into worries. The way there is so plain that I never lose the path. Feb. 16-- The girl thinks that she will do a great deal but she doesn't - she worries. She sees herself in the midst of things she ought to help: & some of them she does help - & the rest torture her. Feb. 19-- Do take a chair! That's the way people talk to you when your back aches. People whose backs never ache lay out the straight & narrow path.Mar. 4-/75-- I was glad to creep under the shadow of a trouble greater than mine. Glad to think of the eternal peace into which another soul has drifted. Mar. 21"-- Sunday - strengthens my heart. I am always so glad to see the Sundays come: & the Sundays here this year have been particularly dear & holy to me. Mar. 28-- Sunday - makes me fitter to live. ++ At church the flowers told us of resurrection & the sunshine made us glad. Mr. __ had caught none of the Easter joy. He threw his sermon at us, fiercely. April 2"-- All the melancholy verses of the forlorn poetswould apply. Minor strains wail through the rain. I grow & increase in ability to worry. What becomes of my religion such days as these? Cohoes - April 3"-75-- Is ready for a hallelujah or two! Delectable mountains have risen between yesterday's rain & today's clear blue, as I rush towards home & the little mother waiting on the hill. April 4"-- Being allowed to wake up in a christian manner is an ecstasy I had almost forgotten. I have been rung up so long! I never felt so tired before.Castleton - April 26"-/75 It looks as if there were a demand just now for a heart for any fate! I'm not on a quest for the immortal glory part of anything. To see me mount heights (stairs especially) would give you the most painful sensations. +++ I crawl on - & doze & doze when I can - & call it getting along. "Lift up your eyes & see!" April 30" - So glad not to have a headache. So glad to go into the schoolroom & find so much work waiting for me. I had thought for a little while that I could never go into the schoolroom again.May 13"-75. Something lovely & new is being done out of doors every day. It rests me so - I can teach 7 teach & not get tired a bit. It makes me just as happy in my work as I can be. The poetry of the May weather steals in & makes rhyme even out being rung up, rung down, rung out, rung in. June 21"-- Dreams of a better world. Anybody could with a lap full of essays. I know of nothing more likely to awaken thought of a heaven for you & a heaven for me! "How do you do it?" says Ignorance. "Why, re-write them, stupid!"June 24"-/75-- You'd better be careful, Fannie. There's always somebody near enough to get a part of your shadows. June 29" - Cohoes - The home door swings wide for me. God keeps me still a mother to be glad I came! July 1"-- Many of the interesting details which have hitherto been all-absorbing to this journalist will appear no more. There will be no more mention of bells or of anything that may, can, must, might, could, would or should be done. There will be only resting & dreaming with no money in it anywhere! I want it under-stood that I want my dreams aerial, etherial [sic] - that kind. July 3-/75-- I delight to record a visit with my mother & her mother in the open door. This is a good world as long as the mothers stay in it. July 5"-- Mother's short cake roused all our slumbering patriotism. We sat & loved the country where such berries could grow. July 17"- Crawford - ++ I've left the hard part for this last little corner. A little place is big enough to fret in. I've come to a standstill. But the Lord knows what to do with me. I am trusting a little.July 18"-/75--Knows how His love went before me each day. It came with all its beauty giving no sign. Night ended in day while yet tired eyelids lay upon tired eyes. July 23"-- My early ride was perfection itself. Such an air as I have not breathed since I left heaven, long ago. July 25"--Sunday - Lives in sunlight. Aug. 3"-- Lives in a What shall I do? +++ Everyday it seems harder to go anywhere & leave Mother. Weak-hearted girl! But she does love Mother so! [O years]! speak tonight. Open just a little way & tell me things.Aug. 4"/75-- Things look better to me today - brighter. As if I could do things - sometime. As if mother should have a quiet, happy old age. Aug. 9"-- Brings so much. ++ I was so happy I woke up in the night to think about it. I felt so good all day. Nothing could mar it. Aug. 19"-- Cohoes - Horrifies me! This page is for the desponding. It starts out as if it might be so bracing. +++ Yes, it comes over me - the darkness & hopelessness of things. Looking forward makes my heart sink, & I seem not to touch the solid earth. Why I never can go & feel like this. I never felt so before.Aug. 22"-/75-- Has a hope in it - that the head will be better tomorrow. +++ Talks at home have been more cheerful. It looks a little as if it would not seem quite so dreadful to go away. Taking up a new life in a new place, among indifferent faces sets me to hunting up all my courage, just to think of it. Aug. 29"-- [Woos] me away from life's tangles & perversities. It seems easy for such things to heap up, & where the biggest heap is you'll see me standing round most generally!Aug. 30"-/75-- I got up with the spirit of the morning in me, & everything that came near me touched some happy spring. Sept. 7"--the part of me that tosses & dreads things finds this a shut-up summer. Sometimes it will not rest on the promises that lie like solid rock under my life. It wonders if the time for sacrifice is come - if the taking what I so wish & yet dread to take is God's will for me - It wonders if anybody at home must give up one little hope or joy to give me this. Sept. 8"-- Keeps me pondering. These are bright days. Whowould think that in such days anyone would flounder in the dark asking questions. But I know who does. Sept. 11"-- Waxes not valiant. ++ It took me way out of myself to watch the hills tonight. I realized then that there was a shadow to lift. Such a dreary miserable sickness these days. Next week I must be better. It can't last always. There's been good cheer at home today. Sept. 16"-- Looks forward too much - & back plenty enough. What I fail in is "lending a hand". I look enough to supply all the demands. +++ Why-how can I make you know how dreadful going away looks to me! Sept. 23"-- Fixes clouds in the sky. It seems as if they were fixed to stay - as if it would never be bright & glad in my world again. ++ I can't say, "Not as I will." I hold up defiant hands at fate. I can be a weak little girl & cry & cry & cry. I keep thinking "I will be well - I must go." Have I not asked God all summer to tell me what is best?Sept. 24"-75--Lets the sun shine in. I kept looking to the hills all day & thinking how lovely it was. ++ Today my heart doesn't say "I will go" - it just waits. sept. 25"-- Stands in the dark & suffers. +++ The doctor has been seen - we know now. The day was so bright it almost seemed as if I couldn't ask anything but what I should have. Not so. It gives not & it takes. It falls upon me. Be He knows - that God for that. Sept. 26" - Sunday - All alone with the day & the pain. Sept. 29"-- Has a little help in it. In any trouble howI dread the first waking thoughts - those that come before we are wholly ourselves to face things & get courage together. Oct. 3"-/75. I noticed how bright everything was this morning because I wanted it so. +++ A long ride up the hill & drearier thoughts than I shall ever tell you or any one. I go off to bed alone with them. Oct. 4"-- Anybody would think I might revolve a little even on a creaking axis : but there wasn't any such thing done. I decide to think today & achieve tomorrow. Oct. 9"-- Has a ring of triumph in it. ++ God's great sunrisehasn't found me out but one of the best little earthly ones has. Oct. 13"-/75-- I pray so to get better - to be well. I will be so careful of the child if she will only get so she can walk once more. It is so hard to sit still these days & wait. But His grace is near. Oct. 14"-- Looks out for courage. Do you think it failed to come. It did not - it is there - ready - sure. +++ I am really getting better - O am I not? Isn't something the least little bit better? I get so sure of it - I feel way up. Oct. 17"-/75. +++ It makes me wish for the work - some work - any work. O God! anything but this! Nov. 14"-- Tosses - as it did one day before. +++ There's nothing down-hearted in the talk & I keep where Mother & the children are a great deal. When I do go off by myself the white chrysanthemums make me cry. The little thoughts that come of mother are so dear & close. In my thought of what I am to do or be I find myself in a perfect struggle. I can feel my heart beat as I try to decide which way is best - as I try to know just what God means for me. I try to see His way -but, oh, I so want His way & mine to be the same. Mother doesn't say much - O if I only knew what to do! Oct. 15"-/74-- ++ I go down to River St for Agnes - my one sister. I feel kind of sorry for this child as she trudges along, choking back the tears, as she thinks how hard it is to plan to go to Smith College - & how much she wants to do for Mother & the children. Well - well - we won't feel sorry. We'll just work all we can & trust God for the rest. Nov. 16"-- It's a pull & haul day. +++ I hate to have Mother get tired. I would so love to have a home for herfree from all this - just as some mothers have it. Nov. 22"-/75-- I go down to the doctor's & come back on wings. He says I am better - that I may get well. What could I hear that would be like this to me? Nov. 25"-- Thanksgiving - "Rejoice in hope." The girl that was down yesterday, down at the bottom of the hill where it is lonely, lonely, is way up today. I was so glad all day just be at home. Nov. 27"-- Mr. Johnson's words to Gertie about Vassar for me seem like an answer straight from God. I have so prayed that if there was any other way He wouldmake it known. Nov. 28"-/75-- ++ I think of Vassar & think, & think, & wonder if it is for me. Wonder what God's answer will be. Dec. 2"-- Brings the answer! I believe it is from God -- I believe I shall go. I get all my Latin books out & begin to climb the mountain is before me. Dec. 3-- Associates itself with dark closets. This is where I get some days & peep out on life thro' chinks. Dec. 10"-- A little better - a little brighter - but so tired! How could she study with the pain & the restlessness? +++ I can't bear lately to think how much I love mymother. Oh how close they lie - the tenderness & the pain! Dec. 11"-75-- "Let me hide myself in Thee!" Dec. 12"-- Gives me rest - not because I am worthy, but because He is good. Dec. 18"-- Insists on being an anniversary! +++ I feel stronger today & very hopeful. 1876 Jan. 6"-- A day when the steps turn away from home & toward a new unknown. One of the solemn days when we touch reverently all the little things that we must leave. +++ The last rolling away - the space between & the beginning of the great loneliness that already threatens to swallow meup. The ride up the hill to Vassar - the first look at its walls in the moonlight! Jan. 8-'76-- Will I go & be Lady Principal of Waynesburg College? says my letter. We will see. Jan. 10"-- A day when things don't begin. It takes an interminable length of time to get planted here. One has to be laid above ground sever days. +++ Jan. 14"-- ++ When I think of where I am & how I came here & what I have the chance to do my heart grows so warm, so glad that I know I can bear anything. +++Jan. 19"/76-Vassar-- A day when I lived tho' it! ++++ I feel a little fresh & good with the first of things: but on into the day I get to wondering what is to become of me. Jan. 20"-- A day when I stand like one bewildered. As given below: I want that position on Waynesburg. I just do. I want the course here - I just do. I don't know what to do - I just don't. ++ Jane. 22"-- ++ For me, the hermit, there was plough boy's work without the plough-boy's whistle. ++ Five pages of Cicero's first Oration, interrupted with flashes of Waynesburg. A solitary walk with a storm threatening, & my perplexities also threatening. Never mind. When I am oppressed Hewill undertake for me. +++ Jan. 26"-/76-Vassar-- A day when my career continues to be spectre-like. To stop & think about it, which we never get time to do here, it is easy to appreciate the feelings of a phantom, gliding thro' these halls & sailing around these woods! Never to be thought about, or missed, or noticed! ++++ Jan 27"-- A day when I will be glad anyway! +++ Jan. 28"-- To remove my spectre habiliments & find somebody that wants to talk to me because they do & not because I am alone, or a stranger, or woe-begone, is now the desire of my heart! +++Feb. 1"-/76-V/C.-- A day when there's a great flutter of things. Things here means heart. Put in the plural because I have a great many of them & all fluttering. +++ Feb. 22"-- A day when I sould keep his memory green! +++ God help me to fulfill in my life the best, the noblest wishes of the dead father, & care always for the one boy he fain would have taken with him! ++++ Feb. 25"-- +++ Worst siege yet encountered in V.C. Miserable floundering in Greek, & another squelch in Horace. I do get up stairs at last. Cry it out! +++ A day without a smile from any human being: & a long stretch of hard work without a letter. Vassar - Mch 5-76 +++ had my everyday siege of homesickness - the awful sort. No dear little Mother to come in. ++ Why can't I have her a few minutes? +++ Mch 24"-- Not a day to be blue in. Everything above & around laughed & shouted or was just going to. +++ Greek & dinner - neither in any demand by yours truly. A feeble attempt to walk. Abandoned! No more attempts to chronicle except the scramble to live tho' the President's prayer. April 4"-- ++ A great many bodies are packing. Found Laura Skinner at it & ventured to say "What does this mean?" "It means 'Exit Skinner'", quoth she. ++++April 13" '76 - Cohoes-- Here's a girl no good to anybody, wriggling this way 7 that under excess of aches & ills +++ looking forward to day after day just like this, pitiless & grim. What a queer standstill I've come to! Let's talk about the lilies in the window How they grow; & the pin, how fast it is opening to the light-- & the baby at the neighbor's window-- & Grandma so safely past the din & the struggle-- & of a sure safe time past all this weariness. No - it isn't for nothing that we hope & dream. April 17"-- ++ How comfortable that big rocking chair is with the huge pillows. This is the bestlife & the world can do for me now. The best I can do for me now. The best I can do for myself is to wait in patience for the sunshine to come back. April 19",/76 - Cohoes-- A day when the story reads not a bit as I had written the plot! There's just about as much of the awfulness of living on as there was when I came home - & I ought to be in V.C. this very day. +++ The doctor leaves some miserable little concoctions, vile & ineffectual, & says I'm pretty bad off. No, I aint neither! There's fifty years in me yet - good solid ones too! Cohoes - April 20"-76-- A day when I have "hurries to go". There are all beginning down there, & I'm up here fenced in. +++++ Sunday-April 2[5]"-- +++ It seems a myth to me that I ever got up Sunday morning & walked down to church - ever got up at all in fact. Little snatches of minutes between the pain - these take the place of all larger ambitions. ++++ April 24"-- It's surprising how little I can get her to caring. Dying or coming back to life - it seems all one to me +++ April 25"-- ++ The nights are very long. The great thoughts - the thoughts that have carried methro' so many unfilled hours - will not come to help me. But God's promises come & lift my heart up into the blessed places. +++ April 26",/76-- +++ How could I love my home more than I do? If God will only let me be well again - well enough to work! But I lie here waiting. I may be taken & these left. ++ "O God our help in ages past - Our hope for years to come!" April 27"-- +++ I get more & more glad of little things: a little brightness - a little ease from pain - a scrap from out of doors - all these have it in them to bless me. As my horizon narrows - as Isee this denied on one hand, and that taken away on the other, I stop resisting, & cease to demand. ++ Just as if at first we should want all outdoors & should say at last, "If I can only have this one green plant in my window!" Vassar-May 17"-'76-- Given a problem to work upon: To want to do a great deal - wonderful things - to be set in a place where everybody is driving ahead & turning out wonders - & then be forbidden to exert yourself under penalty of forfeiting forever all you want to do & be - & then be patient & unworn & light-hearted! ++++Vassar - June 1"-76-- Light & beauty enough out doors to fill us, satisfy us - if we would be good & rest in it. ++ I feel stronger to do & bear, today. O, if I could only walk! June 5"-- Dug a little at Greek with Laura. The Greek words took it upon themselves to be clothed in unsearchable forms & Laura says, "Lets hang ourselves!" ++++ June 10"-- Sprang to my feet with a delicious sense of joy in the early morning - of being glad I'm here - of an assurrance [sic] in my heart that my steps are ordered by the Lord & a determination that I won't be troubled. ++++Cranford-July 8"'76-- ++ I just love Susie, & it makes me happy as I need to be. Her home is beautiful to me - & someway i seem to breathe only when she is looking at me. ++ Aug. 30" ++ I am in the delicious dream of a may-be college. Dare I try it? I am asking God. His plan for me is larger, nobler than mine. Vassar-Sept. 29'-- +++ I know what one week of Trig. is. Fifteen more come up from the statistical corner of me - don't say grimly! You can't afford to be grim - 15 weeks. It is Friday - a breathing-space let down. It's like prairie-land between Fri. 11:50, & Mon. 8:15 - a smoothgreen stretch all level! Huldah keeps up an intermittent dig - that is her measure of prairie-land & hill-regions. Polly's digs lie in the last five minutes before she goes to something. Sept. 30"-76-- ++ Don't know who is steeped in homesickness! Oct. 10"-- +++ I got up this morning wishing I didn't have to. More cold, more strain, more something to make me an exact misery. ++ Laura lets me lie still & says nonsense rhymes to me whereat I rejoice. Laura's new word is "whaeck"! Oct. 11"-- More to get up for - so it sort of somehow seemed. This suggests Prof. Hinkel's[Greek letters]- & also especially those! We have actually left Chap. I in Herodotus. There is every indication of our making a continuing city of Chap. II. "Come up & gaze upon the felicities of cot-beds". I go. "This was the out-cropping of our brains", explained Laura. Oct. 13"-/76-- I come to it aching - I got tired - the big kind - over my rally in cosines. ++ The little Greek man says, "I will explain & then we will go on". So we sit & are poured into. It's a way he has. Huldah get a letter & goes around saying, "Poor Aunt Mag! poor Aunt Mag isdead." Somebody's always dead in the letters Huldah gets. Polly's letter makes her shout. It comes pealing forth from the bed-room & I take a new lease of life. Blessed Polly! +++ Oct. 16"/76-- A sort of clear grit morning. It is not brilliancy I astonish people with in Trig. - nor brevity. My demonstration only covers one wing of the college! +++++ Oct. 20"-- I am tired out trying to make my girl attend to things today. I had to make her get up in the first place - tendencies all against me. Then she staid up, in a dreadful poking way,keeping me pushing her up to this & steeling her against that: but now I've comforted her with the assurance that today is a kind of exception & tomorrow she won't ache in so many places. ++ O - one of my low-down days! Nov. 3",/76 - Vassar-- A sort of uplifting all thro'. I pray for days like this - ready for anything - glad in what is. Nov. 4"-- My birthday & how bright it was! ++ I had to be glad - there must be no dark guesses, no restlessness. There was help to see "the real whole best." "God is known in her palaces for a refuge."Nov. 5"/76 - Vassar - Sunday & I have lots of time to think how many days it is before I go home. ++ I believe if there was only a day between me & Mother I should think that day would never end. I am sure I never wanted home so - or tossed so to see it. Nov. 9"-- Could I get up? could I stay up? Rather singular questions from a girl who has Senior Greek & Sophomore Latin on her hands! There was a great mustering of forces: every available one was summoned, & I did squeeze through the day some how. +++ I have seen Dr. Webster. She makes no mention of death's door, but speaks of a time when I shall be well - bless her!Nov. 15"/76 - V.C.-- Huldah says that in the Bates Mitchell's class they are all "revolving around the marks." Heaven help them! Dec. 19" - Cohoes-- A good deal to it that wasn't consoling. I come home to add to Mother's troubles &, as far as I can see, to be of not the slightest use to any body. +++ Miss -- comes in like a fresh morning breeze. I'm so devoutly thankful to be relieved of my thoughts for an hour or so. Dec. 23"-- +++ I wish very much for the use of my feet. Have longings for the pretty shop windows, & the people withbundles & pleasant secrets to keep; want to see the cutters skip along; want to get stirred up. Instead of that I am a city set on a hill. But Aggie brings some of the good cheer home : there's almost always a next best. +++ Dec. 27"/76-Cohoes +++ D. brings up two tickets for the concert. "Can Fanny go?" It has not yet got fully settled here that "Fanny" can't "go" - can't ever go. She say "No - ask Emma." +++ Go! isn't it one of the nights when she would scream if she could go!1877. Jan. 1"--- I've found out how the courage of one is the courage of the souls that live near it: that good cheer is nothing short of an atmosphere: and even of a little patience the world has need! ++++ The worries that we began last year with are most of them here to start out with us again. +++ But I am a little surer that the storms are in the lower strata. We shall get above them by and by. I have reason to be more sure of a few things than I was a year ago. "I tell you that One knocked while it was dark."Jan. 2",'77--- The spell of silence is broken at last. Somebody has sent me a written communication. Huldah is noted for breaking silences. It is her voice, grim and inauspicious, that comes summarily into dark mornings : her alarm is that it is six and something, and I am too far gone to contest the point - usually. ++++ Jan. 3" ++ My letter from __ makes me feel rich - well-to=do in the world. I won't say that there were any bluish tendencies for her to counteract, but still I view her eight pages in the light of a "marcy".Jan. 6:, '77--- D. says, he starts to go, "Oh, I forgot!" and hands me - why, it was one of the loveliest things - L.s letter! What a new face everything wears for me. Jan. 10"--- V.C. and no. 11,d once more enfold me. Polly and the girls come at me. And - well, there's an example in Trig. for tomorrow with two solutions and six answers! Ye fates! I spend silent time with L. - bless her! Jan. 14"-- A severe talk on the married state - Parlor 12 all there. L. comes in for the woful [sic] summing up -- "It's a wuzzly world!" L. thinks there area few happy marriages - not many, perhaps, but a few! H. sets her foot down - "None - whatever!" We feel the projection of the great circle of hopelessness crossing our celestial equator. We turn reverently to the Greek of Matthew. There's no hopelessness there - no dragging down sensations. "Come to me" it says. Well - we are tired children, and He knows. Jan. 15",'77-- Head streaks of disaster in it. But then - why should you sing, "Increase my courage, Lord" if there's never anything going to happen to make courage, and lots of it, the thing to have?You were torn up by the roots when you got out of bed this morning, and you lay around on top all day. +++ It's L. who packs up 82 and brings it down stairs for my present comfort. Jan. 16", '77-- We aren't going to have any mournfulness about this business. You've got it on hand and we see you wriggling it through. Trot right along. You stand up before Prof. B. gladiator-fashion, and impress her with the fact that you embraced a hot water bottle last night and not Trig.-aches, and not cosines. She doesn't act as if you were confessing incendiarism to her, and you sit down,meekly, as is your wont. You persevere through half a chapter of "thought-weighted Thucydides" with L. and then her good angel comes down and enlivens the world by Keeping you up from tea, spreading for you a famous little supper in 82, and making you feel the blessedness there is in love. Jan. 24","77-- To be sure you didn't have your Trig. but as L. says, "That's nothing!" "Same problem for tomorrow," says the sharp-eyed Professor in drab. "You may get it." Another little supper with L. in 82. You peep into "Sights & Insights" while she lays the cloth and brings out the cunninglittle cups. She buzzes about & you call it "being out to tea", and almost forget you are a Sophomore with aspirations. Jan. 15, 1877-- For steady help from outside give me a day of sunshine. It is impossible to feel that you are fighting single-handed as long as there is sunlight that will not forsake you. ++++ There are lots of things left over that you wanted to do. Left over for when? We shall see. Meantime we are glad - glad for life just as it is this minute. Jan. 27".-- Undermining forces are at work again. You've heard about such days before.this week, though it ends with full noon, has had its hard places : but which one would I have had left out if I could? "Until He says 'Come up higher', let us be content at the foot of the board." Feb. 2", 1877-- For one day freedom from that pain has not left you for weeks before, and that has made everything you did so hard. You almost know, for a little breath, what the better day will be. Feb. 4"--"It's a lovely day, Fanny. Wish you could go to walk." Have not yet attained to any such paradise. Yet nights I dream of walking. +++ "Edith isgoing to read some of Hale's Christmas stories - don't you want to come up?" Inclination wanted props. Supplied by the maiden who wanted to know - "a maiden who wanted to know - "a very young Freshman". Feb. 5", 1877.-- A review of Herodotus is about to be entered upon. I like this way of taking it - viz. me on the bed, pillowed. L. in a chair, with dic. "Curtins" and most of it in mind, gives me exact meanings and optatives "with and without ar". I, purely receptive. Then we have crackers, and beff-tea, and Jam up in her room, and I am spared the dining-room. ++ Great uncomfort-ableness today. If I only could feel better! "Here I stand. I cannot do otherwise. God help me!" Feb. 8",/77-- Trig is over & gone. The examination did not bear as strong a resemblance to "the Assyrian" that "came down" as we had darkly pictured, though there was a slight disproportion between the number of questions and the number of minutes. ++++ How we've laughed today! but tonight we sit very still. To think that this was coming! Sunday, Feb. 11"-- The first thing was the breath of the flowers. Then the dawning sense that this wasthe last day - that the little Greek books lying in the window meant nothing any more. i got up with my trouble and went out where the girls were. Everything has been very sweet all day. My comfort has been thought of and thought of till I am strangely confused at being so cared for. ++ To see the day die over Sunset Hill and know it is the last time for weeks 7 weeks--! Feb. 12"-/77. +++ The sight of the little Greek books in the window, where we left them last Thursday, is more than I can bear. When I am bravest I can't look at that window. +++ It's all over now. I see them waving to mefrom the platform - my train moving slowly away. One of the hard times, Frances - one of the very hard times. "O Lord! only to be made like Thee in Thy great love!" Home - where are those who care also - who care most! Feb. 14", 1877-- Last night I woke in the night and heard Mother praying. It went to my heart and left the sorest kind of an ache there. How can I die when I know she wants me like this! If she were anywhere - anywhere in this wide earth and wanted me I would go. But how can I if it is that River I must cross? Bit it isGod she is talking to. Her cause is safe with Him. Feb. 15", 1877. "Faint yet pursuing" - to have this said of you because you washed a handful of dishes! Think of coming to this! Feb. 16"-- Yes'm. I keep very very still. These are not days for talking. I would not like to write what I am living. It is all too solemn, and I shall remember it all. It is not such days as these that we forget. Feb. 17".-- Saturday night - in the harbor, I. My boat rocks gently as the night comes down. There are cities full of busy people buying & selling; but I seemout of it all - with the feeling of one who is to be forever out of it. "Under His wings thou art come to trust!" Feb. 19", 1877.-- I feel as if I were following somebody over a thorny path between tall hedge-rows - and yet I know that it is not a stranger that I follow. Albany, Feb. 20"-- +++ I watched the little mother's gray shawl and black dress and little bonnet out of sight. I think after that I had the heartache. Tonight it seems as if there could be nothing grander than to have, like the Lord Jesus, power to heal such trouble as mine.
Show less

Creator: Moore, Felicia E.
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Date: 1870

Creator: Fogg, Annie
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Date: 1870

Creator: Robinson, Mary B.
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Date: 1872

Creator: Noyes, Emma (Hartman), Ditkoff, Andrea
Date: [Sept. 1876-Jun. 1880]

Creator: Wyman, Anne (Southworth)
Transcriber(s): James, Evan
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Date: 1878-1880
Text: 1878-1880 Wyman2 We had my trunk checked over to the boat and were told to look after it about half an hour before reaching Poughkeepsie. We breakfasted on board the boat and went to the Albany [Day] boat which we were to take to Poughkeepsie. Father saw two ladies from [Canton] and introduced me Miss Everett and Mrs. Ellis. He was intending to leave me on board the boat, but we felt so badly that he concluded to go as far as [Nyack] and take the cars home or, rather, to New York. Oh, I was...
Show more1878-1880 Wyman2 We had my trunk checked over to the boat and were told to look after it about half an hour before reaching Poughkeepsie. We breakfasted on board the boat and went to the Albany [Day] boat which we were to take to Poughkeepsie. Father saw two ladies from [Canton] and introduced me Miss Everett and Mrs. Ellis. He was intending to leave me on board the boat, but we felt so badly that he concluded to go as far as [Nyack] and take the cars home or, rather, to New York. Oh, I was homesick when left me! And I was tired, too which makes it worse. But the scenery up the Hudson was just grand. I enjoyed the first part of it exceedingly; but at last I was too tired to enjoy it very much. I must tell about the Hudson. For a long way after leaving New York the Palisades extend along the west bank, and on the east the country is hilly and has very many beautiful residences. Both banks are prettily wooded all the way, the trees being cedars, shaped like sugar loafs. The Palisades are very high, rocky bluffs,3 rising perpendicularly from the very waters edge, or from a sloping sand-bank, or narrow strip of low, level land, on which often houses are built. The sides of the Palisades have a little verdure, and are much groved as if by the sand washing down the sides. Near the end of the Palisades, and almost on the verge, it seems from the river, is the Palisade Mountain House. What a view must be seen from it. How I admired the residences on the opposite sides. Many of them crowned hill-tops and the beautifully sloping sides, and the trees surrounding rendered them charming. I saw two that were built after the fashion of ancient castles, and to see them, on could imagine herself looking back into antiquity. Further on the highlands were broken into high hills - mountains the guide-book called them. I especially noticed two that stood on opposite sides of the river. Old Crow's Nest & Sugar Loaf. I think the latter deserved its name; for it was very [sym-]4 metrical, but its sides were not so sleek as the sides of a sugar loaf. We passed by Constitution Island, the home of Miss Warner, author of "Wide Wide World." We also passed Stony & West Points. At the former are strong bluffs, not so high as the Palisades, but having no verdure on their sides. No wonder they called the place "Stony" Point. At the foot of the bluffs were low stone houses that looked as if they might have belonged to the fort. There was a light house on this point and one at West Point also. At the latter place we saw the library of the Academy, distinguishable by the dome. Just above the West Point was the place where, in 1776, they stretched across a chain to keep the British from going up the Hudson. We saw, too, the house which Gen. Washington made his head quarters. It was stone, with a low, sloping roof. Near by it stands a flag staff. It is situated just south of Newburgh. The river, after we left the Palisades, grew narrower, and had more bends. Indeed, in some places it seemed as if we were shut in5 on all sides and there was no way to pass out. Then how pretty it looked to discover the channel and see it gradually widen. At one place the angle the river burned was so sharp that it seemed to "bend up double." Oh, the whole was beautiful, grand! Friday, Sept. 20th 1878. At Po'keepsie. When I went to look after my trunk the baggage-master told me to always look after my baggage the first thing. I will remember that again. When I arrived at Poughkeepsie, there I stood on the wharf, with my trunk, and up rushed half a dozen baggage-express men and hack men with "Vassar College," "Express your baggage across the city, Ma'am," and other such remarks. I didn't know where to leave my trunk, nor where to take the horse-cars. And I was so tired I couldn't think, especially when so many hack-men, etc. were6 all talking to me together. I am going to be a true Bostonian now and say, why don't they give the hack men a place to stand and make them stand there? Well, I thought I would take a hack and go with my trunk to the college, so my trunk could stay there if I could not. A lady rode down in the hack, too, and back. I was exceedingly tired. When I arrived here I inquired for Prof. [Backus]. But he was not in. Then I learned that I couldn't be accommodated at the College but that on the following day I could. So I went back in the hack to the "Morgan House." When I reached my room there, how I cried! I had been long for a chance to cry. I was, indeed, homesick. But, as, of course, crying would not help the matter, I soon stopped, and bathed my burning face in cool water. Then I went down and wrote home 3 sheets and the same number to [Harry]. This cooled me off and7 raised my spirits. I went down to tea feeling much better. After tea, I put the finishing touches to my letters and was soon to go to mail them, when there came a tap at the door. Opening it, a servant handed me a card, with the words, "Gentleman in the Parlor." "Who?" thinks I, and read Prof. Backus' name. Oh, I was glad to see him. He introduced me to two young ladies that were stopping there and were to be [examined]. A Miss Reynolds and a Miss Some-body-else. I have become quite well acquainted with the former and like her. I sat a while in the parlor, then posted my letters and went to bed. It was some time before I went to sleep, but I then slept soundly. In the morning I woke feeling better. After breakfasting, still better. I gathered up what I had in my room, and went to wait for a horse-car. There I met a young lady, also evidently waiting for a car. I spoke, and we introduced ourselves. Miss Morrill was her8 name. We rode down in the horse-car together, and I liked her very much. I haven't seen much of her, however, since. It is nearly time for supper, so I will now close my writing. Saturday, Sept. 21st, 1878. At the College. When I reached the College, I inquired for Prof. Backus, but before I could see him, Miss Morse, the Pres. Ass't came up to me. She said that my name had been mentioned to her by Miss Wilson, who lived right across the street from her. That was Belle Wilson, whose father used to be the Orthodox Minister in Stoughton, and who taught Harry French one summer. I was glad to know that Miss Morse was acquainted with her. Then Miss Morse took me into the third parlor, and the card which told my standing was marked with my full name and my age. [No] examinations for me took place until 2.30 P.M. This was because I was examined in June in Boston, and passed in all but 2 semesters of Latin, Quadratic Equations, An-9 -cient History and Physical Geography. The latter two I have never studied. So I was shown the Reading Room, and there I sat until 2.30, P.M., when I went to Prof. Braisley's (a lady) room and was there examined. There was a question on Geometrical Progression among mine and I had never studied Progression. So I hold her; but she said I might enter the Freshman class, as we were to review that. After Algebra I was taken to the Pres. office, sent to the Treaurer's office. Paid my $300, and went to Miss Morse to have my room assigned. It is on the first floor, or ground gloor. Quite pleasant. I have the outside sleeping-room. After tea, I met Miss [Shailer], a New York girl, who was examined in Boston at the same time I was. Later. Miss Reynolds came in for me to go down to the Lake, so I stopped writing. I will begin where I left off. I went up to Miss Shailer's room, and when I came down found a young lady here, who gave her name as Miss Jessie F. Wheeler, and who was occupying10 one of the inside rooms. So I did not have to stay alone. Miss Wheeler, however went home last night, but is to come again Monday. Yesterday I went up town with Miss Reynolds. The principal errand was to get a bag to put our washing in. That evening I promised to go up to Miss Reynolds room; but - Later. Miss Shailer came in and stayed till tea time and after tea and chapel I went into Miss Reynold's room and into her corridor teacher's room a while. I tried to call on Miss Gross, who is one of those who were examined in Boston, but she was out. It is raining this evening. Until now we've had beautiful weather. But I will go on - Miss Shailer asked me to come and bring [Hattie] (Miss Reynolds) there. I found Hattie feeling dreadfully homesick and bad. Her roommate - Miss [Gawne] - had come and acted very hateful and disagreeable. But we went to Miss Shailer's and spent a very pleasant evening. Miss Nickerson and Miss Buckrand are in her study parlor. Hattie's room is only one sleeping-room to a 11 study parlor. Today Hattie and I went out rowing on the Lake. This week they didn't charge for the boats. Next week they do. This morning Miss Morrill and I went out around the lake and had a very pleasant walk. Last night when I came home from Miss Shailer's, I found here Miss Tappan, who occupies the single inner room. She has a drop light and table-cloth, which are two things we needed for our rooms. I have written tons of letters home and 3 to Harry, and have had one from Mother. Prof. Backus opened College last night and gave us all a welcome. How rambling this last is written! Monday, Sept 23rd 1878 My First Sunday. Yesterday was my first Sunday here. After breakfast Miss Morrill and I started for a walk, and meeting [Cora] Shailer and her Parlor-mates, going to the Glen, we joined them. Had a very pleasant walk and they all came to my room, after they returned, for12 a few minutes. At 11 there were services in the Chapel. Rev. Caldwell, our Pres., delivered the sermon. He has just been appointed Pres., the former one having recently died, and he is a Baptist Minister, formerly at the head of a Theological School. His sermon was about the yoke of Christianity, and I liked it very much. He seemed to be very liberal. After dinner I called on Miss Gross, and then went to Hattie's room. After supper I went there again and Miss Owen from Iowa came in too. Just after supper we had Chapel service, as usual. Prof. Backus has conducted it, but last night the Lady Principal did. And she was nice. After Chapel there was a Prayer meeting, which we did not attend. Later in the the evening there was an organ concert, which we attended, but were all very sleepy. After that I came home and retired, feeling rather tired-out after my first Sunday. I wrote one letter and finished another yesterday. It was quite cool, but very pleasant, which is contrary to the usual order of things for the first Sunday.13 Assigning Lessons Later. We all went to the Chapel this morning to have our lessons assigned. I was read off for 4. Freshman Latin and Mathematics, Ancient History and Physical Geography. As they would conflict anyway, Ancient History was taken off. 3 studies are all they usually allow, anyway. I don't take Greek till next semester. I didn't get my studies arranged till after my Mathematics period had passed. But I went to Physical Geography and Latin. Lessons for tomorrow were assigned in each. I have bought a Allyn & Greenough's grammar, and have to get a Composition and Livy Anthon's, Miss Goodwin, the Latin teacher, said. Alas! there's not a [Livy] with a vocabulary to be had. I can never use my great Lexicon. I shall have to purchase a small one. Miss Morrill and I took a walk this morning and Miss Wheeler came this noon and we took a walk this afternoon. Now I suppose, rules begin. Tonight we had a corridor meeting and14 Miss Miller (our corridor teacher) was along to ask if we belonged to any church and what church we attended. [Her] lesson tomorrow in Latin is Life of [Livy]. Miss Morrill and I were up in the Library this evening to read about him but we couldn't find much. Wednesday, Sept. 25th '78. Getting to Work. We are getting to Work now. Have had two lessons in Physcial Geography. Not very long ones and not very well prepared. But starting ones. It is to be very nice. Miss [Haekell], our teacher, tells us many very interesting things, which I take down, and copy into my "Encyclopedia." Our Latin is also very interesting. It is a little hard to get started with a new teacher and new author, but not very hard. I like Miss Goodwin, too. Prof. Braverley, our mathematics teacher, is nice. She is splendid in mathematics. We are studying Progression now. We take [Livy], in Latin. Miss Goodwin has told15 us and made us find out a great many things about [Livy]. But not only are we getting started in our studies, but we are getting the rules and regulations into our brains. And I will here say that they're not at all burdensome. Yes, I like here very much. I had a letter from mother yesterday. She thinks of sending on to me a large easy chair, if I wish. And father wants me to tell if I am homesick and not keep it to myself as Harry did. But I am not at all homesick. Yesterday was rainy at intervals and cloudy all day I only took 3/4 hour exercise. Wrote to mother in the evening. Today commenced cloudy, but cleared off beautiful, but rather warm. Miss Wheeler and I went to walk around the lake. Saw [Cora] and Miss Buckland out in a boat. They invited us to go out too. So we had a row, and a pleasant time. Well, I ought to be studying. It is study hour.16 Thursday, Sept. 26th 1878. Rainy-day Exercise, News of Class-mates, and Good Advice from a Brother and Old Student. Today, the sun rose in a cloud. But it shone out brightly after a while, and when Hattie and I came from Physical Geography we took a half-hours walk. This afternoon it begain to rain and drizzled all day long. But, as we are required to take [Thorer's] exercises, rain or shine, out of doors, each day, I thought I'd brave it. So I put on my sack, took my umbrella and started with Miss Wheeler, who, however, soon came in, as she had a sore throat. I met Misses Shailer, [Nickerson] and Buckland, so walked around the Lake with them. Was gone about an hour. Thought today's exercise in the rain ought to make up for one rainy afternoon when I left 15 minute's of my time "un-walked." At dinner, it was announced that Dr. Webster requested the young ladies not to go out any more, which excused them from their walk. Oh, Miss Goodwin is splendid17 in Latin! She makes everything so clear and interesting. This evening I went up into Hattie's room. We only have 1 hour's study hour after our 3 o'clock dinner. Today I had a latter from Miss Clifton and Harry. Miss Clifton says [Clapp] is at the [Normal]. So that's 4 of our class of 7 there - Clapp, Helen, Alice and Isabelle. And Powers wants to go, too. I wish he could. He is so smart and persevearing! Farrell, I suppose is at Tufts. And here am I. Four weeks ago tomorrow night we were all together with Mr. [Pulsifer] and Miss Clifton. In a little less than year, we will be together once more, at our next class meeting. Oh may we all be there! And Harry, the dear boy! It is his first letter since I left. When mother was on this summer, he had her get me a silver napkin-ring in Chicago. It was a beautiful one, all frost-work covered with stars and with a wreath surroundeding my name. Aunt Sarah's choice, and18 she said she hoped the stars would be "emblematic of my Vassar Course." I told Harry, and he writes - "I hope the stars will be emblematic of your course through life and remember, your course after school-days is of, at least, as much importance as that in school. "So be careful and don't injure yourself trying to be the best scholar in your class; better be moderate in your ambition and you will do better in a long run. "I suppose mother has told you about examinations. If not I would say, don't cram too much and never worry at all. "Try and cultivate just enough 'don't care' to make your mind easy and go in to do the best you can: if you are beaten, say 'never mind, we will see about it next time!'" Friday, Sept. 27th 1878 The Close of First Week of Work. A beautiful day today after the storm of yesterday. I sent Harry's letter home to be read and today have written to [Gertie].19 I have gotten rather mixed up and I hardly know who I've written to and who I have not. I must write a lot tomorrow and more tonight if I have time. [Gorgie] Morrill was in here this evening. I think she's so nice. Study hour isn't in force Friday nights, and "Light's out" bell doesn't strike till 10 P.M. Last night when I was in Hattie's room, somebody came to get subscribers for the College Paper, edited by the students. Of course I ought to patronize our Vassar Paper so I subscribed. $1.50 per year. It was quite cool out today. I took 20 min walk with Miss Wheeler this morning and Hattie and I walked 40 min. just before lunch. Today we had to get our trunks ready so they could be taken away by tomorrow morning. If there were two in my room, I don't know what I should with all my things. My first week of work is out this night. Yes, I like here. I think I have well chosen. The teachers are real nice. They all give splendid explanations of every point.20 There [sic] work is thorough and critical. I enjoy my studies. They give us for the first, short lessons, that we may become accustomed to their ways and they to ours. Oh, how thankful should we all be, that it has been our lot to come into this school and, be brought under teachers who will take such pains with us and bring us to a true idea of knowledge and its use. Yes, my first week at Vassar has been a happy one. Long, long will I remember it, as the beginning of 4 times 40 weeks, I hope, as happy as this and as useful in forming the tastes and foundation of my life. Two young ladies were just in to look at the room. They had it last year and wanted to see it again. They said it really made them home-sick to look in. I remarked to Miss Wheeler, that next year we should be doing the same. But I like the first floor. And mother was glad I was here, and for all I know I may be here again next year.21 Saturday, Sept. 28th 1878. Changes. Well, quite a lot of changes have taken place today. Early this morning Miss [Tappan] informed us that she was going to move. So she did, taking her drop light, table-cloth and little rocking-chair. Well I wrote a long list of wants to mother this forenoon, fixings for both rooms. Misses Morrill, Buckland, Wheeler and myself took an hour's walk and picked some real pretty grasses and asparagus, which I fixed over my glass, making it look very pretty. At noon I received a letter from home saying that they would send on to me our big stuffed rocking-chair. And for me to send word what else I wanted with it. I was very much elated. Presently, Jessie's mother came, bringing two chairs for her, a little, comfortable rocking chair and a camp chair. Jessie said she would get a cover for the table if I would get the drop light. I shall get it as soon as possible for22 I can't stand this flickering light. Jessie went up town with her mother and came back this evening bringing some brown diagonal flannel for this table. Her mother commenced to emroider the edge. Jessie is going to finish it. Mother sent me a picture of myself. I exchanged with Miss [Cliven]. She is rather a queer girl, but I like her pretty well. She is from Missouri. Has a brother in the West Point Academy. He had the name of being the handsomest boy in the company, so somebody told her. She stopped to see him on the way, and the cadets have sent her 6 brass buttons. Hattie has been in this evening, and [Cora] and Miss Buckland. Also Miss Miller, our corridor teacher. When I get my things, our rooms will look real pretty. Jessie's chairs and table cover already gibe it another aspect. Their seats at table tonight were assigned tonight. Jessie and I are on the 4th table down the centre. The seniors have the 1st three. Tomorrow, also, we have a Bible Class.23 Sunday, Sept 29th 1878 Daisy. This is my second Sunday. We met in Bible classes just after Silent Time this morning and had our lessons assigned for next Sunday. Had church at 11. I have a bad cold and am not feeling very well, and Dr. Caldwell couldn't hold my attention, perhaps somewhat on that account Mrs. Wheeler has been here most all day. I wrote to Mr. [Baules] and Harry (and began a letter home today[)]. Miss BUckland is a great admirer of the daisy. As I don't like them very well, I have made fun a little over her enthusiasm on the subject. Today when I was out walking with Miss Morrill, I espied some, yellow with a brown centre. I picked them and begged a white one from Jessie's bouquet and pined [sic] to them a paper saying "Miss Buckland. With the compliments of Anne [G.] [Panthrouth]." They go to lunch during the first half24 hour, we during the second. So at their lunch time, I went up. The door was half-way open. I knocked, and, receiving no reply, went in and deposited my offering on the table. Tonight Jessie and I went up to call and go to chapel with them. Miss Buckland thanked me for them and said they were very pretty. I called her Daisy and Miss Nickerson and I concluded to give her the name. So Daisy she shall be to me hereafter. I like her ever so much. Monday, Sept. 30th 1878 A Bad Beginning. I went to Mrs. [Ray's] office this noon to get permission to go to town to purchase a drop light. After my lessons were over I went. I had quite a number of little errands that I didn't have time for. But I procured my drop light and fixings for $7.00 and brought it home in triumph and set it up, and lit it this evening. But I have to wash the chimney and shade before it25 will look very nice. But it is a great addition to the room, and the light doesn't hurt my eyes. Miss Gross and Miss Warren and their room-mate were in here tonight. Miss Nickerson may be in to see our table-cloth. The other night there was a committee appointed to draw up resolutions concerning the death of Pres. Raymond. Tonight a meeting was called to pass them. They are to be published in the next College paper. There was a corridor meeting tonight and we had to report about taking exercise, baths, and attending chapel. I had to report deficient on acc't of 15 min. exercise the first rainy day. Not a very good beginning. I shan't have to report it again however unless I am sick. Wednesday, Oct 2nd '78. The Japanese. Had a letter from Miss Kimball today, and wrote to Lucy. I have been longing to get acquanted with the Japanese girls, and have never26 before had a chance. But yesterday, [Cora], Daisy, and I were out for an hour's walk, when they came along. So we went along together and picked autumn leaves. We had a very pleasant walk, and when we came back, they came into my room just to look at it. Again today, Jessie and I walked with them around the Lake, and Jessie and Miss Nagai (the smaller one, the princess, so I hear) got interested in stamps. So Jessie and I went up this evening, Jessie taking her stamp [sic], I, my autograph album. Miss Yamakawa had an engagement and was out, but we three spent a very pleasant evening. Miss nagai has a very nice collection of autographs. Many authors, states-men, etc. And a lot of nice photographs, too. And she showed us some Japanese books. Miss Nagai takes only Music, as her eyes trouble her so she can't read and write much. Miss Yamakawa is almost full freshman. I like them both. It amused me to hear Miss Nagai say "and those are Japs" when she came to27 some Japanese in her album. She was 10 when she came here. I believe she has been here 7 yrs. She has one brother being educated in France. All her brothers and sisters are being educated somewhere, in Japan or a foreign country. Friday, Oct. 4th 1878. Another Friday - Apples. Another Friday night here! How quickly the week has passed. And last week went so slowly. I am getting on well in my studies. Like my teachers as much as ever. Miss Goodwin is splendid! She explains everything all out so nicely, defining every little point. She helps us to a tanslation so smooth and at the same time departing in nothing from the translation. And the clearness of Prof. Braislin's explanations! And the interesting things in Physical Geography. Oh, I enjoy things here. I had a letter from Mother today and she is going to send me a big chair28 and some other things. She wrote Thursday, and was going to pack the things that afternoon. I may get them tomorrow. Hattie Raynolds and I were out the other day and we managed to find our way into a yellow barn right near here where we could get weighed. I weighed 99 lbs., which is 4 more than I have weighhed all summer at home, or, indeed ever. 95 was my weight the day all my classmates were down to see me. We were all weighed in the Mill. Yesterday Miss Morrill and I went out to walk. Went into the orchard to find some apples to eat. The girls can all help themselves. But the apples are the littlest specks of things, and hard and dry. Once in a great while you can find a decent one. I wouldn't eat them at home, or, indeed anywhere else, and I don't exactly know why I do here. It isn't because I don't have fruit, for I have grapes at the table, all I want, every day. But we don't have many apples. But I'd much rather have grapes than apples. I suppose the charm29 lies in the fact that it's altogether novel to go out under the trees and have to make a thorough search to get good ones, and also to the fact that I haven't any apple-barrell to go to and find full of great nice apples. Yet I don't care for apples enough to purchase them. [Cora] and Daisy were out in a boat yesterday when we came from the orchard to walk around the lake, and took us out in the boat too. Tonight I have been up to [Cora's] room, and to the Library to read up on Volcanoes for Monday's Physical Geography, and I have been writing home. For a day or so I have been looking over a book entitled "The American Girl and her Four Years in a Boy's College." There are a great many nice things in it, and I am going to read it carefully. In the last part, however, the College part is almost swallowed up in the love story. Saturday, Oct. 5th 1878 Small Number of Pupils. There has been a great stir and hubbub30 here all the morning. Folks are moving. Hattie has moved into the next room to where she was. Miss Morrill has moved next room to us with Miss [M-] Fadden. Everybody has moved out of the 1st North Corridor, a great number coming onto our corridor. The College is very small this year. Some of the classes [above] have left on account of sickness. A great many from the South have not come this year. Then it is hard times. The Freshman class only numbers about 20, but I know lots that are part Freshman and are intendting to be Sophomores next year. I wrote to the home folks last night and today to Mr. [Pulsifer]. Miss Kimball and Harry. [Cora], Daisy, Abbie, and Gorgie went off of the grounds after cat-o'-nine tails ("cat-tails" Daisy calls them), and they brought some for our parlor and some [clematis]. There is a queer somebody that has conducted the Chapel services for two nights. I don't know whether or not he's a teacher.31 I wonder if he will conduct tomorrow's services. Monday, Oct 7th 1878. Bible Class - Box from Home. Yesterday Morning just after Silent Time the Bible classes recited. Our lesson was Luke XIII.22,30. Miss Avery is our teacher. She believed that none would be cast out and that the same feeling that made the weeping and gnashing of teeth, casused them to feel themselves thrust out. She believed that if anyone truly desired to come they could. She didn't ask me any questions, and my faith is in no respect altered. After Bible class, Miss Nickerson and I went to walk. Miss Nickerson came in here and we had some little discussion on religious subjects - the Bible, Darwin, etc. Miss Nickerson belives Genesis nothing more less than a mythology. I believe ditto as to that. After that there was a service. A great many went to Poughkeepsie to church. They are at libarty to do so once in a certain32 time. I don't know how long. Prof. Backus preached. I liked the sermon very well. After lunch [Cora] and I went out for a walk. It sprinkled all the while I was gone. I felt sick to my stomach after I came in and laid on my bed and read Lord Lytton's "Coming Race" all the afternoon. Ate a light supper and felt better. Today had a letter from Belle. Just charactersitic of her, the dear girl. Today expected a stuffed chair and some other things from home. Abbie, [Cora], Daisy, Gorgie and I went out to walk. Hunted for chestnuts. I got one, the rest more. Found an apple tree with quite large, soft apples, but sour. Brought home my pockets full. On entering behold! and rejoice! my chair had come. There it was, large as life, and oh! a perfect luxury for Vassar. Two other bundles. They had all come together in a sort of crate and had created quite a sensation. The janitor had gotten them out for me. I unpacked my bundles. Just what I had sent for. Clothing, water-proof, comforter, pictures, etc. Hallelujah! How I flew round. Between33 dinner and chapel I invited Misses Nagai and Yamakawa to come in and partake of my apples. The Lady Principal conducted chapel exercises tonight. As Jessie and I sat at Algebra, differentiating, this evening, study hours, there was a fumbling and a knock at our door. "Come." But instead we heard Gorgie's door shut. She had poked a note beneath the door, as it is against rules to go to each other's rooms in study hours, asking me to come over about Livy after 8, the end of study hours. I poked my acceptance under her door, and at 8, went. Miss Peck was in, and Daisy a minute. Miss Peck and Jessie are comical and always joking each other. Miss Peck brought Jessie into Gorgie's room in her arms and was scolding her because she didn't eat more. After it Jessie went and hung a comic pen drawing representing her on her door. Well, its nearly bed time and I must close. Tuesday, Oct 8th 1878 A New Parlor-Mate.34 Today, as I sat here with Gorgie, there was a knock. "Come." And two young ladies entered. One, Miss Irving, was to have our inner single room. She has moved in. She seems quite nice. I guess she is [Prep.] entirely. Tonight Gorgie and I called on the Japs for about 15 min. I have begun to study Ancient History by myself. I want to get full Fresh. as soon as possible. Miss Miller, our former corridor-teacher has gone to the 4th floor. Miss Hubbard is now our corridor-teacher. Had a letter from mother today. Wednesday, Oct. 9th '78 Summoned to the Lady Principal. Today Hattie Reynolds came in before study hour was out. That's against rules; but rules don't seem to be very severe in that respect. While she was here one of the messenger girls came to say that the Lady Principal wished to see me between 12 and 12.30 at her office. I couldn't imagine what was35 up, but travelled up there as desired. It was on account of the quarter of an hour's exercise I didn't take one rainy day. I ought to have gone to Dr. Webster to get exercised. But she (or rather her ass't. She was not there) exercised me that time. My first summons to the Lady Principal. Today has been rather half-cloudy. It sprinkled a little while we girls ([Cora], Daisy, Abbie, Jessie, Gorgie, and I) were out for our exercise, picking up chestnuts under the tree. I found 10 and felt quite proud of my treasures. Well, I must go to bed. By the way, Jessie and I were up for about 5 min. in the Japs' room. Miss Nagai was not in. I got my album. They have both written in it. Thursday, Oct 10th 1878. Cider. Today Abbie got permission of the Lady Principal for [Viva], Cora, and herself, Gorgie, Jessie, and I to go to a cider-mill some ways from here. We started after our day's lessons were over. Abbie36 took a pail that she got from one of the College servants. Gorgie and Jessie took their water-pitchers, nicely cleansed. But there were so crackled that they looked dirty. I took my silver mug to drink out of. Gorgie took a bag to put apples in if we found any stray ones. We didn't fill it, though some of the girls got 2 or 3. We found the cider-mill with little difficulty, and having reached it, stood like fools gazing upon the men there, and never uttered a word for several minutes. At last, however, we plucked up courage, or rather came to our senses, and asked about the cider. We bought a gallon for 15 cents. The cider-mill was back of a house, and we stopped by the road front of the house and drank cider all around. Then the procession moved. Everybody on the road to and from seemed very much pleased at something, and all knew who we were, of course, and where we'd been. We were rather tired37 before we reached home; but Gorgie, Jessie, and Cora stopped under the chestnut tree, and also to buy candy and peanuts of the man that stands in the road between the College and Lake with a bucket of such things to sell. We had a good time out of it and got back just a few minutes before dinner. The cider was new and sweet, but tasted a little of the barrell. Altogether it was very good. I was summoned to Miss Morse today. She wanted to talk to me about my lessons. She game me permission to study my Ancient History by myself. I had been doing so and it was against the rules, but I didn't know it. I have to have a composition the last Saturday of this month about what I have done in essay writing. It is to be in the form of a letter. I am glad that we are to begin essay writing.38 Saturday Oct. 12th 78. Chestnuts. This morning we girls, all but Gorgie who had to go up town this afternoon and couldn't spend too much time, went "chestnutting." The other day we found lots of chestnuts, and we thought that by going early in the morning we might get quite a lot. We went to the chestnut-tree, but there were but few on the ground, there having been but little frost and no wind. But we found a few and knocked off a few. Then Prof. Backus' son and some more boys cane and began to climb and shake the trees. Cora and Jessie picked up 3 I believe (we were just going and it was as they passed along) and Prof. Backus' son says, "Won't you please leave those chestnuts alone." From there we went to the Glen and found a few. But altogether our chestnutting was a failure. Today I have been to room J. (Student's Parlor) to see them dance. They dance39 every night between dinner and Chapel. All the evening I have been up in Cora's room reading "Phillis" with her. Sunday, Oct. 13th 1878. An Unprofitable Sunday. Cora and I have read "Phillis" nearly all day. It has turned into a hot love-story and I wish I had never begun it. But now I shall finish it. This evening I finished letters to Harry and Mother and wrote to Helen and [Al.] and to [Deb.] Nothing special has happened today. Cora and I walked up to Sunset Hill. A person from N.Y. City, an editor, preached today. Part of his sermon I liked. Part I didn't. Didn't learn anything in the Bible class. Indeed, have read all day and that's all it amounted to. So now I'll go to bed and see if I can't spend my next Sunday more profitably. Wednesday, Oct. 16th '78 Bowling Alley and Caramels. Today when we went to talk we went40 into the Bowling Alley for a part of our exercise. I was in there, just to look around a minute, the other day and that was the first time I was ever in one. I think it is nice fun. I knocked down 8 pins. The Alley is not in the main College building, but in the same one that the Gymnasium and Museum, etc. is in. Miss Irving was telling us the other day that the girls got chocolate and vanilla caramels, splendid ones, of the college store, by going round between the College and Laundry and hailing a servant and asking her to get them. I wanted some (I have not spent but 10 cents for edibles of any kind since I came), so yesterday when Gorgie and I went to walk we hung round there in vain. No servant was visible. So we gave it up. Today Miss Irving and I tried with no better success. But she promised to go again when she went to walk and that time was successful.41 They were splendid. I don't know whether or not its against the rules to get them so. I didn't know the College store kept anything of that sort before. It says in the Students Manual, our code of laws, that if we wish to purchase of the College store, we must enclose in a written order money to purchase and give it to the Corridor teacher at breakfast, who, if she approves the purchase, will forward the order. "Direct traffic is forbidden except to Seniors." But surely that's not direct traffic. Thursday, Oct. 17th 1878. Chestnutting Again. Today there has been a high wind all day long. We girls went to the chestnut tree for our walk. Miss Peck was there, down the bank almost into the mud, grubbing away for chestnuts. She got a hundred or more. When we came, she went in and left the place for us. I got 45, and I guess the other girls got as many, if42 not more. It must have been fun to have seen us girls grubbing away among the briars and bushes, our sticks in our hands to poke up the dead leaves, our hats off and hair flying. "If we had to do this we'd think it awful," said Abbie. Just [as] Jessie wished she had gone. She scarcely ever goes with us, because her foot hurts her and she takes only half an hour's exercise. Saturday, Oct. 19th 1878. Almost homesick - Waxing Leaves. Yesterday it rained all day long. Also all night; and today has been a dull dreary sort of a day. We girls went chestnutting. I got about 100, Gorgie 130, Cora 80. Abbie and Daisy got disgusted and left us. Most of them we got in the ploughed ground. When we got to our old stand-by of a tree, they had nearly all been picked up. Today has come the nearest to my being homesick. I have felt out of sorts all the afternoon and might me [sic] homesick if I wanted to, as easily as not. Today when we girls43 were out we picked some lovely autumn leaves - pink and blue. I never saw any like them before. I wanted to wax them on the branch. So I succeeded in getting some wax from Miss Irving, and Miss McFadden borrowed a gas-iron for me. I waxed my leaves, but fear that most of them will turn brown. The pretty pink and blue ones are rather too pulpy to wax well. Thursday, Oct. 24th 1878 Peppered Rolls and Table Fun This morning we had graham rolls for breakfast. Miss Miller, who presides at our table came in late, as she often does. So Misses [Wygant] and [Hulbeet] in a moment of fun, carefully placed two rolls beneath the castor, the standard of which is hollow, intending to have them for lunch instead of common bread. Lunch time came, behold the young ladies on hand for their rolls. But woe unto them! Someone had discovered their hidden store and carefully peppered their two treasures. Oh,44 it was a good joke. There was much meditation as to who the perpetrator of the deed could be; but we did not discover her. Lunch today, indeed was a trying time for Miss Hygant. Besides being disappointed in regard to her roll, they allowed us no forks to eat our sliced [beet], and she was compelled to use her spoon. We often have quite jolly times at table, especially when Miss Miller is late and at lunch, when there is no teacher at any of the tables. And Miss [Loder], who sits next me is always doing things that make me laugh, especially if I glance up across the table at Miss Wygant. Soemtimes Miss Loder gets 3 or 4 glasses of water by her plate, or tries to pass them to me when everybody at our end of the table is supplied. Then one day she calmly set two dishes of succotash by her plate and didn't notice it till Lily Peck spoke of it. One day she passed me the bread. Now there is a plate of bread at our end of the table,45 and she didn't think of that till just as I reached out my hand to take a slice of what she was passing, when it suddenly occurred to her and she snatched the plate away as quickly, saying, "Oh, you have some there;" and turned to talk with Miss Darling. I caught Grace Hygant's eye and we had all we could do to keep on a straight face. Lily Peck sometimes creates a sensation, too. She is very funny. One noon she made a face of an oyster cracker at table. And Grace Hygant and Hattie Hubbert are always disagreeing as to who shall wait, when there's not enough of anything in the first dish. They are the last ones helped. And oh, what funny times it makes. We sit at the 4th table down the center. The seniors occupy the first three. Gorgie sits at the next table, which has a funny servant. Some days when there's only 1 or 2 left at table she will begin to clear it away. One day the girls sat a long time just to plague her, and sent46 her out after the gingersnaps again, when she carried them away. She brought more and says "It's all there is." But most of the girls are very obliging. But I must close now. Tuesday, Oct. 29th 1878. Sad Separations. Lots of the seats were changed at table tonight. Jessie, Ella Irving and I go to Miss Parmer's table, where Cora and those girls are. That would be nice, but I don't like very well those opposite me at table. We had a lingering parting at our table at lunch, and I bade Hattie Hubbert and Grace Hygant a sad farewell. But the unkindest separation of all was that from dear Loder. How fondly I remember her remarks so volatile, Mr. Copperfield! last Sunday. "Miss [Southworth], please pass the staff of life," and "Grace, this is fearfully and wonderfully made," are the only specimens of her bright and shining wit. Alas! that no more I shall hear it. It was announced at dinner that a gold47 watch had been lost on the grounds. Wednesday, Oct 30th '78 Drawing Lessons. Have drawning lessons now every Wednesday. It rained last Wednesday and today; but cleared off today before the lesson. We have to go to the Lyceum, which is in the same building that the Gym is in. We draw from objects. A cube is what we are now drawing. Have had it in the two different positions. I did a great deal better on the second that [sic] the first and feel quite elated. Our drawing master is a German and talks quite queerly. But I like him. He says very funny things. Last week he was trying to make us understand something and he said. "Is there anyone that don't understand that? If there is I will make them understand it. In a gentle way of course." His name is [San] Ingen. I had a letter from Helen and Alice toady, a nice long letter.48 Thursday, Oct. 31st 1878 Hallow E'en. Tonight as we came out of chapel there was a little extra stir and bustle. And I heard someone say Hallow e'en. There I knew what it was. They say that there is more cutting up Hallow e'en than any other night in the year; everybody is up to something and every teacher is on the watch. Tonight the seniors have a time. Gorgie came to me with the singular request to borrow my red flannel petticoat. For the Seniors. Just after Friday Nov. 1st 1878 I will begin right when I left off about Hallow e'en. Just after Study Hours, Ella and I sat alone here and we heard a great tramping in the corridor. We rushed out. Behold a motley array of beings, rushing down the stairs and out of the door. All had on as much red as possible, and I recognized one clad in my red skirt and Gorgie's red49 sack. It was Ella Moore, one of the smartest Seniors. Well, after they had all gone, we went back to our room and were dying for something exciting to do, and wondering what the Seniors were up to. Jessie came in. We burst two paper bags in the corridor and exhausted all our hopes of excitement. Miss Levick came in. She and some others were going to stay down in room 13 all night and have fun. It is against rules to stay all night in any room but your own; but some girls do stay our quite often. There was an air of mistery [sic] and fun all over the College. Miss Levick brought us two bags, but they would not blow up good. Jessie pasted up two beautiful ones with [mucilage]. Just after the bell for Silent Time struck the Seniors came trooping in and paraded all around the first, second, and third corridors south. We waited till the fun seemed to be over and came in. Sometime after the lights in corridor were out we burst one bag. Then an-50 -other. It could be heard all over the corridor, like a shot. Miss Hubbard, our corridor teacher kept her light burning all night. Levick said if it hadn't been for that, she would have come down and pelted Ella with chestnuts over her window. I suspect there were many tricks played and things done that no one but those concerned knew about. I went to walk with Miss Nagai today. She said that some of them make molasses candy over a gas stove. They had permission. Had letter from Mother, Harry, and Miss Clifton today. Sunday Oct. 3rd 1878. Greek. I have got lots to say, and first of all I will tell about my Greek. The first time I was summoned to Miss Morse, she said something about my not being up to the Fresh. class in Greek. I knew that I had passed my Greek, and that I had Pres. Raymond's certificate for it, so I sent home51 for it. When it came, I took it to Miss Morse. She said that she would look up the mistake. In a few days more she summoned me and told me thtat I had passed my Greek, and so dismissed me from Phys. Geog and let me go into Herodotus. It is what is called Senior Greek. Prof. Hinkle teaches it. He is a German. At first I couldn't understand half he said, but can do better now. Miss Gross and I, [Preps], Miss Abbott, a Special, and one other is in it besides some of the Seniors. Prof. Hinkle talks most all the time during the recitation. Nevertheless one can't get a perfect lesson to him, any more than to Miss Goodwin. Now I will tell about Chapter Alpha. The [Philalethian] is the Collegiate literary society. It is divided into Chapters. Chapter Alpha is the first one that has had an entertainment. I rec'd an invitation by the luckiest chance. Ella Moore invited Gorgie Morrill. I was in there when52 Miss Moore came for Gorgie and she said there was an extra invitation that I could use. So I went is high glee, although I almost felt as if I ought to stay at home and write on my composition. The entertainment was real nice. They had a poem and a story and a play, "My Uncle's Will," and two songs and a class in fanning. The last was best. The girls were all dressed in pretty evening costumes and had bright colored fans in their hands and small fans on their heads. The teacher represent a French gentleman, and in manners and accent, did her part to perfection. Last night the Exoterie had one of their entertainments. The Exoterie is the Prep. Literary society. It has entertainments once a fortnight. I never went to one before. The two nicest things were "Essence of Opera", and a Tableau. In the former Miss Parry as53 a lady and Miss [Rollinson] as a gentle man took the principal parts. There was an Opera box rigged up, and two ladies in it, who threw Miss Parry a ridiculous bouquet. They did their parts beautifully and took on exactly as they do at Operas, so those who have been to Operas, say. It was very cute. The tableau was 4 pictures. Just the frames with girls heads behind. The girls looked beautifully and looked just like picutres. I enjoyed it very much. Yesterday Ella, Jessie, and I went over to the Old Grave-Yard. It is on the College grounds but is out of limits. That is, we oughtn't to go there without permission. But we didn't know it. Gorgie and I payed it a flying visit one day. Yesterday we wanted to copy down the curious epitaphs. As we had no paper, I wrote them on my white skirt. I think I will here record them. The one most worthy of note is the fol-54 -lowing: "In memory of John A Low, who died Apr. 16, 1828, aged 48 yrs. 10da. "Remember me as you pass by; As you are now, so once was I; As I am now so will you be; Prepare for death and follow me." Beneath can be faintly discerned pencil writing, which we with difficulty made out to be the following: "To follow you I am not content, Until I know which way you went." Grace Hygant said that, when that was written, one of the Profs. discovered it, and the young ladies were rebuked in chapel and the one who did it advised to go with a wet sponge and efface it. Accordingly she went with a sponge, but did not entirely efface it, it seems. The others were not so remarkable; but I copy down all that have epitaphs. "In Memory of Michael Palmer, who died Dec. 9. 1809, aged 50 yrs. 8 mos." The epitaph as from the Bible, Timothy 4 chapter, 15 verse. Another was John Albert, son of Albert55 and Jane Gregory of [Warwaling], Ulster Co. Died Feb 14, 1846, aged 16 yrs, 3 mos. 12 da. "So fades the lovely, blooming flower, Frail, smiling solace of an hour. So soon our transient comforts fly, And pleasures only bloom to die." Another, "Died 14 1828. John Jacob, son of John A. Low, aged 2 yrs. Weep not o'er the [tones] of infancy Flowers of sweetest bloom must pass away" That's what I thought ought to be put on my stone. Jessie was going to engrave it for me. "In Memory of Jane L. Gregory, who died Feb. 5. 1824, aged 44 yrs. 'In the midst of life we are in death'" "In Memory of Eunice Low, who died Nov. 16. 1842, aged 59 yrs. 9 mos. 9 da. Weep not for me." The grave yard is a curious place, not much larger than this room, containing 2 or 3 apple-trees and over-grown with briars. Some of the stones are [overthrown] or out of place. When we left the grave-yard and we went56 to one of the farm houses a little beyond, for some water. Not because we wanted any, but because Ella and Jessie had a curious desire to see. They were cleaning house, and had lots of stuff out of doors; but handed us a pitcher and glass for water out of a crack in the door. It didn't look nice, so we made believe drink and Ella stood behind us and poured part of the water out. My Composition. I ought to have had a composition a week ago last Sat.; but I misunderstood Miss [Hoode], our teacher, and thought she wanted us to write about "What I have done in Essay Writing." Finding myself mistaken after I had the first draft all done, I went to her. She told me to write a short business letter to her on that subject, and write a composition on something. I'd seen or heard or read or done and hand it in a week later. Now, I've never seen anything I could write nicely about. I've never57 done anything that I could write nicely about. I never read anything that I could write nicely about, except our "Mutual Friend." I began on that. A hopeless task! What should I do I never had such a time writing a composition before. In chapel, last Sunday night, I glared the sunject in the face. At last, almost in despair, I came to a grim resolution. To write out a thing that had really happened to some of my relations. I had written it before, in connection with some other things, for a composition. But that copy of it was at home, so I wrote it all out, in a much more extended form. I hope she will like it. I handed it in the last thing last night. I had to hurry to finish it on account of the [Exoteric] and the Phil. (Short for Philalethian). Firday, Nov. 8th 1878. Miscellaneous. I haven't written any for quite a while58 and I have quite a lot to say if I can think of it all. We had the first snow storm of the year last Wed. the 27th. Miss [Varnes] truly remarked that the fates were against our learning to draw; for we have taken lessons only three weeks, and the first two it rained and this week it snowed. Notwithstanding the adversity of the fates, we have made considerable progress. I can make quite a cube, and next week we begin on curved lines. We have to draw everything from "nature". The lake is being drained. I walked half-way around it Wednesday after the storm cleared away, and there was only a small pond in the very deepest part and a few little brooks running in the bed. The bottom is very dirty, and looks muddy, and I am glad it is to be cleared out. The weather has become real cold and winter sacks and mittens are coming out. My hands are chapping and they never did before. [I] [lie] very hateful. We girls have great times about air. I will keep the windows of the parlor down a little59 at the top all the time and give the parlor a regular airing-out while we are to breakfast. But Ella and Jessie would starve for air. Have had two or three letters from home this week. Mother sends money in every letter, either bills or [scrip]. The "Vassar Miscellany" has come. Its first number was published in Nov., because they made some alterations in its form, size, etc. It is published once a month in the form of a magazine and is real nice. It costs $1.50 per year. I have come upon an old friend. His name is "Office Pencil." Now "Pencil" is my hobby. I want one not too hard, and not too soft, and not too large, and not too small, etc. I had some time ago decided upon "Office Pencil" as the best of the whole family of Pencils. But alas! I lost all traces of my beloved "Office Pencil" and could find him no more, although I inquired after him of every [drimmer] who had any acquaintance with the "pencil family." So I was compelled to make the acquaintance of other60 "Pencils," but I had never found one that could equal "Office". But the other day in Greek class, I happened to glance at Miss Merrick, as she was writing, and I saw something that looked strangely familiar. In looking closer I beheld "Office Pencil." Oh, their [sic] did I rejoice, and such to the Office in the College, and there found that "Office Pencil" could be at any time obtained. Such is the thrilling tale. Tonight after Chapel, Miss [Turner], Miss Wheeler, and I went into Gorgie's to study Livy. We stayed about an hour and didn't translate a word of Livy. We got to talking about Wellesley and Vassar and their [sic] about ourselves, our folks, our circumstance and all feel the need of being economical. But I guess I am rather best off of them all. For Miss Wheeler and Miss Turner may not be able to come more than a year. Gorgie can come as long as her father has a parish, probably. But she feels as if her sister [Lulie] has more of a right to go than she, for she is a61 better scholar. And she feels as if they were making sacrifices for her at home. But I think that nothing can happen to keep me from my course here. I am sure I am very, very fortunate. But I think a little space here is due to an account of our First Spread. Not a very wonderful affair, indeed. Merely a little social time between our parlor, Gorgie and the Japs. You Jessie thought it would be nice to get some Apples and have them to eat in the evening among a few. So she bought [these] at Flegner's farm-house and borrowed some plates. Then she bought some pea-nuts of the candy-man and arranged them very prettily on a box-cover, covered with a napkin. Among the parlor and Gorgie, we made out enough napkins and knives. The Japs came at 8.15 P.M. Gorgie, as soon as she got [threw] practicing and we ate apples and peanuts all the evening. Toward nine o'clock, Gorgie went62 home and brought in some ginger-bread and sugar-cakes she had sent from home in a box with other things. We all had a pleasant time chatting, until the bell for Silent Time struck. Miss [Stematz] told us a comical experience about breaking Silent Time and the lecture it called forth from Miss Hackell, their Corridor teacher. Miss Hackell is real strict. Miss Hubbard isn't. We have btter times and make at least as much noise during Silent Time than any other portion of the day. Well, I must close now. It is almost Silent Time. Tuesday, Nov. 12th 1878. Gym Suits. Yesterday Jessie, Misses Nagai and Yamakawa and I went to walk together and went to Mrs. Wheeler's to see about Gym suits. We were consulted about them last week; but I wanted to write home first about it. The best ones cost $0.50. Mother says it isn't cheap; but not very high; and I had better have mine made here, and63 it would be right. Mine is to be gray with a darker gray trimming. They are uniforms, but differently trimmed. The skirts are quite full and the waists sailor with sailor collar. If I wear this out I shall have another made prettier at home. These are homely. The girls wear them from morning till right after exercise and then change them for dinner. Sunset Hill in a Cloudy Day. Today I started out to walk alone and went up Sunset Hill. There I came back to the College and met Miss Yamakawa and we went up together. The day had been dark and cloudy; but the scene was beautiful. Sunset Hill lies to the south-east of the College Buildings and is ascended by pretty gravelled paths. I went up on the north side and paused to look at the scenery. The College lay clustered among the evergreens, the only things looking like life. An undulating country was streting away on all sides, dotted here and there with houses and clusters of trees64 with bare branches on with foliage of a dull red. The hills, enclosing the whole were of a deep, deep purple hue, while in one place were dimly seen the out-line of light blue hills, far away. The sky was lovely, and I believe sky scenery is my favorite. The clouds were in piles on layers one above another and were of all shades of blue and drab, the colors blending most harmoniously and fading into one another. On the south side of the hill the stretch of country is not so extensive, but no less picturesque. I particularly noted one strip of land that was of a bright emerald green, in strong contrast to the faded brown of the rest of the scene. The hills enclosing the scene on this side were of a dark indigo blue and very beautiful. Here the sky showed patches of blue beneath the fleecy white clouds, and the whole was dotted with small clouds of a particular reddish purple hue. The whole was charming; but its chief beauty today consisted on the rich tints of the hills and clouds. Before Miss [Stematz] and I came in the whole western sky was65 ablaze with golden light, as if a great fire was burning behind the clouds. Friday, Nov. 15th 1878 Pass-ery. I had to go to the Dr. and to Miss Woods yesterday between dinner and Chapel. Miss Woods criticized my composition. Said it was very nice, that the two scenes were very well carried out, etc.; but that I was rather long in getting to the main thing, and that my description was too much like the old style of writing, and was not sprightly, as I would talk. There are three Gym classes, the strong, middle and weak. Dr. Webster asked in which she had better put me. I said the strong. She thought I did not look hardly strong enough for it, but let me go into it if I would promise to tell her if it was too hard for me. I must tell a good thing that happened about [Pass.] Miss E.J. Wheeler and Miss Turner decided to go down town together this66 afternoon and to go and hurry right back, They hadn't told any one that they were going; but Kitty Angel, Miss Wheeler's roommate, overheard them say they were going. Not long after, [Pass] came into their parlor and wanted to know if any of them were going down town. All said no, but Kitty thoughtlessly said Miss Wheeler was. Then Miss W. came in, and Miss Pass asked her if she might go with her. Now, probably Pass only wanted to have some one show the way around, and the girls were to be in a hurry, and Pass isn't a universal favorite. So Miss W. said she wasn't going. Sat. but Fri. "Well," said Miss P. "I can go just as well Fri., and Sat. Can I go with now?" "I have nothing to do about it," said Miss W. "Miss Turner invited me to go with her, and I have no right to invite one." "Well," persisted Pass, "If I ask Miss Turner if I may go, may I?" Of course Miss W. could only say "yes". The only way to get rid of her was for Miss Turner to avoid her, so she would not have a chance to ask her. When I67 went, as usual, into Miss Turner's room the first period after lunch to read Livy, they were busy talking about it. They arranged for Misses T. and W. to "scoot" into the bedrooms if there was a knock. They "scooted" twice, once for Miss Morrill and once for Miss Yamakawa, whom we expected, as being members of our Livy club. Then they decided to put an "Engaged" on the door, thinking that of course no one would knock after viewing that. But we were just nicely to work when we heard a knock. The girls run [sic] and Miss Howe opened the door. Of course 'twas Pass. No one else would be so rude. There was great deal of indignation among the Livy club, and all thought that she ought to be instructed in College etiquette. Miss Turner and Pass are in the same Latin class, so as soon as it was out, Miss Turner [scud]. So far she had evaded her persecutor. Miss Howe said she deserved to be accompanied by some one she didn't like if she couldn't keep out of her way for 1-1/2 days. After Chapel Miss Turner68 waited at night after Chapel till she thought Miss P. would be in her room. But, alas! Just as she was about to enter her room Miss P. came out. Miss T. turned a run upstairs. Pass followed, caught her, exclaimed "You're just the person I want to see." Miss T. was very cool and I guess Pass suspected something. Anyway they both went in the same car; but they didn't speak or go together. It was too rich for anything. Miss Howe's parting advice to Miss T. when she thought perhaps Pass would go with her was to "squelch." But Pass was pronounced un-squelchable. Miss Wheeler said Pass invited her to go with her to walk Tuesdays. Miss W. told her that she was going to take her Tuesday's walk mornings after that. "Oh" said Pass, "I can take my walk mornings just as well, and I think it's better." Chapter Beta is having a spree tonight. Jessie is having her teeth straightened and goes down town every Wed. and Sat.69 Tuesday, Nov. 19th 1878. Mrs. Ray's Party for the Preps. Last week all the Preps. rec'd cards from Mrs. Ray inviting us to spend Sat. eve with her from 7 to 9. Jessie and Ella didn't go, and I went with Miss E.J. Wheeler. Mrs. Ray rec'd us all and talked with us and we all talked to each other if we could think of anything to say. I floated around for a while and finally settled down in a corner (on my knees, as I could find no chair) with Misses Yamakawa, Sharp, Buckalnd, Nickerson, Howe and Turner. We had quite a nice time. For refreshments there were cake, coffee, and ice cream. The cake was Mrs. Ray's birthday cake, a very large white cake, beautifully frosted. The ice cream was of many flavors and looked beautifully laid in stripes of pink, yellow and brown. We didn't get home till the lights-out bell struck, 10 min. of 10. Mrs. Rays birthday was last Wed. Pres. Caldwells was the same day also. He was 58, she 38. Cora has not been very well and70 Jessie is not feeling well tonight and Ella was quite sick this morning and I am not feeling particularly smart. A bright feeling set of girls. It rained all day Sunday and I wrote letters. Had a letter from Harry this week. Today I was provoked. Gorgie Morrill and I walk together lately. Today she walked with Miss [Moan]. So I invited Miss E.J. Wheeler to go with me. She forgot it was Tuesday and she was going with Miss Pass. But as we were starting out we met Pass. So of course we three went together and talked "horse" all the hour. Wednesday Nov. 20th 1878. Boundary of my World. Last night in Chapel lots of names were read off of girls admitted to the Freshman class. Viva, Misses Warren and Yamakawa were admitted. Tonight the seats were changed in chapel. Everyone is put in alphabetical order. I have an outside corner seat now. This morning as Jessie and I were going to break-71 fast, she said; "There was a fire last night." "Was there, where?" I ask, interested and wondering for my thoughts are not outside the College Grounds. "on Sunset Hill," was what I thought she replied. "On Sunset Hill?" For how could that be; there is nothing there but trees. "Beyond Sunset Hill." "Oh," and my interest subsides, and I ask no more questions. This little conversation first showed me how small my world has become since I came here. I think of nothing outside and am interested in nothing outside. I have no desire to go beyond the red fence except it be to the old Graveyard or something of the sort, which I almost feel as if ought to be on the College Grounds. I could scarcely be persuaded to go to Po'keepsie for the town. I take no interest in the affairs of the world at present. I am just enough interested to be glad that Butler isn't elected Governor in Mass. and that Harriet Hosmer is making wonderful72 scientific discoverier. But, after all, its a sort of a negative or [passive] glances. I take an interest in the [news] they write from home, but really it don't amount to much to me. Whether it's as it ought to be or not, I don't know. But I am contented here, and I am learning, and I am laying up in my mind knowledge and and [sic] am deciding on principles and precepts that shall be useful to me when I bid goodbye to Vassar and go out into the world that for four years is to remain almost dead to me. Thursday, Nov. 21st 1878. H. Y. Hunter The other night Ella wanted to send a subscription to the business editor of the "College Herald" published where she used to go to school. She knew his name was Hunter hut did not know his initials. So she thought she would address it to J.H. Hunter. "Perhaps his name's John Henry" said Jessie. "H.Y. stands for unknown [quantier]," said I. So she said she would address it so, and I73 made the H and Jessie the Y, and Ella wrote the rest and put on all his long address. When her "College Herald" came she saw his initials were W.J. She was going to write to the girls that she knows there and tell them about it. Sunday, Dec. 8th '78. Conditions off. It is a long time since I've written in this, but it has not been because I've had nothing to say. On the contrary I've very great deal to say. Now the first and most important is about my conditions. Three weeks ago several of the girls had been admitted to the Freshman class. And Miss Howe had just been examined in Phys. Geog. and had passed on an easy examination. Sat. the 23rd of November I was siezed with a desire to get off my conditions. I took my Phys. Geog. and said I shouldn't leave it as long as I had a spare moment. I told Miss Howe, that, inspired by her noble example I had taken to my Physical. I didn't expect to make it up that day, but Gorgie74 said I could. I studied steadily all day, only leaving for lunch and exercise. I saw Miss Hackell, and she said I might come to her immediately after dinner. She said she thought I wouldn't need to see Miss Morse about it first, as Miss Morse had said to her that I would probably soon be ready for examination. So after dinner I went to her room. I was examined and passed. Miss Moore called me Monday, and told me that I'd better go to Miss Brown, the teacher of history, and have her direct my work, that I might use my time to the best possible advantage. She told me to go to Miss B. Tuesday night. I studied hard all Monday and Tuesday, and, when I went to Miss B., was examined and paired my Greek and Eastern History. Then I put my mind to my Roman. Miss B gave me a list of dates that I might learn only the most important ones. Saturday morning I was examined and passed on my Roman History. So I was full Freshman, yet was not yet announced. I expected to be announced Tuesday, but I was not. I don't know what the matter was.75 Tomorrow I will go to Miss Morse and see why. I'll not be really Freshman till I'm announced. But I'm so glad to get my conditions off. Miss Brown has a sister prepared for Freshman. She was examined at the same time I was in Boston. I have lots more to say, but I guess I will write no more now. Monday, Dec. 9th 1878 Freshman. Freshman! Yes, I was announced tonight in Chapel. Oh, I am so glad to get it off my mind. Miss Phillips was also announced in Chapel. I went to Miss Morse today at her office hours, and she told me that I was Fresh. and would be admitted tonight. I suppose now I'll go to class Meetings and have some class paper and go over to the other side of the Chapel and go into Mrs. Ray's Bible Class and join Phil. and all sorts of things. ["Quid agamus."] I suppose it is to be my motto henceforth. I hope our '78 will show folks what we can do and that it will be nothing useless76 Traveling List. Tonight we made out our travelling lists. Blanks were distributed in corridor meeting. 'On what train do you leave Poughkeepsie?' 'What is your destination' 'Describe definitely your route and state on what railroads you will travel.' 'Do you wish the College conveyance?' (Horsecar) 'Do you wish the College to take your baggage to the depot? If so, what and how many pieces?' 'What is your name and the number of your room?' The College checks the baggage and buys the tickets. But I shan't take any baggage and shall go on the boat if the weather is pleasant; if not, on the cars. New Students. There are 4 new students since Christmas. All Preps. It seems a funny time to come. Miss Anna Van Allyn sit [sic] at our table. She seems quite nice and is pretty. Is very homesick. Miss Ryder is another. She seems nice too.77 Tuesday, Dec. 10th '78. Class Meeting A meeting of the Freshman Class was called immediately after dinner. Miss Baldwin is Pres.; Miss [Starr], Vice-Pres.; Miss Case, treasurer; Miss Smith, secretary. The class paper is lovely. It is 60 [cts.] a quire. Tonight I took my seat on the south side of the Chapel between Misses Smith (not the Sec.) and Stanton. There are 33 in our class, and more to come. There was only about 20 at the beginning of the year. Sunday, Dec. 15th 1878. Going Home. Next Thursday I start for home. Oh, its perfectly glorious. I can't think of anything else. I'm all of a bustle with the thought. Yesterday men came out with checks and tickets. I bought my ticket to New York. Almost everybody is going, and those that are not going wish they were. But as it is so near vacation, I think I78 ought to write something about the many things that have happened and are worthy of notice. First there's Thanksgiving Day. We had three day's vacation, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. In the morning there was a short service in the Chapel. There was no lunch, but things were placed on the table at breakfast in order that if we were hungry, we might have come to take to our rooms and eat. I brought something down, but did not eat anything. We went to dinner at 3 o'clock. Quite a large number of the girls were away, and those that remained had the privelege of making up their own tables. We did not make up any and were put at Miss Baldwin's. More of the teachers preside at the scholar's tables Thanksgiving. All the Prof.'s families come in, too. Dinner lasted about 1-1/2 h. There were printed bills of fare. I had one, and will copy it here.79 Thanksgiving Dinner. Vassar College. Nov. 28, 1878 Bill of Fare. Soup. Chicken. Julienne. Roast. Turkey. Beef. Cranberry Sauce. Apple Sauce. Entrees. Fried Oysters. Chicken Salad. Relishes. Chow-chow. Celery. Mixed Pickles. Worcestshire Sauce. Olives. Vegetables. Baked Sweet Potatoes. Stewed Tomatoes. Mashed Potatoes. [Grun] Pear. Pastry. Mince Pie. Pumpkin Pie. Cranberry Tarts. Dessert. Vanilla and Chocolate Ice Cream. Orange Ice. Mixed Fancy Cake. Pound Cake. Chocolate Cake. Nuts and Raisins. Apples. Orange and Grapes. Coffee. Tea.80 The Julienne and Roast Beef weren't brought on, but we might have had it if we had wanted it. We had the Orange Ice, Ice Cream, and Cake in the evening. After dinner there was dancing in Room J. and games were played in the recitation rooms, Rachel and Jacob, and Initiation. At 7 o'clock, every body started for the Lyceum, as there was to be a play there. It was splendid. The principal thing was a [sort] of a band. All the teachers took part. Misses Goodwin and [Hecock] played the Bells. Mrs. Ray, Glasses. Prof. [Barchive], Castanets. Mr. Caldwell the Pres. [sow)], [Torpedors]. It was all like that. When they first came in they were dressed in overcoats and fire and looked ever so pretty. Then there was a play, "The Parlor Car." The last thing was "Ching-a-ling-a-ling." Some one, not on the stage, sang the song, "Ching-a-ling-a-ling was a Chinese boy," and somebody came dancing in, who personated a Chinese very well indeed. Then the song went on, something about his going to San Francisco to see his sweet-heart, and a Chineese girl came in. Then Ching-a-ling laid81 down to sleep under the shade of a huckleberry (an evergreen, on the stage) tree. And along came an Indian with a tomahawk and cut off his pig-tail. It was perfectly comical. They repeated it. After the entertainment, we returned to Room J. and had refreshments. Sailor. is Prof. Hinkle's dog. Oh, so homely. You would see him trotting around with Prof. or off on excursions alone. Especially comical did he look, when covered with a sort of a coat of drab linen which "flopped" around him in a most curious manner. But alas! Poor sailor was old and infirm. They concluded they must get rid of him. So he was shot. The Hinkle's were greif-stricken at his death. One day in Greek class, Prof. looked as if he'd been crying. No doubt on account of Sailor. And they all felt so badly for him that they couldn't go to the party that Prof. MItchell gave to the teacher. Well Sailor, peace be to your memory.82 Various Cats and Dogs. Vassar has the greatest number of cats around. There are pretty cats and homely cats. There is one half-blind cat, and one three footed cat. The cats with whom we are best acquanted are a large black cat and a gray and white cat. The black cat is a great favorite of Stematz's. She has often been in here and has made herself quite at home. The gray and white cat was here all one day last week, and we didn't know but she'd taken up her abode here. Over on the north corridor are a gray cat and two kittens, which belong to Miss Jones. The kittens are very pretty and nice, and have very noble titles, Julius Caesar and Tiberius Gracchus. Well, now for the dogs, I have related the sad story of Sailor, and now will mention the others. There is a large white dog with a black head here, that, for want of a better name, Jessie and I called Jack. Then there are two little dogs, a brown one and a black and tan one that belong to somebody in the College. They have both paid us visits, and seemed to consider our society very83 agreeable. No one knows their names, so we called them both "Sammy" after our "beloved" president and his son. Brown Sammy followed me in an gave rise to the beautiful song, "Anne had a little dog Whose fleece was brown as dirt; And everywhere that Anne went, He tagged close to her skirt." It is not often we indulge ourselves by composing such high [soulded] strains; but this shows our power. Black Sammy created quite a sensation last night in Chapel. The poor fellow wanted to see what religion was like, I suppose. And with a desire to see if everybody was devout, he travelled under the pews over the Chapel. When they sung the hymn, Black Sammy wanted to sing, too, but everybody laughed at him, even the teachers and Mrs. Ray, whom one would think had politeness enough to restrain herself from hurting poor doggie's feeling. Prof. Dwight tried to catch Black Sammy, and after the second attempt suc-84 -ceeded in catching him. Black Sammy entered a despairing cry as he was borne in triumph out of the Chapel. He came down to Gorgie's and to our rooms, and having received consolation for the rude treatment he had receceived, he determined to try again and go to the Concert which was to be held that evening in Chapel. But alas! This last attempt was more unsuccessful than the first and he was taken out before he had heard even the first piece that was played. I forgot to mention that the cats here have great musical ability and that the corridors are most excellent places for them to exercise their lungs. Concert. The Cocert last nice [sic] was very nice. Jessie and I went together and had a front seat in the gallery. Miss Freidenburg played twice. She is a beautiful player. Is a Jewess, and shows it very plainly in her face, and is strong in her faith. She is the one who lost her watch this fall. Miss Cooley sang twice. Has a very nice voice, but has85 a large head, which she rolls on one side, and such an insipid, affected snide that I don't like to look at her. Then Miss Rustin played beautifully and Misses Dow and Shaw on two pianos. I enjoyed it very much. New Bible Class. Was transferred to Mrs. Ray's Bible Class today. Like it much better than Miss Avery's. In the latter's was always sleepy, and usually sat next [Co], who whispered to me and amused me with her various antics. Mrs. Ray held my interest close all the time, and said a great deal in a short time. The service today was 1 hour and 20 min. long. There are 3 prayers 2 hymns sung by congregation, 3 by Choir, reading of the Psalms and sermon. Horribly long. The Rhetoric says that a person ought to bring his lecture or sermon to a close when his congregtion expect him to do so, or they lose interest. I don't think Dr. Caldwell understands that for I thought he was going to stop at least86 half-a-dozen times before he did, and every one got restless. Breaking Silent Time. The Saturday after Thanksgiving, Miss Nagai invited Gorgie, Jessie and I up to her room that evening. A little while after, we went up to Viva's room to go with her on top of the house and Miss Nagai was there. We went in the elevator to the 5th Centre and then up a pair of stairs. Here we saw a lots of sleds piled up waiting for snow. Also 2 immense iron tanks full of water, of which we couldn't imagine the use. There we climed [sic] a ladder built into the house and reached a small platform where we could gaze down into the library a long way below us. Then, Miss Nagai taking the lead, we climed [sic] up a short ladder, out of a door, and stood in the square space, top of the College, where the flag-staff is. The flag was at half-mast. When we came down we heard that there was to be a Sheet and Pillow-case Party in Room J., to which all were invited. Of87 course we wanted to go and busied ourselves making a comical mask. Pass copied and Gorgie dressed her and she went to the party. Miss Nagai came down and told us to go if we wished, But we said we wanted to go to both places but preferred to go to see her. We found Miss Stematz quite sick. She had a real bad cough. She hasn't got over it yet. It makes her sick. We had cranberry jell [sic] and cake and apples and molasses candy. We came down at Silent Time and went into Gorgie's room. Now in our room we always used to have jolly times in Silent Time. One night Gorgie was in here and Jessie and Ella were having a water-fight. We always used to have nice times and to make a good deal of noise. And we thought Miss Hubbard exceedingly nice not to say anything about it. Well that night, Pass was telling us that she had a nice time and all about it in a pretty loud tone of voice. Well, there came a knock and Gorgie calmly said, "Come" Miss Hubbard appeared. "Young ladies," said she, "were you aware that the bell for Silent88 Time had struck?" Then she left without waiting for an answer. I very obediantly trotted home. Jessie staid and heard the rest of the story. She wasn't seen at all, as she sat on a cricket by the register between Miss McFadden and Gorgie. But the best joke was that Pass was caught. For you must understand that Pass is very good. Every morning, when you pass her window at Silent Time, you see her seated before her open window with her Bible open on her trunk (which has a red calico covering), very devoutly reading. If by any chance her window doesn't happen to be open you will find that she isn't reading her Bible, but is at some other occupation. Well we have since been caught breaking Silent Time. But I don't understand the latter times. Why, we were remarkably good. To be sure I had been telling Jessie and Ella about Miss Berringer; but it was all in a low tone of voice. The windows and the transum, however, were open. Now we keep the windows and transum, but not our mouths, shut in Silent Time.89 Wednesday, Dec. 18th 1878. Last Day. Oh joy! My last lesson is recited and now the last things are to be done and I am going home. Hi yah, etc.! Go to N.Y. tomorrow on the 8.25 A.M. train and take the boat tomorrow at 4.50 P.M. at New York. And father will meet me at the Canton depot at 5 or 6 A.M. Friday. Heigho! How slowly these last days have gone. For more than a week they have dragged; but especially have they done so since Miss Varnes said there were 6 more chances to flunk. But, oh jolly! tomorrow morning we start. Tuesday, Jan. 7th, 1878 Back Again. Here we are, back at College, obeying bells and studying lessons. Oh, if we could only have had a week or so more vacation. A big and obstinate if; but there's no use lamenting. Of course we had a perfectly elegant time, we who went90 home. And those who stayed, although they found it a little dull sometimes, wished never-the-less, that the vacation would not end. I went with Ella to N.Y. Then took the horse cars to the boat. Met Miss Blake, a Senior who is in my Greek class, on the boat, and shared her state-room. Also met Miss Wentworth, a Senior, and her father. Saw for a moment Miss Tappan. Had a nice time. On the next state-room to ours there was a woman who was very communicative and caused us a good deal of merriment. "Mr. Richardson" had procured her room for her and she was terribly afraid a man would get in. Got to Canton before light Friday morning and I could never realize that there was any night between that time and the time I left College. Father and Mother met me at the Canton depot. I had a cold all the time. I was home and was about sick. Went to the Birdgewater Normal School to see my High School mates. I enjoyed that very much. The contrast between the schools is very91 great. Noticed it more in regard to the Dining-room and remaining in their own rooms, than anything else. They can't go into each others rooms all day. Sunday, Saturday morning and every evening after 7 P.M. Have Inspection Day every Thursday, to see that they do no damage to rooms, etc. Table-fare is much poorer there than here. Can't use the bath-tubs but one fixed time a week. Do their own sweeping, etc. Went to a lecture by Senator Harris while there. It was mostly concerning Fulton and his inventions. Went to a lecture the next Tuesday night. "The Sunny Side of Prison Life," by Homer Sprague. Well, last night I left home. Saw Misses Wentworth and Tappen, but scarcely to speak. Stayed in the cabin. Took the horsecars to Central Depot and came here on the half past ten train. Had a good deal to do in the way of unpacking and getting things in order. But that's all right now. Seems kind of nice to be here, but if we could have had another week. The92 Western girls are not back. Snowed in. And, oh joy! Miss Goodwin is snowed in and there wasn't any Livy today. Well, I must study. Sunday, Jan. 12th 1879. Ella's Cat. When I first came back, Jessie informed me that we had an addition to the family. A kitten that Ella had brought from home. Maltese kittens are very scarce in [Philad.], so one of her friends, who had a maltese cat and 6 kittens sent them to Ella's home. A Miss Jones that is here has a cat and two kittens here, and why shouldn't we have a kitten, too? So Ella brought a plump little kitten back. She called it Myra after its giver. I didn't see the kitten till night, as it was lost. but Jessie found it and brought it here and Ella fed it and it ate heartily. At night she put it in the corridor and it was not found again till Thursday night. Then being of a literary turn93 mind it was meandering around the reading room, when Miss Case saw it and brought it to Ella. She, not wishing to lose it again, decided to tie a long string around it and not let go far. It would eat nothing that night, and from that time, pined away. It lay all day on Ella's shawl without moving; but it had a vomiting spell once or twice a day. Sat. afternoon, as I sat here alone, it half rose and then fell down and lay out still. Every little while it did this, and I knew that it was dying. Knowing that I could do nothing for it, and not liking to look at it, I went into Gorgie's room to study. When Tomas came to bring my chair and fix Ella's bed, he said it was dying and took it away. My Rocking-Chair, that mother sent me from home got a broken rocker by [Co] Shailer's tripping Jessie back in it. I thought the Janitor could mend it, and dropped a note to him every day for some94 time. At last, a few days before vacation, a man came to mended [sic] it. But he said the rocker couldn't be mended. And he took it off and told me to give it to the College Espress-man and he would take it and get me one sawed out just like it. Not knowing where to see the College Express-man or anything about him, and being busy, I neglected it till I decided to carry it home. I did so and father sawed me a new rocker out of oak instead of black walnet, and stained it. I brought it back, and, oh joy! got it put on by Sat. Surely a month my chair lay on its side in the corner, a poor, wounded thing. I devoutly hope I may never break anything else that belongs to me, it is such a bother to get it mended. Monday, Jan. 13th '78 A Quick Sunday. Yesterday was a nice quiet Sunday95 to me. In the morning there was no Bible class, as Mrs. Ray, the Freshman's teacher, was sick. Then I had a bad cold so I thought I'd better not go to Chapel, and I got the doctor to excuse me from today. It is the first time I have been to her to get excused from anything. Then at night the "Society of Religious Inquiry" met, so we had no Chapel. I wrote letters all day and enjoyed it immensely. Ella's Bed. It is now for two nights that I have not been awakened by an unearthly noise like the firing off of a revolver at dead of night. Some nights the crash would be terrific, because half a dozen of Ella's slats would go bang to the floor. Never a night passed but what I was awakened at least once by the dropping of one or more slats. But Thomas came Saturday and now we sleep undisturbed by falling slats. One night Ella got up in the middle of the night and fixed them. But her trials are now over.96 Skating. I have been on my skates (Mother's Christmas present) three times. I haven't fallen but twice, and then Jessie was pushing or drawing me. I can get along over the ice, but don't dare to say I can skate. Miss Warren, however held me up as an example to Abbie, also a beginner. I can take a short awkward stroke with one foot, but their [sic] all my skill ends. Sunday, Jan 26th 1879. My Barbecue. Oh, it's so long since I've written and I've so much to say. First, I must tell you about the Barbecue, which happened Jan. 11th. The Livy Club were all invited and all attended, except Miss Yamakawa, who had not returned from vacation. I told them that this was a Social not a Political Barbecue, which was so much more extensive than a political barbecue that they might all have an ox roasted whole. Then I brought on, not only oxen,97 but sheep, cats, elephants, etc., all of which were roasted whole, in the shape of small crackers that I brought from home. I had also nuts, apples, and candy. Giving to the small number of drinking vessels we possessed (a mug and wine glass), I was obliged to make frequent journeys to the water tank. Napkins supplied the place of plates, but we all had knives and were very merry. Gorgie didn't come in as early as the rest as she had a German lesson to get. Shige was here. There were many jokes made and a good deal of laughing done. The following is a specimen of the jokes. "Where is Miss Morrill?" Miss Howe "Miss Morrill has evaporated, and, as evaporated substance always rise higher, she's gone to the fourth to study German." Jessie. "And the Moral(-rill) is 'take care where you [light].'" Miss Howe found a double almond and phialpened [sic] with Miss Wheeler, E.J. Well we got to speaking on some subject or other and Miss E.J. innocently asked, "It will do very103 much. We went to Hyde Park, a small place about 6 miles away. We stopped at an oldfashioned hotel. The walls were low, and the doors reached from ceiling to floor. At the windows, first there were common white curtains, there lambrequins over them, then lace curtains over the lambrequins, and heading all, a gilt moulding. As soon as we arrived, they, thinking we must be hungry, having waited so long, brought around sandwiches. We were hungry; and most of us partook so freely of them, that, when the table was set and we were called into the dining room, many of us were not at all hungry. The dining hall would not hold all, and things were brought to the rest of us. I do not think they had chairs enough for all. At any rate, some of us, seeing no chairs unoccupied, seated outselves in a social group on the floor, and talked in confidentially low tones of the coming election of class104 officers. We had oyster, crackers, biscuits, coffee, cookies, and ginger-snaps. Between 9 and 10 we started for home. Miss Lyon was in our sleigh going back, and part of the way entertained a portion of the load with snatches of comic recitations. At our end, toward the last, tbey got to talking about yellow fever and poverty. We enjoyed our sleigh ride very much and I saved a straw from that we put our feet upon, as did many others. I did not expect to have a single sleigh-ride this year. We reached home about eleven. Class Officer. We began to think about them sometime ago. We discussed matters and said that there was a regular class ring formed. That we did not wish this ring to have its own way, and we would nominate somebody ourselves. Miss Howe said Miss Stanton. We afterwards thought we liked Miss Starr better and Miss Howe readily fell in with105 our opinion. Afterwards we heard that Miss Lawrence was going to nominate Stanton. We knew Miss Sanford would be nominated. Miss Howe said she would nominate Miss Starr, Gorgie would second it. The day after the sleighride the class meeting was called, the business stated. No sooner had the Pres. (Miss Baldwin) said that the first nominations would be for Pres. than three sprang to their feet at once, all determined. Two sat down. Then Starr, Stanton, and Sanford were nominated. For Vice-Pres. Miss Howe nominated (and I seconded it) Viva. Miss Glen (Cora) was nominated for it. For secretary, Nicks and [Fouse]; for treasurer, [Semple] and Warder. First, we thought that Miss Stanton would get it. That there would not be a 2/3 majority and the one who had the least number (Starr) would be dropped. That then the Starrs and Stantons would unite and elect Stanton. Afterwards the Sanfords began106 to be hopeful; but Miss Lawrence worked hard for Stanton. Yesterday class meeting was called immediately after Silent Time. You might see little interesting groups. Miss Howe advised us not to stand by Starr when we saw there was no hope for her but to go for Stanton. The first ballot Miss Sanford 12, Stanton 10, Starr 9. "Not a 2/3 majority, and it will be necessary to vote again," announced our President. Miss Howe voted for Miss Stanton there and advised us, too. Why desert her so? She had almost as much hope as Stanton. The second time Starr held her ground, Stanton lost. Then Stanton gained, Starr lost, and, after the 4 or 5 ballot, a motion was made and seconded to drop the candidate who had least votes. Why would the Starrs be so fickle? If all had stood by her as firmly as Misses Lyon and Bartlett, Stanton might have been dropped and Starr put in or all dropped. Then we ballotted between the two. Time after time it was announced that107 there was not a 2/3 majority and it would be necessary to ballot again. The Stantons slowly gave way. The Sanfords were determined to stick to their candidate and put her in or compell all to be dropped. I admired their constancy. On the eleventh ballot Sanford was declared to be elected. After two or three ballots Viva was elected. Misses Nicks and Semple on the first ballot. I was satisfied with all but Pres. After it was ours, Miss Howe told me that she voted for Stanton every time. I told her I called that mean. "But see here," and she said that she propsed Stanton first. To be sure, but she readily assented when we preferred Starr. Then she'd no business to nominate her if she didn't like her best. But she nominated her for us. We could have done it for ourselves. She didn't then know that Stanton was to be nominated. (I think she did). But any way a told108 her I thought she was mean, in the real sense of the word. So did Gorgie and all who knew of it. "Don't you wish you were for Miss Sanford, so as to be on the victorious side?" asked Miss Case. No, I didn't, but I wailed over the fickleness of human nature. If they'd only stood by Miss Starr. She's so lovely. Sunday, Feb. 9th 1879 Being Sick. I have not been very well since vacation. In the first place I had a bad cold all through vacation and for sometime since I came back. Then I was not feeling well one Sunday (the 19th of Jan.) and went to the doctor to be excused from Chapel; and, as I looked bad, she sent me to bed to stay all day Sunday and Monday. As I didn't feel like going to bed I sat up all day in my big easy chair. To make me look sick, Jessie threw my comforter over the chair and I put a pillow behind my head and my feet in a chair. All that I wanted then was some 109 chalk to make me look white and some red ink to make hectic spots in my cheeks. Or, so I told Jessie. Then came the ordering of my dinner. Gorgie said that the girls often stayed away from breakfast and ordered something very nice to eat. "Why, Emma Bush had sardines and lots of good things one day in vacation. Order sardines." Well, in the first place I never ate sardines; second, I knew I should not like them; third, I thought they were not very good for a sick girl. Never-the-less, I told Jessie she might order them and she and Gorgie might eat them. So my order was made out - "Tea and Toast, Sardines, Jelly, Fruit, Crackers." At last the tray came. Sardines "there were none." Neither was there any jelly. Never-the-less I made a good dinner and no more aspired to sardines. They didn't give me any jelly at all, although they gave Gorgie some afterwards when she was sick. They must either have partial or out of Jelly when I ordered it. I believe I got everything else I ordered every time. That night110 Miss Hubbard came in to see me. She asked me if I wasn't able to go to supper. I told her that the Docter ordered me to go to bed and stay and order my meals. "And you didn't mind her," said Miss Hubbard, and went in to see Jessie who was also sick. That was a decided squelch. The next day I was determined to stay in bed, at least till after Miss Hubbard came in. I didn't study, but read some and wrote a little on my composition. I ordered a good dinner at night. Miss Hubbard had seen Jessie and Jessie had told her I was better so I didn't come in. Chapel was over and my dinner didn't come. So Ella went to see about it. She had dropped my order in the box and Miss H. hadn't gotten it, so I could have no dinner. Miss H. said Ella ought to have brought the order to her. She didn't know why it wasn't all right to drop it there, but as folks didn't generally do it, she didn't think to look in it. But Miss H. found that Miss Hulbert had some things, and she would bring them in. So I dined off of Albert biscuits and [wizeled] apples. The next day I went111 to my meals and to classes. Last Sunday night I was awakened by the a severe pain, which increased toward morning. When we got up, Ella gave me something hot but it did no good. Jessie went for Dr. Webster, and, while the girls were at breakfast, she came and took me to the Infirmary. It was the first time I went there. A mustard [plaster] took the pain away. I laid there all day without seeing any one but the doctor and Miss Ward, the nurse. I felt very much better the next day and got up and had a good breakfast. I didn't eat anything Monday but a slice of toast and a cup of tea. Tuesday I came out of the infirmary immediately after breakfast and Wednesday went to classes. Hope that's the last sickness I shall have. However, I've tried the Infirmary. It's very good if you are real sick; but if your [sic] only half-sick it's [horrid]. End of First Semester. The first semester ended Friday. I112 recited my last lesson in Geometry, Livy and Plato (I guess). It was so nice to have no lessons to prepare for Monday. Will go to classes Monday, but only to have lessons assigned. Haven't gotten to go to Latin at all Monday, as Miss Goodwin is to be away. But Tuesday's lesson is assigned. In Latin we have Horace. In Greek, Homer. Also Botany. Then, I expect, Drawing, Composition, and Elocution. The lessons were assigned and the hours. I was given Greek, 1st period, Latin, Fifth. As no Botany was given out for me, I went to Miss Morse to see about it and was given it the fourth period. Then last night the time of the Freshman Latin was changed, and mine comes the third. So now my lessons come almost together and I get all through by quarter past eleven. I don't think I shall like it. I bought me a Homeric Dictionary, and an elegant [Anthon's] Homer, both at second hand. Sent home for Harry's Botany. It isn't exactly like what they use here. What we learn is the same, but the tables113 for analysis are not as good. However I shall use it and analyze by Jessie's. I send home for an Anthon's Horace, and will use Gorgie's till mine comes. I felt Saturday as if I had a lot of leisure time and did many little jobs that have been waiting some time. Second Composition. I was given "Favorite Characters in Fiction" for a subject some time before Christmas. I didn't do anything on it before I went home. When I came back, I didn't get along on it very well and I went to Miss [Hoods] to speak with her about it. She offered to give me another week on it, and I was very glad to accept. I was to hand it in the Monday I went to the Infirmary. Jessie told Miss W. that I had gone there and she said I might hand it in when I was ready. I have finished it and was going to hand it in Saturday but she was out. Lots of the girls and teachers have gone to stay over Sunday, as it is a sort of a hol-114 -iday. We didn't have Bible Classes. I went to Chapel. I don't like Prexy's preaching. All the effect his sermons have on me is to make me cross, especially toward him. I don't like Pres. Caldwell. I think he's an old fogey. And he has two, big, awkward, homely sons that laze around here. All one of them seems to do is to practice skating in the morning, skate with the girls in the afternoon, skate with the girls in the evening, provided they skate. He is an awful skater and the girls make no end of fun of him. I should think he'd be ashamed to laze around so. If I was Prex I would put him to work at something, if it was running the engine that runs the "eleviator." Prexy's wife is the inevitable little dried up woman with corkscrew curls at the side of her face. When I first came here, I knew she must be Prex's wife as soon as I set eyes on her, although then I knew scarcely any of the115 lady's that belong here. Day of Prayer for Colleges was the 30th of January and was a holiday. There was a service in Chapel, but I didn't go, and staid at home and wrote on my essay. Mrs. John's Call. One day when Jessie was alone here, she found that Mrs. John's (the matron) was calling on this corridor. It was sweeping day, but Ellen hadn't been here, and the room looked like fury. So Jessie locked the door and proceeded to fix the room as she wished. In the first place, she had two pillows, and only one is allowed. Mrs. John's makes a great fuss if any of the girls have more than one. Jessie uses those pillows for shams and has her own that she brought from to lie on. Well, Jessie calmly put this into her bureau drawer. Then she rubbed out two pictures of [beads] that she had drawn on the116 wall, the man in the moon and another. In the mean time Mrs. John's had come, knocked, tried the door, and knocked again. Then Jessie went to the door with a book in her hand and a very studious expression on her countenance. She opened the door just a little, and Mrs. J. said she was around calling. Jessie said "yes'm, but it's sweeping day and Ellen hasn't been." "I wonder where Ellen can be?" said Miss J. "Well, as long as your waiting for her I guess I won't come in now." She departed and was seen no more. I don't know whether or not she has called again. There was a Concert in Chapel Firday evening. Franz Rummel played. I suppose he is one of the "bass" players. It began at 8 o'clock. There was an intermission when it was about half through, and, as Jessie and I were both very tired and didn't care to hear more, we came away. Was glad that I went and117 glad I came away when I did. Plato's Crito. I think I never said that we finished reading Herodotus three or four weeks ago. Prof. thought that there was no need of reading more, so he said we might read Plato's Crito. I detest Herodotus but rather like Plato. Prof. spent one whole week explaining the life of Socrates, Plato, Greek Philosophy, etc. It was very interesting and Socrates is my hero. I never had one before and I think Socrates is worthy of being one's hero. Philalethian. Friday, the 14th of Jan. the Philalethian had a grand entertainment, all the chapters partaking in it. I ought not be invited, as I am Collegiate and not a member, and if I hadn't been Collegiate might not have been invited. Of course I was crazy to go; but I really ought to have staid at home and written my118 composition. However, if I had had an invitation, I should have gone. Ella and Jessie had gone and I sat over my composition. Miss Shier came bursting in. "Where's Nell? I want her to go to Phil. with me." I replied that Ella had gone and remarked (oh, fool that I was) that I wished I could have gone. "Come on, go with me. I have an invitation to give away." Now here was a chance to go but - with Miss Shier. I wanted to go very much but did not want to go with her. If anyone else had asked me, I should immediately have accepted. As it was, I hung back and said that I couldn't as I was Collegiate. Miss Shier urged. I hung back. Then she flung open the next room door and asked Miss McFadden if she shouldn't think I might have hone. She hesitated, then said yes. So I said I would go, and Miss S. went for her things. Gorgie came in and said she wouldn't go if she was I with Miss S. And, when the first excitement of going was off, I was very sorry I had119 said I would go. Well, I thought better of it, decided not to go, and went to meet her and tell her. When she found that I really wouldn't go, she would not herself, as she didn't like to go alone. I was so sorry. If she had gone, I wouldn't have cared. Then Gorgie told me that she had an invitation for me, so I might have gone if I hadn't been so very foolish in the first place. She went up to Viva's to see if she couldn't give it away there. But she couldn't. She talked over my case with them and then advised me to go, as it was, on her invitation. But I would not. I think meaness would have been no name for that. I went to Miss Case's and Miss White's to give away the invitation, but did not succeed. So I staid at home and wrote my composition (it was on plea of that that I staid away). I think I was well paid for my folly. I have learned a good lesson and one that I shall never forget. Never agree to120 go to any place (no matter how much I want to go) with anyone I am ashamed of. Never accept favors from persons I can't endure. Sick Girls. Miss Yamakawa went home at the holidays sick and did not come back for some time after the rest did. She wasn't back long before she was sick again and had to go to the Infirmary. She is better now, but is going home soon. I am so sorry for her. I think she is a lovely girl, and so smart, and likes her studies, too. I am sometimes afraid she will never be well. Cora Shailer was quite sick, and she went home to New York for a few days. She didn't feel a bit better when she came back; but her mother had made arrangements to go to Boston, and she thought she'd be as well off here, so she came back. She was sick in the Infirmary a few days, but is all right now. Gorgie was sick, too, a few days. Did not go to the Infirmary, but staid in here most of the time and [doc-]121 -tored herself. Jessie is always being sick for a day or two. Viva was half-sick with a cold for a long, long time, and at last went home. She is quite sick, I hear, and won't come back for a long time. There has been a great deal of sickness here lately. Silhouettes. I love to make silhouettes. I have been practicing on a small scale for some time. But Jessie has been making lovely ones, not exactly silhouettes, but pictures with large black circles in them. There, that isn't plain, but I can't help it. I have been just crazy to make them, but have not had time till yesterday. Then Miss Turner and I made an engagement to make silhouettes. Miss Shier came in to make them. Oh dear! So we told Miss T. that she must invite us into her room. Tell us that we must come in. Very fortunately, Miss T. was expecting a call, so she couldn't come here. So we went there and left Miss S. I made most122 of one plate. I intend to send some home if I can get a good box. I love to make them. Feb. 16th 1879. Gorgie's Moving. Last Monday, after long and anxious waiting, Mrs. Ray gave Gorgie permission to move up to the 3rd North with Abbie, Cora, and Viva, where Miss Parry moved out. Of course Gorgie was delighted to get her permission at last. I was glad for her, too; but knew that I should miss her very much, for we were always running in and out of each others rooms, not caring for study hour, or any thing else. Gorgie moved Monday night. Co came down, and Jessie and I went in to see them and help some. We filled the baskets, carried them on the truck to the elevator, took them up in the elevator, and on a truck to 63. This has been the very longest week that I have known. I hope123 all won't be as long as this. We had a Class Meeting one day this week. Then we were given an invitation to the Trigg Ceremony Friday night. A committee were elected for the Freshman party and it was proposed that we should invite another class (the Junior) to join us. Also Miss Lyons was nominated as Class Prophet, Miss Semple as Class Historian. The Preps who had studied Freshman Geometry of Trigg. were also invited and the three teachers of mathematics, and we all looked forward to the Trigg Ceremony with anticipation of great pleasure. We were promptly on hand at the appointed time, and were handed small white rolls tied with pink tape. "People vs. Trigg." "We the people of this civilized land, do hereby accuse John Trigg of murder in the first124 degree. We charge him with the willful and premenitated murder of Miss Una Octaginta Vassar, found dead on Jan. 30th 1879, and we herewith summon the said John Trigg to account for the same." Having read our programes we gazed curiously at the ushers, regular policemen, with their brass-buttoned coats, white gloves, etc., and surveyed the court-room upon the stage, and waited impatiently for the affair to begin. At last the Judge, Lawyers, etc. took their places, and John Trigg, his countenance sad and depressed with the conviction of guilt, was brought in, clad in a black robe with gilt triangles and circles upon it, and having a cap made of three black and gilt triangles. The trial was well conducted, and contained many Trigonometrical terms. Una was killed with a log. One of the witnesses was Mrs. Napier, whose son and John Trigg were very intimate. The reasons of Trigg's125 dislike for Una, was because she had at first taken quite a liking to Napier, had then had a falling out with him, and finally given him up entirely. When Trigg heard this he was very angry, and declared that he would pay her off. John Trigg was convicted and condemned to be hanged by the neck till he was dead. The next scene was out-side his prison cell. Three women (personating Prof Braislin, Prof. Mitchell, and Miss Storr) were trying to get Trigg out. One had entered the cell, pratending to be a sister of Charity. They got an "unsuspecting Fresh." to help him, by pretending that Trigg was a fine fellow and of great use to mankind. So they lowered Trigg in a basket and got him off just before two policement came on the scene. The next scene represented Una Octaginta dressed all in white, lying on a couch, while around in a semicircle, were class-sisters, mournful, clad in black, singing and126 calling upon Una to rise. She stirs, opens her eyes as the song ends, and they joyful, surround her. Then there is a rush and John Trigg appears running toward her. But police follow closely and sieze him. And someone says that Una Octaginta in [sic] no longer in his power, and "Behold the Class of '82, all these shall be your victims." It was very nice. The last scene was beautiful. Miss Shaw, who personated Una Octaginta looked lovely. Saturday night I went to the Exoteric with Ella. It was quite nice. Had a tableau, a short play, an essay and a critique. There have been lots of Additions to our Class and we now number 44. It caused quite a sensation when they were all read off. And then we had to be reseated. We are seated in classes in127 alphabetical order, and we always know when we are told to remain after Chapel and see Miss Palmer with her plan. There is an eager listening, each one hoping to be read off for a corner. It is a great satisfaction, too, to leave [former] the Prep. side of Chapel; and to go to the other side and get a corner, too, ah! what good fortune. We have made some revolutions in our room as regards Rules and Regulations, etc. And now you can see upon our door a slip of paper bearing this notice, "books, notebooks, and blocks left on the table for one period are fined two cents. For half a period or more, one cent." It was started last week, and yesterday I left two books on the table for 1-1/2 periods and Ella 1 for 1 period. Besides this we have a paper on the door on which we write, under our names, all the by-words we128 say. They are mostly "My!" Saturday afternoon I made silhouettes with Miss Turner. We are to meet for composition every Wednesday night. For elocution 2 times a week. All my lessons come so I get through them at quarter past eleven in the morning. Tables have been changed. We sit next the faculty table and sigh for our old table, Miss Palmer, and Evelina. Our girls (we have two) are like blocks of wood and both move as if their life depended upon their taking but one step per minute. We have made another rule here. We take care of the room by weeks. It's Jessie's week now. The girl sweeps etc. twice a week; but the table cloth wants shaking and the plants watering every day. Jessie had lovely plants and they almost died because she didn't attend to them. If they were watered once a week they were lucky. Her long ivy is almost destitute of leaves now. And if any one said129 anything about them, she declared that I froze them by opening the windows. She hasn't said so lately, though, we have said so much to her about neglecting them. Sunday, Feb. 23rd 1879 Lessons. This has resolved itself into a weekly journal. Somehow I don't get time to write in it any except Sundays. Then I am writing all day - this and letters. My evenings are pretty well taken up now, for composition class meets every Wednesday night. Next Wednesday I have to read my composition. Elocution class meets every Monday and Thursday nights. Have met once. I like Miss Poppleton and think I shall enjoy elocution. Like this semester's lessons very much better than last semester's. Jessie's mother and Jonny were here last week. They were130 on their way to N.Y. It isn't long since her father was here. Mrs. Wheeler brought a book illustrated with silhouettes. It has many lovely ones in it. I am going to put two in Ella's album and one on a plate. Miss Turner and I were making them yesterday and are going to make more tomorrow. Jessie's mother also brought her some Coffee, and some sugar, and Jessie bought a coffee-pot down town, and has made coffee twice over the drop-light. Ella don't like it and I seldom drink it, so Jessie invited Misses Angel and Baldwin in. Jessie is very fond of coffee. We have over 25 cts for [finer] and we think of buying a sauce-pan with it. Then we can cook eggs, oysters, etc. and toast crackers. I have been Sick again this week. All day Tuesday and131 Wednesday. I didn't go to classes. I bought some crackers and oranges and breakfasted off them. Ordered one lunch. The rest of the time I went to my meals. Got excused from Chapel today, although feeling pretty well. Hope I shall be well all the time now. I had my bill handed in for the rest of the year. $100.00 for board, $1.00 for meals sent to my room, $3.00 for infirmary charges. That makes me in the infirmary two days whereas I went one morning and came back the next. Had a letter from mother containing one from Nellie [Henrire] from whom I have nto heard for nearly a year. There have been two Deaths at the College. The wife of the engineer, Mrs. Robinson, some time ago. Last week Mr. Forber died. He was overseer of the grounds, and a very nice man. A meeting of the Student's132 Association was called to appoint a comittee to draw up resolutions and arrange about flowers. Dr. Caldwell advised (and very sensibly I thought) that they did not send any great floral gift now, with magnificense and show, but save the tributes of consolation for a time when they would need them more and feel it better. In this meeting, members of the committee had been appointed from all the collegiate classes. When it came to specials, Miss Pass arose and nominated Miss Abbott. A dead silence reigned for a number of minutes. At last one of the seniors took pity and seconded the nomination. Then, when the chairman announced who had been nominated (we could not hear Miss Pass) a titter ran all over the house. The idea! It was so perfectly absurd. Miss Pass was going to make another motion, but Parry pulled her down. They say that133 when Pass heard he was dead she sobbed right out loud, although she did not know who he was nor what position he occupied. I was Summoned to Mrs. Ray yesterday morning. I had no idea what for, but I soon found that it was for various things. In the first place, I had not shown my transfer from Miss Avery's to Mrs. Ray's bible class to them and so they had a whole list of unexcused absenses from bible class, whereas I have beem absent but once. Then there were other things. But those were mistakes and I had to see about them. I shouldn't have blamed Mrs. Ray then if she had been cross; but she was not. When I first came back after vacation, I was summoned to her for being absent from two classes. I did not get back in time for them. She was very cross and asked all manner of questions. Couldn't I get there134 any sooner? If I had come on the boat. How did the other girls from Boston come? Some by cars, some by boat. Who came by boat? Miss Wentworth and Miss Tappen. "Well, I will excuse you, but you must remember that you are required to be back as soon as possible." Said in her most hateful tone; and I was angry. Sunday, Mar. 2nd 1879 The Mc Donald Affair. Last week we were astonished by the announcement that Miss McDonald was married. Her father gave the college the McDonald scholarship fund and made his daughter come here. She hated to come. Had been here three years before and was now a Soph. She was married in the parlor of the Nelson House to a Freshman in Columbia College by name of Spence. She staid here several days after she135 was married, and packed her trunks, pretending that she was going to New York. She has gone somewhere now. Some say that she is expelled. But, at least, she has not been publicly expelled. They say that the fellow's father sent him back to College. Miss Smith, Miss McD's roommate, has gone home - expelled they say. She witnessed the wedding and probably assisted Miss McD. in some other ways. Every body is sorry for Miss Smith. She was very smart, and they say, her parents were poor and denied themselves that she might come here and get a good education. How badly she must feel to go home to them so. Then Miss Jeffords, who would have graduated in the Art Department this year, has gone, nobody knows where or why. But it was nothing to do with the McDonald affair. Some say she is expelled, some say suspended. I heard that Prof. Wan Ingen said it was foolish to expell136 Miss Jeffords for what they did. They kept Misses J. and S. in the Infirmary till they went home. Prof. Backus preached today and as a consequence I came down from Chapel feeling very clever instead of cross. Prof. B. is splendid. He always holds my attention. But I cannot keep my mind on Prexy's sermons. A good many of the girls went into church today. They can go once a month. We have some Curtains in our room. Unbleached [murhir] true med with turkey red and lambrequins of the same. Jessie saw the advertisement on the Students' Bulletin. Room 10. That was unoccupied. But we knew that they belonged to Miss Stevens who formerly roomed there. So we found Miss S. and travelled down and looked at them. Ella and Jessie wouldn't say whether137 to take them or not, and Miss S. left us looking at them. Well we trained around there for some time and Ella found a boot-jack, which we had been wanting. We had one before that Ella had found when hunting for a good ink bottle in the empty rooms. We had hung it up as a bracket and wanted this other to put on the other side opposite. There is a joke about those boot-jacks. Mr. Vassar put them in every room, but didn't have any closets built in the College. To go back to the curtains, we stood around talking and fooling, and laying down on the table for the sake of being slid off. Just before Chapel we decided to bring them to our room and try them, to see if they would fit. But we had to go then to Chapel and immediately after to Corridor-meeting. I was the only one deficient, and had to stay after it was over to tell Miss Hubbard. The girls ran off without me. I had lots of deficien138 -cies and I hurried to get a chance to tell them. "The 18th and 19th, all College duties. The 20th, 21st, 22nd, exercise. The 23rd, Chapel. The 24th, exercise." Said I very slowly so Miss H. could write it. "Good-ness!" exclaimed Miss Howe. Then I ran after the girls. They were in Hattie's room. We came on a run down the corridor; baring the curtains in triumph. We couldn't hang them in our room, as the hooks were too far apart. We took out a screw eye and put it in so it would go on the hooks. But the curtains pulled the cornice over up-side down in a remarkable manner. Finally we broke the screw-eye. Then we discovered why the cornice hung over so. It was because the hooks were so long that the ends of the cornice didn't touch the wall. Then we ran to the Janitor two or three times a day for two or three days, and at last they were fixed. They improve the appearance of the room very much. But we sent by139 Jessie to town to get ribbon to tie them back, and she got it about an inch wide! Reading Composition. I read my Composition on "Favorite Characters in Fiction." Miss Woods wants me to write poetry next time. Can I ever? We had a Lecture Thursday night. Mr. J. T. Field of Boston. His subject was Alfred [Tenneson]. It was very nice, although different from what I expected. The north side of the Chapel was cleared for visitors and the Preps were requested to sit in the Gallery. I sat there with Jessie. They couldn't let the doors be open and the scholars go in peaceably. But Mrs. Johns stood by the door and kept us out till the bell rung. Then in they all were borne with a rush. Mrs. J. was very angry and reported to Mrs. Ray, who gave the Preps a lecture upon politeness next day.140 We thought that she might learn a lesson in it herself. This is why. At dinner often announcements are made. Some by Mrs. Ray and some by Miss Nichols. "Her Royal Highness" takes her bell and notices, walks a few steps toward the centre of the hall, strikes her bell twice and reads her notices. Miss Nichols gets up and reads here, and, while she is reading, Mrs. Ray calmly walks back to her seat. Sunday, Feb 9th 1879 Class Flower. Miss Semple proposed that, as we had no class color, we should chose a class flower. She proposed that we chose the Marsh ney rose bud. Afterwards it was objected to because it was a hot-house flower and not hardy. So the pansy was chosen. We were requested to hand in our preferences, who we desired to take to the Freshman party. My first choice was Miss McFadden. As I had no second choice141 I thought I would put down Miss Jones, who knows somebody that I know. Miss Sherman used to come down here every day at the tenth period to study French with Miss Irving. One day when she was here Miss Hubbard came in to speak to Jessie and saw her. She went out and asked if the bell for the end of study hour had rung. Then she came back and asked her about it. We have been Drawing Leaves for Botany. Auntie Haskell gave us descriptions of six leaves, and we were to draw them and name them. Miss Vernes came down and we put our heads together over them and had a good deal of fun. I like Miss Varnes very much. Didn't know her very well till lately. Now she Jessie and I study Greek together everyday.142 Mrs. Richards. Friday morning as I was going into breakfast, I heard someody speak to me in the crowd. Turning I saw Mrs. Richards. She is a graduate of Vassar. Entered the Junior year. She is secretary of the Alumnae of Vassar of Boston. One of those interested in having Vassar examinations in Boston. She is lovely. She married Prof. Richards of the Institute. Of course I was delighted to see her and she said she hoped to see me to speak to me. So in the afternoon the messenger girl came and said that Mrs. Richards would be in ROom 48 till 2.30 p m and would be glad to see me if I was at leisure. I had a very pleasant call. It was so nice to see some body I knew. We are having a Strike. Lately the food has been very much poorer than before. Also the butter has been unclean. There was a meeting of the students Association and a complaint made143 and a committee of four were appointed to remedy matters. Miss Hays was chairman of the comittee. Last night it was called again and the comittee said that Prexy said it was to Mrs. Ray they should go. So they read a letter that they had written to Mrs. Ray. It was objected to as being to strong and unbusiness like. Then followed 3/4 hour of wrangling and nothing was accomplished. I think the letter was too strong. We could get on very well if things were perfectly clean. But it make me mad to see better things go onto the faculty table. Miss [Wardle] said that she had spoken to Mrs. Ray about things and Mrs. R. said that she thought things were very good. "And well she may," said Miss Wardle, "for the morning we had cold meat, they had beef-steak. And when we had corned-beef and cabbage and dried peach pie, they had orange and raw oysters." I think something will be done about it, as the girls are much in earnest.144 Sunday, Feb. 16th 1879. Gossip They say that the father of the fellow Miss McDonald married is in business with Mr. McD. and that the family are reconciled. Perhaps they wouldn't have cared at all if they hadn't taken that way to do it and if the fellow had not been so young, only 18. But enough of that. I think the fare improved although a Speech which Prexy made in chapel seemed to indicate that the petition would amount to nothing. This is what the speech said. It wasn't in just such words put [it] insinuated it. You are young and foolish. We are wise and in authority over you. Your grievance is all imaginary. You have taken a very weak and ineffectual way to redress yourselves. It was quite long but that's all it amounted to. I'd like to know what145 Prex. knows about our food anyway. Before he got his rooms arranged he used to sit at the faculty table. And very different food comes onto that table from what comes onto ours. I detest Prex. anyway. I am thankful I got excused from Chapel today, as he preached I think. Dr. Webster is lovely. She will excuse me from anything I like, no matter whether I'm sick or not. I suppose she thinks I'm delicate and need care. I was sick so much after Christmas. Now I must tell about the Freshman Party. That came off last night. The Society Hall looked lovely. Mrs. Ray wouldn't let them take over every thing they wanted. She was going to restrict them a great deal at first, but finally let them have nearly as much as they needed. Miss [Forse] was very cute146 about it. She made out a list so that it looked small. As follows - - largr [sic] pictures. - sofas. Small tables and chairs. The latter of course meant multitudes of small tables and pretty chairs. "Is this all you want?" asked Mrs. Ray. "No, Mrs. Ray," said Miss [Forse], "This is only what we absolutely need." "Very well. Bring me the list of what you want and [then came in the authority Prex talked about] I will cut it down." She restricted the nos. of [Miss Sanford] tabels and pictures and would allow no foot-stools. Never-the-less, the Hall looked very pretty. Next, as to the time. Mrs. Ray would allow us to stay till 10 min. before 10. We staid till half past ten. Prexy and his wife, Miss Palmer, and Mrs. Ray, Freshman teachers, were there. I took Miss [Jouer] of Boston. Mr. Battles knows some of her folks. Liked her very well. She was talkative or I fear I shouldn't have gotten on very well. For I never have anything to say147 to strangers. I had on a light shawl and she made me take one of hers to put around me, for fear I would be cold. At the door of the hall we were presented with a pansy and a rose from baskets full. The rose is the Junior's class flower. Also very pretty programs which Misses Perkins and Nickerson discovered were printed in "Bosting." There were songs and dancing. Not very much of either. Miss Jouer danced and I did not. Once I tried to get her a partner but did not succeed. For refreshments we had fried oysters, chicken salad, coffee, sandwiches, oranges. The class history and prophecy were read. Miss Semple was historian, Miss Lyon, prophet. The prophecy was just splendid. I think it will be printed. We've gotten An Ink bottle. Not but what we've had one all along. The one we had had no lid and the ink evaporated. So the girls hunted in all the empty rooms for a good one with a148 good glass stopper. One night Jessie and I went to call on Miss McFadden. Lo and behold, there was one of those [squee] ink bottles. "Oh, Miss McFadden, you've gotten one of those elegant ink bottles. Ella and Jessie hunted in all the empty rooms for one." "You may have that one." Could I believe it? Being assured, I took it, when Miss McF. informed me that it couldn't be opened. J. (I call Jessie J. half the time) said hot water would open it. "Well, if you can open it you can have it." So we took it, opened it. The mouth had a piece broken out of it, but we put it on with [mucilage] and it sticks fast. So we rejoice in our inkbottle and good ink and use the other for a pen holder. More Botany. We have begun to analyze flowers a little. I like it pretty well. We have to draw the flowers. Auntie Haskell told us to get a block and have to [sic] holes punched in it and put a ribbon through so as149 to hold it together, and draw our flower in that I got one and put a cover on the top which makes it very nice. Then I decorated it with pictures of flowers. I love to draw them. I made Ella a similar one for rhetoric. We got quite a lot of Table money as we call fines. So one day on the impulse of the moment we sent J. out to spend it for peanuts and caramels. We had a good feast on them. Now to get money faster we charge for books left on the chairs and floor. But we don't get much. Sometimes quite laughable incidents occur. One day I left my drawer containing about a dozen books on the table for nearly 20 min. I thought of it just in time or I'd had lots to pay. We bought a tin pail with a part of our money. We've been intending to get something to cook in it over our gas lamp but have not as yet. One day I left a book on the table and thought150 J. did it. J. went out and I began to rejoice with Ella that J. had left it there. When I found out it had been there half a period. At first I said that I wouldn't pay as I should have taken it off before 20 min. if I had known. But afterwards I did pay because, if any of the others should leave one on under the same circumstance, even if they would not have taken it off before the half period, they would not pay on the ground that I did not. "A poor policy to pay debts on" said Ella. One day Miss Varnes and Jessie found a Gray Hair in my head. There it is as plain as day. I won't have it pulled out. Monday, Mar. 17th 1879 Printing the Prophecy, etc. A class meeting was called tonight. We went for our napkins, two of which we had contributed for the party, after it.151 We each took one of the remaining fresh pansies given to the Juniors for a kupcake. There were 14 forks and 12 knives reported as missing from the stewards department. The question was asked whether any one had taken any from the hall. As no one had it was concluded that there was some mistake. It was moved that the prophecy, history, and welcome to the Juniors be printed and a committee to attend to it was appointed. I ordered two copies. One for J. and one for myself. Sunday, Mar. 23rd 1879. Jessie's Latin. When J. first came here she was put into Prep. Latin "for a while." But time past by and still she was not promoted. Not long ago Miss Miller, her Latin teacher, gave full consent for her to go into Horace. She went to Miss Morse and Miss Miller went to her, and it did no good.152 Miss Morse said she could not promote J. when she had such marks. But finally they discovered that J.F. Wheeler's marks were mixed with E J.'s and that put altogether a different face on the matter. So J. is put into Horace, although she is to keep on with Virgil for a while. It is nice for we study together. Last night we left our Light burning. I expected the other girls would put it out, and they expected I would. I had turned my light way down so it burned just a little and way just going to take off my shoes, when I heard a knock. I knew it was Mother Hubbard and, thinking she would turn out the gas and see the glimmer of mine. So I piled onto the bed and turned it out and began to take off my shoes softly. She went and I lay awhile and then got up to open my window and saw the parlor light glimmer153 through a crack of my door. So I came out and turned it off. She had put it down some. I wished I had left it burning. We all heard her when she knocked and none of us said "Come." I expected she would say something about it today; but she did not. There was a Concert Friday evening in the Chapel. Miss Hubbard and Miss [Bliss] played. I did not go. We have Eleocution every Tuesday and Friday at the sixth period, the first after lunch. I forgot to go to it Tuesday and once before. There is a Dancing class here every Saturday. Jessie and Ella take lessons and Miss Owen comes in very often between dinner and chapel to practice with them. I try it too. I want to learn to waltz. One night we sat around in the moon-light after the last bell and154 some our proposed dancing. So we danced a good while in our stocking feet. It was great fun. I did not go to the Chapel today. That makes three Sundays in succession. I did not take my exercise either. Just went out about 5 minutes. I have a cold. But very often I have no excuse but lazyness for staying away from Chapel. Sunday, Mar. 30th 1879. Lectures. There were lectures in Chapel Friday and Saturday nights by the Rev. Mr. Spaulding of Boston. They were illustrated by the [stereoptican]. Friday his subject was St. Peters. Saturday, Ancient and Mondern Art. They were very nice. Friday the Preps. were requested to take seats in the Gallery that the north side of Chapel might be clear for town-folks. The other students were requested to take the same seats that they usually occupied. I could not see very well155 from where I sat so I went up into the gallery with Jessie. Saturday night we were requested to take the same seats we had Friday. I did not go to the Chapel for three Sundays, so I went today for a change. We are having showery and cloudy weather. But between the showers its lovely. We left our Light (and other misdemenors) up again last night by the same misunderstanding. I didn't hear any last bell. I was nearly alseap [sic] when I heard Miss H. knock and try the door, which was locked. I came out and unlocked the door; but she had gone. So I turned off the gas and went to bed. She hasn't said anything about it yet. But she didnt about the other till sometime this week, when Kitty Angell changed seats with me at the table. I sat next Miss Hubbard and she asked about it. I don't she is at all nice about such things she peeks around and listens to every word the girls say [sic]. One day Miss E.J.'s parlor told about laughing after the lights were out the night before, just to see what Miss H.156 would do. She called Miss Baldwin to account for it and asked her if they were up after the lights were out. I don't think she has any right to do that. She is a great fuss any way. One day Kitty A. and J. changed seats at the table and she talked to them aboout it. The idea! At Miss Palmer's table we used to change paces as much as we wished. I used to think Miss H. was nice. I've gotten bravely over it. I spattered a plate yesterday and Miss Turner made silhouettes. I have been reading Daisy Miler. It is a strange book and I hardly know what to make of it. She was a queer girl. The form of expression and words in it are exactly the same as American school-girls use when talking among temselves. I never saw them in print before and I do not like them at all. I wish I didnot use them. I think I will try to break myself of them.157 Sunday, Apr. 6th 1879 My Birthday. I found the first dandelion blossom last Wednesday. Jessie has not been very well this week and went home for Thursday, Friday, and a part of Saturday. Her sister was sick. She is not going home in vacation. Friday was my 18th birthday. It seemed queer to have a birthday away from home. Last year Helen and Alice and Miss C. spent it with me. I haven't slept very well for two or three days, and today am about sick. Am excused from College duties. I lazed around in my wrapper all the morning till nearly dinner time. Just as I was going to dress for dinner there came a knock and somebody came in whom I did not know. It was Miss Gardiner, whom I met some time ago at Franklin. I was glad to see her and had a very pleasant call. She invited me to come over to the observatory and call on her this evening and bring some of my friends. I guess I shall.158 When the dinner bell rang today we all went up to dinner and found everybody collected in the hall before the dining hall or standing on the stairs and gazing in wonderment. Then there was a report that dinner would not be ready for 15 min. So we dispersed and in 15 min. the bell again rang. We were glad to find that we had an extra good dinner. Rice pudding and oranges both for desert. Did you ever hear of such generosity? Wednesday, Apr. 9th '79 A Night Ramble. Sunday evening J. and I went to call at the Observatory. It was a beautiful night out and when we came back we looked into our room we concluded Ella was at Crego's and went in and propsed to them that we should go out of doors. So Crego threw her things out of the window that Miss Shier might not know and we scud. We knocked at Miss Owen's159 window and she came out of it. We looked in at Miss Booth's window and saw a very affecting tableau - Hattie sitting in Miss [Akens] lap. We ran around the garden and sat in one of the arbors a while. Saw two strolling figures and ran from tree to tree across the lawn, stealthily dodging them. It was great fun. Got in safely. Jessie is making us some memory cards. I have not acted very badly about going home this time. Monday I couldn't keep still long. I was dreadfully Cheated Monday. We had just come in from Botany and J., Miss Vernes, and I were beginning to study Homer. There was a knock and the messenger girl announced that Mrs. Eaton was in the parlor and wished to see me. "Who?" "Mrs. Eaton." Then I gave a scream. It came like a flash. Mrs. E. and Nellie were visiting at Yonkers and had come up. I hurried to wash my hands, for the were black with160 pencil-sharpenings, and rushed away to the parlor. I entered the first. No one there but a lady in black that I had never seen. No one in the second. With a sinking heart I entered the Students Parlor. No one there. Slowly I came back. I went to the messenger-room. It was a the lady in black, Mrs. Swain said. Feeling sure of some mistake I went to her. It was Miss Eaton to see Mary Sanford. It was a horried disappointment. Today Misses Owen, Reynolds, Wheeler, Irving, and I went to the Gym to Dance. J. got permission of Miss Palmer and we got a man to light it and we had a "squee" time. J. and I went into the Store this afternoon. I got permission of Mrs. Ray. The man didn't ask to see my permit, so I kept it to myself and will go in on it another time. J. went in with me to get something and afterwards I escorted Miss Greenway in on the same161 pass. J. is going to use it in vacation. Now I will close till after vacation. Miss Hubbard was just here to see about our light. But I told her that I couldn't possibly get my work out of the way yet. Saturday, Apr. 26th 1879. Back Again. Well, spring vacation is over and I am back. I've been ever so homesick since I came back. I had a splendid time home. It rained nearly every day and I was sick abed one day. We had company every day but two. Cassie had quilting and I had a surprise party Saturday night. Helen and Al were home part of the time so I saw them. We are building a house on the old place at home. Eight whole weeks. I sigh for summer. I Came back late. Didn't get here till Tuesday noon and I ought to have been here Sunday night. Went to Mrs. Ray about it. Gave162 as excuse sickness, etc. Mrs. Ray was real nice. She said it was customary to bring excuses from home. So I said I would send for one. I Went up town today for a change. Have never been but once. Jessie and I walked in by College Avenue and rode out as far as Bull's Head. I am fearfully tired tonight. We've been in Miss Haskell's room to see about Botany. We've been analyzing maple and elm blossoms for class work. We've analyzed two out of the class. I don't know just how many we've gotten to analyze. From 75 to 100, I guess. Last night Ella bought some Eggs in the store and cooked some of them over the drop light. She is going to cook some more there tonight.163 Friday, May 2nd 1879 It is Founder's Day. Vassar's great day. The halls are trimmed up with evergreen and there is a stir throughout. After the festivities of the day are over, I will write about it. Every day or two it was announced that there would be a final oportunity for purchasing invitations for founder's Day. At last Jessie bought a complementary invitation for it. Then she was afraid to send it lest he should come. So she did not send it till yesterday. I have been Sick this week. Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. I got my excuse for being late. I forgot to go to Elocution again yesterday, but Miss Popleton did not call the roll. We are to be prepared to recite a piece Tuesday. Thursday we all meet together and have invited the Juniors to come and hear164 us. As Miss Harder said, "Seventeen idiotic girl voted for it." I only hope she won't call on me. Saturday, May 3rd 1879. Founder's Day. Now and then we would see one of the fellows that were coming around in the grounds with the girls. Just enough to keep up the excitement. At 5 min of 8 we assembled in Chapel. All those who did have company sat in the gallery. Below were the girls with their company. In the back seats, below were the hostaces [sic] and ushers. It was a pretty sight. Mist of the girls had new dresses for the occasion, light silks, cashmeres, and muslins, and they looked so pretty. Nearly everybody wore wite kids. The exercises were very nice. A Miss Stevens, formerly of the College played beautifully. There was a discussion - "The Critical Spirit of the Age - Should it be checked?" Affirmative, Miss Colgate. Negative - Miss Bustin.165 Miss Burstin was splendid. I could see how she had profited by her elocution. Her pronunciation was just right. She used her voice well. Her movements and gestures were easy and natural. Her poise was perfect. After the exercises in Chapel, the [sic] was a collation sewed in the dining-room. Jessie and I wandered around in the hall for a while till the thickest of the crowd was gone, then we went in. We were waiting to be served, when along came Matthew Vassar. "Have you been served?" he asked. Upon our replying in the negative, he rushed away edging his way through the crowd. Soon he came back with a plate of cream in each hand. Then away he went to wait upon the others. After the collation there was music and promenading till the dinig hall waas cleared for dancing and we all went there. There were four square dances on the program, but in the middle of the last the bell struck and the music stopped and the goodbyes soon began to be said. I166 had a real nice time. We went through the Pres. parlors, which were thrown open. They were very pretty and oh that library! it did look luxurious. I really think, however that I never saw such a slim looking set of fellows. The most of the them seemed so young, green, $ and insignificant. There was a Jap with Miss Nagai that was the homeliest specimin of Japanity I ever saw. But he look [sic] nice and was probably good and smart. We got to bed about 12.30 P.M. and were quite fresh this morning. The girls are crazy over Cards. J. and Ella have been playing cards ever since Thursday night. Tonight Misses Varnes, Brewster and Easton were in to play Eucre with J. This week I have been reading Poe. His prose tales are wierd. I am now reading his biography (a short one) and I like it ever so much. I mean to read the life of CharlotteBronte as soon as I have time. Sunday, May 4th, 1879. The Mud Turtle. I went to Chapel today for a wonder. Service wasn't long and I got along very well. It was beautiful out of doors today. Jessie and I went just over the red fence today and picked some wild flowers. We saw two large mud-turtles and that reminds me that Miss Turner picked up a little bit of a turtle, that she saw, and is going to keep it and tame it to make a pet of it. It is a real cute little thing. Saturday, May. 19. 1879. Miss E.J.'s Fish Dr. Webster has gotten back. It seems so good to see her. Miss E.J. caught a trout nearly a foot long. A lovely great fellow. I think he must have come down the stream from somewhere as there are no such fish usually in the lake. He168 was trying to swallow a smaller fish and was choking. Miss E.J. saw him and drew him up to the shore by a stick and caught him by the tail. She gave him to Dr. Webster. Miss E.J. also caught a polywog, which she keeps in a jar. She is going to keep him till his legs grow and his tail drops off. We have a Cat in our room. She came in first Friday. I gave her some milk I had. The poor thing was almost starved. She has been here every day since. We brought some things from the table for her Saturday. Today she has lived on Crackers. This is the way we happened to have the crackers. We were all sitting here and Miss Owen was in here, when suddenly there was a knock and Miss Levick came in with a plate of them. She said she had them and thought she would bring them in for us. She told us to keep169 the plate and laughed as she went back into Miss Pass' room. We were thunder-struck and suspected something was up. "Don't eat them girls," said Ella, "something is the matter with them." So we thought we'd try to find out what. We couldn't discover anything although we thought they didn't smell just right. So when we went to Chapel (which was put off till 9 P.M., because the Phil. had gone out riding immediately after dinner.) Ella and J. ran up to them and cried, "Girls, what on earth did you do to those crackers." Continuing in that strain Ella found out that the girls there were hungry, so Miss Shier went to Mrs. Keizer for something. She gave her the crackers. They tried them and they didn't taste right and they couldn't eat them. So they thought they would bring them in to us. This morning Ella told Miss Levick that we did not eat any of the them. I had Gorgie to supper with me Friday. J. and I went to [Exoteric] tonight.170 Miss Silver's Botany. Miss Silver had analyzed a lot of flowers at different times, but had neither put down the common name or the proper name and so she couldn't tell what they were. I should have thought she could have told some of them at any rate. Or could have found them by running through the table in her book. But she couldn't, so she threw them all away. It was too bad. And it was a funny thing to do. I must tell about Elocution. Some of the Freshmen voted to have the Juniors come to a reading because Miss Poppleton wanted them to. I think none wanted the Juniors to come. Never-the-less hateful things were said by both Sophs and Juniors. It was said that the Fresh were conceited to give a reading to the Juniors. Well, a class meeting was called and, on account of what was said, Miss Baldwin proposed that we should all after having laid the plan before Miss Poppleton assemble on Friday head171 -ed by a marshal march two by two to room J, each one clad from head to foot in black. Some desired very much to do this. Others were hot against it. Miss Howe and the Misses Glen spoke nicely against it. They held that it would be an insult to Miss P. and a price of great folly which would render us the laughing stock of all the College. Miss [Foor] said that she had heard that were were [sic] conceited to give a reading to the Juniors and she thought that wearing black would prove we were not. Miss Howe said that she never before knew that wearing black proved that one was not conceited. And she afterwards added that she believed black was considered the most becoming thing one could were [sic], and it might prove a conceit of a different nature to desire to appear in our most becoming dresses. Miss Foor answered. Then Miss Howe, and soon. I believe Miss Foor had the last word but assuredly Miss Howe had the best of it. Miss Glen, younger, said that she was172 afraid that some of the young ladies would have to borrow dresses; and some of the young ladies were very adverse to borrowing dresses. Miss Foor said that borrowed clothes had been worn on occasions much less than this and it would not hurt them to wear them then. And Miss Glenn, elder, whispered indignantly, "Calls Phil less than this!" Altogether it was very simple I think. At last a vote was taken and it was decided that we should not go in black, etc. The eventful Friday came and no one was killed. I did not have to read. Today part of the Botany classes went on an Excursion. to Mr Boardmans about 3 miles from here. We took our Botany boxes and picked flowers on the way. Oh, what a profusion of beautiful great blue violets we found. Mr. Parker, who is superintendent of Mr. Boardman's grounds, used to be gardiner at the College. He is a graduate of Amherst agricultural College and quite173 a scientific man. Mr. Boardman gave us permission to go anywhere we pleased over the grounds and to pick any flowers except fern and one or two things. We went down to a little valley. Hills completely shut it in, and rough, jagged, picturesque rocks, covered with mosses bounded it. In the dearest little nooks and corners of the rocks grew delicate firns and columbine. It was lovely. There was a lake in the centre and near by a fountain. The wind blew the spray quite a distance and we stood and showered our posies and ourselves. We went round to a spring that was 10 ft. deep in the centre and beautiful. The water was deep green, probably from the [confervae] that had settled on the leaves in the bottom, and it was as clear as a crystal. So it looked like an immense great emerald. We then climbed the ridge and rested ourselves on the rustic seats everywhere, in the woods and ate the lunch Bertha Ray brought. Then we sat a while in the summer house and Mr. Boardman wanted us174 to have a drink of milk, so he sent some up to us. We then started for home. We were somewhat fatigued on our arrival, but had enjoyed our excursion very much. Miss E.J. has two more Turtles. Very small ones. Not more than an inch across the back. They are the cunningest little things I ever saw. Soon they will have quite a menagerie. Sunday. May 18th 1879. Going to Town before Silent Time. Yesterday J. and I started for town before Silent Time, which is forbidden. We had just gotten out onto the street when we met Miss Murphy coming back and behind her two horse-cars were approaching. She said that these were to take the excursion to West Point, and as Mrs. Ray and many of the teachers were going, she did not think it expedient for the cars to pass her on her way175 to town before Silent Time. We were not going back, but we were afraid if we went the straight road we would be passed and if we went College Avenue we wouldn't get out of sight before the cars came along. For College Ave is straight and flat. So we slipped over the wall and behind the hedge, where we knew we would be out of sight, intending to go under shelter of the hedge to the end of the grounds and wait till the cars had passed us and disappeared around the bend. But the cars had but just started when we reached the end of the grounds. As there was one more way we took that. We got over the wall and started on an old, little travelled street, which had several little hills so we would be soon out of sight. When we were behind the hills we heard the jingle of the car bells and when we came to turn onto Main Street we saw them disappearing in the distance. In Chapel last night there was no one to lead the176 service. All those accustomed to do it were away. There was a long pause and a broad smile on everybody's face. Finally Miss Palmer went up and conducted them. Sunday, May 25th 1879. Over the River. Yesterday we went botanizing over the river. We had a real pleasant tramp, and saw a perfectly lovely stream, and got lots of maiden's hair. The Juniors took the Seniors on an excursion. Excursion. They always do. They went to Catskill, in the Mary Powell. Prof. Hinkle said nothing would be good enough for them next year. He didn't know what they would do unless they chartered a steamer and went to Europe. "Or went up in a balloon," said Miss Miller.177 Sunday, June 1st 1879 Summer has come in with heat enough to kill one. We have been longing for a breath of cool air all day long. It has been too hot to do anything. I read in the reading-room till the words were blurred, then I came down and tried to go to sleep. I have written but one letter today. Went to Chapel today. We have been having quite a time about our Cat. Ella went to Mrs. Ray as the latter wished to see all who were not coming back next year. Mrs. Ray said that she had been wishing to see some one from our parlor for some time. Then she spoke about there being too much noise in our parlor especially in Silent time. Also there was too much running in the halls. "And then that cat." We must not bring things from the table for it as it was against the rule, and we must not keep it. It was a nuisance to the whole corridor. The whole178 corridor meant Kit Murphy who is very hard on our poor Pussy. We have ceased to bring milk from the table to her, but we buy milk at the farm house and are determined to keep her as long as possible. When we don't want her longer they will take her at the farm house. We don't know whether Miss Hubbard or Kit Murphy went to Mrs. Ray. If the latter I think she was mean. If the former I think she too was mean not to speak to us about it first. And then about the noise. We are not any noisier than the rest of the rooms. And if you could hear the girls up on the fourth tell! Since then we heard that Kit Murphy said the noisiest room in College was on this corridor. If so, that was utterly false. And she needn't talk about noise; for every night we used to hear them talking after the last bell. We have been thoroughly indignant ever since Mrs. Ray spoke. A few nights before, however, we are willing to acknowledge that there was a dreadful noise in our room after last179 bell. Ella had thrown something into J's room and then locked herself into her own and J. pounded at a perfectly fearful rate on Ella's door. But other wise we are not noisy. Ella went to see Pinafore played in Poughkeepsie yesterday. I stayed at home like a good girl and studied. I read the play today in a book belonging to Miss Pass. We have now agreed to call our cat Buttercup, as a very appropriate name for her. I wanted her called that before; but they would not agree to it till now. Sunday, June 8th 1879 Weather. I didn't go to the Chapel today. Two weeks from today I am going to be at home. I shall not stay to Commencement. I never saw such weather. One day we roast. Then we freeze for a few days. Then180 we will roast again. Now it is a freezing time. This week I wrote to Miss Stevens. She was examined in Boston when I was. She is going to join the next Freshman class. She answered my letter and I wrote again today. We had our Elections yesterday. Misses Britton, Shove, and Stanton were candidates for President. Miss Shove withdrew, so I voted for Stanton. We ballotted 11 times and were no near the end then when we begun. So the names were dropped, and Miss Lyon nominated Miss Yamakawa. I don't think there would have been another nominated, if Stematz herself had not nominated Miss Shove. If almost anyone else had been running against Miss Shove, she would have gotten it. As it was, Stematz got it first ballot. She is very popular. Perhaps partly because she is a Jap. At any rate she ought to be popular, for she is so nice.181 Misses Howe and Semple were candidates for vice-president. We ballotted 10 times. Then those names were dropped. Misses Laurence, Lyon, and [Havker] were nominated. I voted for Laurence. Miss Lyon got it. Misses Taylor and Grose were candidates for secretary. I voted for Gross but Taylor got it at 3 ballots. Misses Mohn and Howgate were candates [sic] for treasurer. I voted for Mohn, but Howgate got it at second ballot. No one cared much which way these last went. There are two parties in our class. These mingle partly in times of peace, but, in elections, they are clearly divided. Then there are a few that flucuate between the two sides. All this year Laura Glenn has been director of the Glee Club and has done real well with it. But now we have Miss Fridenburg in our class and she is one of the best musicians in College. When time for the nominations came, no one thought of her and so Miss Howe nominated Miss Glenn, thinking there was no one else. There were no further nominations.182 Afterwards the girls thought that Miss Fridenburg ought to have it as she was the better musician and Miss Glenn had it so long. So a class meeting was called for nominating Miss F. second candidate. At that meeting, however, Miss Glenn withdrew her name and Miss Fridenburg was nominated. There were no further nominations. Last ngiht I went to an Exoteric hall play, "School." It was very nice indeed. Friday night went to an Art Lecture by Prof. Van Ingen which was quite nice. Last week went to a Phil Play. "The Cricket on the Hearth." It was just splendid, as indeed the plays always are. Our Cat still lives with us and we hear no more about it. Once in a while we buy her milk; but she mostly lives on mice and squirrels which she catches.183 Sunday, June 15th 1879. Latin. Oh, how good it seems to think that this is the last Sunday. I guess next week won't be very hard for we have examinations in Botany only. We were to have them in Latin every day. That would have been dreadful. Thursday a class meeting was called; but we did not have one, for we heard that it was not allowable to have class-meeting on such a subject. So we talked together and finally it was decided to send Misses [Shawe] and Sanford to Miss Goodwin to see if we could not have advance instead. She liked the idea and promised to see Prof. Hinkel about it. So we are to have no more examinations in that. Then in Greek, our class sent a petition to Prof. Hinkle, that we might be allowed to take advance in Homer instead of review.184 But he would let us do nothing but read [Anabaris] or review Homer. So we are reading the third book of [Anabaris]. Yeserday was the Senior's Sale. I [sic] very great variety of somewhat delapidated things filled the corridor, and eloquent Senior's expounded the merits of their goods. Very many rocking chairs, and small tables, sofas etc. Not so many small things as I expected. I bought a small bust of Dickens for 50 cts. and a small table for $1.00. The cover for the table had the initials [SN] on it. Sophia Nichols. Change it around and you have [Nan] Southworth. Yesterday I also bought [paster] for trunk. As I go by boat I can't buy ticket and check trunck till the day I go. Ella went down town yesterday. She and Miss Reynolds bought Strawberries Strawberries and those with fruit crackers and185 oranges made quite a feast. J. and I were invited and enjoyed it. We have only had strawberries two or three times at table, and then they were stale. We haven't had a green pea or new potato yet. Sept. 19th 1879. Soph. Year. Here I am, back again. I suppose most the girls will come today as College opens tonight. I arrived yesterday at noon. I came to N.Y. City by the [Stonington] boat, and it was so crowded that I could not get even a berth and had to lay on a blanket on the floor, in consequence of which I caught cold. In the morning I saw Dr. Webster. Her sister and little niece were with her. The niece was born at the College. Her name is Helen Vassar. Helen for Dr. Webster and Vassar for the186 College. They were coming here by the night boat. I came by day boat. The first person I saw was Miss Pass in the horse-car. When I got to the College, I met Miss Miller and Miss Hubbard, the former is to be our Corridor teacher. She told me to get something to eat and then go to Mrs. Ray. Mrs. Ray said she thought she would put two new Freshmen in my parlor. Not long after Miss [Winnie] Welliams was sent there. She enters the first preparatory. I heard that Mrs. Ray wasn't going to let Preps and Collegiates room together. Miss Williams seems very nice. There is a nice Freshman next door, Miss Miller. She is from Kentucky. Miss Brown's sister, who was examined at Boston when I was, is here. She is nice. She has a nice Alcove room and a very pleasant room-mate, Miss Newman. Miss Newman reminds me very much of Abbie Nickerson. She was at dinner when I was and said she saw me on187 the boat. Miss Sanford is here and the Misses Glenn, but I did not speak with the latter. I have seen no more of the old girls. There is a girl from Montreal, Canada. A regular little Britisher, Miss Williams said. I wish Jessie would come. Sunday, Sept. 21st 1879. News. I had two letters from Jessie. She is sick now but expects to return Tuesday. She is to the room in 131, Fifth North, all alone. That is what she wanted. Miss Turner is not coming back. Neither are Misses Wheeler, E.J., and Silver Evelyn Baldwin and Cassie MacAdam room in No. 5. near here. Misses Yamakawa and Nagai are not back yet; but are coming, I suppose. There is a new girl here in [b]. Miss Ella [Seetuth] from Normal, Ill. She is going to be Freshman. She is188 a little thing and seems very nice. Most of the old girls are back. Misses Shier and Owen haven't made their appearance. Ella has a friend here. She graduated this year from Lewisburg and comes as an Art Student. Miss Osterhout is her name. This year I study Latin, Eng. Lit. and Trig. Have them the first, second and fifth periods, so I get all through before lunch, which is nice. Sept. 28th Sunday. Our Room. Yesterday we girls went to town. Miss [Suelluth] bought a lovely panel picture. She has a little rocking-chair, too. Miss Williams had a box from home yesterday. She had a lovely table cloth, a clock and bracket, a picture and vase. We have a real pretty room now. I think Mrs. Ray is as horrid as ever. There are some very tall grasses in the garden that189 the gardiner gives away. Jessie asked him if she might have some and he said yes, as many as she wanted. So she got some for herself and some for me. As she was bringing them in, Mrs. Ray met her and asked her where she got them and who gave them to her, and said there must be some mistake. Jessie said no, the gardiner gave them to the girls and Mrs. R. said he shouldn't and there must be some mistake. Her royal highness knows everything. I think if the gardiner is not a responsible person he ought to be dismissed. But it is all right. Those grasses don't belong to anybody and the gardiner gives them away. I have quite a lot of Bitter-sweet berries. Miss Warder had her arms full and I was admiring them, so, after she had supplied her friends she brought me a lot. It is lovely. We went to see if we could get some more,190 but were unsuccessful. We have been seated at the tables. Haven't had Bible Class. Sunday, Oct. 12. 1879. Sick. Last Sunday I was sick and, stayed at home from Chapel and Bible Class and Monday from all classes. Sunday night I made tea over the gas. Last night we had a Chestnut Roast. Sent to town for a tin pan and set it over the gas full of chestnuts and roasted them so. Then we borrowed a drop light and put it in the bed-room and boiled nuts in a pail over that. Then we had cider and apples. May and I went for the cider in the morning. Jessie and I went to the store between dinner and Chapel for the apples. And such lots of girls were there, from Seniors to Preps. We invited the girls in the next room. In the midst of festiv-191 -ities, I heard someone come and go away again. I thought it must be Miss Yamakawa. I should have invited her; but I knew she was going on an excursion with Prof. Backus and I didn't know when they would be back. I went out and called Stematz back and she came in and had some chestnuts. When she went back to her room I told her to tell Miss Nagai to come. She came and by and by Stematz came to. So we feasted and told riddles until Silent Time. As the bell rang I hurried to take off the last roast. Every time before I had turned the gas down low. But in my hurry I forgot it, and the paper caught fire. I threw it onto the carpet and in desperation we stamped upon it and stamped it out. We had a real nice time, anyway. I have been to Delta twice. Last Friday and the week before.192 Ella [Vaener] played once. It was nice. I am going to join delta. For the Soph Party they have collected the tax of both semesters. Some of the class did not think we ought to spend it all for that, but they were over-ruled. We couldn't do anything else. For Mrs. Ray won't let the [cars] fix up the Society Hall; and for an entertainment out of the hall things cost. We've been having dreadfully hot weather. Sunday, Oct. 19. 1879 Senior Parlor. Last Thursday, the Seniors invited the Sophs to the Senior Parlor between dinner and chapel. We were dismissed from dinner at 5.30. I went with Miss Olmstead. We went directly to the parlor and looked around. It was lovely. The furniture was upholstered with dark green covered with193 peacock feathers. One chair was deep wine color and had a white strip running through the center, on which was embroidered cat-tails and their leaves. Miss Wentworth designed and embroidered it. It was lovely. The girls did almost all of the upholstering themselves, because the upholsterer they had one day was so slow. There was a lovely screen in our corner. There were quite a lot of painted things, for many of the class are artists. We Sophs were the first to see it after the Seniors. After looking at the parlor we scattered and took seats, some in chairs in the hall, others in the private parlors that had been thrown open for us. Then came refreshments, pears, bananas, grapes, cream wafers, and coffee. All was very nice. We enjoyed it very much. The night before, when the parlor was opened, Clare Rustin gave a spread. When they were singing,194 College songs, they improvised songs for the occasion. "Here's to Classmate Clare, Drink it down, drink it down, For she's done the thing thats square, Drink, etc." Either Kit Aldrich or Kit Murphy was chairman of the Committee for arrangement of the parlor. So they sang, "Here's to chair-man Kit, And Well does she deserve it." The Soph Party is coming off next Saturday, at 6 p.m. I don't yet know what it is to be. I know pretty well that it isn't to be in the hall; for Mrs. Ray wont allow the hall to be fixed up as has been the custom. I think that is very mean in her. If we couldn't fix up the hall, we wouldn't enjoy it there, it is so barren and dreary. The committee laid many plans before Mrs. Ray before she would accept any. One night Prex spoke to us about spreads etc., in de-195 preciation of them. But he said he didn't want to say anything about money expended by private persons who could afforf it (and in that case I don't see why he mentioned spreads at all.) BUt he wanted to speak about those expenses that came on all, alike poor and rich. And he spoke especially about [discussing] to do something different, something better than that done before. This was aimed directly at the Sophs. But if they wont let us decorate the hall as customary, they must expect that we will want to do something different. As for the expense, no one is obliged to spend anything but their yearly fine for class affairs. All the rest is voluntary donations. Prexy made Another Speech about Bible Class and Chapel. We didn't any of us see the point to that. He tried to prove that they196 voluntary, but optional. I haven't seen the voluntary part of it yet. Maybe I'd like to. Mrs. Rays Plan for Social Enjoyment, is for all students who have time and are so disposed to go to Room J. and the back parlor Tuesday and Thursday nights between dinner and chapel. There to play games etc. I don't believe it will be a success. I haven't been yet. The gymnasium is lighted for Dancing any night after study hour at the request of [three]. We girls have been over twice. Last time we danced the lanciers. We are going to learn them so we can dance Phil night. Sunday, Oct 26. 1879. Soph Party. Last night the party came off. We went to a hotel at "Hackensack about197 4 1/2 m. from here. Part went in large wagons and part in carriages. Jessie and I went in a carriage. We had a lovely ride. There was singing and dancing and supper. We had oysters, coffee, sandwiches and olives. Miss Yamakawa made a lovely speech. Nellie Raymond, the Fresh's President, made a nice speech in reply. We had a lovely time. But the time was so short. We heard that Mrs. Ray didn't send in her acceptance of her invitation till yesterday noon and that she told Miss Freidenberg that she was in doubt whether or not to accept the invitation. Such things were a bore. But if she accepted other invitations and did not this, there might be jealousy. I have been propsed for Phil. I am going to join Delta. That has all illustrious members. Pres. Raymond was its first president. Prof. Braislin,198 Prof. Backus, Prof. Mitchell, and Dr. Webster are members of Delta. Jessie has been propsed, too; but we've neither of us even joined Phil. yet. She is put on the committee for arrangement of the room next Friday night! There are only a few members of Delta. Sunday Nov 2nd 1879. Mrs. Wheeler and Edith I am taking it easy today. Am not going to Chapel or Bible Class. Jessie's mother and sister Edith are here. Edith is about 11 years old. Small and quite pretty. She doesn't look as I thought she did. She seems real nice. May went to town to church today. Sunday Nov. 9th 1879. Delta. Friday night Prof. Backus addressed Delta on the subject of the Adirondacks. His talk was very in-199 -teresting. Miss Ransom went with me. After it was over we had chocolate and sandwiches. It was Miss [Canfield's] spread. She is real nice. Prof. gave me a compliment. He told Miss C. I would be quite an acquisition to Delta. He only knows from Lit. and I seldom open my head in class. But I suppose he meant it or he would not have said it. Friday Miss Jones gave a Spread to Delta. She had trouble with Mrs. Ray about her room and is going home. She may return. We had button-hole bouquets, salad, finger rolls, sliced tongue, sandwiches, vienna coffee, whipped cream, all kinds of cake, ice cream, and ices. We had such a nice time. Had a long table with Prof. Mitchell. She and Prof. Backus, Prof. Braislin, Pres. Caldwell belong to Delta. Mr. Vassar was the first pres. of Delta, Prof.110 Mitchell, the second, Pres. Raymond the third. Last night Beta had a Hall Play. "The Haunted Mill," and "Woodcock's Little Game". Both were spendid. Misses Van Clique, Shove, Wells, did best. We enjoyed it very much. The girls put Blocks up on the sides of the door. Ours is always full of nonsense. Such items as "Shakespeare Called" are frequently seen there. The other day the girls advertised on it the loss of their waste basket, and pen wiper, and I put it into poetry on it as follows: - Lost, Stolen or Strayed! From a sorrowing maid, A basket of beauteous make; And her heart's full of woe, So think that a foe, Could from her this prized object take. And a perwiper, too111 Most fair to the view With a gold button shining so bright, So beauteous it was, She'd fair know the cause That's taken it out of her sight. O stranger! I pray If you find them astray, Return them to 22 straight, For the maid in despair Is tearing her hair And mourning their terrible fate. We are keeping slang lists. Madge Miller calls me [Sattycoram], and May, Anne Cora. Nov. 23rd 1879. Plays I was sick last Sunday and did not write. But there has been not much of anything going on. Last week there was a French play, and last night our "Mutual Friend" dramatized. I enjoyed them both112 very much. Of course there are funny things happening all the time in Lit. Election Day Prof. Backus talked politics to us all the period, which we enjoyed very much. Sunday, Nov. 30th 1879 Thanksgiving. Has come and gome. We had Friday and Saturday for holidays and they were very acceptable. May, Jessie, and I sat at Flo Easton's table. Miss Van Lyle, the little Brazilian sat next to me. I like her. After supper we all went to Flo's room, where we played mesmerism, etc. Then we went to the parlors to see them dance. There was a play in the Hall. "The Fast Coach" and "Jacobi." Both were very nice and funny. Then the orchestra played, and the orchestra consisted mostly of [comb] players. But it was very nice. Miss Lyon recited a piece and Miss Van Kleek. She lat-113 -ter came in in a long [tyer] and with her hair braided down her back. Sunday, Dec. 14th 1879. I will go on where I left off rather abruptly two weeks ago. Miss Van Kleek recited "Mary had a little lamb." She forgot part of it and went back and altogether it was the funniest thing I've seen this long time. After the play we had cake and ice cream in the parlors. The next week was Phil Night We had a real nice time. It was not materially different from last Founder's Day. But there were not so many guests. Mrs. Richards was here and read an essay on the "Educational Value of Scientific Invetigation." She called on me. There were the homeliest and queerest set of fellows here that I ever saw (Founder's Day114 being excepted.) Last Friday Alexander Young of Boston lectured on the tragic and comic sides of life. He told 59 anecdotes strung along with a sort of connection between them. That was all. It was the biggest imposition for a lecture I ever heard off. Every body was disgusted. His pronunciation was simply vile. Last nigh Delta gave a hall play. It was real good. The Critique was splendid. Miss Brewster wrote it. The play was founded on the form and twenty black-birds baked in a pie. Those that had been enchanted black-birds were all dressed in black belvet. Miss Varnes was one. She looked perfectly lovely. We girls formed a Political Club. May, Madge, Jessie, and I agreed to spend twenty minutes a day in the115 reading room or pay five cents. But May has backed out. The Sophs are getting up an Historical Club, for the study of mediaeval and modern history. I think It will be real nice. We are going to have a pin. The College Pin is going to be changed. The old one was real homly. You would not know what is stood for. The new one will be plain and pretty and will show the monogram plainly. Jan. 18. 1880. Vacation is over. Of course I had a jolly time, although the weather was bad and I did not go much. I did a good deal of painting and got so I could paint on silk. Lots of things have happened since I came back but I have so little time to write that I can 116 hardly give the heads of things. In the first place, I've finished my second Essay. The subject was Relation of Classics to Modern Education." Miss Hiscock did not wish me to read anything in regard to it. I handed it in yesterday and today thought of something else I ought to have put in it. I must write down here the subjects that were given out to the Sophs. 1. "Review of my Favorite Novel." 2. "How far should the Principle of [Emulation] be carried to Promote Mental Exertion?" 3. "The Relation of Classics to Modern Education." 4. "Characteristics of Children's Literature." 5. "Is there Antagonism between Higher Mental Culture and Perfect Social Grace." 6. "Peculiarities of Booth's Impersonation of Hamlet." 7. "Glaring Defect of the American Social117 System." The subject for the next essays are 1. "Egotism an Important Element of Success." 2. "One More Popular Fallacy. ('Sweet are the Uses of Adversity.')." 3. "Is Crime Fostered or Repressed by the Publicity Given to it at the Present Day?" 4. "The Office of the Sunday School. (A discussion of its relation to the Church, to society in general, and the manner in which its existing methods fulfill its aims.)" 5. "Some Criticisms upon the Method of Preparatory Schools, suggested by my College Experience." 6. "A Truly Useful Life (A bona fide narrative or character-sketch.)" For our Political Club, May retired from it before she ever went into the Reading Room. Madge has failed once. We decided that reading nerve-papers twenty minutes118 in our room was the same as going to the Reading Room. Our Soph Club is getting along finely. We call it the "[Cliv]." I think we shall like it very much. I was one of the committee of three who arragned the [semester's] work. We are to study mediaeval history this year, meet once a fortnight, and are dropped after three consecutive absences, unexcused, but may be voted in if there is no black ball against us. As for Delta, it had a metting last Friday. Miss Pratt asked me to act on next Literary comittee. I don't know what I shall do for entertainment They have made a selection of a College Pin. It is very pretty. The one I want. I like it ever so much. It is graceful and shows what it is.119 Jan. 25. 1880 Clio our history club met first last night and I think we shall like it very much. Miss Sanford begun the meeting with a very propitious omen, by the remark, "This reminds me of a funeral in the house." Louise had a Spreak last Thursday, on her birthday. Her aunt and sister Nettie were here. We had salad, sandwiches, olives, coffee, cake, ice cream, and Charlotte [nurse]. We enjoyed it very much. The Class Elections have come off. Misses Coleman, [Foos], and Britton were presidential candidates. Miss Britton's name was withdrawn. Miss Coleman's friends turned out strong. All those who did not vote for her were trying to make a tie. But it was impossible. There were not many120 ballots and she only [laked] one of enough so some finally went over. Misses Shawe and Howe, for vice-pres. Miss Shawe was elected first ballot. Misses Glen, L.F, Cecil, and Morrill for Secretary. Ballotted some time on that. I thought Miss Cecil would get it but when Miss Glen's name was dropped they went mostly over to Miss Morrill and she was elected. Buckland and Case, for treasurer. Case got it. They were even the first ballot. I wanted very much a tie for pres. I wish we might have had Miss Warder. But she could not have got it against Miss Coleman. If there had been a tie I guess she would have got it. Miss Penfield is president of the Junior class. I am so glad. Miss White vice-pres. Miss Barnum, sec. Miss [Valean] against Miss Pew got the Presidency of Fresh. Class. I thought she would get it. I knew they would never rest till she did get it. We had Episcopal Service today as well as two weeks ago.121 I never went to it before. I don't like it. Too much form and ceremony like the Cathlic. And then to have the same prayer and everything Sunday after Sunday, year in and year out! Bishop Cox, of Western New York preached today. The Episcopals go wild over him. Sunday, Feb. 1. 1880 Delta Elections. Miss Canfield was reelected unanimously for President. Misses Braislin and Harrison were nominated for vice-pres. Miss H. was elected first ballot. Miss Raymond was unanimously elected secretary. Misses Meeker and [Brewster] were elected critiques and we are to have two more. Miss More asked me to read in Delta next Friday. I shall be pretty busy for I have to speak in Clio Saturday on the topic "The Franks and their Conquests. I had my first experience on Chapter Committees122 a couple weeks ago. I didn't know till Tuesday there was going to be a meeting that week, so we had no time to get up anything very elaborate. Miss Meeker proposed we had a tableau burlesqueing the ballad "Gaily the Troubadour," and we were going to have some other things. But news came that Miss Wilkinson of Poughkeepsie, formerly a special and a Deltan would furnish entertainment by reading Shackeray's Ballads. But, as it would not be advisable to have all reading, she wished us to get up a tableua. That was Thursday. We did not wish to burlesque a ballad as she was to read ballads, so we decided to have the "Courtin" in two moving tableaux. We arranged it and Friday afternoon it was rehearsed. Miss Penfield was Jekle, Miss Bell was Huldah, and Miss Smith the mother. But just after dinner Miss Pratt told me that Miss Penfield was called home by bad news and so we had to get somebody else to take her part. I captured Miss Harrison and persuaded her123 to take it. There was only about an hour. Not time for a rehearsal. We had to get things together and I had to run around for a costume for Miss Harrison. Well, we finally arranged things. I didn't like Miss Wilkinson's reading, but I was behind the curtain and I could not hear very well. One funny thing happened. Miss Bell in the tableu had to be pealing apples; and while Miss W. was reading, she say behind the curtain with the pan of them in the her lap. Suddenly she let one fall and it rolled under the curtain out into the middle of the floor. It was too funny! The tableau went off nicely. Last Thursday was Day of Prayer for Colleges. We had to go to Chapel in the morning and I went to prayer-meeting with Miss Nagai in the evening. After that was over Miss Phillips, Miss Harper and I collected in the Japs room and were treated to graham crackers, hot chocolate, and peach preserve.124 Miss Yamakawa and I spent the morning copying our Latin Prose Exercises. It was fortunate we did for the next morning Miss Goodwin called for the books, and if we didn't have them all copied she asked us how many we had to copy and let us keep our books. I had all copied but 3 sentences and I wrote those in pencil in class. We are reading Cicero's Letters now. They are very easy and nice. But Cicero was such a weak-minded man. I get disgusted with him. There was a Phil. Hall Play Friday night "The Danicheffs." It was very nice and had all the best actors. It was Miss Van Kleek's and Miss Shawe's last appearance. The former graduates this year and the latter does not expect to return, and they have been on the stage twice this year. Miss Shawe was perfectly grand. She had a very proud and hauty part. Countess125 Danicheff and she was so grand and handsome. Miss Van Kleek I did not like so well as usual. She is too small and young-looking, and has too high a voice for a man. BUt she was very nice. She was Count Danicheff. Miss Healy was Anna. It was such a sad part. But she was very nice. No one can take a pathetic part like Miss Healy. Miss Rustin was [Osip] and was very good indeed. She was so calm, and firm, and intense. Miss Wardle made a perfect frenchman. Miss Baily as Zakaroff was perfect. Miss Mary Shove as a peculiar and forgetful old man was inimitable. Miss Lyon took the part of the revengeful beauty Princess Walanoff to perfection. Nothing could have been better than Misses Lane and Hopson and Marinna and Anfissa. There I have praised all up, as it seems to me they ought to be. I enjoyed it so much. And the pathetic parts just made me cry. I admired Miss Alice Shove most of all. Seems to me, I never saw any one quite so good, for an amateur.126 Vassar College. Feb. 8. 1880. Minutes of Jan. 10th. The Faculty of Vassar College, Po'keepsie, N.Y. met in the office of the President of said College at 10 mintues and 31 seconds past 1 o'clock, Monday evening Jan 10th. On hearing the loud "Here" given in response to each name as it was called the hearts of all throbbed with gladness. For surely the important question to be discussed at this meeting required the presence of every member of this august body. In order to do justice to the subject to be brought before the meeting, it was necessary that the honest opinion of every Professor be expressed. Mrs. Ray in a stately menner arose and having regaled us with a quotation (too familiar to repeat here) she informed us that the authority of the College had been outraged. A few days since a notice had been, not written, but printed for the benefit of the Preparations and freshmen, to the effect that the ice was in a precarious condition. That she - whose watch-127 -word was duty - had gone to the borders of the Lake and summoned thence four Sophomores who were skating unmindful of the word of warning. She laid the case before the Faculty - whether the whole Sophomore class should be suspended, or should they be lenient and expel only the guilty ones. The President called for remarks. Prof. Backus thought that each should have a ducking. Prof. Braislin thought that experiencing a cool atmosphere would not be a punishment but rather a delight. The President expressed his views - That the faculty had better not be too harsh upon the delinquents for their conduct was probably owing to their never having studied Moral and Mental Philosophy. Mrs. Ray interposed - But if the young ladies had been precipitated through an aperture in the congealed fluid, how could she ever have met the [stuck]-128 -mothers. At this a tear flows slowly down Dr. Hinkle's cheek and falls in silence upon the floor. Prof. Mitchell said for her part she approved of skating. It was probably the only way in which some of the students ever would see stars. Prof. Dwight in the solemn voice declares that he fears his Bible teaching has not been practical enough for the Sophomores and that hereafter he will try to make it useful as well as entertaining. (Dr. Hinkle is heard to mutter "It is good" and Prof. Backus "oh! Dwight who cares about 'Moral Responsibility.'") Prof. Cooley then proposes that as the matter is too important to be decided hastily, it should be laid upon the table for a week. Which is agreed upon. Dr. Webster then moved that the Faculty express by their rousing cheers the pleasure at having President Caldwell again with then. Miss Morse could not participate as she was busy fanning the President, who was nearly overcome129 with this expression of the faculty's esteem. There being no other business to be brought before the meeting, it was moved and seconded that the Faculty adjourn. The motion was carried. Tuesday, Feb 10th 1880 Soph Sociable. The Sophs this year decided not to have any Trig ceremony. Some of the girls said that they did not see why Trig was so much worse than any other study that it should be harped on year after year. Others said it was a desperate attempt to be funny and a terrible failure for the Sophs were too sick of the jokes to appreciate them and the Freshmen could not understand them. Well, other classes made cutting remarks about our lack of originality in abandonning Trig ceremonies, so we got up something different, kept it pretty well a secret, and merely said the Sophs would have a Soph sociable Saturday night.130 When we entered the Society Hall a peculiar scene met our eyes. Miss Sanford said the room looked like a bar room. All but a few settees were piled up out of the way. There were two or three rows directly in front of the stage and one row around the room. The walls were decorated with colored paper fringes, etc., beautiful engravings from Harpers, and a sublime oil painting advertisement picture, presented '82 by a store-keeper in Po'keepsie. The stage curtain was adorned with "Welcome '82" in white letters, and two dancing girls. "Quid Agamus?" shone on us from the wall in red, green, yellow and purple letters. The window curtains were the masterpiece, bring pieces of carpeting artistically looped. As we entered the room we were each presented with a beautiful paper rose and a card. My card had on it a picture of an Irishman carrying a stove funnel and a bottle, while his wife followed with the stove and a child clinging to her skirts. Printed underneath was "Division of Labor" and written "Is it "worth" my trouble to go "south"?" Soon after we were present-131 -ed with programmes. These consisted of strips of paper headed with spherical triangles and followed by the words Past A Burlesque, In Three Acts. Collation, Dancing. These strips of paper were rolled up in a peanut and tied with a ribbon. Of course we were anxious for the Burlesque to begin. But we had to wait for Miss Paterson who was to be Miss Goodwin in Act I. As she didn't come for some time we decided to begin with Lit Class, although, Miss Glenn had arrived. Miss Foos resembled Prof. Bachus very much and took him off nicely. She read to us selections from Hamlet and Burns [tries] to the tooth-ache and asked and answered questions. She also drew us a picture of Burn's on the board and said "There is a little weakness about the nose; but then we wouldn't have it otherwise. And wait till I come to the lips! Ah, young ladies, you don't know how much I think of that picture. When I get down-hearted, I go to it and I say 'Oh Rob, old fellow! you know just how it was yourself.'" Mrs. Ray (Miss Lyon)132 visited Lit. Class. Miss Lyon was perfect as a representation of Mrs Ray. Tall and Stately, with sweeping train and window's cap. I was in Lit class to represent myself. But some of the girls took off others. Miss Baldwin was Miss Pass and was perfect. She wore a slouchy white dress and white shawl and blue goggle and had her hair (which is quite short) oiled, to make it hang in strings, like "Frankie's." Miss Varnes took the part of Miss King and was very good. [It] was either she or Miss Howe, who represented Miss Foos, that asked, "Prof. Backus, is [diel] the Scotch for Guardian angel. Viva Buckland represented Miss L. F Glenn and asked, "Prof. Backus, what was the color of the coat that Chaucer's great-grandfather wove to that party he went to?" To which Miss Foos replied "Well, really, Miss Glenn, L.F., I believe, I don't know. I think it was either blue trimmed with pink or pink trimmed with blue. I have forgotten which. I will make note of it and look it up. Much obliged to you for bringing up that question."133 She wore Miss G's clothes and acted just like her. She had a great envelope post-marked "New Haven," and a thick letter which she was reading. Miss Cora Glenn represented Miss Sanford and wore Miss S. clothes. She didn't get to the hall till Lit. class had begun and she came striding up the hall with Miss Sanford's gait and came to Miss Foos to be excused "Excuse me, Prof. Backus, but I was out taking my exercise with one of 80's girls. Then she took a seat and asked a question, very complicated and hard to understand just like Miss Sanford. If she hadn't laughed she would have been splendid. Next to Lit Class came Latin. Miss Paterson looked exactly like Mis Goodwin and acted pretty well. Miss Coleman was Prof. Hinkle and came into the class. If she hadn't been so tall she would have been splendid. She acted very nicely. Miss Stanton represented Miss Sanford in Latin and took her off to perfection. One question she asked was, "Excuse me,134 Miss Goodwin but is there any special signficance in having the subject of the sentence in the nominative?" After Lain class came Faculty meeting. Miss Philips was Prex. Miss Gross, Miss Morse and she looked exactly like Miss Morse and took off her pussy-cat ways nicely. Miss Moore was Prof. Braislin and Wednesday, Feb. 11. I will continue where I left off. Miss Moore as Prof. Braislin, read the minutes of the last faculty meeting which are copied on the 126 p. of my journal. Miss Koontz was Prof. Mitchel, and she tipped back on the two legs of her chair, corssed her feet, and said "Backus will you please open that window?" The business of that meeting was to speak of different selections of studies. Miss Sanford was read off for Calculus (she doesn't have it) and some one predicted that she would be dropped. Miss Foos was very hard on herself. Miss Lyon was read off for 3 studies. Some one objected, and some suggested that she was not fond of study. Ah, I see, she is lazy135 Oh! she is lazy," cried Miss Coleman, immensely tickled like Prof. Hinkle is when he thinks he has made a joke. After faculty meeting the settees were taken from the middle of the room, and some one played for a dance. Presently Miss L.F. Glenn came in, dragging in a little wagon full of apples and corn-balls. She was dressed like a little Irish boy, with red wig, old hat, calico tyer, red skirt, grey gym drawers. She looked too funny. She was followed by Miss Warden, dressed in an old calico and faded shawl, with brown hair front and great bonnet. On her arm she carried a basket holding, I should think, a peck of peanuts, and a box of candy kisses. We feasted on these and bye and bye they brought in ham sandwiches, olives, coffee and whipped cream. We had a nice feast and more dancing and then gathered around the piano to sing. Among other things we sung, "Here's to Vassar College, The fountain head of Knowledge." Then "Here's to '82, We'll see what she can do." Mis Glenn, C.,136 rushed up to Miss Darling and cried, "I think they ought to sing here's to '81 for us, don't you?" At first Miss Sanford cried "no!" but then said, "Well, we don't begrudge it. What shall we sing with it?" What has she ever done?" cried Miss Howe. So we sung it with a will, and soon Miss Lyon (who was also going to join 81) came up and said, "Miss Howe, that's the brightest remark you ever made!" Then we sung "Here's to Vassar's '80, Otium cum dignitate." And "Here's to '83, who's excluded from our spree." Then, as the Silent Time bell had rung, we started for the College, singing, "Here's to '83," and "Goodnight, Ladies." Oh, we had such a jolly time! We wore our peanuts and roses next day. Every one was asking about it. They all thought it real nice. Prof. Braislin said she thought it was it was [sic] such a nice idea to have the faculty and everybody. She said if she had known she would just as [leiafve] let the girl who had her part take some of her clothes. Prof. Backus met Miss Howe in the corridor and said, "Goodmorn-137 -ing Professor.' And to Miss Koontz, he said, "Look here, Miss Koontz, I don't want you to call me 'Backus'." I think it was a grand success. Sunday, Feb. 15th. 1880 Alpha's Play. At last Alpha had her play. It was real good. Light and amusing as an affect to the Danicheffs. The play was Cinderella. It was bright and amusing. Then there was music. "The Babies on our Block." The music struck up and soon various [babie] cries struck in. The curtain was drawn; and behold half a dozen girls dressed out baby-like, [dandling] dolls. It was very cute. Then the committee came on the stage. They looked all dragged out. One had her throat tied up. One had a hammer in her hand. One had a broom. One had a big note book to put down things and her hair was tumbling down. One had her head tied up. They wore dirty of torn aprons and were altogether a forlorn looking set. They sang138 in a doleful tone their trials since they had been appointed committee. Every stanza ended with "Ain't it sad?" I had to speak in Clio yesterday. My subject was the "Franks and their Conquests." It was Clio's second meeting. Lots of girls were absent. They forgot it. We are going to have a very pretty pin. A large C and a quill. Second Semester began last Monday. I study Latin, Greek, and Calculus. In Latin we have Plautus and now Prof. Hinkle is lecturing to us, so it is not much work to get our lessons. In Greek we are reading Plato; but he takes about half the time to explain, wh. is very delightful. In Calculus, Prof. Braislin lectures helf the period and the other half we recite what she gabe the day before. She makes it so clear in class, we don't have to study it out of class. I went to one of139 Mrs. Ray's Receptions last Thursday. She has them every Tuesday and Thursday between dinner and Chapel. We had quite a nice time. Played copping quotations most of the time. We have a New Parlor Mate. Miss Hattie Walrath of Syracuse. She passed all but one semester of mathematics and one of French for Freshman. She is awfully jolly and quite nice. Jessie has been admitted to the Soph class. I am very much interested in politics. I want Sherman to be nominated for Pres. candidate. Sunday, Feb 29, 1880 Delta. A week ago Friday I recited Darius Green in Delta. The girls said I did it real well and were delighted Miss Julia Meeker read the Echo, Delta's paper. (It was real good. One piece in it was The Modern Romeo and Juliet. It was140 very good. Then there were illustrated Mother Goose Melodies. Little Bopeep, Little Miss Muffet, Jack and Jill, Old Woman, old woman will you go a shearing, and When I was a bachelor I lived by myself. Jessie was the old woman in one and the young woman in the other of the two last. Then they had "Where are you going, my pretty maid," etc. It was really very nice. I handed in another Essay last Wednesday. It was due the Saturday before. But I was sick and I could not copy it. It was a character-sketch and Mr. Tucker, a gentleman at home, was the character. The next subjects are not out yet. I have been reading Clarissa Harlowe, by Richardson. It is a very unpleasant subject, but, after you have read a little way, it is very exciting. I have come to a place where there is a141 lull in the excitement and I put it aside while I read Tale of Two Cities. I like Dicken's [sic] very much and this is very interesting. I did not know he wrote any historical novels. Lessons go very well. Prof. Braislin gave lectures for a fortnight, which was lovely. I don't find it so very hard. I have got out everything by myself so far and it makes me feel good. Prof. Hinkle lectured in Plautus. But he has finished now. I study Latin with Miss Case. In Greek we've been having quite a nice time. But now he is giving very long lessons and does not stop to "explain", so it is hard. We didn't like it and Miss Berrigner told him the lessons were too long, so he said we might get what we had time and he would read the next.142 Bad News. I had a letter from home yesterday full of bad news. The Centre of Stoughton has had a fire which burnt lots of places. It caught in a livery stable and I believe all the houses but 2 were burned. A neighbor of ours was also burned out, and a hotel not very far off burned. My uncle [Arahel] is not expected to live. Uncle Frank cut his fingers most off. But those are better. And lots of folks are sick. I never knew of so much bad news as has come to the College this year. Miss Semple's and Miss Fitzhugh's brothers died. Miss Penfield was called home by the sickness of her little nephew. Miss Gleason's grandfather died. Abbie Nickerson was called home because her father was shot at and is not expected to live. Another girl has just been called home and lots of others which I don't remember.143 Sunday, Apr. 25th Miscellaneous. It is such a long time since I wrote that there is lots to say. But I will only put down the chief heads that I think of. I had a fearful cold, so I could hardly speak out loud just before vacation, so I got permission to go home Tuesday instead of Thursday. May went home with me and we had a lovely time. One day Mr. and Mrs. Pulsifer, Miss Clifton, and Helen spent the day with us. That was Saturday. The next Monday we went down to [Lynn] Beech. Tuesday we went to Canton. Wednesday May and I went to Wellesley College. The building is very beautiful. Much nicer than ours. The reading room is not very nice. That Chapel is not nice but they have an elegant organ. Their library is much prettier than ours but does not look so large and lots144 of the shelfs were empty. The catalogue says they have 30,000 volumes. But I don't believe it; for we have 12,000 and ours looks much larger. But their course can't compare with ours. Their grounds, with the exception of the Lake, are not nearly so nice. Well, Thursday May, Miss Clifton, Helen, and I went to Bridgewater Normal School to see Alice and Clapp. The principal there, Mr. Boyden, knows Prof. Dwight and four of the teachers in the school to which May went before she came here. We teazed [sic] Alice and Clapp to come over to my birthday party, the next night. And the did, and my cousins Dean and Bert Southworth came over from Brockton. We had an elegant time. The next day we stayed at home. Sunday we carried Alice and Clapp over to Brockton to take the cars for Bridgewater, and Dean and [Nuisor] Southworth came over. Monday we had to come back for which we were very sorry. In Boston we145 went around a great deal but not as much as we wanted. A week ago Friday the Laboratory was opened. There were exercises in Chapel, and Matthew Vassar, the President, and Prof. Cooley spoke to us. After that there was an elegant collation in the dining hall. The after dinner speeches were very nice and very witty. We enjoyed ourselves very much. The preparatories had to take a second collation as there was not room for guests and all. We have had Goldsmith's play of "She Stoops to Conquer" here. Miss Hussey was in it. She took the part of Tony and was elegant. She is the finest actor in College. The next play is to be Our Boys and I am to be Belinda, the servant. I went into Po'keepsie to see Jefferson play Rip Van Winkle. It was perfectly elegant. I don't know when I have enjoyed any thing so much. Jessie has had pink eyes but they are146 well [note] . Carrie has been in the Infirmary with measles over a week. She is better now but the Dr. says she can't study till the middle of May, so I guess she will go home Wednesday. She was down stairs two hours today. My last essay was "Shall Girls Go Away to School." It was in the form of a conversation between May, Carrie, Jessie, Madge, and myself. I guess I brought out the characters of May, Carrie, and myself very well. They all said I did. My next essay is to be the "Excellencies and Faults of Mrs. Whitney's Writings." May, Madge, Hattie, Jessie, and I went out to the green-house last Saturday to order flowers for Founders. Sunday May 16th 1880. Phil Hall Play. Well I must write in my Journal today, as something unusual has happened. Last Friday there was a Phil Hall Play, "Our Boys" and I was Belinda. Everybody said it was very funny and very nice. It is great fun to be147 in a hall play and behind the scenes. It is nice to see the different things they do at different rehearsals and if they do the same at the final play. There were lots of nice girls in it. Miss Hussey was just grand as Middlewick. Miss Coleman was very good as Sir Geoffry. Miss Sanford took the part of [Talbot] to perfection. Miss [Withey] was Charlie. She is always nice and handsome as a fellow. Miss Williams as Mary didn't have to act any and Miss Shaw was very nice as Violet and looked so pretty. Miss Van Kleek was over to some rehearsals and she complimented me on my acting, I guess she meant it or she wouldn't have put herself out to tell me so in such strong terms, for she is rather "high and mighty." After the play lots of the seniors came up on the stage and shook hands with and congradulated us. Prof. Hinkle came up too. He was remarkably pleased and I could148 hear him laughing every little time. He was especially pleased when Susie Coleman said "Far from it", for his benefit. Susie had his hat. We enjoyed it ever so much. My costume was something superb. A brown silk dress with white figures on it, that looked like calico and was very delapidated. A red bit apron with patches and dirt on it. A black spot on my face, and my hair fixed wonderfully fine (?). There was an Excursion yesterday to Canaan Conn. They had a special car and went to two iron mines and a quarry. Ex. Gov. Holly joined the excursion and took them to his pen-knife factory. He presented Miss Brockway (the chief of the excursion) with the handsomest penknife she could find. They had an awfully nice time. Jessie went. I would have gone if I hadn't been too tired. I wanted to go dreadfully. There is not very much to say about149 Founder's Day. We danced over to the Gym which was horrid, and I caught cold and had to go to the Infirmary a little while next day. The collation wasn't as nice as usual either. But the literary exercises were especially fine. Mrs. Livermore addressed us. I danced twice, the Lanciers. Once with Jessie and once with Madge. I guess May, Madge, Hattie and I will apply for the [firewall] parlor, second south. Prof. Backus addresses the society of Religious Inquiry tonight and I am going. May 23rd 1880 Tree Exercises. We have chosen our tree, an elm on the Lake path, next below 78's tree. We had our celebration Friday. The same day the Juniors and Seniors went on their excursion down the river to West Point. The Freshmen to be in the style, had150 a fancy dress party in the Gym, to which Carrie and May went as [Corridor] and Phyllis. The poor preps were left to a "drop of comfort" in the shape of sour lemonade, and to peek around to see what the others were doing. We had a Mother Goose party in connection with our tree exercises. Miss Shove sent for permission to have chapel directly after dinner and Mrs. Ray sent back word that we might, but that she wished us to leave the hall directly on the ringing of the silent bell. "And" said Miss Shove in class meeting, "As we go to the tree afterwards, we will leave the hall at silent time and go to the tree for our exercises there." She was greeted with a storm of applause. We had two meetings Friday in Miss Warder's parlor, as Mrs. Ray didn't want us to have a class meeting and would not read the notice. The Fresh debated in meeting whether to send us a bouquet or not, and so heep [ovals] of fire upon our head. They are151 fearfully mad at us because we did not have any Trig ceremonies. Well, about seven o'clock we began to assemble in the Lyceum. Miss Glenn was Mother Goose and wore a yellow skirt with black geese on it and a red figured overdress and a tall pointed cap. She was real nice. The room was nicely fixed. There was a picture of Mother Goose riding on a goose, drawn on white paper and cut out and put on black. Then the whole was framed with the leaves of the Mother Goose book. In the closed curtains of teh stage were the pictures of the cat with the fiddle, the dog laughing, the cow jumping over the moon and the dish morning after the spoon. Miss Baldwin was mother Hubbard. Miss Brittan was Bopeep and she looked very pretty and her costume was becoming. Miss Buckland was "my pretty maid." Miss Case was the main all tab-152 -tered and torn. Miss Cecil was Old King Cole and was the best disguised one there. Misses Coleman, Kornitz, and Foos were the king, queen, and knave of hearts. We knew Miss Foos at once by her quick, nervous actions. She looked so handsome in her black velvet suit and hat. Misses Warren and Easton were Jack Spratt and his wife. Miss Howe was the queen when the dish of blackbirds was opened. Miss Howgate was "Mary, Mary, quite contrary" and distributed bunches of flowers with strings of dangling cockle-shells. Miss Macadam was the priest that married the maiden all forlorn. Miss Moore made a very cute Jack Horner and she had a big pie and went around pulling out bon bons for every body she met. Miss Shailer was the one who brought his bride, Gorgie Morrill, home in a wheel-barrow. Geogie looked as sweet as could be. Miss Nickerson was the old woman with eggs to sell and Miss [Learned] the old man who want a-153 round clipping her dress. Miss Patterson was Daffodil. Miss Peck was the little man who had a little gun. Miss Phillips was little boy Blue and was very cute. She was all dressed in blue and had her hair in long curls and had a horn to toot. Miss Richmond was the maiden all forlorn and looked real pretty. Miss Sanford was "Mary had a little lamb." She had her braided in four of the littlest braids, and dragged a toy lamb after her. Miss Stanton was "Tom, Tom, the Piper's son," and she looked very cute and had a pig made of white cloth. Miss Varnes looked very pretty dressed in black velvet. She was little Miss Muffet and had a red spirder. Miss Warder was Little Red Ridinghood, and looked so pretty with her hair down. Miss Charlotte Wheeler was the Lady of the ... . Jessie was the little boy with the bow and ar-154 row. Stematz was the woman who rode the broom stick. She looked lovely. She had her hair streaming. It is very, very long. I was Mother Goose's son Jack. We danced the Virginia Reel and round dances. The girls played on the piano, banjo, drum, and triangle, and the Glee club sang. For collation we had strawberries, ice-cream, fancy cakes, banana cakes, coffee, and lemonade. When the silent bell rang we formed a procession to go to the tree. I marched with Miss Yamakawa. We started off merrily with drum beating and horn tooting. We saw people at the College windows and cheered for '80 and the Preps. When we got to the tree, Miss Howe, our orator, spoke. Her "oration" was a poem, and was very nice and cute. Then we had a song, composed for the occasion by Miss Brittan, class poet, by the Glee club. Then we cheered [almost] every body and every thing and went back to the College. Oh, we did enjoy it so much.155 Spread. The girls in the next room, and Jessie, united with us in a spread yesterday, consisting of strawberries and cream, fruit-crackers, lemonade and olives. We enjoyed it very much. I wish they would have strawberries at table. Jessie and I walked to the creamery for the cream. The man who kept it was away, and after a gerat deal of questioning we found some one to get it for us but he had to go off quite a way. So we sat on the piazza and waited and saw the babies. The mother or grandmother, whichever she was, seemed highly delighted because we took notice of them. My Class Essay has been changed. I was to read my Character Sketch. But Miss Hiscock liked my last one "Faults and Excellences of Mrs. Whiney's works better. I feel awfully sorry that we are not to have Miss Hiscock for154 our essay critic any longer. Sunday May 30th 1880 Weather. It has been dreadfully hot and dry, but today is wet and cold enough to make up for it. The Observatory register shows that this has been the hottest May since the founding of the College. Really it has been too hot to do "anything but exist" as Miss Haskell said. But the girls noticed she gave them as long a lesson as ever. Most of the teachers however, gave short lessons. Prof. Backus and Dr. Webster dismissed their classes for one day. Dr. Hinkle wanted to give the whole school a holiday; but Prexy was away so they couldn't very well. I am extremely thankful that I haven't had much to do. Greek is getting easy and my other lessons are never hard. I have had just lots of time for reading. I read my essay on Mrs. Whitney's works last Thursday. The warm weather has been very good for the155 Junebugs, which I hate, they fly around so and make such a disturbance. One night they were so thick that Hattie and May pelted each other with them and Hat caught just piles of them and kept them under a glass. But I sent to town for mosquito netting and tacked it in the windows so now I take some comfort evening. Sunday, June 6th 1880. Elections. Saturday was the day for elections. Most of them were unanimous. Student's Association nominated Miss Stockwell Shaw for Pres. Miss Shaw got it. Secretary, Miss Phillips. Miss Cora Glenn also nominated Miss Sanford but that nomination was withdrawn. The nomination ought to have come from our class. Miss Gardiner, now out of College, was nominated for Vice-Pres. Misses Shove and Howe criers. Phil. nominated Miss Durand for Pres. Miss Abbot, not Venus, for vice-pres. She withdrew156 and Miss Erskine was nominated. Misses Durand and Erskine are both out of College. Miss Paterson, secretary, and [I] as treasurer. In our class for pres. Misses Foos and Stanton. We have not voted yet. Vice-pres. Miss Warder; Secretary Miss Broadhead. Miss Ling, treaurer. We wanted to have all our nominations unanimous. Miss Shove said it was not a very important time and it didn't make much difference, so they ought to be unanimous. For her part she didn't care about any officer except pres. and she hoped they wouldn't nominate more than one, etc. Miss Foos was nominated first. Then Miss Shove herself nominated Miss Stanton. I was surprised and indignant after what she said. It seemed clear to me that she meant to nominate Miss Stanton first and have it unanimous. I hope Miss Foos will get it. She has been put up once before. Miss Stanton has been up twice before. Neither are universally popular.157 Exoteric Play came off last night. "Coupon Bonds." It was in itself an uninteresting play but it was pretty well acted. Misses Blanchard and Rollinson as Pa and Ma Ducklow did very well indeed. [Taddy], Miss Halliday, was the life of the play. Miss Iddings made a very fine-looking sick officer. July 8th 1880. Last Days. I want to write a few words about our last days at College. Miss Foos withdrew from the position of candidate for the Pres. of our class, so Miss Stanton is Pres. Delta's officers are Miss Harrison, Pres. Miss Vernes, Vice-Pres. Miss Meeker, Secretary. Miss Platter, first critique. Miss Southworth, second critique. May went Thursday night. Hattie went Friday and the other girls Sat. Miss Hendon, Miss Cole, and Miss Thompson were in my parlor during Commencement. Commencement Concert was the nicest one158 I ever attended. I enjoyed it ever so much. Class Day was lovely most of the Seniors were elegantly dressed. The history and prophecy were very funny and nice. Miss Withy and Stockwell, the tree orators also did very nicely. It was, fortunately, a beautiful day. All the scholars marched in a procession to the tree. The Band Concert in the evening was very enjoyable. It was the nicest Commencement Day as well as Class Day that we will ever have, I guess. In the discussion Miss Barnes had all our sympathetic and prejudices on her side. But we all went over to Miss [Sultiff] after she had talked a little. Her arguments were very convincing and her essay very bright. It was the saddest Commencement parting ever known they say. The Pres. Nearly cried when Miss Reynolds addressed him, and her voice was very shaky. Lots of the girls cried. Miss Pass sat right opposite me, weeping co-159 -piously, so I didn't. The Pres. forgot a part of his little Latin Speech and had to take his notes out. The Seniors had a class supper at night. We Soph's serenaded them, standing on the front steps. The Seniors were in the Lecture Room and threw [carnation] [pinks] down to us. I believe I never told how we sent the Seniors a present the night they had a jollyfication because they had finished all their studies. It consisted of daisies and buttercups, peanuts, candy, gum, etc. and some poetry by Annie Lyon. They returned the Compliment by sending back an '82 baked out of bread stuff, adorned with myrtle and pansies, and some more poetry. That was great fun. I started for home on the Mary Powell Thursday morning. Miss Brown was with me. I fell in with Miss Hussey and her sister, cousin, and two friends. Also160 Miss Sutliff's mother and sister and a Yale fellow of '80 a friend of theirs and Prof. Dwight's. We had a lovely time on the boat. I went around New York with Miss Brown. Abbie Nickerson joined us on the Boston boat. Miss Hussey's party was there, too. So it was very nice. Miss Hussey says she may be in Boston next year studying for the stage. I think she will make an elegant player if she does. We arrived in Boston 7.30. I got home 8.30, and so ended the first [Laef] of my Vassar Career.g. Eleanor (Holmes) Duane, 1928
Show less

Creator: Elwell, Abbie (Nickerson)
Transcriber(s): Serra, Andrea
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Date: 1878-1928
Text: Abbie (Nickerson) Elwell, '82#762/2 37.50 Abbie M. Nickerson, Vassar College, Sept. 23, 1878It is a singular fact that in journals on those days that are fullest of adventures, and which furnish abundant material, people seldom make lengthy entries, often passing them by altogether. The traveler starting for Europe, will furnish an admirable example. On board ship, where there is an abundance of leisure the pages of the diary are faithfully filled, but open the book, when he is fairly in...
Show moreAbbie (Nickerson) Elwell, '82#762/2 37.50 Abbie M. Nickerson, Vassar College, Sept. 23, 1878It is a singular fact that in journals on those days that are fullest of adventures, and which furnish abundant material, people seldom make lengthy entries, often passing them by altogether. The traveler starting for Europe, will furnish an admirable example. On board ship, where there is an abundance of leisure the pages of the diary are faithfully filled, but open the book, when he is fairly in the whirl and bustle of London or Paris, and what do we find? In most cases blank pages. Yet think you these days are forgotten? Most assuredly not. The mind is ever recurring to them. Thus I feel it may be with the days, whose record I have been to busy to write, but now in the quiet of my room, as I think over the past two months that have flown so quickly, I feel moved to write something of their many and varied experiences. Nov. 30, 1878 I left home on the afternoon of Sept. 17. Emma and Addie Tuttle were at the station in W. Newton to see me off. Papa and I took the cars for N.Y. and changed to the boat, where we rested very well. Wednesday morning we woke quite early, and after a lunch, which mama had prepared for us, went out on deck to see what we could of the harbor. We went under the new bridge, which had progressed considerably since I saw it before on our return from the "Centennial." Arrived in N.Y. papa made some arrangement about my baggage, and we then walked to Broadway. Papa left his coat at the hotel, and we then visited the Post Office, Trinity, Stewart's and Tiffany's. We returned to the hotel for dinner, and after resting a while went to the boat, where I waited while papa went out for a walk. Mr. and Mrs. H. F. King came on with us, also Mr. Kingman. We had a delightful trip ip the Hudson. When we arrived at Poughkeepsie, it was too late to go to the College, so we went to the Northern House. In the confusion at the landing, I was separated from father, but he joined me at the hotel, soon after I reached there. I had a very comfortable room, but did not sleep very well the first part of the night. Papa left on the early boat for N.Y. I accompanied him to the wharf, and felt rather peculiarly, as I returned to the hotel for breakfast, alone. During the morning I went to the college in the horse-car, which was mostly filled with girls and their friends. After waiting a few minutes in the parlor I went to Miss Morse in room J, who assigned my room, and then one of the Messenger girls took me there to leave my things. I then went to the chapel to await further developments. There I saw Miss [Shailer] and Miss Buckland, who said she was to me by room-mate. In a few minutes they came for me, and I took an examination in Phys. Geography in the Library. Miss Haskell gave me the examination, and pronounced it satisfactory. After settling my account with Mr. Vassar Ireturned to my room, where I busied myself trying to arrange my things. My trunks were brought out in due time by the horse-car co[mpany]. We had no lessons until Monday, so that we had leisure to explore and to form several acquaintances. Laura Gross came, but did not spend the first night here. I sat with her sister a while, when Laura was taking her examinations. Sunday, Sept. 22 President Caldwell preached. We heard vague reports of "hazing," when we first came, but the old students have been exceedingly courteous and kind. There are many things to be learned--e.g. the clothes which we consider plain, we find to our dismay, are mostly "fancy," and do we chance to put in a collar on which the marking is a little "dim" our bag is returned. There were so many bells to mind that some of us taxed our poor brains to the uttermost, and after all forgot corridor meeting. We find our exercise a delightful change after the day's work. One of the popular walks is to the cider mill. Generally a party of five or six go together, each with a water pitcher or sometimes more beautiful though not so useful majolica. Arrived before what we suppose to be the house, we debate whether we shall go to the door or proceed directly past several windows filled with people evidently immensely amused. At last, we go on to the barn, in front of which we see piles of apples and smell what is unmistakably the odor of cider. There are several men at work, who do not seem inclined to pay us much attention, and we standfor a few minutes very much like laughing. Finally one man says he will go for the measure, which, by the way, he has considerable difficulty in finding. When he has rinsed it at the pump, he calmly inquires how much we will have. Now none of us have bought cider, and here another consultation is held. On our way back we refreshed ourselves once or twice in order to lighten the pitchers. Chestnuts in due time come, and we hunt for them among the dry leaves. Anecdotes of Prof. Hinkel. What is the first step in a Greek funeral--a death. Why did Apollo draw his bow? To shoot. Prof. had a certain order of hearing the young ladies recite, so that knowing what part of the lesson each would have, they prepared themselves accordingly. This reached his ears, and he was very much troubled "Young ladies" said he "I am very sorry to hear this, but to prove it I will begin at the other end of the class tomorrow." Knowing this the lessons were prepared with especial care, and Prof. was convinced that the report was not true. An English Bishop was stopping at a certain hotel. The proprietor instructed the boy whose duty is [it] was to wait on the said bishop, to answer, when he knocked at the bishop's door, and the bishop asked "who's there?" the boy my lord, but the boy very much confused said "The Lord my boy." As someone has said there is no great credit in doing some things, but great discredit in leaving them undone.Notes on Drawing. The following extracts were taken from several books, which I read before coming here, and I transfer them from my loose papers to this book, so I think them worthy of preservation. Drawing is an art, which renders woman truly feminine. It increases her love of home, by teaching her to render it attractive. It is in a word, an art which lends modesty and wisdom; which subdues imagination to the control of reason. How many artists are like goats, which when fastened to a stake, begin at once to browse on what it remote and difficult to obtain? It is wiser to begin with what is in our reach, with the most simple and easiest. See that streamlet which follows lovingly the channel nature has prepared for it, bearing in its undulating course freshness and plenty to its banks, enriching itself with little brooks that join it on the way, and finally reaching the sea, a deep majestic river: that is the emblem of talent and genius. All styles should be studied impartially: thus one preserves originality. The pupil of all is the pupil of none. "I am nearly convinced that when once we see keenly enough there is very little difficulty in drawing what we see; but supposing this difficulty is still great, I believe that sight is a more important thing than ability to draw, and I would rather teach Drawing that one may love Nature, than teach looking at Nature that one may learn to draw." It is more important for most of us to appreciate art, than to paint or draw.Drawing enables us to perceive the beauty of the natural world, to record things not to be described in words, to preserve something like a true image of the beautiful things that pass away, to understand the minds of painters. M. Rouillet's Method of Enlarging. Trace on glass or gummed gauze with lithographic ink. Take a small lamp with a flat wick cut slantingly so as to make it very pointed. When it is lighted, lower it until it forms a luminous point. Dark room. Place the lamp so that the luminous point is in the center of the image. As the lamp is placed nearer or further from the gauze the reflection is increased or diminished. If a large copy is required, divide the tracing into sections. Fixature. Put half an ounce of white shellac in 3/4 of a pint of alcohol, cork it well and let it dissolve two days. With a little sponge spread on the back of the drawing.-- Accuracy is the first and last thing. If precision is used in the means, it will be manifest in the result. Crayons should be held inclined and not pressed between the finger. Lights may be taken out with a crumb of bread. The gauze proof is a faithful instructor, a silent teacher, responding to the eyes which consult it only by presenting truth. Sharpen the charcoal fine, for the outline should be very light yet perfectly distinct. It may be erased with a bit of muslin."Trust in God, and keep your powder dry." Cromwell. Adjoining the college grounds at the rear, is a small burying-ground, surrounded by a stone wall and shaded by apple trees. The graves are nearly on a level with the ground, some of them scarcely distinguishable. We found our way there one afternoon this fall. Viva and I. We tried to read the tablet inscriptions, and one of them was as follows: Remember me as you pass by, As you are now so once was I, As I am now so you will be, Prepare for death, and follow me. Someone had added in pencil--To follow you I'm not content, until I know which way you went. Viva said she would like to be buried in such a retired and quiet spot. I would prefer our Newton Cemetery. I cannot bear to see neglect, although it may make no difference to the departed, it is pleasant to think that people are still remembered, and what better tribute can be paid than cultivation and care of the spot, where their bodies were placed. I sometimes think people mourn for those gone too much, and do not love sufficiently those remaining. Children are quick to hear and apply new words or sentences. Viva told me the other day that her little cousins, who slept together, were very "cute" to use Vassar slang. One had heard someone say "excuse my back," so as he turned over in bed back to his little sister, he said "excuse my back sister." My Mother and I = Miss Storer and Mrs. Storer. The girls on Miss Brown's corridor are called Helen's Babies. Vassar College, Saturday, Feb. 7/1880. Sophomore party in Society Hall began at seven o'clock P.M. The Literature class was the first feature of the regular entertainment. Miss Foos acting Prof. B. Miss Baldwin acted Miss Pass to perfection. Miss Cora Glenn and Miss Sandford [Sanford] exchanged parts or places. Miss Home was Miss Foos, Viva was Laura Glenn, Miss Varnes was M. B. King, and Miss Lyon visited the class a la Mrs. Ray. Prof. B. distributed paper for examination amid the loud protests of the whole class, saying he would take the "moral responsibility." The Latin class followed. Miss Goodwin was acted by Miss Patterson, in a black dress and red shawl. Miss Stanton acted Miss Sanford. The usual requests of please shut the register and open the farther window were made. HS was explained in Cicero's Letters just before Dr. Hinckel made his appearance, when it was repeated in full for his benefit. Miss Coleman acted Dr. Hinckel. The Faculty Meeting was very good. Laura Gross in white represented Miss Morse and did the honors of the big book. Miss Phillips was Pres. Caldwell, Miss Moore read the minutes of the last meeting, which were very interesting. She represented Prof. Braislin. Miss Easton was the doctor, and Miss Kountz, Prof. Mitchell. The windows were hung with our carpets and 'Welcome' and two large paper babies decorated the curtain. Quid agamus? was on one side of the room, and the wall was also decorated with pictures from Harper's Weekly and Rising Sun stove polish pictures. Miss Warder and Miss Glenn, her son "Skip," dressed in a chemistry apron, etc. distributed pea-nuts, corn-balls and apples from a little cart. And Miss Warder presented sticks of candy. Soon Misses Brittan and Nicks, as waitresses, passed plates, napkins, olives, sandwiches and coffee. The 'Glee Club' sang several pieces and we danced. A number of the cards presented had very good hits such as;--She's a daisy, she's a Darling. Warren-ted to enter heaven, below the picture of a crying child who 'wants to be an angel'. Viva sat up with George after we returned, and copied her essay in part. Clear and cold. We were excused from breakfast and Bible-class. Spent the morning thawing oysters and making soup. I breakfasted on sardines, crackers and oranges. Pres. Caldwell preached. Viva and I walked just before dinner. I spent the afternoon in the Reading Room. In the evening attempted to call on Miss Nicks, but she was engaged. A Miss [Beech] addressed the Society for Religious Inquiry on the subject of the Christian Missions in Paris. She was very entertaining. I finished a long letter home after the meeting. Ida and Jennie Cushing are spending Sunday with Miss Cleveland. A number of the young ladies went home Friday to spend a few days between the semesters. Sunday, Feb. 8. Clear and cold. The semester began this morning. Miss Hinckel excused the German class after a few moments. We went to our first Greek recitation at the second period. Miss Miller pronounced the alpha- bet and explained a little about some letters, before dismissing the class, which is very small. Spent half an hour on the ice with Laura Gross after Zoology. Cora exercised with me in Gymnastics. Misses Abbot, Starr, Glenn and Darling were admitted to '81 this evening. Miss Jessie F. Wheeler to '82. Miss Cutler to '83. Spent most of my leisure to-day on my essay. A meeting of the Philalethean Society was called after dinner in the Lecture Room. Monday, Feb. 9/80 Very cold. I was awakened in the night by a loud noise, which proved to be the bursting of our steam pipes. We went to Mr. Robinson the Engineer immediately after breakfast, and he had them put in order during the day. Mrs. Johns and Mrs. Ray came down, and gave us the key of Miss Storer's room, which was a very comfortable resort for the day, as our room was so cold. We were excused from Gymnastics, and I skated with Ida Cushing. I went to Miss Yamakawa's room between dinner and chapel to consult about our German, " ...zu Maria Stuart," afterward I went to see the Dr. about Physiology. I asked Prof. Braislin about taking it yesterday noon. Rec'd letters from Fanny, Addie Tuttle and Mother. Tuesday, Feb. 10/80 Warm. I was excused from gymnastics and skated an hour. They began to cut the ice today. Prof. Mitchell lectured at eight o'clock this evening. The lecture was very interesting. She said we must use our eyes. Wednesday, Feb. 11/80 Although it was a hard rain storm, Society Hall was well filled to hear 'Cinderella.' The evening was a very enjoyable one, and the programmes in the shape of a red slipper very attractive. Friday. Sunday, always a welcome day here, was doubly so to-day, as I was tired with my week's work, especially by my essay, which I finished very late in the evening. George and I both wrote until the last minute, when she took our essays up just before the last bell. Prof. Dwight preached this morning on the text, "With God all things are possible." The discourse was very able yet exceedingly characteristic of the writer. Read the "Princess of Thule" at the spare moments. Called on Miss Haskell with Cora, in the evening. Sunday. Miss Storer left this morning. I walked with Laura an hour as we were excused from Gymnastics. George and I attended Miss Hinckel's sociable in the evening. A number of young ladies acted "Die drei Spinnerinen." Monday. Walked with Ida Cushing. Went to Miss Miller's to read Greek just before dinner, as I did yesterday at the same time. I spent the evening after study hour in the Library in connection with Zoology. Tuesday. I received the news from home that father was attacked by a robber Wednesday night, as he was on his way home. Prof. Dwight used the solar microscope in the Zoology class. The Beta meeting this evening was very pleasant. Miss Hoyt read a critique, Miss Fridenberg recited a piece, and there was also a charade in three acts, 'Stage-struck.' Miss Foos and Misses Williams and Woodward with Miss Phillips took the parts very excellently. Friday, Feb. We had about two inches of snow. The storm cleared in the p.m. In the evening there was a very fine concert in the chapel given by the Mendelssohn Quintette Club of Boston. Saturday, Feb. 21/80. I read 'Lady of the Lake' yesterday. George and I called on Emma Bush in the evening. We have a holiday to-day in honor of Washington's Birthday. I spent most of my time working on a white shawl for mother. Monday, Feb. 23/80. Notes on Prof. Mitchell's lecture. Copied June, 4. 1880. Popular knowledge is not scientific. Mathematics are necessary to the study of Physical Science and Astronomy. Astronomy can be studied without instruments. Newton was a philosopher, mathematician and astronomer. Did you ever prove to yourself that the earth turns? Taking one inch as the diameter of the earth the sun would not come in this room. Mars is not up we are under. The earth turns more slowly than it did, viz: 1/66 of a second in 2500 yrs. The days are therefore growing longer. Stars do not set farther north or south at different seasons. Use your eyes. Kepler observed without a telescope. A mile is the smallest space that we can distinguish on the moon. The study of Science lifts us out of ourselves. Continued from Page 72 The Revel of Sir Hugonin de Guisay William S. Walsh/ Revels of the Inns of Court T.K. Hervey/ King Witlaf's Drinking-Horn Henry W. Longfellow/ Old Christmastide Sir Walter Scott/ Christmas Games in "Old Wardle's["] Kitchen Chas. Dickens/ A "Mystery" as performed in Mexico Bayard Taylor/ Book of Christmas Hamilton W. Mabie VIII When All the World is Kin Christmas Night of '62 William Gordon McCabe/ Merry Christmas in the Tenements Jacob Riis/ Christmas at Sea Robert Louis Stevenson/ The First Christmas Tree in the Legation Compound, Tokyo, Mary Crawford Fraser/ Christmas in India Rudyard Kipling/ A Belgian Christmas Eve Procession All the Year Round/ Christmas at the Cape John Runcie/ The "Good Night" in Spain Fernan Caballero/ Christmas in Rome John Addington Symonds/ Christmas in Burgundy M. Fertiault/ Christmas in Germany Amy Fay/ Christmas Dinner in a Clipper's Fo'c'sle Herbert Elliot Hamblen/ Christmas in Jail Rolf Boldrewood/ Colonel Carter's Christmas Tree F. Hopkinson Smith IX Christmas Stories Christmas Roses Zona Gale/ The Fir Tree Hans Christian Andersen/ The Christmas Banquet Nathaniel Hawthorne/ A Christmas Even in Exile Alphonse Daudet/ The Rehearsal of the Mummers' Play Eden Phillpotts X New Year New Year Richard Watson Gilder/ Midnight Mass for the Dying Year Henry W. Longfellow The Death of the Old Year Alfred Tennyson/ A New Year's Carol Martin Luther/ New Year's Resolutions "Elizabeth"/ Love and Joy Come to You Old English Carol/ Ring Out, Wild Bells Alfred Tennyson/ New Year's Eve, 1850 James Russell Lowell/ Rejoicings upon the New Year's Coming of Age Charles Lamb/ New Year's Rites in the Highlands Cahrles Rogers/ The Chinese New Year H.C. Sirr/ New Year's Gifts in Thessaly J. Theodore Bent/ "Smashing" in the New Year Jacob Riis/ New Year Calls in Old New York William S. Walsh/ Sylvester Abend in Davos John Addington Symonds XI Twelfth Night--Epiphany "Now Have Good Day!" Old English Carol/ A Twelfth Night Superstition Barnaby Googe/ Twelfth-Day Table Diversion John Nott/ The Blessings of the Waters J. Theodore Bent/ La Galette du Roi William Hone/ Drawing King & Queen Universal Magazine/ St. Distaff's Day & Plough Monday Hone's Year Book XII The Christmas Spirit "As Little Children in a Darkened Hall" Chas. Henry Crandall/ Christmas Dreams Christopher North/ The Professor's Christmas Sermon Robert Browning/ Awaiting the King F. Marion Crawford/ Elizabeth's Christmas Sermon "Elizabeth"/ Nichola's "Reason Why" Zona Gale/ The Changing Spirit of Christmastide Washington Irving/ A Prayer for Christmas Peace Charles Kingsley Under the Holly Bough Charles Mackay/ Christmas Music John Addington Symonds/ A Christmas Sermon Robert Loius Stevenson List of Plates The Holy Night Correggio/ The Holy Night C. Muller/ The Arrival of the Shepherds Lerolle/ The Bells Blashfield/ The Madonna Bellini/ The Virgin adorning the Infant Christ Correggio/ The Madonna Murillo/ Holy Night Van Ulade/ The Holy Family with the Shepherds Titian/ Madonna della Sedia Raphael/ The Adoration of the Magi Paolo Veronese/ The Adoration of the Magi Memling/ Vassar College, Oct. 3, 1880. I have now been at the college two weeks yesterday. Laura Gross and I came on by way of Albany, leaving Boston at 8.30 a.m. Father came into Boston with me and Mary Gross, with Laura. A friend of theirs Mr. Saroni of Pittsfield accompanied us as far as that town. He is about thirty years of age, very pleasant and entertaining. We passed the time in reading accounts of the Boston Celebration, playing cards, eating candy, our lunch etc. Miss Spaulding was on the train and changed with us at Greenbush. It was a lovely day without, but very warm in the cars. We reached Poughkeepsie considerably behind time. As we stopped to make arrangements for our trunks the car-driver called out, "If you young ladies are going to the college you had better hurry up." After we were seated he said, "If you had given your checks here you would have saved time." Finally when considerable difficulty was experienced in getting the car on the track, he made other remarks to the same effect. We could not see what our delay had to do with the present trouble. My studies this semester are Astronomy, Rhetoric and Greek, coming on the second, third and fourth periods. Nothing of much importance has occurred since our return. The meeting of Beta last Friday evening was very well attended by members and friends, there being about ninety present. Miss Fitzhugh read a critique, descriptive of our last meeting at Mlle. [Sec's] room. George read a critique then, Miss Van Kleeck impersonated Lord Dundreary, MissFridenberg played the piano, Laura Webster and her friend the violin. Sandwiches, lemonade and cake were passed, and we enjoyed a very charming evening. Friday night after the critique Miss Fridenberg read a selection from Mark Twain, in which he acts as second in a French duel. A charade, Fan, Tom, Phantom was very well acted. Miss Alice Shove read "Tom Sawyer" white-washing the fence. We then had refreshments, and adjourned. Cora and I walked in and out from Poughkeepsie, Friday p.m. Yesterday we walked to Cedar Ridge. It is beautiful weather for walking now. Viva and Lula Morrill went into town to church this morning. Prof. Braislin met our Bible class for the first time to-day. The lesson was Genesis XXVI. 12-26. Pres. Caldwell preached as usual. Oct. 9, 1880. Notes from Life and Literature in the Fatherland By John F. Hurst. Scribner, Armstrong & Co. 1875. Bremen. Faulenstrasse. The myth is as follows: There was once a forest where the street now is, on the edge of ... lived an aged couple who had seven sons. The father was industrious, but they were drones. The parents were very kind to the large, lazy boys, but people said they had been spoiled. Even the children came to make sport of them, and at length the eldest proposed going to work. They determined to leave home and seek a livelihood in some other part of the country. Their father feared they had been lazy too long to become industrious, but he told them if they would walk through the streets of Bremen with axes on their shoulders and spades in their hands as proof of their sincerity, he would give them each a new suit of clothes and twenty-five dollars in gold. They actually did this, and soon started off. They adhered to their resolution and rose to high positions. One morning, the people of Bremen were surprised to see seven well-dressed men with axes and spades coming into town on foot. They cried, "Can they be the lazy brothers?" Their aged parent[s] were glad to welcome them back to the little house. But the brothers said, "The house is too small. Let us build a new one." A fine house was then erected on a piece of land where there was no road. They made a street. "What shall we call it?," said they. It was agreed that since they had spent so much time in idleness they would call it "Lazy-street" as a warning to others. "..." ... In SOuthern Germany the augment is often omitted. ... is used for ..., etc. ... at the end of German words is pronounced like ia in Virginia. Miss Terry had over her door: "This is the abode of Mys. tery." (Miss Terry). "A person can scarcely be put in a more dangerous position, than when external circumstances have pronounced some striking change in his condition, without his manner of feeling and of thinking having undergone any preparation for it" Wilhelm Meister at death of his father pg. 269 Carlysle's [Carlyle's] translation. Also the following, "One ought, every day at least, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and, if it were possible, speak a few reasonable words." President Raymond. "Considering what I had come for and what I had got, I felt like the Irishman who was allowed to work his passage on the canal by leading the horse, and who concluded at the end of the route, "But for the name of the thing, faix! he might as well travel afut." Dr. Raymond born in 1814. "To praise ordinary excellencies of character in him would be a wrong to his virtues." "Integritatem atque abstinentiam in tanto viro referre injuria virtutum fuerit." Tacitus, Agric, IX. Extract from Vol. 44. of Atlantic entitled "The Greatest Novelist's Work for Freedom." Ivan Turgenef [Turgenev], Alex I and Alex II and their times. Nihilism "Prenez la terre et le ciel, prenez la vie et la mort, l'ame et Dieu, et crachez dessus--voila le nihilisme." Extracts from Black's "Sunrise." Chap. VIII. "Those Nihilists are becoming more and more impracticable. The aim at scarcely anything beyond destruction." Portions of Chap. III. and Chap. V. Chap. VLI--"Lind used to denounce the outrages of the Nihilists, and talk with indignation of the useless crimes of the Camorra etc."Questions to be answered in writing critical essays. Copied May 24/81. 1.What is the comparative position which this author occupies in English or in American Literature?/ 2. Is his range of subjects wide or narrow?/ 3. In what line has he achieved most marked success?/ 4. Is he a profound thinker?/ 5. Is he a close observer of human nature?/ 6. Is he possessed of much of the imaginative quality?/ 7. What can you say of his diction?/ 8. Does he seem to reflect strongly any prominent tendencies of modern thought? the influence of foreign literature?/ 9. Has he talent or genius?/ 10. Does he exhibit much of the pathetic element?/ 11. Do you see his own personality exhibited in his writings?/ 12. Does he show a tendency to repeat himself?/ 13. Do you note any development, advantageous or the reverse, in going from his earlier to his later writings? Concerning a novelist. 14. Has he shown power in dealing with female character?/ 15. Is his chief strength in plot or character drawing?/ 16. Is he nearer the standard of fiction established by Walter Scott or that exemplified by Henry James, Jr.? Concerning a poet. 17. What can you say of the character of his rhythm?/ 18. Has he the power of making word pictures? Miss Hiscock advises me to read Taine. An idea is an image or representation of an object conceived in the mind. Essay subjects. Copied Feb. 5/82. Is Aristocracy the great sine qua non of American culture?/ Is the popular lecture useful to the college student?/ Charlotte Bronte's ideal hero./ The inestimable privilege of grumbling./ The Teutonic and Anglo-Saxon man./ Woman's limitations in English social life./ Trollope's novels and Sat. Review./ Are women loyal to each other?/ Pageantry and patriotism./ Spanish character in history?/ Anthony Trollope and Henry James Jr./ T.W. Higginson./ Emerson vs Mallock./ Dr. Holland, the apostle of mediocrity./ "Cranks" I have known./ Are Americans a nation of imitators?/ Sentimentality in literature - Robert Browning./ Elizabeth Stuart Phelps./ The wrong side of our indebtedness to our puritan forefathers./ Danger of the present craze for the picturesque in writing. Essay Subjects. Copied April 15/82 The Sense of Humor as an Ameliorating Influence in Life./ The Cobden Club and its Works./ The Office of an Aristocratic Class in Civilization./ Influence of Alex. Hamilton./ Interest of Fitz Green Hallack [Fitz-Greene Halleck]./ Place of the Club in American Life./ Sheridan and Wilberforce./ The Place of Parlor-lectures in Education./ Should the Average Citizen Be a Politician?/ Howell, James and Mallock - School of Opression [sic]./ James' Life of Hawthorne./ Office of the Supernatural in Literature [from Hamlet down]/ Is America Wanting in Ideals?/ Are we fairly Represented at Coney Island? Subject of lecture by J.H. Allen, Harvard, Dec. '81 Chivalry as affecting the condition of the women of the Middle Ages. May 25/81. Subjects for Astronomy lectures. The planets Mercury and Venus./ The planets interior to Mercury./ The planet Jupiter./ The planet Saturn./ The planet Mars and its satellites./ The planet Neptune./ The 200 small planets./ The Sun and its spots./ The Moon (descriptive)./ The November meteors./ The Comets./ The Moon (Harvest)/ The Zodiacal light./ Periods of nature./ Systems of the universe./ Proper motion of the stars./ The view of astronomy before the 17th century./ The view after 1600./ Newton, Tycho Brahe, Galileo, Maria Agnesi./ Observatories. Equatorial telescopes./ Fixed stars. Variable stars./ Distance of stars and nebulae./ Eclipses & occultations./ Which is the more interesting the mathematical study of Astronomy or the observing? Why?/ Bode's law and other laws. The weight of the bodies of the universe. Sources of sun's heat & light.First newspaper was published in Venice, and was called Gazette from the coin Gazetta for which it was sold. It was issued monthly in manuscript by the government. Notes on Mental April 15/82 Formal relations belong to thinking/ Real relations belong to concrete and actual existence/ Principle exists only in the mind./ All systems of philosophy may be resolved either into Monism or Dualism./ Knowledge is a knowledge of relations. Feb. '83 "What is mind? No matter." Dr. Caldwell/ "When Bishop Berkeley said there was no matter/ It was no matter what he said." If strange, strange noises in the night/ Cause you to almost die of fright:/ If stealthy footfalls drawing near/ With wildly beating heart you hear;/ Then use this gift, courageous wife!/ Sometime, mayhap, 'twill save your life. - Mouse trap A dainty Bride should keep with pride/ Her little hands both soft and fair./ The gift inside if well applied/ Preserves the hands - But, use with care! - Holder Similia similibus curantur/ For Monday's blues use this instanter -[Blaine] Extracts from Smith College Calendar for 1881. Selected and arranged by Kate A. Sanborn. Copied Jan. 8, 1882. Sat. Jan. 1 Another year of happy work,/ That better is than play;/ Of simple cares, and love that grows/ More sweet from day to day. J.W. Chadwick. Sunday, Jan. 2 To hope-lit New Year, with thy joys uncertain,/ Whose unsolved mystery none may foretell;/ I calmly trust my God to lift the curtain,/ Safe in His love for me, 'twill all be well. Julia B. Cady. Tuesday, Jan. 4 Look not mournfully into the past, it comes not back again; wisely improve the present, it is thine; go forth to meet the shadowy future without fear and with a manly heart. Longfellow. Wednesday, Jan. 5. Now [No] longer forward nor behind/ I look in hope or fear;/ But, grateful, take the good I find,/ The best of now and here. Whittier. Friday, Jan. 7. Though thou have time/ But for a line, be that sublime,/ Not failure, but low aim, is crime. J.R. Lowell. Sat. Jan. 8 Life? 'Tis the story of love and troubles, Of troubles and love, that travel together - The round world through. Joaquin MillerMonday, Jan. 10. Persistent people begin their success, where others end their failure. Edward Eggleston. Wed. Jan. 12 It is better to say, "This one thing I do," than to say, "These forty things I dabble in." Washington Gladden. Thursday. Jan. 13 The only reward of virtue is virtue. The only way to have a friend is to be one. Emerson. Friday. Jan. 14 We cannot help thinking that when a head is full of ideas, some of them will involuntarily ooze out. Eliza Leslie. Sat. Jan. 15. The devil is credited with a great deal of mischief the stomach is guilty of. B.F. Taylor. Wed. Jan. 19 It is not well for a man to pray cream, and live skim milk. H.W. Beecher. Thursday, Jan. 20. About the only person that we ever heard of that wasn't spoiled by being lionized, was a Jew named Daniel. G. D. Prentice. Sat. Jan. 22 The cure for gossip is culture. Good-natured people often talk about their neighbors because they have nothing else to talk about. J.G. Holland. Sunday, Jan. 30. Religion is no leaf of faded green:/ Or flower of vanished fragrance, presented between/ The pages of a Bible; but from seeds/ Of love it springeth, watered by good deeds. J.T. Trowbridge. Monday, Jan. 31. We can each have all the time there is; our mental and moral status is determined by what we do with it. Mary Blake.Thursday, Feb. 10 Honest good humor is the oil and wine of a merry meeting, and there is no jovial companionship equal to that where the jokes are rather small and the laughter abundant. W. Irving. Friday, Feb. 11. Familiarity does not breed contempt, except of contemptible things, or in contemptible people. Phillips Brooks. Wed. Feb. 16. A sharp tongue is the only edged tool that grows keener with constant use. W. Irving. Sunday, Feb. 20 On this earth there are many roads to Heaven and each traveler supposes his own to be the best. But they all unite in one road at last. It is only Omnisciecce can decide. Eliza Leslie. Thursday, March 3. Of all amusements of the mind,/ From Logic down to fishing,/ There isn't one that you can find/ So very cheap as wishing. J.G. Saxe. Friday, March, 11. Suffering is God's tool to cut life into beauty. C.A. Bartol. Monday Mar. 14 It does beat all how good advice will make some people squirm. Josiah Allen's Wife. Copied - June 2 - 1883. Friday, Apr. 8 A bore is a man who spends so much time talking about himself that you can't talk about yourself. Eli Perkins Wed. Apr. 27 All will join in the credo, I believe in the total depravity of inanimate things. Mrs. E.A. Walker. Thursday July 21 The chief obstacle and inconvenience in traveling is the prejudice in favor of taking the body with us. N.P. Willis Sat. Aug. 13 No sensible person ever made an apology--Emerson Apology is only egotism wrong side out. Holmes Sat. Oct. 8 If of all swords of tongue and pen/ The saddest are "It might have been,"/ More sad are these we daily see:/ It is, but hadn't ought to be./ Bret Harte Sat. Nov. 26 Teeth are carious, precarious and vicarious. A.B. Frothingham. Mon. Dec. 5 Everything, Nothing, Something, Enough!/ These are the infantine, adolescent, juvenile and mature stages of culture. Joseph Cook. Wed. Dec. 7 Books are all very well, but when a girl tells me she prefers reading a book to talking to a man, I always set her down as mendacious, or else a little simple. Robert Grant. S.G. Goodrich (Peter Parley)The Book of Christmas - Hamilton W. Mabie, Forbes Library. Extracts for the Introduction When "The Birds' Christmas Carol" appeared we laughed over it to hide our tears. Mr. Janvier's charming account of Xmas ways in Provence captivated us, and we found excuse for its tender regard for old habits and observances in the fact that Mr. Janvier has been in the habit of spending a good deal of time with a group of unworldly old poets who still dream of joy & beauty as the precious things of life, and hold to the fellowship of artists instead of forming a labor union. Mr. Thomas Nelson Page, Mr. F. Marion Crawford & Mr. ... Hopkinson Smith have written undisguised Christmas stories with as little sense of detachment from modern life as if they were telling detective tales and, what is more astonishing to the worldly wise man, these stories have a glow of life, a vitality of charm & sweetness in them that make scorn & cynicism seem cheap & vulgar. And here comes Dr. Crothers and stirs the smouldering Christmas fire into a blaze and sits down before it as if it were real logs in combustion & not a trick with gas, & makes gentle sport of the wisdom of the sceptic. These recent revivals of Christmas literature have met with a surprising response from a generation popularly believed to be given over to the making money & the extirpation of human feeling. xxx Alexander Smith, whose book of essays, "Dreamthorp" is one of the books of the heart--kindled his imagination into a responsive glow by reading every Christmas Day Milton's "Ode on the Morning of Christ's Nativity." When one opens the volume of this great song, it is like going into a church & hearing the organ played by unseen hands; the silence is flooded by a vast music which lifts the heart into the presence of great mysteries. xx The real business of the race is not to make money but to make life full and sweet and satisfying. Contents I Signs of the Season "The Time draws near the Birth of Christ" Alfred Tennyson/ An Hue & Cry after Christmas Old English Tract/ The Doge's Christmas Shooting F. Marion Crawford/ Thursday Processions in Advent William S. Walsh/ The Glastonbury Thorn Alexander F. Chamberlain/ In the Kitchen Old English Ballad/ Christmas in England Washington Irving/ Christmas Invitation William Barnes/ A Christmas Market Mrs. Alfred Sidgwick/ The Star of Bethlehem in Holland Bow-Bells Annual/ The Pickwick Club goes down to Dingley Dell Chas. Dickens/ A Visit from St. Nicholas Clement C. Moore/ Crowded Out Rosalie M. Jonas II Holiday Saints and Lords. My Lord of Misrule T.K. Hervey/ St. Nicholas Collated/ An Old Saint in a New World Mrs. Schuyler Van Rensselaer/ St. Thomas Collated, W.P.R./ Kriss Kringle Thomas Bailey Aldrich/ Il Santissimo Bambino Collated, W.P.R./ The Christ Child Elise Traut/ An April Baby is Thankful "Elizabeth"/ Good King Wenceslas Old English Carol/ Jean Valjean plays the Christmas Saint Victor Hugo/ St. Brandan Matthew Arnold/ St. Stephen's, or Boxing Day Collated, W.P.R./ St. Basil in Trikkola J. Theodore Bent III Christmas Customs and Beliefs. The Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ From "The Golden Legend"/ Folk-lore of Christmas Tide Collected by A.F. Chamberlain/ Hunting the Wren Quoted by T.K. Hervey/ The Presepio Hone's Year Book/ Hodening in Kent Contributed to The Church Times/ Origin of the Christmas Tree William S. Walsh/ Origin of the Christmas Carol [Card] William S. Walsh/ The Yule Clog T.K. Hervey/ "Come Bring with a Noise" Robert Herrick/ Shoe or Stocking Edith M. Thomas/ Jule-Nissen Jacob Riis/ "Lame Needles" in Euboea J. Theodore Bent/ Who rides behind the Bells? Zona Gale/ Guests at Yule Edmund Clarence Stedman IV Christmas Carols "I saw Three Ships" Old English Carol/ "Lordings listen to Our Lay" Earliest Existing Carol/ The Cherry-Tree Carol Old English Carol/ "In Excelsis Gloria" From the Harleian MSS./ "God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen" Old English Carol/ The Golden Carol Old English Carol/ Caput apri refero resonens laudes domino. Balliol MS. about 1540/ "Villagers All, this Frosty Tide" Kenneth Grahame/ Holly Song William Shakespeare/ Before the Paling of the Stars Christina G. Rossetti/ The Minstrels played their Christmas Tune - William Wordsworth/ A Carol from the Old French Henry W. Longfellow/ "From Far Away we come to you" Old English CarolA Christmas Carol James Russell Lowell/ A Christmas Carol for Children Martin Luther V Christmas Day The Unbroken Song Henry W. Longfellow/ A Scene of Mediaeval Christmas John Addington Symonds/ Christmas in Dreamthorp Alexander Smith/ By the Christmas Fire Hamilton W. Mabie/ Ode on the Morning of Christ's Nativity John Milton/ Christmas Church Washington Irving/ Dolly urges Silas Marner to go to Church George Eliot/ Yule in the Old Town Jacob Riis/ The Mahogany Tree William Makepeace Thackeray/ The Holly & the Ivy Old English Song/ Ballade of Christmas Ghosts Andrew Lang/ Christmas Treasures Eugene Field/ Wassailer's Song Robert Southwell VI Christmas Hymns A Hymn on the Nativity Ben Jonson/ While Shepherds Watched Nahum Tate/ O Little Town of Bethlehem Phillips Brooks/ The First, Best Christmas Night Margaret Deland/ It Came upon the Midnight Clear Edmund H. Sears/ A Christmas Hymn Eugene Field/ A Song of the Shepherds Edwin Markham/ A Christmas Hymn Richard Watson Gilder/ A Christmas Hymn for Children Josephine Daskam Bacon/ Slumber-Songs of the Madonna Alfred Noyes. VII Christmas Revels "Make me Merry both More and Less" Old Balliol MS about 1540/ The Feast of St. Stephen in Venice F. Marion Crawford/ The Feast of Fools - The Feast of the Ass William Hone/ Continued on Page 46Dec. 7/79. The Well of St. Keyne. See Southey's ballad. It is supposed that St. Keyne came to this well about five hundred years before the Norman Conquest. May 21/81. Children of the Week. The child that is born on the Sabbath day/ Is blithe and bonny, and good and gay;/ Monday's child is fair of face;/ Tuesday's child is full of grace;/ Wednesday's child is merry and glad;/ Thursday's child is sour and sad;/ Friday's child is loving and giving;/ And Saturday's child must work for its living. Old Rhyme. Miss Sarah P. Mc Lean of Simsbury is the author of "Cape Cod Folks" A gift, a friend, a foe/ A lover to come and a journey to go. "For when a woman will she will,/ You may depend on't;/ And when she won't, she won't/ And that's the end on't."Springfield, Mass. "Missing Link" contest conducted by children's room of the Memorial Square Library in winter of 1927-28. Average 84% - Helen Jurkowski & Myron Jurkowski each 100% 1 Jason went in search of the Golden Fleece/ 2 Robin Hood's home was in Sherwood Forest/ 3 Little Cedric became a knight/ 4 Midas loved his gold more than his daughter/ 5 William Tell saved the life of his son by shooting the apple off his head/ 6 The mountain and the squirrel had a quarrel/ 7 St. George saved the life of the princess by slaying the dragon/ 8 The spider caught the fly because he was able to flatter her/ 9 Hercules was a strong man/ 10 Robin Hood's favorite weapon was the bow and arrow/ 11 Ulysses built a great wooden horse and thereby the Greeks were admitted to Troy./ 12 "The Children's Hour" was written by Longfellow/ 13 Franklin wrote "Poor Richard's Almanac" 14 "Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates" tells of sports in Holland/ 15 King Arthur founded the Round Table/ 16 Sir Galahad was the noblest knight/ 17 Siegfried was a German hero/ 18 Washington lived at Mount Vernon/ 19 Joan of Arc was a French peasant who was made a saint./ 20 Florence Nightingale nursed the British/English soldiers in the Crimean War/ 21 "Black Beauty" is the story of a horse/ 22 King Richard was called the "Lion-hearted"Press Clippings. In Memoriam. Advertiser, Boston, Mass. June 4, 1906. James H. Nickerson. Newton, June 3. James H. Nickerson, one of the oldest and best known citizens of Newton, died at his residence in W. Newton, Saturday, of hemorrhage of the stomach. He had been ill but a few days. Mr. Nickerson had been a resident of W. Newton for 33 years, and was a conspicuous leader in the substantial development of that section of the city of Newton. For over a generation he was very active in its affairs. He established the First National Bank of W. Newton and the W. Newton Savings Bank. In politics, Mr. Nickerson was a republican, and for several years was a member of the Newton city council, as councilman and alderman. Journal of Commerce, New York City. June 12, 1906. Newton, Mass. June 10. James H. Nickerson, one of the foremost citizens of Newton, died last week at his residence, West Newton. He was 76 years old, and a native of Provincetown. For over twenty years he was prominent in the clothing business. He was the first president of the West Newton National Bank and the first treasurer of the West Newton Savings Bank. He was in the common council from 1881 to 1883, and on the Board of Aldermen from 1884 to 1888. He later served as an overseer of the poor and as chairman of the board. Weekly Transcript, Boston, Mass. June 8, 1906. Funeral of James H. Nickerson Services for Prominent West Newton Man Attended by Many Friends. From the family home on Elm Street, West Newton, the funeral of James H. Nickerson, who was long one of the most prominent men of that place, was held on Tuesday afternoon. The service was conducted by Rev. Julian C. Jaynes of the West Newton Unitarian Church and Rev. Francis Tiffany, former pastor of the First Universalist Church, of which Mr. Nickerson was a member. There were many at the services, including family friends and people prominent in social and civic life, members of the Odd Fellows and Royal Arcanum, to both of which Mr. Nickerson had belonged, and members of the City Government, officials of the West Newton First National Bank and the West Newton Savings Bank. During the service Mrs. C.A. Morton sang a solo. The burial was in Newton Cemetery. There were many floral remembrances. Journal, Boston, Mass. June 4, 1906. James H. Nickerson Dies in West Newton. James H. Nickerson, one of the oldest and best known citizens of Newton, died at his residence in West Newton at 3.45 P.M. Saturday of hemorrhage of the stomach. He had been ill but a few days. Mr. Nickerson had been a resident of West Newton for thirty-three years, and was a conspicuous leader in the substantial development of that section of the city of Newton. For over a generation he was very active in its affairs. He was born in Provincetown Dec. 20, 1830, of old Cape Cod stock, his father being Caleb Nickerson, and his mother Bathsheba Freeman Nickerson. He was married in Boston in 1857 to Mary A. Cowing of Provincetown, who survives him. He leaves two married daughters, Mrs. L. H. Elwell, wife of the well-known Greek professor of Amherst College, and Mrs. W.W. Harrington of West Newton. There are six grandchildren. Charles Harvey Nickerson of Norwich, Conn., and Henry Paine Nickerson of Boston are nephews to the decesased. After acquiring a competency in business at Provincetown the late Mr. Nickerson moved to West Newton in 1873. He established the First National Bank of West Newton and the West Newton Savings Bank. He was the chief owner of the Electric Signal Company, treasurer of the Boston Physicians and Surgeons' Supply Company, and had recently accepted the treasurership of the Halifax and Suburban Electric Railway Company. He held various other positions of trust and responsibility. He was a prominent Odd Fellow. In politics Mr. Nickerson was a Republican, and for several years was a member of the Newton City Council as councilman and alderman. Record, Boston, Mass. June 4, 1906. James H. Nickerson. Newton, June 3. - James H. Nickerson, one of the oldest and best known citizens of Newton, died at his residence in W. Newton, Saturday, of homorrhage of the stomach. He had been ill but a few days. Mr. Nickerson had been a resident of W. Newton for 33 years, and was a conspicuous leader in the substantial development of that section of the city of Newton. For over a generation he was very active in its affairs. He established the First National Bank of W. Newton and the W. Newton Savings Bank. In politics, Mr. Nickerson was a republican, and for several years was a member of the Newton city council, as councilman and alderman. Transcript. Boston, Mass. June 4, 1906. James H. Nickerson of Newton. Mr. James H. Nickerson died at his residence in West Newton Saturday. He was born in Provincetown Dec. 20, 1830, of old Cape Cod stock, his father being Caleb Nickerson, and his mother Bathsheba Freeman Nickerson. After acquiring a competency in business at Provincetown he moved to West Newton in 1873. He established the First National Bank of West Newton and the West Newton Savings Bank. He was the chief owner of the Electric Signal Company, treasurer of the Boston Physicians and Surgeons Supply Company, and had recently accepted the treasurership of the Halifax and Suburban Electric Railway Company. He held various other positions of trust and responsibility. He was a prominent Odd Fellow. He was for several years a member of the Newton City Council as councilman and alderman. His wife and two marrried daughters survive. Globe. Boston, Mass. June 6, 1906. Funeral of James H. Nickerson. Newton, June 5 - The funeral of James H. Nickerson, who was for many years one of the most prominent men of West Newton, was held this afternoon at the family home on Elm St. The service was conducted by Rev. Julian C. Jaynes of the West Newton Unitarian church. There were many floral offerings, including a piece from the West Newton Bank. Tributes were also sent from the Odd Fellows and Royal Arcanum. Transcript. Boston, Mass. June 6, 1906. Funeral of James H. Nickerson. Same exactly as in Weekly Transcript, Boston, Mass. June 8, 1906.Essence of "Marco" Inserted in '82 letter by L. Farrar Jan. 14/29 Into a paragraph Ivor Brown Distills O'Neill's Current Play. O'Neill has great fun with Marco, and is wise not to make him a knave. He sees the Venetian as a kind of cunning simpleton fed high with "success literature" and starting out to "make good" like any little "go-getter" from the Middle West. He is earnest and efficient and amiable; all that is wrong with him is that he has only one eye. Beauty, pathos, wisdom are blotted out; he just plods on and piles up the booty. The East with its wisdom and its patient brooding on the goal of life cannot touch him. And how can the Kaan and the Princess resist so naively confident a creature? To them he is a curio. "So this is Europe!" they seem to say, and smile upon their thrones while Marco studies the markets. It is a great opportunity for sardonic fun, and O'Neill has displayed a new aspect of his art in making the most of it [Manchester Guardian] Ida [Howgate] & Mrs. Oliver of Washington Mrs. [Hove's] letter Jan. 27/29 Mrs. Oliver had operation for glaucoma on both eyes. They reached Italian Riviera & I.H. fell ill. They reached Florence & she wore a plaster cast for 6 mos. for spinal misplacements then heavy jacket of leather & steel & then she was taken one night desperately ill with intestinal obstruction, was operated on at 2 a.m. She has been able to take a little walk in hospital grounds.From a Vassar paper Miss Cushing The news of Miss Florence Cushing's death three days before the opening of the dormitory named in her honor came as a distinct shock to the college. Through this event Vassar has lost an alumna, a patron, and a friend. It has lost something more--the influence of a rare and valuable personlaity. Miss Cushing was more than a generous alumna who retained an affectionate interest in her alma mater after graduation, more than a hard-working and conscientious trustee. She was an individual who was not afraid to recognize the weaknesses of the institution she loved, and, seeing them, could not content herself with a mere shrug of the shoulders or even a denunciation. Her life in relation to the college is a record of battles fought and won in its behalf, of old and worn out ideas overthrown, of new and better ones set up. Her peculiarly appropriate position as the first woman elected to the Board of Trustees, in itself a tribute to her progressiveness, was used by her as an opportunity for even greater activity. Part of a clipping enclosed on the back of another in '82 class letters Feb. 1928 Youthful Old Age by Daniel Hoffman Martin Booklet enclosed by L.R. Peck - Mr. Martin was pastor of Fort Washington Presbyterian Church 174th & Broadway N.Y. City He said "Many people think they must lie down & die when they reach their seventieth birthday just because the Psalmist said that three score years and ten were the limit of life. That unfortunate bit of poetry has killed a good many people. The Psalmist was speaking of the average. If you really want an age limit, take that spoken of in Genesis 6:3, "And the Lord said ... his days shall be an hundred and twenty years." Let us form a club of that sort." Prof. Osler (?) thought that the zenith of efficiency was reached at the age of 35, and [suggested] chloroform at 40. If that plan had prevailed at the start the world would be many centuries behind its present advance. All mighty movements of civilization have been generated by men of mature years. Most of our presidents had passed their 60th birthday. "Age is opportunity, no less/ Than youth itself, though in another dress./ The soul's dark cottage, battered and decayed,/ Lets in new light through chinks that time has made."[1] Idleness is the old age microbe. Retiring from business is a common form of suicide. Count Waldeck of the French Court lived to be 109. He never married until he was 83, & his lovely wife said she had fallen in love with him because he was irresistible and the youngest of her suitors. "True, he is 80, but that is only 20 four times over," said she. So you cannot judge the tenant from the tenement. A candle flame shines brightly in an old candle-stick as in a new one. Time makes his dents only on the casques of men. Time writes no wrinkles in the spirit. Gladstone at 80 said to his birthday callers: "It is better to be eighty years young than forty years old." Theodore Cuyler preached in my pulpit several times after he was 85 with all his old time vigor, a fine example of youthful old age--If youth has ambition, age has fruition; if youth can talk of plans, age can show results. Youth has prosepect; age has retrospect. [marginal note; transcriber unsure of correct position of previous sentence in text]--Is there a deadline? strength, judgement, reserve power do not balance the buoyancy of young blood, the energy of young ambition demanded by the merchant. An employer is apt to feel that an elderly man's habits are hard to change & that he is set and cranky & not teachable. If the applicant make the [Marginal notes; intended position in text of the following unclear to transcriber:]Bismark von Moltke Daniel Webster achieved his best work after 62. Thiers/ Gladstone/ Thaddeus Stevens & Joseph Cannon Caleb/ Joshua 14:10-11 [1]This is attributed to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow but the diarist does not acknowledge. impression that he has banked his fires he cannot expect employment. It takes live steam to move machinery--it cannot be done with the exhaust. When Victor Hugo reached 50 someone said to him, "Do you feel old?" He replied, "I feel younger than ten years ago, because forty is the old age of youth, but fifty is the youth of old age." A called expressed a wish that a Pope of Rome who was ninety, with mind as vigorous as ever, live to be a hundred. He replied "Would you limit me to that?" John Wesley was planting churches until 88. Franklin labored until 84. Gladstone was directing destinies of England after 80 & beginning new studies in Greek when past 85. Duke of Wellington served his country as Prime Minister at 85. Tennyson was "crossing the Bar" ar 83; Carlyle was writing essays at 86; Michael Angelo was busy at 90. Julia Ward Howe recited in public at 94 the "Battle Hymn of the Republic." This grand old lady said, "The deeper I drink of the cup of life the more I love it; the sugar is all at the bottom." Robert Browning taught that we should reach our best in old age. He says in "Rabbi Ben Ezra" "Grow old along with me. The best is yet to be." etc. Three stages of life growth, equilibrium and decay Worse than failing eyesight etc. is feeling of dependence. Worst of all is the old age that has no love for spiritual things; no consolations of religion in the winter of life. "the hoary head is a crown of glory when it is found in the way of righteousness." Such a one can sit at life's West-window gazing with hope-glinted eyes toward the shining hill tops of glory. Where Jesus talked with the woman of Samaria he could read her thoughts and that she was fearful of losing her beauty when she lost her youth. She was probably using cosmetics to give the delusive bloom of youth to her face. Jesus said "I will be a well of water etc. Jesus in the heart is the fountain of perpetual youth. 1 Samuel Chap. 30. David said to aged veterans "You shall share equally. We have in our own homes veterans of life's warfare who have fought a long, faithful fight to provide us comforts, give us education etc. Let old age come. You can bring up reserves to meet it." "They that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength." When J. Quincy Adams was 80 he met in Boston an old friend who shook his trembling hand & said, "Good morning! And how is J.Q. Adams today?" "Thank you," was the ex-president's answer. "J.Q. Adams himself is well, sir; quite well, I thank you. But the house in which he lives at present is becoming dilapidated. It is tottering upon its foundation. Time and the seasons have nearly destroyed it. Its roof is pretty well worn out; its walls are much shattered and it trembles with every wind. The old tenement is becoming almost uninhabitable & I think J.Q.A. will have to move out of it soon; but he himself is quite well, sir; quite well." And in the same spirit a dear old Christian pilgrim has written: 1. My life is a wearisome journey,/ I'm sick with the dust & the heat;/ The rays of the sun beat upon me,/ The briars are wounding my feet;/ But the city to which I am going/ Will more than my trials repay,/ And the toils of the road will seem nothing/ When I get to the end of the way/ 2. There're so many hills to climb upward/ I often am longing for rest;/ But He who appoints me my pathway/ Knows just what is needful & best;/ I know in His word He has promised/ That my strength shall be as my day,/ And the toils of the road will seem nothing/ When I get to the end of the way./ 3. He loves me too well to forsake me/ Or give me one trial too much;/ All his people have been dearly purchased/ And Satan can never claim such./ By & By I shall see Him and praise Him/ In the city of unending day Repeat two last lines/ 4. When the last feeble step has been taken/ And the gates of the city appear/ And the beautiful songs of the angels/ Float out on my listening ear!/ When all that now seems so mysterious/ Will be plain and clear as the day;/ Yes, the toils of the road will seem nothing etc./ 5. Though now I am footsore and weary,/ I shall rest when I'm safely at home;/ I know I'll receive a glad welcome,/ For the Savior Himself has said "Come";/ So when I am weary in body,/ And sinking in spirit, I say--/ All the toils of the road will seem nothing etc. When in the eventide of life and almost or quite alone, how blessed is the consciousness that Christ, "the friend that striketh closer than a brother" is ever nigh, fulfilling his promise "Lo, I am with you always." Comforting thought that when we are called upon by the sleep of death to say "Good-night" to our friends on earth it will be only that we may in the light of an eternal day, say "Good morning" to those whom we have "loved long since and lost a while."Miss Margaret Baker, niece of Mabel Foos, has managed the Champion Chemical Co. since the death of her father Scipio Baker some years ago & within the past two months has taken over the active management of the Foos Gas Engine Co. founded by her grandfather John Foos. Total capitalization $650,000 and 300 employees. Her grandfather A.A. Baker founded the chemical co. Being the granddaughter of two manufacturers it would follow that Miss Baker would naturally have a double endowment of manufacturing instinct. Granddaughters, say the students of heredity, are much more likely to reproduce characteristics of the grandfather than are sons or grandsons. Ability in a given field tends to step across the sex line as it descends & alternates back and forth as a compensation to either sex, holding the balance of nature level in the long run. Miss Baker laughingly says she manages business from necessity having had them forced into her hands by reason of being the sole heir of her father. Still it is hard to make the chickens take to the pond or keep the duck out of the ... Anyway Springfield (Ohion) has a woman managing one of its most active plants and reaching out and assuming the management of a second one with all the initiative of her forebears. [Her mother was Jessie Foos] From M.B.B. Pensions for the Old - Canadian Gov't. will pay 1/2 pension & the provincial gov't the other half; and British Columbia has just provided a maximum pension of $240. a year for 2500 old people. If you asked a native of the Congo what he thought of pensions for the old he'd say, "They seem quite needless to me. Here in Africa, when persons are too old to work or hunt we take them to the river bank & drown them. They don't object because they know it would be of no use, & we have one less to feed. 1864. Life of Poor Tip, [circled by diarist:]DOG [end of circled text] who died December 1st. 1863. Poughkeepsie; Telegraph Press. Preface to the third edition. [circled by diarist:]Dog [end of circled text] It is not often that a modern author's works are so popular as to call for successive new editions, but I felicitate myself in claiming this honor. The popularity of this work, I believe, has been owning more to its brevity than its substance--a warning to all other authors. Especially I would impart to the fraternity the secret of my success: that to the reading public it is gratis. M.V. Poughkeepsie, March 4, 1864. Died on the morning of the 1st Dec., 1863. (Picture of dog) On the Death of Poor Dog Tip. The subject of this memoir is well-known by many of the inhabitants of this City, having been seen by them accompanying his master in his walks through the public streets. Tip was some 10 years of age, of humble extraction, but respectable parentage; born in the beautiful town of Auburn, the residence of the honorable distinguished Secretary of State, and on the premises of my-host late of the "Auburn House," to whose generosity his master is indebted. Tip was about 2 months old, and the size of a full-grown rat when he left the place of his nativity and became a denizen of the town of Po'keepsie [Poughkeepsie]. His outfit for his journey was a little Merino cloth covering in a small boy's school-basket, and his transit was by railroad [marginal note:]wood cut of train [marginal note:]Page 2nd and by steamboat [inserted between two vertical lines:] cut of steamboat [end inserted text] in the care of a little lad. Nothing especial attended his journey; but the new condition of his life led to weeping and sadness by leaving, as he did, his younger brothers and sisters behind, for whom he was often seen to weep. After a few days, however, Tip became more reconciled to his new home and began to be playful; but on one occasion indulged in this native propensity so far with an elder dog of his master's that Tip was thrown into fits or spasms by over-excitement. Tip was half brother to Dog Don who was poisoned some years since by strychnine placed in meat in [text circled by diarist:] cut of a dog [end of circled text] his master's yard in revenge for Don killing a Cat. Don died in his mistress' lap with convulsions, after terrible agony of a few hours. The grave of poor Don, with his monument, now stands in his master's garden, upon which is the following words: The Grave of poor Dog Don/ He had no enemy in life,/ And but one in his death,/ And that was his assassin. Aged 2 years, 2 months 17 days. Faithful and true he always proved/ Till death's insidious bait he ate,/ Placed inside of his master's gate./ Where many a passer by have seen/ His bounding over the verdant green./ Confiding, generous and kind,/ Did ne'er suspect that man, or friend,/ In friendship's garb, tempt him to eat/ The deadly poison in the meat. [On the page to the left of the epitaph is a drawing that looks to be a memorial stone or flame.] Tip always had more courage than discretion, which trait of character frequently got him into trouble. On one [marginal note:]Page 3 [end of marginal note] occasion, riding with his master's coachman on the box, seeing another dog pass, which his extreme politeness accustomed him to salute with a wag of his tail and a bark, he leaned too [marginal note:]cut of coach far over the Coach and fell to the ground, both wheels passing over his body. The coachman stopped, picked him up bleeding profusely from his mouth and nostrils. This catastrophe cost Tip some six weeks confinement and much suffering. As I said, Tip was good-natured and bore no malice to other dogs; but to cats and rats he was a great enemy. Seeing one of the latter cross the lid of a large kettle in an instant he was after him, and both went, head and heels, to the bottom. As fortune would have it, Tip escaped with only a good drenching, but the rat was drowned. Tip, as I said, was rather mischievious than ugly: On another occasion, at Springside, he plunged into a pond amidst a flock of geese and ducks, but an old gander so terribly frightened him, that he would never look upon a goose again [text circled by diarist:] cut of a fountain in shape of a swan [end of circled text] without trembling; and as to rats, he never but once, after he fell into the kettle, troubled them, and then in a chase of one he fell off the dock log into the river, and having no place to escape came near being drowned. [text circled by diarist:] cut of a ship [end of circled text] Some year or two after, Tip was taken suddenly ill and his life so far dispaired of that all preparations for his funeral were made and his grave dug by the side of Don's, when, early next morning, out came Tip from his kennel wiggling and waggling his tail on hearing his mas-[text circled by diarist:] cut of dog [end of circled text] ter's voice. [marginal note:]Page 4 Perhaps there is no other animal in the world more faithful and true to their attachment than [marginal note circled by diarist:]cut of dog lying by a safe with the big keya Dog. Examples are numerous in history, and in this respect Tip was not excelled. He would wait hours in all weathers for his master's appearance in the morning, and although often he had reason to be cross and fretful for his tardy delays, yet he never resented it. Tip was pretty particular what company he kept, and was seldom seen in [bad], always kept near his master when permitted to accompany him, and if he lost him would in an instant make a bee line for home. Peace to his ashes [parenthetical text inserted by diarist:] head of dog [end of parenthetical text] Good bye, poor Tip. May there be a good place for good dogs in another world.E.C. Temple "Templed Promontories of the Ancient Mediterranean" in Geographical July '27 Review. E.C. Temple. Before Aug. 1927 Patricia Dunkerson, her niece, dau. of Bonner Temple has passed entrance exams in Latin & Franch with honors. She is 15. M.B. Britton. Sept. 1927 Arrive at Lake Tahoe in a.m. circle the lake by steamer andleave in p.m. Newphew Herbert is in Harvard School Los Angeles & his brother Weslet in navy on the Idaho. Niece Belle had an operation. Comments on short skirts. Mollie Woodward remarked in Students' Ass'n [Association] Meeting "This is a progressive age." Burta had only one year at school before entering as a "prep" at V.C. [Vassar College]. Had had German governess teach Grench and English chiefly through Shakespeare dictation. Older brother at school in Switzerland collected stamps which were burned in S.F. fire in 1906. "Tout passe, tout casse, tout lasse" Rose Baldwin lived in San Jose and attended same school as B's Spanish-Irish-English sister-in-law (not anxious to enter V.C. [Vassar College]) What a lovely time Marion E. must have had in Norway & Sweden. She seemed a very enthusiastic and appreciative traveler when she met her mother here after a world tour. I had a train letter from Miss Edith Bridges (Head Mistress of the Ransom-Bridges School Piedmont California which sends many girls to Vassar) in which she spoke of stopping off at Winnetka and enjoying M.E.'s companionship for a time. Am glad that a critic has found Edna St. Vincent [Millay] of the breed of Tennyson, although she may not realize it--in the King's Henchman at least. In Sunday paper in San Francisco Lindy week under L's picture were Tennyson's lines:-- For I drift into the future, as far as human eye could see/ Saw the vision of the world and all the wonders that would be;/ Saw the heavens fill with commerce, argosies of magic sails,/ Pilots of the purple twilight dropping down with costly bales." [Diarist's marginal note: Perhaps not Tennyson at his hest but the seer a poet should be] We have express parcel service now & soon will have passenger service to New York as we now have up and down the coast. Play made from Browning's Ring & the Book (Caponsacchi(?) outstanding dramatic even on New York theatrical season. Abbie Elwell thought of Burta when the old Amherst House burned. No wonder! Part of my astral body must have been hovering over the smoke - with delightful memories of the summer of 1883 there with Mlle See. She was about to take up her work at Wellesley and was connected with Dr. Sauveur's summer school. Friendship for Abbie Leach began there; she was about to teach at Vassar - after opening the "backdoor" of Harvard (Radcliff[e]) for women. There were two "might-have-beens" who made the place quite exciting, one destined for the wide spaces of Kansas, the other, a graduate of Williams, for a cosmopolitan existence ending permanently in Paris. I did not dream of the possible home in Paris at that time! Am so fond of Paris! But have no regrets! Jessie Wheeler practices what she preaches ($1000 annuity funds) J.F.W. notices in V. [Vassar] Quarterly for Sept. Eliz. Howe gifts to library. Read Stresemann's speech at Oslo when receiving his share of the Nobel peace prize. Elimination of freshman & sophomore year discussed. The Sarah Lawrence Junior College in Bronxville, Marion Coates 1907 President under Vassar as a Cooperative elder sister. Pres. Wilbur of Stanford favors Junior Colleges. See p. 69 in Vassar Sept. Bulletin about the first in Empire State and the opening wedge is under the auspices of Vassar! Written by M.B.B. on Lindbergh Day Sept. 16/27. Almost 1 o'clock & here comes out of the North Everybody's Boy riding The Spirit of St. Louis (how that name of their beloved King must have touched the hearts of the French) together the spirit of Youth Triumphant, bringing hope for the future of this ever-renewing old world! J.M. Luhrs From Basel Oct. 11/27. On the way to a sanatorium for her husband who has had a nervous breakdown. M.R.S. Oct. 31/27 Old-fashioned counter. Bennington church 165 yrs. old. ["On a cane"] in 1932. [Writing running over onto adjacent right-hand page:] Middleton Murray's "Jesus Man of Genius," "Woman in White" [end of overflow text; continues on next line of left-hand page] I have a real "hunch" that Al Smith will be elected. G.B.C. Nov. 4/27 At Hotel Grosvenor, 35 Fifth Ave. Dorothy & family at Summit Mt. St. Michel and Chartres is certainly a great book and Cornelia Stratton Parker in "More Ports & More Happy Places" gives Henry Adams full credit for excellent advice he gives about places & things worth seeing. Deephaven Camp, Squam Lake. Mr. C's brother Hanford lives at Marblehead. Margaret C. graduated at Middletown. Ruth C. Mitchell is authority on Immigration & went to Czecho Slovakia at Pres. Masaryk's invitation during the war to make a survey of the young women's activities. Dr. Mary C. Schuster is trustee of Cornell, her alma mater. Lawrence's "Revolt in the Desert" appealed to me. Gertrude Bell's Letters. I agree with Mary Sanford about Ludwig's "Napoleon" but would the English have given so hurried a version of his incarceration on St. Helena? I read recently an account which made the island seem quite an earthly paradise. Trollope I love especially the Barchester series. Doesn't Mary like Hugh Walpole's "Cathedral" "The Green [Mirror]" and the "Jeremy" books? Lindsay Crawford Hamilton & Crawford Buckland Hamiltom's pictures sent. Fanny Young Nov. 12/27 Did you hear someone say just as the Holland Tube exercises closed "Thank God that's over?["] The speaker forgot the tell-tale Mike. Mrs. Josiah Tubby of Westfield talked in [Chatham] to Porch Reading Club about "A one-woman flower garden." Readings held for 10 wks. every lady welcome. dues 15 [cents symbol] a meeting. money used for books. It was exasperating for Abbie E. to have those good chickens stolen not to mention the apples. We keep White Wyandottes too and while we do not name them as we did at first, we find them a great pleasure and a lot of care. I would love to hear Marion E. tell of her summer journey. Mr. Young wants to congratulate James Elwell on his success in corn raising. Enjoyed "The Grandmothers" "Trader Horn" & "Giants of [in] the Earth." Friend said "Doomsday" most unpleasant book. Youths Companion always a part of our household. Listening to wonderful Gigli (?)* Lydia Peck Dec. 12/27 Anne Wyman sailed Dec. 7, 1927. Lydia Peck's "little" sister-in-law had a stroke Nov. 8 & is unable to walk alone so Lydia has given up all hospital work. Young friend of 19 operated on for appedicitis. Of the three kinds of cataracts hers are the slowest in developing. [L.L. Farrar] Dec. 30/27 Small child lost her mother in department store & when asked why she did not hold on her mother's skirts said she couldn't reach 'em. "Jeremy at Crale" is delightful. The chapel window of '77 I think is the one in little picture in J.F.W.'s letter [she said it was a prize for the one finding a misspelled word] This was my sister's class & the inscription was by request suggested by Dr. Griffis. Two of my sister's grandchildren, a sweet little Katharine of 18 and Wm. [William] Elliot 15 are at Cushing Academy preparing for V.C. [Vassar College] and Cornell. When a letter was redirected Poughkeepsie the postman took the letter looked at it then at me sadly took his pencil and said "Poo (double o) Mrs. Farrar." He is still pleasant to me but I'm sure he feels sorry for my great ignorance in spelling. A case of "skeptical" poisoning? (What is the Christopher shop work?) Little Anne called her lovely Christmas tree "Santa Claus bush." Fell down stairs & hurt foot & was knocked down by two dogs & broke part of her right shoulder. Jeremy at Crale is delightful. E.M.H. Jan. 7/28 at Christmas send Mary King's mother, 90 yrs. old, a cyclamen from us all. She lives in The Block House, Concord, Mass. in which women & children were shuttered during that family row of long ago. Mary K.'s son alone remains of the family of 5. One died early. Margaret died of pneumonia in Charlotte, N.C. Mr. Babbitt died in winter of 1927-28. He was a man of gifts but not "practical." Not that that would trouble M.K.B! I think she *Beniamino Gigli (March 20, 1890 � November 30, 1957) was an Italian opera singer. found the greatest possible pleasure in his companionship, and few husbands are so constantly quoted. "Mr. Babbitt says" was a recurring phrase. From Columbia he went to the Univ. of the South at Sewanee as head of a department. One of Sewanee's trustees, named Stuck published an autobiography in which it was generally felt that he had done ample justice to his own merits. Prof. Babbitt dubbed it "Stuck on Himself." This was too good to be discreet. Dr. Home rec'd medal from Ass'n for the Prevention of Blindness. He has now as his fancy-work the preparation of his address due next June as President of Eugenics Research Ass'n. His predecessor in that office was Mr. Frank L. Babbitt, for so many years Vassar trustee. Mr. B's address last June was admirable. I hope Dr. Home will do as well. Napoleon in Captivity by Julian Park presents reports made to his government by the Russian Commissioner at St. Helena. Sir Hudson Lowe was indeed stiff, a martinet, and without imagination, but he was sorely tried. To the end, Napoleon was a Corsican peasant. If you wish some hours of joy try Guedella's "Palmerston." Our annual hegira is under way. The Wymans are "over there" & Jan. 6 at midnight Ida Howgate & J.F.W. sailed. My great niece 2 mos. old & still unnamed is destined for Vassar. She will be 3rd generation. Jan. 31/28 Mary E. ... has a grand-niece Margery Borden. Thought Jalna very unpleasant & "Dusty Answer" is like unto it. "Roosevelt a Hero to his Valet" enjoyable. Reading for mind's sake "Pupin's New Reformation." When Abbie E. left Plymouth for Boston, if she had turned left at the hotel instead of at the center, she would have found a shorter and very beautiful road to Boston by New Found Lake, and could have stopped off at High Field tosee what has been called the finest view of the lake, and incidentally to call on me. Really no one should go to N.H. [New Hampshire] and omit what is thought by many to be its most beautiful lake. You see, I am not exactly modest about the location of my home, but I didn't make it. Send a postal addressed simply Bristol & I will write proper directions. I have enjoyed Robert Frost's North of Boston because when I read my mind flies up to N.H. [New Hampshire] & I can see it all happening around New Found Lake. I like to fall back too on Trollope--Barchester Town is a favorite. M.C.B.'s grandchildren Hadwen Barney 2 girls 1 boy/ Mary 2 girls 1 boy/ Beth 3 girls live in Montreal J.F.W. March 22/27 I was once asked "Gie me the varse about the little dog that lappit up her blind" and made a guess about Mary Stuart's execution. The laugh is quite often on the librarian I heard this in Troy lately "Who was Anne Hathaway in connection with Shakespeare?" And my successor said she'd try to find out during the day! And in another reference room the librarian explained that "blue sky laws" had to do with building permits for tall buildings in N.Y. [New York]. I don't know why I should have mentioned ancestors to M.R.S. or anyone else. "We all have 'em." Mr. Dwight Marvin of the Troy Record is a cousin to Dr. Taylor. Miss Cushing has made a fine recovery from an operation for cataracts on both eyes. Vassar came near losing the Student's Building from cigarette stubs, discovered just in time in a waste basket & Wellesley has lost a dormitory from careless smoking. The charming library of Alumnae House has lost its charm for me owing to stale tobacco odors. I have met the Dean & Mrs. Morris a warden--they did not impress one [as] leaders. But I do think Harriet Sawyer seems the right person in the right place & a difficult place at that.To E. Home May 8, 1928 On the dock awaiting our arrival was a good looking Japanese young man of 28. He was Shige's great nephew, K. Masuda, son of the great playwright, and a grandson of Shige's sister. He had been waiting nearly two hours and came aboard at 7:30 to greet me, I had previously cabled that the 19th would be my free day and he promptly said that the 20th would suit better, took my intricate program of shore trips, rearranged it in a masterly way and persuaded the cruise directors that it was better so. I then presented him to Mr. Rollins after I succeeded in getting that old gentleman up and them I proceeded to go "with my party" to Nikko, sunshine, cherry blossoms and beauty everywhere. Next day I went to Tokyo [and] as I entered the Imperial Hotel at once caught sight of a tiny figure, all in black, shiny black hair, a little bent Japanese whom I at once recognized as our merry little Vassar friend. She had found Mr. Rollins and we at once persuaded her to lunch with us--also K. Masuda who happened in. Then Shige said I was to go to Prince Oyama's right after luncheon & that Mr. Rollins & Betty might also come. She was about to telephone for a car when we reminded her that we had one at our disposal. We had a very long ride and lost our way once, the streets are so different since the earthquake.* Shige had not been in that part of the town for years she said. At last we turned down a mean, narrow street and then entered an enclosure, and then we were in a private landscaped garden of several acres and at the residence where Stematz lived and died--the Japanese house for the big brick and stone American house had been utterly destroyed. Even the name of the street had been changed. Shige demanded our cards, which fortunately we had with us. Then a servant was sent in again to know if we should remove *The Great Kanto Earthquake, which struck on September 1, 1923, was at the time considered Japan's worst natural disaster. our shoes--permission was sent that we might keep them on--and so we were admitted. The Prince was at that moment engaged but the Princess and her three boys and little girl of seven all clad in Japanese costume were standing to welcome us. All spoke English and the Princess understood it if one spoke slowly and of course Shige was there to help us linguistically. The children were all good looking, the oldest boy eleven. They clustered around Betty, neither forward nor shy--just ideally perfect behavior. The room was Stematz' favorite, maybe 15 ft. square & one side had the yearly exhibit of historical family dolls, perhaps a hundred or more on shelves. There were easy chairs & a sofa, a very low table on which was presently served many kinds of sandwiches, tea followed by strawberry shortcake. Then the Prince came in & visited with us--said "I am sorry to receive you in so mean a hut. We have material on hand to begin building a European dwelling." They showed me the family album & I found for them my picture in the '82 class group. The Prince then expressed his pleasure and gratification over the Oyama room & asked me to take to it Stematz' favorite picture--a Japanese scroll. The princess then gave me a picture of the four children in their school dress (American not Japanese since Japanese costume is not fit for the athletic training now in vogue). Shigi [sic] had told me that the Prince had become a great archaeologist (I should use the term paleontologist since he is comparing extinct shell fish with modern mollusks). He took us into his study or laboratory where he had two young men working under him, and showed me his mother's books mostly Vassar text books. The floors gave as we trod, showing how badly damaged even the Japanese dwelling was. In the corner of a passage was a basket with a Japanese-calico-shorttailed pussy with two kittens. I stopped to speak to mamma cat and presently when we had returned to the dining-room the trio were brought in by a servant and given the cream left from our tea. Betty & I were perfectly delighted. I did not anywhere in the big photograph collection see a picture of Stematz in her court-dress. There were large framed portraits of her & her husband hanging on the wall. When we left we went out backward, the family following us and bowing low as our car left. I had to go directly back to the ship so could not stop to see Shige's daughter and her granddaughter's trousseau--that was put off till another day a day that didn't materialize. Shige has had 7 children & now has 6, three boys & four girls--the oldest son instantly killed and Stematz's also by explosion on a naval training-ship years ago. The next day Mrs. McLeod, Mrs. Richardson, Mr. Rollins, Betty & I were to lunch with the Masudas. We met at Imperial Hotel and went in the cruise auto--again along mean narrow streets, almost losing our way, and again found ourselves in an enclosed park (perhaps 20 acres and to a modern house. Here lived Shige's nephew, the literateur and celebrated playwright and evidently a very rich man. His father Baron Masuda now about 80 owns one of the finest art collections in Japan. He must be the husband of Shige's sister. We did not see them--don't think they live in that part of the city. Taro Masuda, his beautiful wife daughter & 3 sons received us in a room furnished with soft chairs sofas and pretty tables, but only one picture. They said the meal was to be Japanese & I visioned Mr. Rollins trying to sit on the floor, but we were ushered into an American room--extension table & dining-chairs. This room also had but one ornament except that flowers trailed down the center of the long table. Two butlers brought in lacquered trays, one for each, with four or five little bowls or plates on each & new chopsticks which we were to split and use. The turtle soup one was to sip. I watched Shige and due to much practice in my youth with castanets, had little difficulty in feeding myself. One viand was of very large beans to be taken up singly, shelled in one's mouth and the hull returned to one's plate by chop stick. I found the bamboo shoots very good indeed--and suddenly our hostess said "Don't eat too much, an American meal is coming and so it was served faultlessly by two butlers. The ice-cream looked like pistachio but proved to be flavored with ground tea leaves. Shige sat next to me, and exchanged place cards with me. These were Japanese ladies in rickshaws passing under a torii. We adjourned to the drawing room where the Masuda daughter showed us the "tea ceremony" and all showed us over the Japanese dwelling--this with our shoes off. It was too wet to go to the various tea houses around the estate. Shige & I were photographed on the porch, the day was rather dark & rainy. Mrs. McLeod and the Masuda daughter were photographed also. Shige & I visited as much as we could. She asked particularly for Mrs. Home & Mrs. Wyman and was shocked to learn of Miss Phillips' death. She gave me a lovely Japanese parasol painted with tulips. I gave her the Vassar seal pin & some large photographs of the grounds. She says her husband is an invalid most of the time. Both were in the house when it fell at the first shock, injuring the Baron, but there being no fire at the time they were able to extricate themselves from the debris. When asked if he feared an earthquake Masuda said (like the philosopher Seneca) what difference. We might as well all go under at once as separately. When we left 23 servants bowed us out very impressively. The Masudas had three autos waiting to take all the guests tovisit first the new theatre, back stage, under stage, dressing rooms, foyer & wonderful revolving stage and then to another theatre to witness the Cherry Blossom Dance by Geisha girls. Shige remarked that the music was all melody & no harmony, said she no longer played a piano, but one of her daughters did. One son is in politics & his party was reelected the next day during considerable excitement. Another son, a business man I had just a glimpse of as we met by chance. When we left the theatre Shige darted back to claim her clogs which she had checked at the box office. Mr. Rollins was so delighted with his entertainment he said if I could persuade our Jap. friends to lunch on the ship the day we sailed he would pay all the bills, so it was arranged that the Oyamas, Shige & the Masudas were to come to the Resolute for luncheon & to see us off. Madam Masuda & the Prince had engagements but the Princess, her four children & three Masudas could come. But Sat. I was to go to Kamakura & be met by the eldest Masuda son, taken to his lovely country home, where also I met Mrs. McLeod & both of us & the Masudas photographed there, then to see the Great Buddha the [Kerannon] temple &c. & all of us back to Yokohama where we gave them luncheon at the New Grand. Sunday dawned very cold & rainy, but just the same Princess Oyama came in her J. robes & clogs, the little girl came in kimona & rubber boots, the boys in European school suits (see photo). We went to the Robbins [Rollins'?] suite to leave wraps & the little girl put on cleft hose & slippers. A Japanese man servant was with them to help. Strange to say the Masudas & Oyamas had never met--and to my great disappointment Shige telephoned regrets. We had much we wanted to talk about but I did not see her again. Betty Rollins picked out gifts for the children, foreach boy an "Old Misery" Hound about five inches long with glass eyes that could be moved and an adjustable tail for a dog's many moods; and for little Sikko, a flaxen haired dolly with two long ringlets. I never saw a child adore a toy so much. Between courses she would cuddle it and look up with a beatific smile, showing the loss of her first baby tooth. She bears the childhood name of Stematz. She was seven about the last of April. After a fine luncheon with fine wines we were photographed by flash-light--one of the boys is out of focus & head distorted but the rest are rather good. I had to arrange to have the party see this beautiful ship & the princess was very pleased, thinking it an educative experience for the children. We went first to my little cabin at the water line, then to the elaborate suites and to the charming library & beautiful "Winter Garden" which is the general lounge & is decorated always with potted white lilacs & the carpet is a delicate green. The Pompeiian swimming pool on the upper deck delighted the boys & the gymnasium apparatus they seemed perfectly familiar with. The greenhouse, gay with flowers and singing birds & doves was a surprise for all of them. The first officer gave our party a glimpse of the engine room & then we went to the pink drawing-room for our final chat. All the way around the Princess clung to my hand & when it came time to leave I had cordial invitations to come to Japan again & really visit them in their new home. It was a real disappointment not to see Shige again. K. Masuda laughs at her & says my aunt really speaks English better than she does Japanese. She doesn't speak her native language gramatically. I asked her if she kept many servants--she said with emphasis "No just one house-keeper and sometimes also a student helper. She told me that Martha Sharpe had died and had left to Vassar a Japanese stone lantern and perhaps some money. Shige has no gray hair (perhaps it is dyed). She wears no hat, nor do any Japanese ladies but all wear clogs & make a great racket when they hurry up steps. My white hair was so much admired that I was requested to keep my hat off when indoors and was always photographed that way. Stematz lived to see two grandsons, the other children were born after her death. Shige was ill at the time of [Stematz]'s death and hadn't seen her for some time previous. I will send you our luncheon flash-light photo and later have a copy made of the four children with their autographs attached to the print. Sea-faring people are hard worked just now. Many are leaving at San Francisco & farewell parties are being held all over the ship. We have been an unusually congenial lot. I found friends aboard and a group that I've cruised with before & since I was made Regent of the Dames & Daughters I have had a big family to look after. We are a gay set with athletic contests, bridge, balls etc. Something every day & night, including moving pictures of ourselves rushing around sightseeing. We have had amazingly calm seas, sunny days; always in port on time & we are I am hating to have the cruise end. Every desk is full to-day & writing paper is giving out. The table where I am writing is just one continual jiggle. If you want to pass this on as a contribution to the class letter you better edit it. Where is that class letter I mustn't miss it. I could receive it after June first. Your letters have been a great pleasure to me on this trip. I had the surprise of my life to find a letter in Formosa from [Lou Kountz]. She once said she was happiest on an island. Well my best joy is being on a cruise, especially one like this "luxury cruise." I have been perfectly well and in keen enjoyment of every day. Such weather & such seas couldn't happen again. "The Resolute" suits every one. Nobody pays an attention to the German on board, they are sufficient unto themselves and keep apart. Birthdays are celebrated on this cruise and as mine happened at another time of year somebody wished one on me, April 10th, gave me a fine dinner and a long string of carved amethysts to my complete astonishment. I didn't know until coffee, that it was my party. "But that's another story." Good bye for now. J.F.W. Copy of Baroness Uriu's letter to J.F.W. "in fine penmanship & faultless English" Odawara, Japan, March 20/28 My dear Miss Jessie Wheeler: Your long interesting letter giving minute details of Princess Oyama's room at Alumnae Hall was read with joy and I thank you and the class for remembering my dear friend so lovingly. Now again your letter from Java has come & I know for certain you are enjoying the wonderful sights of the world. I have written to young Princess Oyama of your intended trip and she was delighted at the news. She writes to know the date of your arrival, so that her sisters could all meet you. Mrs. Home kindly sent me this illustrated schedule-time of the "Resolute" and I have sent it to her. You already know my husband is an invalid & we are living in Odawara near Hakone mountains. He is a little better so I should be delighted to meet you in Tokyo and call on you at the Imperial Hotel. I think you reach Yokohama on the 17th and you must see Nikko with your party. Let me know the day you expect to spend in Tokyo so that I may go down to the city and meet you at the Hotel. Hoping soon to meet and greet you. I remain your friend Shige Uriu. Cablegram 18th April 28. "Mr. & Miss Rollins, Missis Jessie Wheeler and Missus Mcleod resolute dog Shronisaki radio. We invite you luncheon nineteenth Masuda will meet at pier to-morrow. Please answer to Taro Masuda Gotonyama [Gotenyama] Shinagawa tokio [Tokyo] baroness Uriu and Masuda." Mr. Rollins had a letter of introduction which had been sent to Admiral Uriu (an invalid but this was not known to Mr. Geo. Batchellor who gave the letter). Shige whished to honor Mr. R[ollins] & Miss R[ollins] the granddam. She was only 11 but that also was not known. Taro Masuda is the wife of Masuda, the playwright and translator of English plays into Japanese & I think part owner of the new theatre, a very wealthy man apparently as he has 20 acres of park surrounding his home in Tokyo--a fine modern house, a Japanese house adjoining & also tea houses on the grounds. Masuda's son, a prosperous importer was educated at Andover and Philadelphia, a daughter has also visited America and had been in Boston the guest of Mrs. McLeod. The Masudas had their 3 sons and one daughter (perhaps more). Masuda ... is nephew of Baroness Uriu. I think the Atlantic Monthly recently had an article about Mr. Masuda & his fine literary work. Mechanicville July 22/28 - Mary Barney I usually think of you on your leap-year birthday & did this year on shipboard where a prize was offerend anyone born on Feb. 29. Sad you could not have had one in 1900. If I had arrived on April 28, this year I should have had two birthdays in the same week. This year I shall have a year of 367 days - leap year too but no results. April 28 came Sat. followed by April 28 another Sat. The youngest boy on board ran down the deck yelling "Ain't it awful! Two baths in one week!" My natal day did not appear on the ship calendar, but one night I was asked to a special dinner and didn't know until it was over that it was a celebration for me when my youngest friend Betty Rollins gave me a long string of carved amethysts "Because she loved me so." Betty just invented a second birthday for me & chose it on Apr. 10. Met 5 ladies from Kentucky, widow, ... Florence Vassar 1925, ... Jessie, Miss Willie Kennedy & Miss Lucia Burnam her sister-in-law. D.A.R. Club chose J.F.W. Regent. She posted a notice that she would receive and pack books & reading matter to be given to men in the U.S. service in Honolulu or on battle-ships. 150 choice books new and expensive probably $350.00 worth were given. The Navy Y in Honolulu took charge of the distribution for me, saying it was the largest, finest and most needed gift of books ever received. Somebody put an item in the local paper and callers came to the ship to thank me but I was driving around the island & didn't see them. One left a native fan covered with forget-me-nots and lovely roses & 2 Troy tourists rushed down to see me off regretting that they hadn't known in time to entertain me. Also on "Resolute" were 8 persons I had cruised with before & altogether I was less lonely than for many years. In S.F. was stunned with the Rodins. I called up M.B.B. & she came aboard bringing plentiful pansies, mints and Laura's book. Mrs. Boothe, cousin of J.F.W., has a home in Pasadena called "Ninovan" Cherokee for "Our Home." Compiled a family history in [1923] which Mrs. B. has printed. [In margin:] Jan. 11/29 - Dear Miss Sanford. I thank you for your kind note of sympathy. It is truly the greatest loss to me and I am feeling very forlorn. I pray you may enjoy always good health. Very sincerely yours, S. Uriu.I wore knickers for riding camels, elephants and "all the little cattles" as old Hinkle used to translate. Properly clad my 14 mile ride to Darjeeling on a Tibetan pony was enjoyable & so was a journey to Amber on the Maharajah's elephant. Once were completely surrounded by the Japanese fleet that was "in formation" & most impressive. We were among the English fleet in Hong Kong. After seeing the bathing ghats of India & the very temple described in an early chapter of Mother India I can quite credit every word of that book. I hope it may start some reforms. I wish someone would reform the Empire State and make it unlawful to keep in office a man unmindful of his country's laws. I saw much of the Smith family while I was vice chairman of the Sesquin of Burgoyne's surrender. We had 220,000 guests, 42,000 cars on the battlefield, no disorder, drunkenness or accidents. I heard that Al. was drunk or so full he couldn't find the food on his plate at the banquet. I met that family again at Kingston. I was invited to most of those things and I hope never to meet them again. I had to be in several movies with them as I was receiving on the guests platform. I worked all of May, June, July, and Sept.-Oct. 8 on hat sesqui business. Aug. every one of the 6000 of us took a vacation. I went to Boston, called on E.M. Home & spent two days at Mrs. Wyman's paradise. Have you seen the slogan "Ale Smith of H2 over." I think I hear Abbie say she is like old Dr. Caldwell neglecting so many good places to stop. And yet I would like to start a discussion about "Steps to the Temple" and the rise of Eugene O'Neill & his "Interlude." About the Annuity Plan at Vassar, having assisted in its formation I intend to keep on parking money there. And as for endowing the Campus--since visiting Japan I realize even more fully what a valuable educational asset beautiful landscaping can be. [In margin:] Dec. 12 - From M. R. Sanford - B. Brittan has just sent me a letter from Baron Uriu "Your kind letter of Oct. 29th has reached me. Alas! My wife died on the third instant having been ill since last July. Her disease was cancer in intestine. After a few hours suffering she passed away peacefully. Herewith I thank you for your unchanging friendship towards her ever since her college life at Vassar. May you enjoy a long life, is my sincere prayer. Very sincerely yours, S. Uriu. Dow Much to my surprise I enjoyed reading The Education of Henry Adams. It is so true that we get adjusted to our environment & think we have found our right place in the scheme of being when everything is changed. Count [Keysurling] seemed to have the same trouble & I hope he will find that he is all wrong in his last theory of life. Suggests we wear white & pansy colored scarfs or shawls at 50th. Kountz As I have read each letter of this series I have become more convinced that I could never write anything worthy to dangle on that cord and have hesitated to add my ever poor epistolary effort--but I am no quitter as you all know so here goes. Bermuda in spring of '27. Sailed from N.Y. to England & took trip to North Cape. Totnes a little town on river Dart is a regular story-book sort of place with a lovely hotel that had once been the residence of Seymour family. Motored through Cornwall & had a few days at Broadway, very charming old spot in midst of lovely country. Took 3 weeks of independent travel after North Cape trip. Visited Ratvek [Rattvik], Sweden on Sunday so we could see the beautiful old costumes which peasants wear on that day. Then to Stockholm, one of the fairest cities of the world, often called the Venice of the north. Side trip to Visby, interesting medieval town, "Once the Queen of the Baltic," now city of roses & ruins. Gota Canal trip trip & cruised through Sweden 3 days till we reached Gothenburg. I think the cafeterias must have originated in Norway & Sweden for they havein most of the hotels what is called the (smorgusbord?) [smorgasbord] and the guests go to a long table & help themselves. Crossed to Denmark in cars on boat. 2 wks in Copenhagen etc. & went from Esbjerg to Antwerp. 3 wks. in Belgium, took a car & visited Malines (where Cardinal Mercier is buried) Louvain & there saw the new library America is giving, spent a night at spa at Hotel Britannique where Kaiser abdicated and where the armistice negotiatopm were held for 6 mos. Visited Dinant the martyred village, Namur, Tournai & battlefield of Ypres where we saw that wonderful Menin Gate built by England for those whose bodies were not found. Spent some days in Bruges went to see butter market in Middleburg Holland and stayed in a hotel called Abdy. Sailed for U.S. from Rotterdam. Came to Wash. & had charge of niece's family of three children while she was adding a fourth to the brood. Joined Woman's Club. My sister & I have a furnished apartment. Just now we have sister's 2 grandchildren with us as their small brother has scarlet fever. Sent Feb. 27th. [Semple]/ Chicago/ March 22'28 The class letter always finds me in a different place, as it does most of us; for do you realize what nomads we are? Or is it the age we live in? Clark U. went to Cambridge & visited Leonora House Booth 2 wks. Saw E.M.H. Her Julian is a winner - such mental grace & force combined. I had never met him before. Meeting a classmate is an event for me & Dr. H is the first class husband I've had the privilege of inspecting. 3 yrs. ago I saw B.B. in S.F. & before that not a soul since the Vassar Jubilee year, though I have spent the last six years largely within the holy precincts of New England where '82 is well represented. The wonder is that I've missed you or have I passed some of you on the street somewhere & been haunted by a familiar look from beneath my unfamiliar grey hair? Mine's headed towards whiteness. My last year's trip to Kentucky to rehabilitate Bonner Semple D. was crowned with success. She has taken hold of life again & next week E.S. goes to Louisville to see the production of Bonner's first play by the Art Club, an episode of the life of Caesare Borgia, entitled "The Minotaur" in allusion to the combination of prince & beast in the man. In Christmas holidays read a paper before Agricultural History Society & Am. Hist. Soc. A series of my articles on the eastern Mediterranean is being translated into Arabic for publication in Quarterly Review issued by Amer. U. Beyrout [Beirut], Syria & having a large circulation in Near East. I am now deep inHilaire Belloco Danton which I gratly enjoy after seeing Max Bhemhart's production of Danton's Tod in N.Y. in Dec. Have you seen Eugene O'Neill's "The Strange Interlude" 9 act play - 5 hrs. that keeps one's mind boiling with queries, theories, protests & shocks as one tries to formulate what the play writer is driving at. In the end one realizes it is a pathological study in feminine psychology. Dr. Fred Verhoe of Harvard Med. Sch. removes cataract at any stage. Mrs. F.E.B./ 915 4th St. S.E./ Minneapolis/ April 28/28 While in Cal. saw B.B. & M. Derby & [daughter] who came to see me at Los Gatos. Marion Derby is a dear & they tell me is making a great success of her work. Spent a few hours later in S.F. with B.B. who sent a gift of delicious candied fruit. On Feb. 29 I was 68 & have had 16 birthdays. Can you answer why not seventeen? I do not feel 68 though I look it. This snow white hair is a sure give away. A few nights ago there came in on radio a N.Y. program - the old song "The Little Brown Church in the Vale." The church is the church in Bradford, Iowa where I was born and where I attended church and S.S. until we moved to Charles City when I was 11 yrs. old. Bradford at present consists of three or four houses and the church. The church, I suppose, because of the song has become a sort of Congregational Shrine, is visited by thousands every year and is a favorite place for weddings. In that respect a rival of "The Little Church Around the Corner." In 1926 there were 429 couples married in it. The fee is $5.00 & this revenue has put the church on its feet. At prsent the pastor of First Con. Church of Nashua, a town 2 miles away also serves as pastor of Little Brown Ch. Song was written by a Dr. Pitts?, a Rush Medical graduate in 1857. The church was a long time in the building, the people were poor (the pastor's salary was $450 a year) the war came & the ch. was not dedicated till 1864. Dr. P. was present, the song was sung & no service is considered complete without singing the song. The bell a gift from a Mass. friend of Dr. Nutting the builder & first pastor is a Meneely bell*, & the church was the first church in the country to have a bell. It still hangs in the old belfry & its tone is as sweet and clear as ever. All of the above for your adult education so that the next time you hear the song you can visualize its setting. "Christina Humanism" by Dr. Stafford some of you may have heard him in Old South Church Boston. He is a [Minn.] boy, brilliant but very human. He was pastor here for a time & lived near us. He & his wife were friends of my children. "Giants [in] the Earth" made a deep appeal to me because of the familiar country described. Wonderful picture of a man's effort, hope & despair. I hear Rolvaag lecture not long ago, an earnest man with little use for the present day novel. Only two he mentioned as worth while were "Black April" by Julia Peterkin and "Grandmothers" by Wescott. When I get fed up with a lot of the novels of the day I take "Barnum" by Werner, have a good laugh over his Yankee shrewdness & feel better. W.C.A. Assn. building a new club for girls, costing $150,000 & housing 175. M.B. in building committee & soon a new settlement house is to be built for the colored group. E.M. White/ May 21/28 Last July my second nephew Edgerton Watling was married to a lady for whom he had waited ten yrs. Rose would not marry while her invalid mother was living. They are Texans. Thanksgiving Day John & I started for Redlands, Cal. My neice lives there. Going west from the Dalles, we admired the Columbia River Highway which some call one of most beautiful scenic drives in world. Farther south Mt. Shasta was an impressive sight. As we were to be 2 months in Redlands we two a three room apartment. We visited Mexico at Mexical [Mexicali] & Tiajuana [Tijuana] out of curiosity. The round table restaurant in Long Beach was new to me. The zoo in San Diego was very good *The Meneely Bell Foundry was established in 1826 in West Troy (now Watervliet), New York, by Andrew Meneely. Two of Andrew's sons continued to operate the foundry after his death, while a third son, Clinton H. Meneely, opened a second foundry across the river with George H. Kimberly in Troy, New York in 1870. Initially named the Meneely Bell Company of Troy, this second foundry was reorganized in 1880 as the Clinton H. Meneely Company, then again as the Meneely Bell Company. Together, the two foundries produced about 65,000 bells before they closed in 1952. My nephew, John, is much interested in art. At Berkeley he learned that the finest gallery west of Chicago is in Golden Gate Park, S.F. so we retraced our steps and made a leisurely visit at the Dr. Young Memorial Gallery & Museum. We took the coast road coming home making a different trip. Grand Coulee & Dry Falls. Took Sunset Highway on east side of Columbia via Pine Canyon, part of which is a hill six miles in length. In time we came to the Grand Coulee, wide & deep & in pre-historic time the bed of Columbia River. Presumably a glacier damned the river, compelling it to seek another channel so it left the floor of the Coulee dry except for a series of small lakes. The walls are of lava which constitutes a great deal of the soil of Wash. east of the Columbia. Much of the lava rock in the walls is colored bright red, green & some yellow. Dry Falls is the best known part, a lava rock formation over which no water is now flowing. Shape of wide horse shoe 3/4 mile across from end to end. Centuries ago water of Columbia River rushed over this rock making a fall 3/4 mile wide and 405 ft deep - more than twice as large as Niagara. This fall is said to be the only structure of its kind in the world. State will dedicate the area as a State Park July 15, 1928. Members of Princeton Geological Excursion under Dr. Richard M. Field will be present. Party will be guided by Dr. H.J. Bretz of Chicago Univ. who has already made a study of eastern Wash. Geologists from Europe & Canada will be present. Dr. B. says that Grand Coulee (50 miles long) is the greatest example of glacial stream erosion in the world. Ages ago eastern Wash. was filled with mountain peaks. Then the spaces between the mountains was filled with liquid lava. There were about 10 successive lava flows, ages apart. Not in streams but in wide sheets. So eastern Wash. is a plateau. A forest of trees (treat?)grew after one eruption & was afterward buried by liquid rock so we have something in the way of a petrified forest. In many places the lava is a mile in thickness and nowhere less than 1000 ft. About 15 miles from my home are found the picture rocks. Here the lava blocked the Columbia River making falls, and here there was a salmon run. Consequently the Indians gathered at this place to get their year's supply of fish and transact other business & recorded a part of their story in their own picture writings which are most important of any in U.S. Oldest are of the earliest inhabitants of America made by a tribe which antedates the Incas of Mexico. Also there are pictures between Incas & modern Indians. Latest were made after Spanish conquest and when Indians had obtained horses. I hope Mrs. Susan Miller Dorsey, Supt. of Ed. in Los Angeles will be first Secretary of Education in President's Cabinet SHe would have the work of that office in fine shape in a short time. I hope to vote in Nov. for a man who is dry, strong for law enforcement and otherwise capable. I think our Am. . . . School is one of the finest institutions here, and the deightful occasions when we have speeches a program & refreshments, & welcome into full citizenship those aliens who have pass their examinations. F.E. Conable I, too, am sorry compulsory chapel has been abolished. As Abby Nickerson says Dr. C could not hold our undivided attention so we could carry on our own line of thought, but there was an inspiration in just being together. Chapel & silent time did do something for us unconsciously. My son is stationed at Fort McArthur, San Pedro & I am there the greater part of my time. Minnie Hoyt Moses & Josephine Blake of '80 lunched here last week. Minnie is spending summer at La Jolla & *Susan Miller was born in Penn Yan, New York, the daughter of James and Hannah (Benedict) Miller. A graduate of Vassar College, Miller moved to Los Angeles in the early 1880s with her husband, the Rev. Patrick William Dorsey, who had accepted a position as minister of the First Baptist Church. In 1894, while teaching at Los Angeles High School, her husband left her with their young son. By 1902, she was working as a school administrator. In 1920, Dorsey became the first female superintendent of Los Angeles City Schools. She would serve in the capacity until her retirement in 1929. In 1937, Susan Miller Dorsey High School located in the Jefferson Park section of Los Angeles was dedicated in her honor. She died in 1946. Dorsey Hall, a dormitory at Scripps College in Claremont, California is named for her.came out on same train from Chicago with Thad Jones, nephew of L. Kountz. Pres. of Repub. Woman's Club of Monrovia & Duarte, called on all registered Republicans & checked names on election day etc. Senator Evans was guest of honor & increased enthusiasm with a . . . address. M. Derby/ I do hope some of you are admirers of the soul that goes marching on for I have something that may interest you. From our cottage porch we can see nightly a brilliant light beckoning us away up on the summit of our beautiful hills (the realty people call them The Hills of Happiness but I fear they have been hills of misery to many early settlers in the days when the name Cal. lured the worn & weary with visions of eternal peace, plenty & sunshine. One of these settlers was John Brown's widow. I have longed to climb the rocky, precipitous road but too far to walk & too rough for our machine. All that I could learn here was that the place belonged to the Supt. of the Oakland Technical School. Delighted to find recently in a S.F. paper notice that the owner was opening the place as a resort. Mr. D & I employed a red-headed . . . with an old machine that looked as tho Mary Ann Brown might have used it if such a thing were possible 50 years ago, and through beautiful woods with many a stop for drinks for the old conveyance & passing 2 or 3 intriguing deserted old homesteads we gained the summit with its glorious view of the entire Santa Clara valley & more and saw below us amid old cypress & pine trees planted many years ago the white cottage where Mary Brown sought peace after the tempestuous life & death of her husband. The old clover leaf windows are still in door & gables & the atmosphere in the old rooms tho' the owner had added a big fireplace even a Roman bath and this summer has put up screened cottages with electric lights & running water. In spite of this it seems to belong to an- other time, so far away from and above our modern noise and hustle. The wild flowers still linger & I do not wonder that Mary thought this her haven of peace & forgot the long & rocky climb like the road of her life. But it did not last, they mortgaged of course and even if they could raise anything, which I doubt, where were the markets & transportation in the then sparsely settled valley? She must have lived in vision too and been a congenial wife, his second to John. She certainly had courage for she married him at 16, a widower with 5 children, the oldest but two yrs. younger than herself & John told her that he had nothing but poverty and a wandering life to offer. Mr. Stuart, the intelligent owner of the place has collected everything in reference to their lives many days reading & I could only get a little in our day there but my interest is great & I should like soon to have one of the little cottages for a week filled with his pamphlets, books and photos of the stern visaged John & Mary - with glorious night views of heaven & earth. The folder enclosed does not give the atmosphere & the people spoil the effect of the old building. Poor Mary Ann got deeply into debt & had to accept help (which they say her indomitable spirit long refused) from liberal hearted people in her last days & is buried in the interesting old cemetery at the foot of the hill under old . . . and cypress trees. Mary Anne, widow of John Brown. I read and re-read COnrad's definition of art in the preface to Narcissus. Our dau. talks in her busy life of travel & it is an inspiration to know of Marion Elwell whom we all liked greatly. M.B.B./ July 4/28 Bernard Shaw a vegetarian. C. Macadam living on liver & fruit. Spent winter in Honolulu now in Michigan. "A son of Mother India" Dutton 1898 by D.G. Mukerji is good reading. Those who were "profs" when 78 was graduated may remember Minnie Botsford. She was one that [in margin:] [Less] Anatomical--Granddaughter (being lectured) "I seem to have heard that the girls of your period 'set their caps' at men." Disapproving Grandmother--"But not their knee-caps." Humorist (London)Elizabeth Foster, known as "Mother Goose" was born in Charlestown, Mass. in 1665/ married to Isaac Goose of Boston in 1693/ made a member of Old South Church in 1698/ left a widow in 1716./ The first edition of her "Melodies" published in 1719./ She died in 1757 AE. 95 yrs. Until her marriage she lived in Charlestown. Her husband owned the land n what is now Wash. St. (also) in and about Temple Place. She was a second mother to ten children. She had beside six of her own. Her daughter Elizabeth married Thomas Fleet a printer who lied in Pudding Lane. He wrote down her songs and published his accumulated notes under the title of Mother Goose's Melodies." Feb. 25/83 Reflect on your present blessings, of . . . every man has many; not on your past misfortunes, of . . . all men have some. Chas. Dickens. The Only True Mother Goose. 103 pp. 60 [cent symbol] Lee & Shepard./ Exact reproduction of 1883 "dear little quarto edition" as E.E. Hale calls it in his preface. Mother Goose buried in Old Granary Burying-ground Boston. Semple, E.C. Influences of Geographic Environment./ 1911 Holt $4.00 Ratzel's theories of geographic conditions as chief factors in social, economic, moral, physical & intellectual development of man. Farrar/ Jan. 1929 Margaret & Reginald/ Katharine/ Ruth has adopted Anne and a little Ruth - 4 1/2 lbs. and known as "Peanut" in hospital. Caesarian baby between 8th & 9th month. At 6 mos. weighs 16 lbs. Two handed bridge. Samuel Anton Howard, Jr. left law for ... near N.Y. Celebrated 40th wedding anniversary Jan. [June?] 12. Nothing to Wear. An Episode of City Life./ Butler. Miss Flora M'Flimsey of Madison Square./ Pictures/ Alex. Smith./ "The lark is singing in the blinding sky,/ Hedges are white with May. The bridegroom sea/ Is toying with the shore, his wedded bride,/ And, in the fulness [sp] of his marriage joy,/ He decorates her tawny brow with shells,/ Retires a space, to see how fair she looks,/ Then, proud, runs up, to kiss her. All is fair--/ All glad, from grass to sun." Mary Howitt The Ballad of Richard Burnell. Cary Pictures of Memory Kingsley The Three Fishers. Holmes. The Last Leaf. The mossy marble rests on the lips that he has prest/ In their bloom/ And the names he loved to hear, have been carved for many a year,/ On the tomb. Leigh Hunt Abou Ben Adam/ Clement C. Moore A Visit from St. Nicholas./ Wolfe Burial of Sir John Moore/ Wordsworth The Old Oaken Bucket Eleanor Osborn, dau. of Laura Gross had a boy born Armistice Day 1928. Jan. 27/29 Dr. Howe was 80 in Sept. died of pneumonia Dec. 27/28. Mary King B's oldest son alone survives. He has lost right arm. Tennyson. "Break, break, break,/ On thy cold gray stones, O Sea!/ And I would that my tongue could utter/ The thoughts that arise in me. O well for the fisherman's boy,/ That he shouts with his sister at play!/ O well for the sailor lad,/ That he sings in his boat on the bay! And the stately ships go on/ To their haven under the hill;/ But O for the touch of the vanish'd hand,/ And the sound of a voice that is still! Break, break, break,/ At the foot of thy crags, O Sea!/ But the tender grace of a day that is dead/ Will never come back to me." Vassar, Room 39. May, 9/80. {ii/Paris} {Rik/America} {Hill/John/Mass.} A letter thus directed reached J. Underhill. Andover, Mass. What have you that others use most? Your name./ How long can a goose stand on one leg? Try it and see. One hundred and one by fifty divide,/ And then if a cipher be rightly applied,/ And your computation agree well with mine,/ The answer will be one taken from nine./ CLIO./ Can you prove that a cat has ten tails?/ No cat has nine tails, one cat has one more tail than no cat, so it must have ten./ KIND = "A little more than kin, a little less than Kind"/ Shakespeare./ I am, yet I cease to be when it occurs to you what I am./ Ans. Riddle./ Of what was Joan of Arc made (maid)? Maid of Orleans./ How far can a fox go into a wood? To the middle./ How many eggs can a man eat on an empty stomach? One/ What is the difference between the north and south poles? Ans. All the difference in the world./ Restaurant. Res = thing; taurus = bull [therefore] res-taurant = a bully thing./ Two ducks were standing one facing the north, the other the south, how could they touch bills without turning around? Very easily as they were facing each other./ What is there that is as old as the hills? The valley between them. "Adage by a young lady./ Man proposes, but mamma disposes." Punch. A sewing-machine -- A needle. I cannot shape your life; ah! if I could,/ This year should bring you nought but what is good:/ Blue skies above your head,/ Blossoms beneath your tread./ (harbor scene-picture)/ I cannot shape your life, but one who can,/ Long since hath hath framed for thee the year's fair plan:/ Go forward, gladly still,/ Trusitng His loving will. Valentine 4 1/2 x 6. Picture of boy with sailor suit, bearing flowers & wearing botany can. Kind group which included Mary Hill, Mary Bernard, Polly Freeman/ Sallie Dickey - she was a special friend of Stella Hunt (Mrs. Shattuck)/ Miss B. has been living with her brother at Williams since his wife died./ Eel River north fork, Eureka most western town in U.S. has Shakespeare Inn. Redwood Empire Highway on south fork of Eel River is magnificent. Stag's Leap in Napa County. I had a happy year at Napa Ladies Seminary before entering college; this and a couple of months at Mme. Talbot's in Paris (she had a little red Am. school house in her garden) constituted my schooling before V.C. except the governess of my childhood) ... Clear Lake Park Tavern Nat & Burt, Kendall Twins, admitted to Stanford U. 350 can enter out of thousands who apply - it seems quite an achievement. Character, a reputation for hard work and aptitude tests must count, for their marks have been nothing wonderful. High school & grad courses in calculus, blueprint work in design & type - writing & short hand & spelling! Youngest grand nephew Herbert Hewson of Los Angeles is in Harvard School. Thinks he will be an artist. [inserted below line] The other is on U.S.S. Idaho. [end of inserted text] A critic of Ludwig's last book on one more influential than either Bismark or Napoleon writes "Emil Ludwig will never wipe from his heretofore shining literary coat-of-arms the smirch this book smears on it" Eliz. H. dismissed Napoleon as "a Corsican peasant to the end." M.B.B. resented it. Spent first eight years of my life under the shadow of Napoleon le Grand & the lesser shadow of N. le Petit, they made life pleasant in Paris and under the sunshine of the Code Napoleon the same code now called Code Civil by the "Republique" and found satisfactory. Napoleon seems to have been the first encourager of canning processes (by Nicholas Appert) How grateful U.S. hotel owners should be? "Mother" fine study of Sardinian peasant by Italian author who won latest Nobel Prize in literature. Keyserling said U.S. was under rule of a matriarchate. Boulder, Col. U. summer school has 27 unmarried men & 2300 women! O'Neill's Lazarus Laughed interested me greatly. Pasadena citizens financed its presentation. Saw his father act L'Assomeir (?) [L'Assommoir] by Zola. That was a shocker, yet "respectable" audiences crowded to the theatre. E.M.H. & E.S. -- agreed with Mencken (?) or admired d'Anninzio's parnographic ... (he harks back to last century) written in such beautiful Italian they really are insidious - Arnold Toguble? "Nude woman show" & Captive 7 months in N.Y. - a jury acquitted the principals who were arrested, Mayor of Detroit stopped it after one night. [Nassar] might again use old name "Society for Religious Enquiry" & so attract Jew & Gentile as well as Christian. H. Hoover, quaker, ran true to form in his war work. When he is Pres. perhaps he will help greatly in bringing that so elusive peace to mankind "The Quakers, Ma'am, I've always held to be above par.["] [Trader Horn*] Mary Barney's next birthday will be in 1932. Can't we call her our most youthful? Sent July 10/28 *Intended placement of Trader Horn reference uncertain but believe it refers to preceding quote regarding Quakers.R.F.D. 3 - Clarkston, Michigan, Oct. 2/28, Care Mr. Arthur Stewart Dear ...:--I shall soon be in Cal. again. I spent June in Sequoia Nat. Forest with old friends but the altitude was too high for me & the mineral water--there was no cold water--did not agree with me. The trip was trying across the continent & by the time I reached my sister's I had another relapse. I was sent to the Simpson Memorial Hospital in Ann Arbor where only pernicious anaemia patients are nine in number--so each case is studied carefully. I learned nothing new after my experience in other hospitals. Little is known about this disease. Liver and its extract & hydrochloric acid being helpful but not curative. Remissions & relapses are to be expected. Climate has no effect so I may live anywhere. I expect to start for the west about 20th of Oct. I have a 10 day lay over in S.F. en route to San Diego. I have rented same cottage in La Jolla I had a year ago--the "Water Witch." Carolyn Macadam. Stella Flora Broadhead - world cruise on Franconia Jan. 15-May 31 S.F.B. & sister after a month or two in France & Italy will join cruise at Naples - Aug. 16/28] Did the Vassars come from Switzerland. I was interested in an item in our evening paper about a discovery made in the hotel where we go for winter sports. I enclose clipping. I don't suppose the plaque can be bought but I should love to have it as a fire back in the big room we are opening up in second floor. We play Bridge for two nearly every evening. Read 3 vol. book on 30 yrs. war by Ricarda Huch. My husband is a walking historical library. Ludwig's Napoleon will be a Xmas present for our old uncle 91 yrs. who reads all day without glasses. He admires Napoleon & reads chiefly memoirs & political history of that period. About a month ago we went for a week to a small summer village 4000 feet high in the Rhone Valley. Village comprises hotels, chalets and peasant huts each & all of which are abandoned in winter. We had an opportunity to admite the wonderful system of irrigation in the canton of Valais. The water from the glaciers is conducted along the mountain sides in parallel streams at altitudes 1200 ft. apart. The installation was a feat not unattended with danger. The workmen had to be suspended by ropes down the sheer Alpine steeps. The canals through which the water flows are like picturesque natural brooks, bordered by trees & forming delightful promenades. See opposite page. Miss Sanford writes Warden Norton's wife had a dear little girl born July 3, Anne Aston "they say" is a perfect child & lovely looking--Abby Elwell's "James" sounds so awfully worth-while. I'd like to know him. Stematz' court dress is now in a proper case. Oct. 13th '28/ 29 Washington Sq. N.Y. Tel. spring 5434. Nov. 2/28. Came to apartment Oct. 1 after 6 mos. in Europe. Dorothy in Summit has 5 children. Richard born in Sept. Crawford a year ago last April. Saw at bridge in Sarajevo where the great war began and near Paris the Peace Glade at Rethindes [Rethondes] where the armistice was signed. Motored up & down eastern shore of Adriatic. Ragusa we liked most. It has excellent Imperial Hotel. Motored through northern Apennines - settled down in Florence for 4 or 5 wks. Met Mr. C at Marsielles & visited towns in southern France & after a weekend at Carcassonne in the [cite] went to Barcelona. [Ms. P. & C.] Pyrenees & V. & L. - Paris - England - Wales. Constance [written vertically on bottom half of page] is Assistant Executive Secretary with Church Mission of Help in Newark. Mrs. C. Edwin Young. 124 Fairmount Ave. Chatham, N.J. mentions Daniel Hoffman Martin who is he? "The Hayloft" at Naples Maine is a "good place to eat" & filled with very fine antiques. Hooked rug made by Sheriff Jones' mother. Isn't that fame for you! Liked Northfield Hotel. L. Kountz going to Holy Land Dec. 5/28. Father's house in Newark demolished. Only two of the old brown stone houses left. [Kemekle] arm Windor [Windsor] chair. Mrs. [Colgrove] attended Bamberger Vassar tea. They had to go out & bring in others to make an audience for the distinguished guest. I heard Mukerji address at Bamberger Bookshop. He is an inspired speaker apparently oblivious of his audience. His word pictures of his beloved Himalayas are more beautiful than anything in his books. Miss Jane Perry Clark made an address at Conference of International Migration service of which every Vassar woman might well be proud. Dec. 11/28 Lydia Peck writes "E. Howe always used to speak of Stematz' little brown hands." Geo. N. Harvey obtained from Gov. Smith an investigation of proceedings of Phillips' "The Pipe King" ... [Maurice] Connolly's administration as Borough Pres. of Queens is her nephew & brought about Connolly's indictment. G.N.H. has been elected Borough Pres. for 1 yr. His slogan is "unbossed we bought [fought] & unafraid." Lloyd Upton Harvey is his son. A photo of him as an open mouthed laughing baby was enclosed. Flushing High School boy when asked who was Achilles replied, "Achilles was a Greek hero whose mother, when he was young dipped him in the river Stynks till he became intolerable." [written horizontally at top of page] Vand Sainte-Croix-Interessante deconverte. M.F. Stehle-Jaccard, proprietaire de l'hotel d'Espagne a recemment deconvert dans son immeuble une grande plaque on "taque" de cheminee, en fonte, du poids de 200 kg. environ, sans doute fondue a Mortean on au Locle ou des artisans creaient jadis ces ornaments de decoration pour les foyers. Cette plaque, de grandes dimensions, comporte de magnifiques armoires, sous la form d'un blason complexe et singulierement elegant d'aspect, Suivant la determination de M. le Dr. D. Galbreath (Baugy), le savant heraldiste, il s'agit des armes des epoux Nicolas de Hennezel, seigneur d'Essert et de Chavannes, et de sa femme Sebastienne de Gingins--La Sarra, dout le coutrat de mariage fut conclu le 13 janvier 1643. Nicolas de Hennezel e'tait fils de Louis de Hennezel et de Marie de Vassar. Sebastienne de Gingins, etait la fille et la seizieme enfant de Joseph de Gingins et de Barbe de Stein. On trouve dans cet ensemble magnifique les elements des armes des Hennezel, des Gingens des joinville et des Vassar.January 12th Tokio, Japan. Dear Miss Sanford, We just received your letter of December 22nd from Boston. We are very sorry for that we did not write you quite long while, since we came back to Japan. Last year was not happy one for us. We lost our father in March and [aunt] Baroness Uriu in November. But we are now getting well and living very peacefully near to our mother's and we expect to have a baby next month. Uncle Uriu seems very lonesome, but his children, grand children and all relatives and friends are trying to make him feel happy. We enjoyed ourselves very much, while we were in your country and wish to go back to see you very soon, though we are going to stay here for a few years. We hope you and Miss Stokes will have a nice winter in Boston and come back to New York with good health in the spring. Very sincerely yours, I. Isogaki This from the husband of Baroness Uriu's great niece. M.R.S.1 Masuda who is to be an artist great nephew of Shige 2 Mrs. McLeod of Boston 3 Checo Masuda 4 J.F.W. 5 Princess Oyama, dau. in law of Stematz 6 Mr. Rollins 7 Mrs. Richardson of Boston 8 K. Masuda - great nephew of Shige {rich importer unmarried but looking around Shige says} April 22 - 1928 Prince could not come nor elder Masudas on account of a wedding. [written vertically on right hand side of page] Agusa Oyama Katsura Oyama Mayumi Oyama Sakiko OyamaR.F.D. 3 - Clarkston, Michigan, Oct. 2/28, Care Mr. Arthur Stewart Dear ...:--I shall soon be in Cal. again. I spent June in Sequoia Nat. Forest with old friends but the altitude was too high for me & the mineral water--there was no cold water--did not agree with me. The trip was trying across the continent & by the time I reached my sister's I had another relapse. I was sent to the Simpson Memorial Hospital in Ann Arbor where only pernicious anaemia patients are nine in number--so each case is studied carefully. I learned nothing new after my experience in other hospitals. Little is known about this disease. Liver and its extract & hydrochloric acid being helpful but not curative. Remissions & relapses are to be expected. Climate has no effect so I may live anywhere. I expect to start for the west about 20th of Oct. I have a 10 day lay over in S.F. en route to San Diego. I have rented same cottage in La Jolla I had a year ago--the "Water Witch." Carolyn Macadam. Stella Flora Broadhead - world cruise on Franconia Jan. 15-May 31 S.F.B. & sister after a month or two in France & Italy will join cruise at Naples - Aug. 16/28] Did the Vassars come from Switzerland. I was interested in an item in our evening paper about a discovery made in the hotel where we go for winter sports. I enclose clipping. I don't suppose the plaque can be bought but I should love to have it as a fire back in the big room we are opening up in second floor. We play Bridge for two nearly every evening. Read 3 vol. book on 30 yrs. war by Ricarda Huch. My husband is a walking historical library. Ludwig's Napoleon will be a Xmas present for our old uncle 91 yrs. who reads all day without glasses. He admires Napoleon & reads chiefly memoirs & political history of that period. About a month ago we went for a week to a small summer village 4000 feet high in the Rhone Valley. Village comprises hotels, chalets and peasant huts each & all of which are abandoned in winter. We had an opportunity to admite the wonderful system of irrigation in the canton of Valais. The water from the glaciers is conducted along the mountain sides in parallel streams at altitudes 1200 ft. apart. The installation was a feat not unattended with danger. The workmen had to be suspended by ropes down the sheer Alpine steeps. The canals through which the water flows are like picturesque natural brooks, bordered by trees & forming delightful promenades. See opposite page. Miss Sanford writes Warden Norton's wife had a dear little girl born July 3, Anne Aston "they say" is a perfect child & lovely looking--Abby Elwell's "James" sounds so awfully worth-while. I'd like to know him. Stematz' court dress is now in a proper case. Oct. 13th '28/ 29 Washington Sq. N.Y. Tel. spring 5434. Nov. 2/28. Came to apartment Oct. 1 after 6 mos. in Europe. Dorothy in Summit has 5 children. Richard born in Sept. Crawford a year ago last April. Saw at bridge in Sarajevo where the great war began and near Paris the Peace Glade at Rethindes [Rethondes] where the armistice was signed. Motored up & down eastern shore of Adriatic. Ragusa we liked most. It has excellent Imperial Hotel. Motored through northern Apennines - settled down in Florence for 4 or 5 wks. Met Mr. C at Marsielles & visited towns in southern France & after a weekend at Carcassonne in the [cite] went to Barcelona. [Ms. P. & C.] Pyrenees & V. & L. - Paris - England - Wales. Constance
Show less

Creator: Wyman, Anne (Southworth)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Date: c. September 1878 - June 10, 1932

Creator: Bromley, Frances M.
Transcriber(s): Hausam, Josephine
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Date: 1880-1882
Text: PLEASE NOTE: Blank pages are omitted (in the original, the diarist left every other page blank from the beginning.) "The thought of her blooms in one's mind like the whitest of flowers: it makes one braver and more thankful to remember the simple faith and patience with which she bore her pain and trouble."Frances to Edith. -May 2" 1880- Dear Edith, Every word that I say to you this afternoon will be drowned in the voices of those bells. Chimes, my dear. The Cathedral is...
Show morePLEASE NOTE: Blank pages are omitted (in the original, the diarist left every other page blank from the beginning.) "The thought of her blooms in one's mind like the whitest of flowers: it makes one braver and more thankful to remember the simple faith and patience with which she bore her pain and trouble."Frances to Edith. -May 2" 1880- Dear Edith, Every word that I say to you this afternoon will be drowned in the voices of those bells. Chimes, my dear. The Cathedral is at the top of the hill just above. They've been calling joyously this long time, those bells. Now they are rolling slowly the Venite, adoramus. I can't keep them out this letter - I just can't do it. The Venite adoramus - perhaps that's given us to pitch from! I wonder if I can get Frances & the afternoon up to it. I didn't think so a minute ago when I sat down in this May rainstorm; but if the chimes come along and ring the gladness in, we shall just have to take it & pitch higher - that's all. ++++++++ You were good to write me. I think of you as very busy always. It is such a busy world & you are so strong to do "The Lord hath need of you". I like to think about you, & some other dear people that I know on my still days - & have many days that are only this. +++++++++++++June 2" 1880 Well, dear, I have put the "June 2" " down & I have been sitting here ever since looking at it. There's something in the look of the word that makes my heart warm & glad. It comes to me, the June of the world, with a delicious undercurrent of joy, always. I cannot imagine any sorrow that would quite crush this feeling out of my heart. Just because there is such a thing as June, & just because there is such a girl as I - well, I know I never feel so sure that I ought to be glad of this last fact as I do in this kind of an air & this kind of a day - nor so sure of what's coming. You know, of course, the name goes back to the Mr. Olympus of things. Good & royal, isn't it? "Sacred to Juno," says the lexicon. "Sacred" - that sounds good, too. I'm glad we got our June from the celestials. Somebody else is thinking of the royal mountain, too. I take this from her last letter: "We sat down on a stone, Home & I, & entered into conversation, & this is what he told me -" Then the bright-eyed Athene went away to Olympus, where they say the seats of the gods ever steadfast abide: nor is it shaken by the wind, nor ever wet with rain, nor is there snow there, but cloudless the pure ether is outspread, & white splendor over lies it; here the blessed gods rejoice all the day long'." +++++++ I'm going to bring you right into this minute, into my most comfortable thought. It's that word "take". It seems so restful - the feeling that just the being ready, the putting out of our hands is the whole of our part of it for so many of the "good & perfect gifts". There is so much waiting for us if we can only get to the taking point. Did you ever notice in the Testament how it is "receive ye" - "receive ye" - & "take ye" - "take ye" all the way through? ++++ Is it as good a thought to you, I wonder, as to me - that we can be still & just "take"? That with all our reading & striving we can never come into possession of the best of the "comforter", even, but that it cometh" � we have only to be quiet & "take". ++++++++++++ Talk to me sometimes about your sisters. I have an insatiable interest in other people's little sisters. I tried to keep my sister little, but I couldn't. She would get tall in spite of me, & old & wise & profound & I know not what else. +++++ "Oh that hillside of waving grain!" I echo your words. Do I "remember"? O my dear, will the grain ever grow long, & the wind come down & touch it that I do not remember! -January 3" 1881- Good morning, dear! We are going to get a visit out of this morning. It feels like one of the real visiting kind. ++ We'll begin, I think, by finding out what kind of a world it is we're in on this particular morning, & we'll talk from outside in. A white world - a clear, white world. It began away back somewhere in the night. To think of the clouds dropping down upon us such things as these - those thickinexplainable clouds - children of the night. One would never dream that out of them gentle things like these would come. +++ Strange night! strange world of clouds! Out of the darkness of the one comes rosy dawn: out of the other softest drifts of snow. Is this the message the morning has for such haunting things as dreads? They too are dark things. Do they mean nothing but soft sweet touched upon our lives after all? Light, or snow-wreaths. ++++ Hills are pretty good things - & they go well with cream. This takes us quite naturally to Portville. Yes, I saw burnt Hill, & the hill where the Arbutus grows, & the Arm & Shoulder across the river. I'm not setting myself up to teach you anything about Portville hills. --- We had long mornings on the piazza with Jean Paul, & Justin McCarthy's "History of Our Own Time", & Taine's "Philosophy of Art," & John Burrough's "no end".We had afternoons of botanizing & fancy-work, & the "Tribune" & naps. Yes, m'am, naps. We had little walks in the garden after tea, picked nasturtiums, counted the rose-buds, named the pansie, scolded the verbenas, told the scarlet & flame of the geraniums every particular time that it was just about everything that could be put into color, & the arms of the big butternut tree that they were everything that could stand for shade & coaxing. Then we would sit on the porch & watch the night creep up the hills. Did you every go to Hookertown after ferns? That is one of the climaxes of an August morning. +++ Yes, that lake - now you can talk to me & I'll understand. I've learned the language from that blessed lake Erie, from Laura's own "joy-forever corner". I didn't just look at it & runaway, but I saw daylight come & bless it twenty three mornings. I saw all the sweet ways daylight has with it : I learned what it was to wake up in the night & feel it there - lived with "a bit of infinity on my horizon". +++++++++ So you were not happy with "Patience Strong". The "too-much"-ness is against it. Quite right. The "so-ness also. Right again. It's a sort of herb-extract of everything that can preach while it's a-simmering. ++ For a pure lark I think Paley's "Evidence" would have been much better. ++++++++++ Your dear wishes for me & your Christmas card came Christmas morning. What a blessed warming-up time Christmas is! -August 10" 1881- It is such a morning, dear, as we could take from & take from & still feel that we had only crept to the door of its fullness & looked out. It is here to the heart of summer that we have come. No more surpriseslaid away - no more unfoldings - but the great miracle of fullness before us. We can't understand much of it, tho' we seem strangely enough to belong to it. It is only in rare moments that we find ourselves high enough to see even what it is like. Then we think of life unending. +++ These are such little glimpses at my window today. The summer that I feel is larger than this. All the broad sweet places where shadows have crept after sunshine; all the deeps of the woods with their manifold secrets; all the meanings of long mornings with the sun coming up; all the sparkle & shimmer & rest of water with the parable of color upon it; all the wide upland stretches; all the forest goo-paths with gleams of still water in the distance; all the nights coming up over the world with the sounds in them that only summer nights bring; all that I have ever known of summer - it is this that I have here with me thismorning. How rich I feel! How glad I am to think that if anything in life seems limited it is we that limit it. +++++++ I have been reading Thoreau lately. Do you know him well? I can't tell you what a contrast it has been - his cheery out-door walks & my one bedroom window that looks nowhere. I couldn't see one sparrow even jump from an elm twig. But to go with Thoreau "cross-lots" on a ten mile walk - that was quite another thing. There wouldn't be a note nor a flutter up in the woods, there would be a thing to know about a swamp or a pasture that Thoreau couldn't tell you, & you feel all the time like poking him up to say more. ++ It is good in this age of hurry to stop & hear Mr. Thoreau talk about minnows, or, if you please, scarlet raks or ripe apples. Think of getting out of your room to do it! ++++++++++++ I do not like to talk of myself & of my sickness, but I must talk this little bitto you. +++ There is a strange uncertainty in what may come. But whatever comes be glad in it-.. Let it all mean the brightest, sunniest thing to you. +++++ Dec. 19" 1881. Is it so long since we have talked, dear? Perhaps so in the counting, but my thought has held on to you so, & filled the space with those thousand little things that were like talking to you - almost better sometimes, as touches of hands are better when the heart is full - that it seems as if there had not been any break ++ but we had kept right on. ++++++++ I don't wonder that boys grow up sort of braced & toned up - that they have to cultivate that sense of feeling that to girl is so often a sixth sense. A girl gets so little of the wide free living which a boy is so often born to. And so it falls out that a boy sees his way though life. a girl feels hers. I suppose one great question with us all is the kind of relief we seek for our moods. There is nothing, perhaps, that determined more the whole drift of our nature, next to our way of bearing sorrow, than the way we seek relief from it. ++++++ As to H. what she needs now above everything is somebody's arms. There are times when to the strongest there is nothing like a little human tenderness. There are moments when the dear Lord's best message to us is an arm around us. ++++++++++ The comfort part in my own statistics is very large. I'm not putting it at the best, but the best is putting itself at me. I say to again, "Be glad for me, whatever comes." When I said it you before there was the thought in my heart that perhaps for me there might be the going home : but there was a deeper thought than that & there is today - the thought, dear, of the long waiting that is likely to come first. Be veryglad for me in it all - in the pain - the slow waiting if it comes - the weary laying down. This is the hard part. For this, dear, put your hand in mine & be reverently glad. It is the joy of my life - the crown of it, dear one, that I am finding the gladness; that there is no longer faint far-off dawn, but that for me the morning has come. "Do not fear for me dark days. I think there is nothing dark for me henceforth. I have to do only with the present & the present is light & gladness." +++++++ -July 5" 1882- Well, my dear girl, to start with I am going to give you a downright hug. When a hug is downright it is the best one I know how to give. But hugs in this world have their limitations. As I have been known to remark on several occasions there are several things more satisfactory than a hug with a metal pen. But here it is, my dear - takeit quick. It is only one more thing - I say this settling back & putting on my - why, no - not spectacles - surely what do people put on when they settle back to begin a moral reflection - people, I mean who have outgrown their airs & haven't yet come to spectacles? Well, as I had begun to remark, it (this hug, mind!) is only one more thing that has to stand in this world for a great deal better something somewhere! +++++++++++ I am looking this morning straight up into the elm trees & my thought gets all tangled up there where the leaves grow so thick & the limbs cross. In one of them there's a bird's nest. I take the greatest delight in giving you this little peep at it. I think you are one of the people the birds would be sure to tell. I don't know any house around us that's capable of making more poetry than that little home of theirs - & poets, youknow, always confide in you! What else do I look at? Carts, my dear, & poor, spiny horses. I suppose there are a goodly number of sleek, fat, easy-going horses that I don't see. Horses take their chances like folks - but how in the world it is to be made up to these other horses I can't conceive. There must be a horse-heaven! I fully believe, you know, that there's a dog heaven. +++++ There's such a delicious little thing in that journal of Hawthorne's that he kept when he was a boy? Can you imagine Hawthorne a boy? I'm afraid I imagine it less since I read this journal than before. But if you can say the alphabet of him backward & get him fixed up there in the wild edges of that little Maine town, & see him stopping his fishing long enough to write down what he saw & what he thought about it to please his uncle, you willbe in fine trim to read that little colloquy he had with a horse. I think of it every time one of these sorry, graceless things goes by. +++++ Do you know any horse real well? I wish, if you do, you would just mention my anxieties about their future sate, & find out for my comfort what they have made up their minds to about future felicity. ++++++ That bird from my big elm has come down for a wisp dropped by that big hay-wagon. How wise you look, you tiny brown thing! Isn't it a bit of rare good planning that that bird's next should be set down - poetry over all this plodding prose? Planned? Why, of course, it was planned, & by a Heart that comprehends the meanings of all beauty. The sense of the doing for us beyond our thought is wonderful to me always. The great plannings are so beautiful : but the little thingslike these - the thinking of little things to please me - the sending the birds to me - the springing up of tiny weeds among the stones - I can't tell you how such things touch me! It is like walking behind somebody - every step - is it not? Well - the cart-wheels rumble on; the poor much-worked horses go plodding by; the rag-men & a the umbrella-men, & lack-a-day, the strawberry men go shouting by; the milk-wagons from Araby the blest go crunching over the cobble. +++ Perhaps it isn't just the out-look for a Browning talk. ++ It isn't that big orchard you & I would like to jump into this morning - & the bees aren't in the clover. Indeed there are no bees, & it's much to be feared there isn't any clover. However (let us begin it with a big H) ++ some of "Parcelsus" [Paracelsus] was lived out & written out I fancy under the inspiration of cobblestones. I quite believe the sameof "The Soul's Tragedy". Perhaps there was an organ-grinder & a swarthy man selling strawberries. "Well, it is earth with me; silence resumes her reign, I will be patient & proud & soberly acquiesce." +++++++++++++++ Get out of the atmosphere where people "scold for a principle" and, if heaven gives you the privilege unspeakable of of getting into the atmosphere where people die for a principle", if it is only you or I we could write a poem. If it is Mr. Browning he can write "Lyrics of Life". +++++ "Abt Vogler" touches me. I can't tell you how. Perhaps some of it is too near my own broken life for me not to understand. "And what is our failure here but a triumph's evidence For the fulness of the days?"Haven't I fought for this? It's a hard thing to stand before a failure - big or little. ++++++++++++++++++++ I have told you that I was rested, & I am. God is taking care of that: but close beside all this rest there is pressing upon me the consciousness of the work that has dropped from my hands. If I had died into some strange existence where I knew nothing but the pause & the waiting, to pause & wait would have been almost easy thing by the side of this that has come. But to be dragged to one side & left, & to hear the battle going on without you - that is another thing. Some of the pain of the world lies very near me. This is perhaps why I feel so much, how real a thing the pain of other people is - & with it the wish that is so strong in me to help- and close by me there are such sad & sorry things - things that I have to know. They roll in likewaves from that world ful [sic] of sadder things & sorrier. And I lie & hear them. ++ The longing grows upon me to do real work; but with the longing comes more & more the consciousness that my hands are dropping. If then, my dear girl, I call out to you, forgive me if I seem too earnest - if indeed one could be too earnest in a world like this. If sometimes, when you see the vacant place at your side, you can be a little braver, a little stronger - if you reach out more tenderly to others - how glad - how very glad I shall be. +++ If there come moments when your heart fails you, or your courage flags, think, won't you of Frances, & don't, don't darling, know one discouraged hour! ++ The dear Christ bless you & endue you with power from on high! Dear love - always--- -Sept. 28" 1882 - [The last letter]. ++++ I can only peep out of the window for a minute to get a little of thefeeling of the morning into me. ++ The feeling of the morning! I like to say it. I like to stand & feel for a breath of that wider morning that is always somewhere. I can't say "morning" without thinking of it. Such a long, dear letter from you! I cannot say "I thank you, dear". It seems as if we had both got beyond any thanking for such things. ++ It is untold giving when one gives one's self. Your words are never commonplace events to me. +++++ I'm glad you didn't let me miss Miss___'s talk. ++ I was interested the more that she is at Michigan University. I prepared - perhaps you don't know it - to enter there. It was a dream that never came true; but I never hear that a girl went there or is there but it sets some of me stirring. My plans died, dear, so hard! I am ready to believe anything in regard to the possibilities of a strong friendship. I am ready to believe a long, long waybeyond what I have lived; for you see I have only sent out a few feelers yet - & I don't know much about living - I've only begun. +++ Friendship is a constant surprise, I think. I suppose life is when one gets to the deeps beyond its shallows. A strong high friendship with another woman is as incomprehensible to some people as heaven its. I think those to whom an ideal marriage has been a thing known & lived are slowest to believe in the possibility of this other thing. +++ I think it is so with H. She has had, she feels, the very best that any life could offer in her love & marriage. That such a thing could even be approached in the tenderness & love of another woman is something she neither believes nor comprehends. ++++++ I am glad you have found a new friend this summer. You have discovered a new country! What a royal time is before you! & how thesun will shine, & the leaves rustle, & the birds sing as you explore it! ++++++++++ I have never talked you much about myself. You have taken me on trust so far. You do not know how little there is of me. +++ I am slow about saying things - too slow oftentimes. But my hour for writing you is nearly gone - I cannot say what is in my heart to say - until some other morning - I hope like this with the gold coming. It is so near your royal month. One thing I will say. I have wanted you to be happy in your thought of me. I have wished it very much. The pain of my life has doubtless come to you to hurt you in moments when I have seemed nearest perhaps: but you have not known, dearest, how much beyond any pain is the joy that has been given. So, be glad in your every thought of me. The Christ has come to me. "Go tell my brethren" were his words on that resurrection morning. Darling, I have come to tell you. +++++++
Show less

Creator: Wyman, Anne (Southworth)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Date: 1880-1882
Text: 1880-1882 Wyman Journal Anne Cora Southworth, '82, Vassar College Poughkeepsie New York.1 Journal Vassar College, Sept. 19th '80. Back Again. Juniors! how queer it seems. To think that I've only one more long vacation! Fannie Bird came back with me. She is to be preparatory. She is awfully homesick but I think she will get over it as soon as the studying begins. She says however that she shall go home next week. We got here Thursday and Hattie arrived soon after. At night, just...
Show more1880-1882 Wyman Journal Anne Cora Southworth, '82, Vassar College Poughkeepsie New York.1 Journal Vassar College, Sept. 19th '80. Back Again. Juniors! how queer it seems. To think that I've only one more long vacation! Fannie Bird came back with me. She is to be preparatory. She is awfully homesick but I think she will get over it as soon as the studying begins. She says however that she shall go home next week. We got here Thursday and Hattie arrived soon after. At night, just before we were going to bed, who should come up the hall but May. We did not expect her till Monday. We thought Madge was not coming back and mourned for her. May had the outside room, I the double and Hat the single inside. Friday as we were going to Chapel, we ran right into Madge! Weren't we astonished? And weren't we2 glad? So the next day we changed around, and finally May and Hattie took the double inside and I took the outside. They are going to have two bureaus and fix it up so there will be room for their things. At first Hattie said they never could stand it, two in a room. She went to Mrs. Ray to be changed to a room alone. But Mrs. Ray said there was not one room that had not been applied for. There are lots and lots of new girls this year. That will be very nice for the College. Carrie has not arrived yet. I am afraid her eyes trouble her. Louise has a boat. Miss Withy is back as [post]. She could not be separated from her [smash] Miss Stockwell. I am writing up in Fannie Birds' room, as I haven't any ink myself.Sunday, Oct 3rd 1880 Fannie has got over being homesick. She is as lively as can be now. Her father came here last Saturday, after she had telegraphed several times to home. She said she would stay if he wished her to. He said of course he wished her to stay. I really think she would have been a little disappointed if he had wanted her to go home. She cheered right up and was as jolly as could be. Hattie has moved. She went into the parlor with Ella Varnes, and Miss Wilkinson went with her. Carrie has not come back yet. Her eyes have been very bad indeed. She will be back as soon as she can. Delta. There are only 17 or 18 old members4 in Delta I hope we will get lots of new girls in the chapter for upon that its prosperity depends. Last Friday Julia Meeker and I were on the entertainment committee. Jessie M. and Jessie W. made real pretty programmes. I spoke "Here she [Was] and There she Goes," and I was Tom in the Charade Domestic. We had ice cream and cake after it was over. Madge and May are going to join Delta. Miss Nicks, an '82 girl, used to belong to Delta, but she was sick and left last year. Her sister is here this year and is going to join Delta. Sunday, Oct. 10th Fossils Friday Jessie and I went to Cedar Ridge after ..., but it was rather too early and so we didn't get many. Jessie showed me a large boulder with fossil sea weed, and we found a small piece of the same, which we calmly broke in halves and appro-��-�p�r�i�a�t�e�d�.� � �W�e� �f�o�u�n�d� �a�n�o�t�h�e�r� �k�i�n�d� �o�f� �f�o�s�s�i�l�,� �t�o�o�.� � �W�e� �a�l�s�o� �f�o�u�n�d� �s�o�m�e� �m�a�i�d�e�n� �h�a�i�r� �f�e�r�n�s� �a�n�d� �I� �d�u�g� �u�p� �s�o�m�e� �r�o�o�t�s� �w�h�i�c�h� �I� �a�m� �g�o�i�n�g� �t�o� �s�e�n�d� �t�o� �m�o�t�h�e�r�.� � �L�a�s�t� �n�i�g�h�t� �I� �w�e�n�t� �t�o� � �[�E�x�o�t�e�r�i�e�]� � �I�t� �w�a�s� �v�e�r�y� �n�i�c�e�.� � �T�h�e�r�e� �w�a�s� �a� �r�e�a�d�i�n�g� �a�n�d� �a� �s�o�n�g�,� �a�n�d� �M�i�s�s� �C�h�a�p�m�a�n� �w�a�s� �[�b�l�a�c�k�e�d�]� �u�p� �a�n�d� �s�a�n�g� �"�D�e�m� �G�o�l�d�e�n� �S�l�i�p�p�e�r�s�.�"� � �I�t� �w�a�s� �v�e�r�y� �c�u�t�e�.� � �T�h�e� �l�a�s�t� �w�a�s� �a� �f�a�r�c�e�,� �"�T�h�e� �S�i�l�e�n�t� �W�o�m�a�n�.�"� � �W�e� �h�a�i�l�e�d� �M�i�s�s� �D�e�a�n�'�s� �f�i�r�s�t� �a�p�p�e�a�r�a�n�c�e� �t�h�i�s� �y�e�a�r� �w�i�t�h� �g�r�e�a�t� �d�e�l�i�g�h�t�.� �I� �a�m� �g�o�i�n�g� �t�o� � �[�A�i�l�i�g�i�o�u�s� �I�n�q�u�i�r�y�]� � �t�o�n�i�g�h�t�.� � �P�r�o�f� �[�P�r�o�f�e�s�s�o�r�]� �B�a�c�k�u�s� �i�s� �g�o�i�n�g� �t�o� �a�d�d�r�e�s�s� �i�t�.� � �I� �n�e�v�e�r� �w�e�n�t� � �[�h�i�t�]� �o�n�c�e� �b�e�f�o�r�e�.� � �T�h�a�t� �w�a�s� �t�h�e� �f�i�r�s�t� �y�e�a�r� �I� �w�a�s� �h�e�r�e�,� �a�n�d� �t�h�e� �p�r�e�s�i�d�e�n�t� �a�d�d�r�e�s�s�e�d� �i�t�.� � �S�o� �o�f� �c�o�u�r�s�e� �i�t� �w�a�s� �a�w�f�u�l�l�y� �d�u�l�l�.� � �I� �h�a�v�e� �j�o�i�n�e�d� �t�h�e� � �F�l�o�r�a�l� �S�o�c�i�e�t�y�.� � �I� �h�a�v�e�[�.�.�.�]�,� �4�9� �&� �5�0� �W�e�s�t�.� � �T�h�e�y� �c�o�n�t�a�i�n� �1�7� �r�o�s�e� �b�u�s�h�e�s�.� � �I� �h�a�v�e� �h�a�d� �o�n�e��6� � �r�o�s�e� �o�u�t� �o�f� �i�t� �a�l�r�e�a�d�y� �a�n�d� �I� �h�o�p�e� �t�o� �g�e�t� �l�o�t�s� �n�e�x�t� �S�p�r�i�n�g�.� � �I� �a�l�s�o� �b�e�l�o�n�g� �t�o� �a� � �R�e�a�d�i�n�g� �C�l�u�b� � �T�w�e�n�t�y� �M�i�n�u�t�e�s� �i�n� �t�h�e� �R�e�a�d�i�n�g� �R�o�o�m�.� � �M�i�s�s�u�s� �B�a�r�r�l�e�t�t�,� �[�L�e�x�a�r�n�e�d�]�,� �[�A�r�r�a�d�h�e�a�d�]�,� �a�n�d� �m�y�s�e�l�f�.� � �[�M�a�d�g�r�]� �i�s� �g�o�i�n�g� �t�o� �j�o�i�n�.� � �W�e� �a�r�e� �g�o�i�n�g� �t�o� �h�a�v�e� � � �C�l�i�o� � �a�g�a�i�n� �t�h�i�s� �y�e�a�r�.� � �T�h�e� �o�f�f�i�c�e�r�s� �a�r�e� �M�i�s�s� �K�i�n�g�,� �p�r�e�s�.� �[�p�r�e�s�i�d�e�n�t�]�;� �M�i�s�s� �N�i�c�k�e�r�s�o�n�,� �v�i�c�e�p�r�e�s�.� �[�v�i�c�e�p�r�e�s�i�d�e�n�t�]�;� �M�i�s�s� �L�e�a�r�n�e�d�,� �s�e�c�.� �[�s�e�c�r�e�t�a�r�y�]� �M�i�s�s� �F�r�i�d�e�n�b�e�r�g� �w�a�s� �f�i�r�s�t� �n�o�m�i�n�a�t�e�d� �a�n�d� �t�h�e�n� �M�i�s�s� �B�r�i�t�t�a�n�.� � �B�u�t� �b�o�t�h� �r�e�s�i�g�n�e�d�.� � �S�u�n�d�a�y�,� �O�c�t�.� �1�7�t�h� �1�8�8�0� � �D�e�l�t�a� � �L�a�s�t� �F�r�i�d�a�y� �n�i�g�h�t�,� �D�e�l�t�a�'�s� �m�e�e�t�i�n�g� �w�a�s� �v�e�r�y� �s�h�o�r�t�.� � �I� �h�a�d� �t�o� �r�e�a�d� �a� �c�r�i�t�i�q�u�e�.� � �T�h�e� � �S�e�n�i�o�r� �P�a�r�l�o�r� � �w�a�s� �o�p�e�n�e�d� �t�o� �S�e�n�i�o�r�s� �T�h�u�r�s�d�a�y� �a�n�d� �F�r�i�d�a�y� �n�i�g�h�t� �t�h�e�y� �i�n�v�i�t�e�d� �t�h�e� �s�o�p�h�s� �[�s�o�p�h�m�o�r�e�s�]� �u�p� �t�h�e�r�e�.� � �S�a�t�u�r�d�a�y� �m�o�r�n�i�n�g� �I� �w�e�n�t� �u�p� �t�h�e�r�e�.� � �I�t� �i�s� �p�e�r�f�e�c�t�l�y� �l�o�v�e�l�y�.� � �T�h�e�y� �h�a�v�e� �a�n� �u�p�r�i�g�h�t� �p�i�a�n�o�.�7 The first [elase] that has had one since '73. Monday, Oct. [October] 24th '80 News from home It seems as if I had nothing but bad news from home. First, the [...] mill at home was burned and their French and Ward's mill and now the last thing, father has been hurt. He was running along beside his wagon which had 2500 lbs. [punds] of grain on it, and he fell and the whell went over him, bruising his leg terribly and also his shoulder some. That was a week ago Saturday. Last Saturday I recieved my last letter from home, and his knee was not getting along at all well. I have had Company from home. Mrs [...], whose sister lives in town and is the wife of the high school teacher Mr. [Mister]8 Buck. Mrs. [Missus] [...] came out here Tuesday and Thursday her sister and some children came with her. It seemed [...] very pleasant to see some one from home. Beta's Hall Meeting [came] off last Friday. The chapters are allowed to have only literary and musical entertainments this year. It was very nice for that kind of [...] meeting. I went to Exoterie Saturday night, Fannie Klongs. They had a very pleasant meeting. I ram so angry at Mrs. Ray She does not want us to have any more [...] at chapter meetings, and [rom] programmes have to be submitter to her. It is half the work to get up a farce, and I think she is very disagreeable.9 Oct 31st '80 Delta We had a real nice Delta meeting Friday. Miss Platter read a very good critique. Misses Varnes and Easton read last year's class essays. Miss Munro and I read prices. I had a dreadful cold but managed to get through. Miss Varnes sang also. I read The Brother of Mercy by Whittier. That afternoon I read the same in elocution. Elocution We meet at the tenth period Tuesdays and Fridays. Miss Brace has been very nice so far. But they say she has been horrid in the other divisions. Hollowe'en. We were going to have a spree [and] Mrs. Ray said we might pair [...] for it. The Sophs [sophmores] were going to have Society Hall, the other studentsthe gym. Saturday night the last [...], Mrs. Ray wouldn't lit the preps10 go to the gym because it was raining and told the Juniors that we must finished by 8 p.m. so the preps might have Room J. We were pretty well disgusted. We had a show first and got through with it by 8 by hurrying and then took up our chairs and fled to the back [...] where we were regaled with coffee and sandwiches. The show was splendid. Miss Glum led the orchestra, and was too cute fod anything. Laura Gross recited Byron's piece about [...] slaying her daughter with a very tragic air brandishing a butcher's knife. She blacked her eye brows and put black lace around her head so it looked like black saratoga wave, wore a long dress and did not look a bit like herself. Miss Easton, attired in a short white dress and pantalets, with her hair down, recited ""Twinkle twinkle little star" for our edifica-tion. But I think Miss Varnes outdid them all. She was fixed up like a negro, and the way she carried on rolling her eyes and showing her teeth! Miss King read an essay on spring. H [...] [...]. After we had out spread, we began to play games. But the back parlor was too small. So some one went to find Mirs. Ray and get permission to take the front parlor. She was not to be [...] and we knew no other teacher woudl feel at liberty to give consent, so two girls went to the President. Then we played Blindman's bliff and the circle. Then Miss Coleman propoled that we go through the Catacombs. So we all formed a line, each putting her hands on the shoulders of the one in front. It was great fun. It was dark all the way, except just in the centre. Then we marched through the kitchen where the servers were making candy, sing-12 ing "Here's to '81, for we know she's having fun." Then in the second we sand "Here's to the president, for the [...] the parlor lint." Then we returned to the parlors. The preps in Room J sang to us and we sand back and then we danced the Virginia Reel and departed. Fannie and Jessie Clinton staid [stayed] here all night and the girls were going to get up and eat an apple at 12, but they didn't. Some one served up my night-gown and fixed my sheet; but they did not bother me for I always go to bed in the light. Covering the Sofa I covered my sofa Saturday. It looks real pretty. Bright red and old gold. A week ago I covered my chair [...], too. And May is going to cover her [her's] like it. Analyses. We have had to write just lots of analyses in Rhetoric. I don't like to do it but I see that it is13 doing me good. I have made a great fuss every time. Sunday Nov. 7th 1990 Hallowe'en We had a jolly time Hallowe'en. Out class had an entertainment in- but there I have written all about that, so I think I will leave the subject and talk about elections. Election. Tuesday nights great excitement prevailed in College and party-spirit ran high. The girls were all putting out decorations and signs. Madge hung out red, white, and blue skirts, May a white shawl and red and blue [sachel]. She is a Democrat. Then I draped some old curtains etc. over the alley-way and put up my red handkerchief and some blue ribbon and white [illusion] between the doors in the alley. 14 Then out in the corridor I draped my red and white shawl and my blue stockings and some blue bows. Then Madge and I painted a little flag and [set] it swinging over the entrance to the alley way. We were busy in study-hour and Miss Kaskell came out and said tha really we ought to keep in our rooms, but that if we would be real quiet, we might stay and decorate. Just think of that from Miss Kaskell! The senior corridor was decked out beautifully and [lighed] up by candles. There were effigies of Hancock and Garfield in various postures of ignominy or triumph. Teachers and professors with smiling faces promenaded the corridors and examined the decorations. A blackboard by the senior parlor stood waiting for the first alums. [...] was a scene of gaeity and festivity. The Sophs [sophmores] and Frosh [freshmen] Republicans formed a torch15 light procession and were marching triumphantly along [when] as they reached the Senior Corridor, out came Mrs. Ray with flamming eyes and angry looks and said "Young ladies, put out your lights and go to your rooms immediately." She called it imbicile and childish and gave as excuse that she had a headache and did not like the noise. Flat! Well, this procession broke up, but as for quiet, that was out of the question, there was continual clatter up and down the corridors and a stir and excitement in the air. Mrs. Ray sent word to the Seniors to put out their candles but they would not do it. About 9 came the first [...], and Miss Fardner wrote up on the board "5th District Poughkeepsie 187 majority for Garfield." "Pooh, Poughkeepsie always does go Republican," remarked a poor Democrat, scornfully. Miss Jaskell came around to16 all the rooms after the last bell and gave us all the latest news, which was so cheering that we went to sleep in a very happy state of mind. The next day Mrs. Ray sent word to all the girls to take down their decorations. But the seniors did not and for several days they staid up in all their glory. I heard that Mrs. Ray appologized to Miss Fitzhugh for something Mrs. Ray said to her. We were all much disgusted with Mrs. Ray and expected to get a lecture from her, but did not. The next day Prof. Backus talked to us in class about politics. Sunday, Nox. 14th '80. In Jessie Clinton's Room. Yesterday Jessy C. got a bunch of oranges from her father's plantation. They are the nicest I ever ate. I suppose because they are fresh. Some of them are very large, and some17 are little "mandarins" with the nicest flavor I ever tasted. She is going to East Bridgewater Christmas and is going with Fannie and I. She is going to Stoughton with us and there she is coming to Stoughton to come back with us. I expect we will have a very jolly time. Alpha's Hall Meeting came off Friday night. It was very nice, I thought. Venis Abbott had the critique and it was splendid. Poetry and very cute. Miss Miade, an elocutionist, a friend of Miss [Hartinarm], was here this week and read to us between dinner and chapel. She read "The Bugh Song," King Henry V and Catherine, and A Countryman's account of some fine music he had heard. I did not like the first very well bit the last18 two were very good indeed. I enjoyed the second most of all. I would like such a treat oftener. Dec. 12th 1880 Fanchon Any amount of things have happened since I last wrote. In the first place, the first hall play came off. It was Fanchon. Miss [Shove] took the part of Laudry; Miss Darling, Didier. [Miss Aollinson] was Fanchon. They all did well, very well, and it was great fun rehearsing. I took the part of Fadet and enjoyed it immensely. There were lots of nice girls in it, Misses Lane, Crate, Lloyd. And Miss Erekine was head of the committee and Miss Pinfield was also on committee. I think Miss [Shove] is lovely.19 Phil. Day A week ago last Friday was Phil. Dat. Cassie came Thursday and went away Monday. I enjoyed her visit so much. She staid [stayed] to Mr. Wheeler's nights and came over here day times. We had a real nice time Friday night. Prof. Bachus addressed us and he was very nice. However he had to refer to his notes and that was quite painful. I heard he had stage fright, which seems scarcely possible. Delta Hall Meeting came off last night. I was on the committee. Miss Pratt was head of the committee. Mis Brace read to us. A selection from Queen Mary, and [Persimmons]. She was very nice. She was an old Deltan. Miss [Mieher] read an essay about a "Modern Romeo and Juliet." It was very funny. I had the critique. Miss Annes was bride in the Mistle-20 toe Bough. She looked very pretty and acted lovely. May and Madgr were lady and lord in it and looked ever so nice. Jessie was a lord also. In the last scene we had the two little Dwight boys and their little Norris children and they were just as cute as could be. Jamie and Benny wanted to rehearse all the time and they all did splendidly. I guess the whole was liked pretty well. Thanksgiving I forgot all about Thanksgiving. We had a lovely time. We skated all the morning. Dinner at three. Then we danced and played games in the parlors. Then we went to the Hall where there was quite a nice entertainment. Miss Brace recited a piece about Thanksgiving and [Bobo'link]. Then we returned to the parlor for more dancing, games,21 and for ice cream and cake. Prod. Bachus, Prix, John Guy and Matthew Vassar, and Ray danced the Virginia Reel. John Guy and Matthew played Jacob and Rachel, too, and other games. Everybody was very jolly and I never had a nicer Thanksgiving day here. First Essay was about the view from the top of Blue Hill at home. Miss Hiscock liked it very much. There was a great deal of imagination in it through, because it was so long ago I went up there. Jan. 18th 1881 Christmas Tree. I went home the Friday before vacation began. The Friday after vacation we had a Christmass tree in our room. The girls took the22 out of the hall decorations just before Christmas vacation, and kept it in the closet over vacation. May went home with Madge and Jessie C. went to East Bridgewater and came over to Stoughton. We tied the tree to the gas jet and propped it up by books. Then we had candles on it and cornballs. I took of the presents and compared some poetry in honor of the occasion. Jessie W. made the programmes. I gave all the girls scent bags, except Jessie W. I gave her a pair of silver pins. We [chubbed] and gave Madge a braver hat. I had a Japanese tray from Jessie F., an inkstand from J.P.C., a pack of visiting cards from Fannie, a glass of crackle ware from May and a vase of rainbow glass from Madge. Then we had a feast of crackers, pickles, presents, fruit cake, oranges, doughnuts, candy. We had a lovely time.23 [Coasting] is lovely. The hill is steep and croocked, however, and the crust is very hard. I have been out twice. Jamie Dwight has a bob and the girls go down on it. Two girls went down on a shaky sled against the advice of Miss Fitzhugh, who had been using it and they upset and scratched their faces quite badly. Delta Meeting was quite pleasant. Miss Penfield read a selection from the "Tramp Abroad". We had programmes which were very pretty. Then we had refreshments, crackers, oranges, and macaroons. [Clio] met Saturday after Chapel. Jessie read a paper about Cardinal Wolsey, and Miss Cecil talked about the last part of24 Henry VIII reign. Misses Thove and Semple read a scene from Shakespeare and that ended the library part. Then Miss Buttam gave in a spread, consisting of Coffee and Rolls Lobster salad, Ice Cream and Cake, Oranges. We had a very pleasant evening. Essay. I got another week on my essay, as it was due a week ago yesterday. But I could not finish it quite yesterday on account of the spread. So I finished copying it today. I don't know what Miss Hiscock will say, but I guess nothing very bad. My subject is "Why Should Not Women Be Lawyers?" It all consists in a repetition of the "Not Be" arguments. I was up in Jessie's room all day yesterday. She and I both wrote on out essays, and when we wanted advice we asked each other.25 Miss Hiscock "The Divine Helen" or "Little [Bell]" called on Jessie, who was sick, this morning. She said she had a great love for cats and whenever she saw one, she wanted to take it up and caress it. She said that she supposed she had the love for cats that other women have for children. She said she saw the loveliest picture of a cat in New York and if she hadn't felt the pinch of poverty she should have bought it. A New Regulation for the dining hall has gone into effect. We can leave dinner at half past five instead of a quarter of six as formerly. It is splendid. The Mystery. There is some mystery in the air. Some announcement is to be made that is to have a great influence on us. It will not affect26 the music students but will affect the seniors. Many conjectures have been made. But I think it must be a change in the system of honors on the abolishing of [...]. Feb 13th 1881 Christmas Tree Poetry I should think it was time I wrote, when so much has been going on. But first I will put in the poetry that I read at the Christmas tree We welcome you all To this noble hall, Out Christmas tree To see. Its grand old branches, spreading above Are hung with tokens of our love So faithful and so true. And now le me say, In this joyous day, A wrord to each of you.27 For Madge, out sole Quaker maiden May this New Year be laden With joys, as bright as electric lights! Fannie, may you still be happy, And as gay and as sappy, As you have be before. But carless and thoughtless And full of naughtiness, May you be no more. Of all things tonight, either horrid or nice, The best I can give you is this good advice. Jessie the little, Jessie the slim, Jessie the the sober and jolly, What word shall I say To you today, Of either wisdom or folly. May you grow very fat And have always a hat As becoming as your black one. And may you see28 Many a Christmas tree, Such as this, where you'll have as much fun. We hope that the coming year will be As bright for thee, Dear May, As the Christmas holiday, Just passed away. And we hope tonight, That you may be On society, A star so bright That you'll dazzle all, And make many fall Before your brilliant light. Jessie, may your days be full of light, May each hour be golden bright, As your oranges. May your purse ne'er be flat, But may it ever be as fat As your oranges. May your heart e'er be as mellow29 May your face ne'er be as yellow As your oranges. For Carry, the naughts and perverse, Whome we expected here, I'll try not to hope for anything worse Than, may she have a good working year! Now to you, with a sigh, I will say goodbye. And if my lines are not to your mind, Another poet you'll have to find. Coasting. The coasting was elegant for a long time and the girls were devoted to it. The bob and the small boy to guide it were in special favor. Jessie and I invested in a cutter which rejoises in the name of Globe. The girls got a good many bumps bit it couldn't cool their ardor. The weather has been very, very cold, but the thaw30 has set in and the snow has most gone. Examinations. We had any amount of examinations. One every day for two weeks in Physics and several in Rhetoric and one in Astronomy. I got about tired out with them. Lessons. This semester my lessons are the same as last, except that I have Logic instead of Rhetoric. I don't know yet how I like it. I miss the analysis in learning it. Delta Officers were elected. Miss Harison, pres. Prutt, vice-pres. May, sec. Varnes and Meeker [crities]. Mrs. Buck Fannie and I called on Mrs. Buck she is going to invite us there to tea some time. Hall Play. We had another hall play, Jan. 28th "Money." It was hardly as good as31 usual taking all things together. Miss Stanton made her first appearance and was very nice, very nice indeed, as also was Miss Sharpe. Misses Semple and Glenn, as hero and heroine were also very nice, and they had hard parts. New ministers. Rev. Mr. Judson of Orange N.J. preached her [here] Jan. 27. His subject was Repentence and I enjoyed it intensely. He makes such a clear analysis and is so enthusiastic that it is impossible not to be interested. Mr. Patterson of Albany preached here today and I liked him too. Lectuer in Town. Feb 4th Prof. Bachus lectured in town on "Leisure Hours." It was very nice. It was of historical interest, I believe, but I have only heard rumors as to the real story attached to it. But that he got his main points in the first32 place from senior essays is pretty well authenticated. Prof Bachus lectured to our class upon Interoceanic Canal The first day of the semester, giving us a very clear idea of it. The next day he talked about the Monroe doctrine and its connection with the canal. Miss Hows says she wishes she could have him to clear up every subject of that sort. And Mary King says she wishes they would clear up everything and start anew. Trig. Ceremonies Came off last night. I went to the dress rehearsal. There were more at the dress rehearsal than at the regular play. At the play they waved a red flag with joke on it after every joke. I give Miss Walsh's acount of it "Last Saturday the Sophs buried Trig. All day the wore the somberest hues and most melancholy (?) looks they could��3�3� � �s�c�a�r�e� �u�p�.� � �I�f� �[�c�o�m�s�e�]� �t�h�e�y� �t�o�o�k� �p�i�t�y� �o�n� �t�h�e� �p�o�o�r� �v�e�r�d�a�n�t� �F�r�e�s�h�i�e�s� �a�n�d� �i�n�v�i�t�e�d� �t�h�e�m� �t�o� �w�i�t�n�e�s�s� �t�h�e� �l�a�s�t� �r�i�t�e�s� �o�f� �t�h�e�i�r� �d�e�a�r� �d�e�p�a�r�t�e�d� �f�r�i�e�n�d�.� � �S�o� �a�t� �7�.�1�5� �p�m� �w�e� �s�t�a�r�t�e�d� �t�o�w�a�r�d� �t�h�e� �l�y�c�i�u�m� �w�i�t�h� �o�u�r� �m�o�s�t� �m�e�l�a�n�c�h�o�l�y� �l�o�o�k�s� �a�n�d� �f�o�u�r� �h�a�n�d�k�e�r�c�h�i�e�f�s� �a�p�i�e�c�e�.� � �T�h�e�r�e� �w�e� �w�e�r�e� �r�e�c�i�e�v�e�d� �b�y� �o�u�r� �m�o�u�r�n�i�n�g� �e�l�d�e�r� �s�i�s�t�e�r�s� �w�i�t�h� �g�r�e�a�t� �s�o�l�e�m�n�i�t�y�,� �a�n�d� �w�e�r�e� �h�a�n�d�e�d� �t�h�e� �s�a�d� �e�m�b�l�e�m�s� �o�f� �w�h�i�c�h� �I� �s�e�n�d� �y�o�u� �o�n�e� �(�p�r�o�g�r�a�m�m�e�s�)�.� � �W�e� �l�i�s�t�e�n�e�d� �t�o� �s�o�m�e� �f�i�n�e� �m�u�s�i�c�,� �a�n�d� �t�h�e�r�e� �t�h�e� �c�u�r�t�a�i�n� �r�o�s�e� �a�n�d� �w�e� �w�e�r�e� �a�l�l�o�w�e�d� �t�o� �l�i�s�t�e�n� �t�o� �t�h�e� �p�r�o�l�o�g�u�e� �o�f� �t�h�e� �s�a�d� �t�r�a�g�e�d�y�.� � �T�h�i�s� �w�a�s� �r�e�c�i�t�e�d� �b�y� �s�i�x� �g�i�r�l�s� �s�e�w�e�d� �u�p� �i�n� �r�e�d� �c�a�m�b�r�i�e� �b�a�g�s�.� � �T�h�e�s�e� �g�i�r�l�s� �w�e�r�e� �t�h�e� �a�u�t�h�o�r�e�s�s�e�s� �o�f� �t�h�e� �p�l�a�y�.� � �A�s� �e�a�c�h� �o�n�e� �w�a�s� �m�e�n�t�i�o�n�e�d� �s�h�e� �d�r�o�p�p�e�d� �h�e�r� �h�e�a�d� �w�i�t�h� �b�e� �c�o�m�i�n�g� �m�o�d�e�s�t�y�,� �a�n�d� �s�m�i�l�e�d� �a� �m�o�u�r�n�f�u�l� �s�m�i�l�e�.� � �F�i�r�s�t� �A�c�t� �i�n�t�r�o�d�u�c�e�s� �S�o�p�h�i�e� �M�.� �A�r�e�,� �B�l�u�e�b�e�a�s�e�t� �(�T�r�i�g�o�n�s� �M�e�t�r�i�e�)� �a�n�d� �G�u�a�r�d�i�e� �(�P�r�o�d�.� �[�B�r�a�i�s�l�i�s�s�]�.�)��3�4� � �t�h�r�e�e� �o�f� �t�h�e� �g�i�r�l�s� �w�a�s� �d�r�e�s�s�e�d� �t�o� �r�e�p�r�e�s�e�n�t� �P�r�o�f�.� �B�.� � �I�t� �w�a�s� �M�i�s�s� �P�a�g�e�.� � �T�h�e� �l�i�k�e�n�e�s�s� �w�a�s� �p�r�e�t�t�y� �g�o�o�d�.� � �E�v�e�r�y�b�o�d�y� �r�e�c�o�g�n�i�z�e�d� �i�t� �a�n�d� �c�l�a�p�p�e�d�,� �o�h� �e�v�e�r� �s�o� �m�u�c�h�!� � �T�h�e� �b�y� �n�o� �m�e�a�n�s� �l�e�a�s�t� �a�m�u�s�e�d� �p�e�r�s�o�n� �w�a�s� �P�r�o�f�.� �B�.� �h�e�r�s�e�l�f�,� �w�h�o� �h�a�d� �c�o�m�e� �o�v�e�r� �t�o� �w�i�t�n�e�s�s� �t�h�e� �c�e�r�e�m�o�n�y�.� � �A�f�t�e�r� �m�u�c�h� �h�e�s�i�t�a�t�i�o�n� �a�n�d� �c�o�y�n�e�s�s� �a�s� �w�e�l�l� �a�s� �b�e�f�i�t�s� �a� �V�a�s�s�a�r� �g�i�r�l� �S�o�h�p�i�e� �a�c�c�e�p�t�s� �T�r�i�g� �a�n�d� �r�e�c�i�e�v�e�s� �t�h�e� �b�l�e�s�s�i�n�g� �o�f� �[�G�a�u�d�i�e�]�.� � �A�c�t� �I�I�.� � �T�h�e� �w�e�d�d�i�n�g� �o�f� �t�h�e� �"�h�o�w�l�i�n�g� �s�w�e�l�l�"� �T�r�i�g� �a�n�d� �t�h�e� �"�.�.�.� �b�e�a�u�t�y�"�,� �S�o�p�h�i�e� �M�.� �I�r�e�.� � �A�s� �t�h�e� �m�i�n�i�s�t�e�r� �w�i�t�h� �d�u�e� �s�o�l�e�m�n�i�t�y� �a�s�k�s� �h�e�r� �i�f� �s�h�e� �w�i�l�l� �h�a�v�e� �T�r�i�g�,� �h�e� �s�a�y�s� �"�W�i�l�t� �t�h�o�u� �t�a�k�e� �t�h�i�s� �h�o�w�l�i�n�g� �s�w�e�l�l� �t�o� �t�h�y� �a�r�m�s� �a�n�d� �c�h�e�r�i�s�h� �h�i�m� �f�o�r�e�v�e�r�.�"� � �W�h�e�r�e� �u�p�o�n� �S�o�p�h�i�e� �f�a�i�n�t�s� �d�e�a�d� �a�w�a�y�.� � �A�f�t�e�r� �s�h�e� �h�a�s� �r�e�c�o�v�e�r�e�d� �G�u�a�r�d�i�e� �s�a�y�s� �"�T�h�e� �i�d�e�a� �o�f� �y�o�u�r� �n�o�t� �k�n�o�w�i�n�g� �s�o� �s�i�m�p�l�e� �a� �q�u�e�s�t�i�o�n� �a�s� �t�h�a�t�!�"� �a�n�d� �t�h�e� �c�e�r�e�m�o�n�y� �p�r�o�c�e�e�d�s�.� � �T�h�e� �m�i�n�i�s�t�e�r�,� �"�M�r�.� �[�A�l�n�e�y�]�.�"� �h�a�s� �a� �i�m�m�e�n�s�e� �t�r�i�g� �f�o�r� �a� �p�u�l�p�i�t�,� � �T�h�e� �w�e�d�d�i�n�g� �r�i�n�g� �w�a�s� �a� �g�i�r�l� �i�s�o�s�e�l�e�s� �t�r�i�a�n�g�l�e� �w�h�i�c�h� �w�a�s� �h�u�n�g� �o�n� �h�e�r� �l�e�f�t� �e�a�r�,� �a�n�d��3�5� � �t�r�i�a�n�g�l�e�s� �a�n�d� �c�i�r�c�l�e�s� �w�e�r�e� �t�h�r�o�w�n� �a�b�o�u�t� �a�s� �f�l�o�w�e�r�s� �i�n� �h�e�r� �p�a�t�h�w�a�y�.� � �A�c�t� �I�I�I�.� � �T�r�i�g� �g�o�e�s� �f�i�s�h�i�n�g� �t�r�y�i�n�g� �t�o� �c�a�t�c�h� �s�o�m�e� �F�r�e�s�h�i�e�s� �a�n�d� �i�n�t�r�u�s�t�s�[�e�n�t�r�u�s�t�s�]� �h�i�s� �k�e�y�s� �t�o� �S�o�p�h�i�e� �b�u�t� �f�o�r�b�i�d�s� �h�e�r� �t�o� �u�s�e� �a� �s�m�a�l�l� �o�n�e� �a�b�o�u�t� �2� �f�e�e�t� �l�o�n�g�.� � �S�o�h�p�i�e� �w�i�t�h� �a�l�l� �t�h�e� �c�u�r�i�o�s�i�t�y� �w�i�t�h� �w�h�i�c�h� �a� �V�a�s�s�a�r� �g�i�r�l� �i�s� �c�a�p�a�b�l�e�,� �u�s�e�s� �t�h�a�t� �i�d�e�n�t�i�c�a�l� �k�e�y�,� �g�o�e�s� �i�n�t�o� �t�h�e� �c�h�a�m�b�e�r� �a�n�d� �s�e�e�s� �t�h�e� �h�e�a�d�s� �o�f� �T�r�i�g�s� �s�i�x� �s�l�a�u�g�h�t�e�r�e�d� �w�i�v�e�s�-�7�7�-�7�8�-�7�9�-�8�1�-�8�2� �s�t�r�u�n�g� �u�p�o�n� �o�n� �t�h�e� �w�a�l�l� �b�y� �t�h�e�i�r� �h�a�i�r� �a�n�d� �s�t�a�i�n�i�n�g� �t�h�e� �w�a�l�l� �b�y� �t�h�e�i�r� �b�l�o�o�d�.� � �S�h�e� �g�i�v�e�s� �a� �m�o�s�t� �u�n�e�a�r�t�h�l�y� �s�h�r�i�e�k� �a�n�d� �f�a�i�n�t�s�.� �(�a�n�d� �I� �m�u�s�t� �s�a�y� �M�i�s�s� �[�B�o�s�t�i�n�c�k�]� �t�a�k�e�s� �t�h�e� �c�a�k�e� �o�n� �f�a�i�n�t�i�n�t�.�)� � �I� �d�o�n�'�t� �w�o�n�d�e�r� �a�t� �h�e�r� �f�r�i�g�h�t� �f�o�r� �o�f� �a�l�l� �h�o�r�r�i�b�l�e� �t�h�i�n�g�s� �t�h�o�s�e� �g�i�r�l�s� �w�e�r�e� �t�h�e� �m�o�s�t� �h�o�r�r�i�b�l�e�.� � �T�h�e�i�r� �f�a�c�e�s� �w�e�r�e� �c�h�a�l�k�e�d� �a�n�d� �d�a�r�k�e�n�e�d� �t�i�l�l� �t�h�e�y� �l�o�o�k�e�d� �l�i�k�e� �d�e�a�d�.� � �T�h�e� �w�a�l�l� �w�a�s� �m�a�d�e� �o�f� �t�w�o� �s�h�e�e�t�s� �s�o� �a�r�r�a�n�g�e�d� �t�h�a�t� �o�n�l�y� �t�h�e� �h�e�a�d�s� �s�h�o�w�-��3�6� � �e�d� �a�n�d� �y�o�u� �r�e�a�l�l�y� �w�o�u�l�d� �h�a�v�e� �t�h�o�u�g�h�t� �t�h�a�t� �t�h�e�r�e� �w�a�s� �n�o�t�h�i�n�g� �o�f� �t�h�e�m� �b�u�t� �h�e�a�d�s�.� � �W�h�e�n� �S�o�h�p�i�e� �h�a�s� �f�a�i�n�t�e�d�,� �t�h�e� �h�e�a�d�s� �s�i�n�g� �i�n� �a� �m�o�s�t� �d�o�l�o�r�o�u�s� �s�t�r�a�i�n� �a�n�d� �a�t� �t�h�e� �e�n�d� �o�f� �e�a�c�h� �v�e�r�s�e� �g�i�v�e� �t�h�r�e�e� �m�o�s�t� �u�n�e�a�r�t�h�l�y� �g�r�o�a�n�s�.� � �A�c�t� �V�.� �S�c�e�n�e� �I�.� � �T�r�i�g� �r�e�t�u�r�n�s� �f�r�o�m� �f�i�s�h�i�n�g�.� � �S�o�h�p�i�e� �i�s� �m�a�d� �t�h�r�o�u�g�h� �[�f�r�a�r�]� �a�n�d� �a�l�l� �h�e�r� �e�f�f�o�r�t�s� �t�o� �w�a�s�h� �t�h�e� �k�e�y� �a�r�e� �u�n�a�v�a�i�l�i�n�g�.� � �S�h�e� �b�e�c�o�m�e�s� �s�a�n�e� �w�h�e�n� �s�h�e� �h�a�n�d�s� �t�h�e�y� �k�e�y� �t�o� �T�r�i�g�.� � �H�e� �g�l�a�r�e�s� �a�t� �h�e�r� �a�n�d� �t�h�e�n� �g�i�v�e�s� �h�e�r� �1�0� �m�i�n�u�t�e�s� �5� �1�/�2� �s�e�c�o�n�d�s� �t�o� �p�r�e�p�a�r�e� �f�o�r� �d�e�a�t�h�.� � �B�u�t� �S�o�h�p�i�e� �s�e�n�d�s� �h�e�r� �s�i�s�t�e�r� �A�n�n� �(�H�.�J�.� �f�o�r� �'�8�4�)� �t�o� �b�r�i�n�g� �[�S�e�m�e�s�t�e�r�]� �t�o� �h�e�r� �r�e�s�c�u�e�,� �a�n�d� �S�e�m�e�s�t�e�r� �c�o�m�e�s� �r�i�d�i�n�g� �o�n� �a� �p�o�n�y�.� � �S�e�m�e�s�t�e�r� �c�o�n�q�u�e�r�s� �a�n�d� �c�h�o�k�e�s� �T�r�i�g� �a�n�d� �t�h�e�n� �p�r�o�p�o�s�e�s� �m�a�i�n�a�g�e� �t�o� �S�o�h�p�i�e�,� �w�h�e�r�e� �u�p�o�n� �T�r�i�g� �s�p�r�i�n�g�s� �i�n�t�o� �l�i�f�e� �a�n�d� �d�e�m�a�n�d�s� �h�i�s� �w�i�f�e�.� � �B�u�t� �t�h�e� �S�e�m�e�s�t�e�r� �s�a�y�s� �t�h�e� �m�a�r�r�i�a�g�e� �w�a�s� �n�o�t� �l�e�g�a�l� �a�s� �i�t� �w�a�s� �a� �p�u�t� �u�p� �j�o�b� �b�e�t�w�e�e�n� �T�r�i�g� �a�n�d� �h�i�s� �[�e�r�o�n�y�]� �[�I�h�s�e�y�]�.� � �S�o� �T�r�i�g�37 begs A.J.Fove to marry him and with reluctance she acceps, edding to come off in September. So they are all once more at peace. There was a chorus of six persons dressed in nightgowns and crowned with hate expressions of the mournful occassion, who sang at appropriate times. The characters were taken as follows. Trig, Miss Lathrope. [Alney], Miss Ponier Sohpie, Miss Bostrvick. Ann, Miss Patterson. Guardie, Miss Page. Napier, Miss Swift. Geo Metrie, Miss Curtiss. Semester, Miss Curtree. Programme on the next page. Miss Bostrick wrote the Choruses. " Swift " Epilouge & Prologue " Meeker " I Act " Ponier " II " " Lathrope " III IV Act. " Sharpe " V "38 [Left key reads:] Committee C.L.Bostrvick Trigonometrical Bluebeard A.H.Lathrope '83 Complimentary Performance to 84 J.M.Meeker Lyceum - Vassar College A.B.Ponier, M.Sharpe Feb 12. 1881. S.F.Swift [Right key reads:] Closing Performance of the Mathematical decision! Farewell Think! Positively the last appearance (unless we'er dropped) of the Class of '83. In the Role of Trigonometry. The Cast. TrigonoMetry, Blue Beard Sohpie M. the [Fatima] Guardian. A.J.F. the Fatima's Sister Sam Mester - 2 Fatima's Deliverer Incidentals Prologue, Epilogue, & Choruses After the manner of the Greek tragedy. N.B. After each joke a red flag will be waved on the stage. Dancing between the Acts Movie of the Spheus39 Mar. 6th 1881 Delta and Prof. Braislive. Feb 11th we had Delta in Prof. Braislin's parlors. The President was there, and Miss Durand, pres. of Phil., Prof Mitchell, Miss Whitney and Miss Slover. We had a lovely time. Prof. Braislin was lovely. She gave a spread of lovely chocolate and chicken salad, crakers, oranges, bananas, and cake. I read "Robert of Sicily." Delta met again Feb. 28th. May and Madge were on committe and they didn't have much time to get it up in. But it was real pleasant. Jessie Meeker had a very cute critique, wherein Prog. Braislin figured as the good fairy who was always contriving to make folks have good times. Ella Vame's critique the meeting before was was cute, too. It was short and sweet, referring us for details to the minutes of Delta's last40 meeting. Miss Jones, a Deltan has returned to College. She is going to join '82. Clio. We have had two meetings of Clio since I last wrote. The first was in my room. I forgot all about it till I heard the announcement given at dinner. Then I had to fly around lively, I can tell you to get the room ready. The week before that, I got my room all ready, and Miss Leamed forgot to call the meeting. Mis Nickerson had a [presentiment] that was forgotton, so she called it in her rooms, as she did not know where it was to have met. I read a paper on Mary Queen of Scotts, which was to have been read the week before. I forgot till I was nearly through the paper that I was to have read in conclusion a passage from Abbot's life of Mary, and so was [improvdsed] with the book. But I got along pretty well, afterall.41 [Exotene] I went to Exotene last night. It was quite nice. There was a play, "Thirty Minutes for Refreshments". Miss Chapman the younger, as a darkey, was capital. Inauguration. Miss Hiscock, Miss Desaussme, and the Japs have gone to the Inauguration. I expect they will return tomorrow. The Japs were in the Smithsonian Institute, when an old lady came up and said to some one with her, "Are they stuffed?" She thought they were stuffed curiosities. Weather has been horrid. Snowing every morning and thawing every night, and not a single good night for observing for a long time. We had one thunger storm. Susie Swift is a Sophmore and such a funny girl. Dr. Webstin says that anyone has to get up the night before if they want to get ahead of Jessie Swift!42 She is a minister's daughter, and was going to school in Connecticut where she got hold of Drapier's "Conflict between Religion and Science." Her sister heard of it and was so shocked that she went to Connecticut to remonstrate with the principal of the school; for the girls had to obtain their principal's permission to read any book whatever. But, of course, [Susie] had read it by that time. She said that, by the time she had finished the book, she had come to the conclusion that "Drapier was altogetger too orthodox." Miss Swift lent Jessie U. Tom Paine's "Age of Reason", and we read a part of it Friday. I have sent to the publisher's for one, and I am going to send it to Aunt Mi. I wrote Aunt Mi a letter of 2 1/2 sheets of essay paper today. Tables have been changed. Madge has gone to the French table, and May and I sit at Miss Hackell's, next her. But tomorrow when the Japs come, they will sit between Miss. H. [...]43 Sunday, Mar. 13th 1881 Miss Brace's Reading Miss Brace read to us in the hall Friday. She read some old ballads and some from Chaucer, then some modern [fueies]. We enjoyed it very much. May's Bad News. In the midst of it all, Mrs. Ray was called out and by and by Madge and May I was afraid that something had happened and thought of May's blind sister, who had a little boy only a short time before. But I would not come over, for Fannie wanted to come, and I know if anything had happened, May wouldn't want the whole of us coming in upon her. When we returned, Madge was in the hall to meet us, and it was as we thought: Her sister was very, very ill and she was to go home on the eleven o'clock train. The girls went to their rooms44 and I came in. May was in her room. Everything was nearly ready. Madge had packed her valise and was marking it. Jessie came down, but there was nothing anyone could do. Mrs. Ray came in to see that everything was all right. She had told May in the mesenger-room, when they came over, and was very kind. Poor May! She is so quiet about anything of that sort? She staid close in her room, till at 10 o'clock the carriage came, and Madge and Miss Hashell went with her to the depot. They saw her in the train all right. She will be at home sometime today. I wish she would write. P.B.'s Lectures. Prof. Bachus lectures to us every Monday when there is not a holiday dining the week. We have had a lecture on the Canal, one on the Monroe doctrine, two on the Irish Question, and one on the President's Cabinet. They are very interesting and instructive. I take notes and copy them out.Mr. Herrick a lawyer and a friend of P.B. read a paper on the subject "Women Before the Law," Wednesday night between dinner and Chapel, to the Juniors, Seniors, and teachers. P.B. said he was quite unwilling to come and read it for fear he would bore us. But he need not have feared that. It was intensely interesting. Everybody liked us. P.B. has been puffing us up about our attentiveness to anything worth listening to, and our faithfuness in work. He said concerning the former, that we were always very attentive whenever any one had anything worth telling to give us. He said he had always noticed it himself when he was teaching to us! Of course we laughed at that. And he said he meant almost always, whenever he had anything to say. He said, take away the few independent College boys, those who hadn't much of any resepct for Prof. or any one else, and who were altogether different from College boys in general, 46 and for the rest we could beat them all down to the last one. The Japs of Washington The Japs got back Tuesday. I went in before and after Chapel and Miss Haskell came in. So I asked if I might stay in there a while. I stayed all study hour, and they told me all about their visit, the inauguration, the senate, and everything. They didn't like [Conkling]. And he was such a dandy. Thirinan was nice and he pitched into [Conkling] well. [Conkling] spoke severely of Hayes. They visited the ship Saratoga and saw the "handsomest man in the Navy." They were invited to Mrs. Haye's but didn't get the invitation in time. They had a nice time generally. They have a picture of the Japanese minister's little twenty-two-year-old baby. He is just a cunning as can be.47 Sunday, Mar. 20th 1881 Infirmary I was sick Tuesday all day, and Wednesday I went to the Infirmary, where I stayed all day. Miss Philips and Miss Henek were there. Miss Ward is sick or not very well, and is out of College, so Miss Dunham has charge of it. Thursday I staid in my room all day and read Marlitt's "In the Shillingseourt [Schilling Scourt]." Dr. Lord lectured in Chapel about Hildebrand (Gregory VII). He was a funny old man with a queer voice, and he used very decided language. So he amused us very much. Besides the lecture was very nice, nicer than I should suspect from such a subject. Sermon today was very nice. It was about Paul. The president changed with the Baptist48 minister in town. Vassar College, Apr. 3rd '81 Sundays I have been enjoying myself all day today. I wrote two letters and since then have been reading Colonel Ingersoll's lectures out loud to Jessie W. I am reading "The Book of [...]." Last Sunday I read the whole of "Barnaby Rudge". Dr. Lyman Abbot preached here last Sunday. He addressed the Society of Religeons Inquiry in the evening. Mis Hashell asked Madge at supper if she wouldn't go with Miss Ludduth, as it might do them good. After supper, she came in to call on us and we knew she was going to try to get us all to go. Jessie P. was here, I would rather have liked to go, but was anxious to finish Barnaby Rudge. Besides, such is the perversity of my nature that49 knowing Miss Hashell's intentions, nothing could have induced me to go. Miss Haskell talked about various subjects, especially ministers. Madge made herself agreeable. I sat on the soda under the window with my book on my knees, and shivered and longed to read. She went when the bell rung and asked each one separately if they were not going, me first. Thern she asked me what I was going to do. I said read and write letters, and she asked me if I thought it would do me more good to go. Ah, well, Auntie is akind-hearted old soul too. She is real good at Table I like to sit there. It is more free and easy than any table I ever sat at. But that is the girls and nothing else. Miss Curtiss is too perfectly funny for anything. She keeps me [convulsed] with laughter, and I like her first rate!50 Astronomy Lectures These are very intersting. We have begun to have two at a time. Prof. Mitchell sqaid that Miss Shove's lecture so far has been the most scientific. Her subject was Neptune. I intend to write mine during spring vacation. My subject is Venus and Mercury. Honors have been assigned and there were several great surprises for us. Abbott, A.M., Durand, Barmam, Burke, Fitshugh, Freeman, Gardner, Glem, Lyon Penfield, are the ten. Miss Abbott, I believe is to be Salutatorian. Miss Gardner was elected Valedictorian and was overwhelmed with astonishment. She declined it? Her health is poor and I think she is to be excused from her essay. Miss Freeman is to be Valedictorian. I believe the Class petitioned to the faculty to let them have no Valedictorian. Their Class Day nominations are, Miss Shive, sybil, MissStockwell, historian, Miss Lyon, Spadeoratorm Miss White, mottorator [moderator], Miss Pratt, marshall. People rather thought Miss Shove would have a Faculty honor. Miss Abbot (Venus) is very smart but they say lazy. Annie Lyon, too, is remarkably smark in the English department but is so lazy. Miss Yamakawa says while in Biology Miss L. didn't have a single one good lesson. We have Miss Varnes for Spade. Miss Coleman was put up against her, but Miss Varnes got it first ballot. English Class has begun. Attendance in compulsory, so I wear a card on Tuesdays and Fridays. I am not going to forget it as I did last year. Miss Hiscock [brains] severely and P.B. sits and listens lazily. The first day he was late and when asked to be excused Miss Hiscock said, "If you53 I had written an essay to that effect last year. "Yes'm, I think so," said I, and I did agree with all she said, but not with all she implied. Then she asked me if I couldn't make some criticisms. I stared at the analysis in stupid silence for a full minute, and then said I didn't think I had anything to say. When she criticised my essay Friday, she happened to speak of it, and she said she knew it wasn't for want of ideas about it that I was silent! And so it wasn't! For I thought Miss Buckland's essay thourough and treated in an excellent manner, since she first showed the need of a study whose effect would be upon the mind the very effect of classical study, and then showed that no other thing could be substituted, and then that classics was just adapted for it? Some how or other Miss Hiscock does know a great deal about one's character54 She told me that I didn't talk a great deal with anybody that I didn't know but that I did with my friends. Well, she might find out that from my own experience with her. But she is sometimes mistaken. She told me I was not one whom she would suspect of liking to write stories.56 to her uncle's to spend vacation. April Fool's Day The girls played a cute trick on me. I was going to have my essay criticised the fourth period, directly after Logic. I left it on the table and came in post haste, seized it and started up the hall. I got nearly to the firewall when I thought it felt pretty thin and opened it to find it was some of Jessie P's old exercises. So I came back and got the right one. What a joke it would have been if I had gone way up to Miss Hiscock's with it! We played a good joke on Jessie P. and Fannie. They each sent May a comical valentine and May wanted to pay them off. So May fixed a letter to each of them. To Jessie she wrote buck-handed, "You are one little April Fool." In Fannie's she printed, "Do you like Boston Girls?" I got Miss Yamakawa and Miss Nagai to direct them57 and sent them to mother, asking her to post them in Boston. When Jessie got hers she was perfectly astonished. She didn't know the writing at all, and then it was posted in Manchester N.H. She knew a girl there and concluded that that girl sent it. By and by Frannie told about hers. "It was the funniest thing! She didn't know a soul in Manchester and she never saw the writing before. But the queerest thing was that the sentence that was in it was one that was known only to her and one gentleman. The gentleman swears he never told it, and she was sure she never told a soul! But she had told May. When Jessie heard this she thought hers must be from the same person and she was completely mystified. My Boudoir. About the end of the second semes-60 ter, I got fearfully tired. We were having so many examinations that I was nervous with continual expectancy. Not that I studied hard. Fannie was so noisy! She liked to have driven me crazy being up here all the time, especially with Jessie P. Then she used to take particular pains to annoy me in every little thing she could. Besides, I was completely disgusted with here [her?]. There was no longer anything pleasant, or bright, or kind, or in any way agreeable about her. Madge shared my disgust. One Sunday when her noise had driven me to Jessie W's room for refuge, I determined to ask Mrs. Ray's permission to have a single room, if she could get me one I liked. Afterwards when May knew why I asked, she said she would have done that but would have done away (so to speak) with Fannie. But I could not do that very well, as May was61 then thick with her and used to invite her up her [here], when (as I then thought but I may have been mistaken) she knew Madge and I didn't like her. Well, Mrs. Ray gave me a choice of two rooms, neither of which I liked. So she told me should would let me have a room to go to whenever I wanted to be quiet! The room is opposite Jessie W's and it is lovely to have. I did go there a very great deal at first but now go only when I have an essay to write or some extra hard studying to do. I call it my boudoir. Some time I will tell how I was relieved of Fannie's company. Freshman Party came off last night. The Seniors were invited. Madge took Miss Meeker and Miss Hayes the latter's escort being sick. They had a lovely time. The hall looked very pretty. The spread was lovely and the toasts62 very funny. Mrs. Ray responded to the Student's Manuel. Her speech was very cute and she ended by saying "If the young ladies had any convictions to make, please drop them into [...] [...] the box at the door of the Lady Principal's office before 9 o'clock tomorrow morning." Prof. Braislin responded for the Faculty. They were called the nine digits. So Prof. B. said then there was nothing left for them so they must be the naughts, and they must remember that they were only valuable when they were placed on the right side of the digits, so she hoped they would always keep on the right side of the faculty, and so on. Prof. Bachus was called upon and he said he was excused by the Lady Prinvipal. But Mrs. Ray said it was a health excuse and it would have to be refered to the doctor. So then P.B. got up and made a nice speech. Prof. Hinkle had a nice speech about Latin63 and Prex made a very nice speech. Phil Play came off last Friday. It was the nicest of the year. May was on the committee and took two short parts, a servent and a sentinel. There were two short plays. "A Sheep in Wolf's Clothing," was perfectly lovely. Miss Lyon was the hero and was grand. I don't believe it could have been done better by a professional actor. And she looked so handsome! Miss Shove was splendid as the heroine. But I think Miss Lyon is the best of our actors in a man's part. Little Bertha Bachus took part and she was so cunning and did so nicely. Miss Darling did well too, and Miss Julia. Meeker was perfectly splendid in a hero part. Altogether it was a grand success. The other play, "The [Critis]" was very funny. Mis Rollinson64 as Mr. Puff was excellent. Miss Sharpe the heroine looked perfectly lovely, and did well. Monday, April 11th Vacation is here at last. Madge has gone but the rest of us are all here. It is the most heavenly weather that you can imagine for this time of year. Warm and lovely. We have been improving our time by taking tramps. Friday J.F., the Lelands, and I went to Cedar Ridge. I never went so far over the ridge before. We went through the fields and came back by the road. We were all in high spirits. We tried to find hypaticas, but it was rather too early. Miss May and Jessie each found one. Coming back we saw a lovely peacock at a farm house. Jessie and May went up to see if they had any tail-feathers to sell. Such a place as it was! Turkeys, hens, of all65 kinds, and every time they turned around, another dog came out and barked at them, till four were collected at their heels. Ada and I sat on the stone-wall and watched them. There were two diminutive children in the yard who looked on as if they didn't know what to make of it, and tried to call the dogs off. The girls knocked for a long time at the front door and then extracted from the children the news that they must go to the other door and after knocking for sometime at the other door, the children said there wasn't anybody at home. There [they] didn't have any feathers, they said, they didn't save them, didn't expect to have any, and finally the girls retreated in dispair. The next day we contented ourself [ourselves] with a walk to the Cider mill, where we got some very good cider. Cova Wheeler went with us. Then we, that is Jessie and I, went to the hay loft and scrambled into it. It66 was lovely insider. By-and-by some girls came along and we heard themy trying to look in the upper door, which was open, not knowing there was a lover door. They were wondering "if there were any dogs in there." So Jessie barked. By that time some one had scrambled up and was considerably astonished to see girls instead of dogs. They had been told that there were some little dogs there and they came to show them to Bessie and little Harry. Sunday the two Jessie's, May, Miss Easton, and I went over the Brandman's. It is about three miles off, and we were not quite an hour going. We lazed around the grounds for a long time. It is lovely there. We tried to measure the depth of the spring for we had a dispute. J.F. and I said it was over the heads of any of us. The rest were sure it wasn't over five feet. We measured it with the trunk of a small tree that lay near, and each one67 was confirmed in his own opinions on account of difference in opinion as to how much ought to be allowed for "dip".��6�8� � �w�a�s� �v�e�r�y� �g�r�e�e�n� �a�n�d� �t�h�e� �s�h�i�m�m�e�r�i�n�g� �o�f� �t�h�e� �l�i�g�h�t� �o�n� �i�t� �w�a�s� �b�e�a�u�t�i�f�u�l�.� � �T�h�e�r�e� �w�e�r�e� �l�o�t�s� �o�f� �b�i�r�d�s� �o�u�t� �a�n�d� �I� �d�i�s�t�i�n�g�u�i�s�h�e�d� �s�e�v�e�r�a�l� �d�i�f�f�e�r�e�n�t� �n�o�t�e�s�.� � �T�h�e� �l�i�t�t�l�e� �g�r�o�u�n�d� �s�p�a�r�r�o�w�s� �r�a�n� �a�l�o�n�g� �t�h�e� �b�a�n�k�s� �a�m�o�n�g� �t�h�e� �d�r�i�e�d� �l�e�a�v�e�s� �a�s� �I� �p�a�s�s�e�d�.� � �T�h�e� �b�r�o�o�k� �a�t� �t�h�e� �h�e�a�d� �o�f� �t�h�e� �l�a�k�e� �n�e�v�e�r� �l�o�o�k�e�d� �p�r�e�t�t�i�e�r�.� � �I�t� �w�a�s� �a�[�s�]� �c�l�e�a�r� �a�s� �c�r�y�s�t�a�l� �a�n�d� �i�t�s� �s�u�r�f�a�c�e� �w�a�s� �c�u�t� �i�n�t�o� �a� �t�h�o�u�s�a�n�d� �s�h�a�p�e�s� �b�y� �t�h�e� �w�a�v�e�s� �a�n�d� �t�h�e� �l�i�g�h�t� �s�h�i�n�i�n�g� �t�h�r�o�u�g�h� �l�o�o�k�e�d� �b�e�a�u�t�i�f�u�l�.� � �Y�o�u� �c�o�u�l�d� �s�e�e� �e�v�e�r�y� �p�e�b�b�l�e� �o�n� �t�h�e� �b�o�t�t�o�m� �a�n�d� �t�h�e� �s�i�d�e�s� �o�f� �t�h�e� �b�a�n�k� �a�n�d� �t�h�e� �b�i�g� �s�t�o�n�e� �i�n� �t�h�e� �c�e�n�t�r�e� �w�a�s� �c�o�v�e�r�e�d� �w�i�t�h� �t�h�e� �l�o�n�g� �f�i�n�e� �w�a�v�y� �g�r�e�e�n� �w�e�e�d�.� � �M�o�s�s� �w�a�s� �g�r�e�e�n� �u�p�o�n� �t�h�e� �e�d�g�e�s� �a�n�d� �a� �p�i�e�c�e� �o�f� �m�o�s�s�-�c�o�v�e�r�e�d� �w�o�o�d� �l�a�y� �a�g�a�i�n�s�t� �t�h�e� �s�t�o�n�e�,� �a�n�d� �b�r�o�k�e� �t�h�e� �l�i�t�t�l�e� �p�a�t�c�h�e�s� �o�f� �f�o�a�m� �t�h�a�t� �c�a�m�e� �s�c�u�r�r�y�i�n�g� �d�o�w�n� �a�g�a�i�n�s�t� �i�t�.� � �A�n�d� �t�h�e� �b�r�o�o�k� �r�e�a�l�l�y� �b�a�b�b�l�e�d�.� � �I�f� �I� �w�a�s� �m�u�s�i�c�a�l�,� �I� �b�e�l�i�e�v�e� �I� �c�o�u�l�d� �h�a�v�e� �p�u�t� �i�t� �i�n�t�o� �m�u�s�i�c�.� � �I� �a�m� �r�e�a�d�i�n�g� �t�o�o� �t�h�i�s� �v�a�c�a�t�i�o�n�.� � �I� �h�a�v�e� �r�e�a�d� �C�o�u�n�t�e�s�s� �G�i�s�e�l�a� �a�n�d� �R�o�b�e�r�t� �F�a�l�c�o�n��6�9� � �-�e�r�.� � �I� �t�h�i�n�k� �t�h�a�t� �l�a�s�t� �i�s� �t�h�e� �b�e�s�t� �b�o�o�k� �I� �e�v�e�r� �r�e�a�d�,� �y�e�s� �t�h�e� �v�e�r�y� �b�e�s�t�.� � �I� �a�m� �r�e�a�d�i�n�g� �B�l�a�c�k� �H�o�u�s�e� �a�l�o�u�d�.� � �I� �h�a�v�e� �m�a�d�e� �m�y� �c�o�r�r�e�c�t�i�o�n�s� �o�n� �m�y� �c�l�a�s�s� �e�s�s�a�y� �a�n�d� �a�m� �g�o�i�n�g� �t�o� �c�o�p�y� �i�t� �d�u�r�i�n�g� �v�a�c�a�t�i�o�n�.� � �I� �a�m� �a�l�s�o� �g�o�i�n�g� �t�o� �w�r�i�t�e� �m�y� �A�s�t�r�o�n�o�m�y� �l�e�c�t�u�r�e�.� � �I� �h�a�v�e� �b�e�g�u�n� �i�t�.� � �P�.�B�.�'�s� �L�e�c�t�u�r�e� �o�n� �M�a�t�r�i�m�o�n�y� � �L�a�s�t� �M�o�n�d�a�y� �w�a�s� �m�y� �t�w�e�n�t�i�e�t�h� �b�i�r�t�h�d�a�y�.� � �W�e�l�l�,� �I� �f�e�e�l� �a�s� �y�o�u�n�g� �a�s� �I� �d�i�d� �w�h�e�n� �I� �w�a�s� �1�6�,� �p�e�r�h�a�p�s� �y�o�u�n�g�e�r�,� �a�n�d� �I� �a�m� �s�u�r�e� �I� �d�o�n�'�t� �f�e�e�l� �a�s� �i�f� �I� �k�n�o�w� �s�o� �m�u�c�h�.� � �F�o�r� �t�w�o� �w�e�e�k�s� �P�r�o�f�.� �B�a�c�k�u�s� �h�a�s� �b�e�e�n� �t�a�l�k�i�n�g� �a�b�o�u�t� �p�u�r�p�o�s�e� �i�n� �e�d�u�c�a�t�i�o�n�.� � �H�e� �s�u�r�p�r�i�s�e�d� �u�s� �a� �g�o�o�d� �d�e�a�l� �b�y� �h�i�s� �t�a�l�k� �t�h�a�t� �d�a�y�.� � �H�i�s� �s�u�b�j�e�c�t� �w�a�s� �t�h�e� �t�h�i�n�g�s� �t�h�a�t� �w�o�m�e�n� �c�o�u�l�d� �d�o�,� �h�e�r� �o�c�c�u�p�a�t�i�o�n�s�.� � �H�e� �g�a�v�e� �u�s� �a� �l�i�t�t�l�e� �p�r�e�l�i�m�i�n�a�r�y� �t�a�l�k� �i�n� �w�h�i�c�h� �h�e� �s�a�i�d� �h�e� �d�e�s�p�i�s�e�d� �t�h�e� �i�d�e�a� �t�h�a�t� �m�a�n� �a�n�d� �w�o�m�a�n� �a�r�e� �e�q�u�a�l�.� � �T�h�e�y� �a�r�e� �n�o�t�,� �t�h�e�y� �n�e�v�e�r� �w�i�l�l� �b�e�.� � �W�o�m�a�n� �h�a�s� �c�e�r�t�a�i�n� �l�i�m�i�t�a�t�i�o�n�s��7�0� � �a�r�i�s�i�n�g� �f�r�o�m� �h�e�r� �n�a�t�u�r�e�,� �a�n�d� �m�a�n� �i�s� �s�u�b�j�e�c�t� �t�o� �l�i�m�i�t�a�t�i�o�n�s� �a�r�i�s�i�n�g� �f�r�o�m� �h�i�s� �n�a�t�u�r�e�.� � �H�e� �s�a�i�d� �t�h�e� �l�e�a�s�t� �o�f� �u�s� �c�o�u�l�d� �d�o� �t�o�d�a�y� �w�h�a�t�,� �t�w�e�n�t�y� �y�e�a�r�s� �a�g�o�,� �t�h�e� �m�o�s�t� �t�a�l�e�n�t�e�d� �a�n�d� �a�n�x�i�o�u�s� �o�f� �w�o�m�e�n� �c�o�u�l�d� �n�o�t� �d�o�.� � �O�c�c�a�s�i�o�n�s� �w�e�r�e� �c�o�n�s�t�a�n�t�l�y� �a�r�i�s�i�n�g� �i�n� �w�h�i�c�h� �i�t� �i�s� �p�o�s�s�i�b�l�e� �f�o�r� �w�o�m�e�n� �t�o� �w�o�r�k� �a�n�d� �t�o� �w�o�r�k� �w�e�l�l�.� � �H�e� �t�o�l�d� �u�s� �a� �p�e�r�s�o�n�a�l� �a�n�e�c�d�o�t�e�.� � �H�e� �s�a�i�d� �w�h�e�n� �t�h�e� �C�o�l�l�e�g�e� �w�a�s� �f�o�u�n�d�e�d�,� �i�t� �w�a�s� �a� �p�e�r�f�e�c�t� �e�x�p�e�r�i�m�e�n�t�,� �a�n�d� �i�t� �n�e�e�d�e�d� �s�o�m�e� �o�n�e� �t�o� �g�u�i�d�e� �i�t� �w�h�o� �h�a�d� �b�r�a�v�e�r�y� �t�o� �g�o� �f�o�r�w�a�r�d�,� �a�n�d� �a�t� �t�h�e� �s�a�m�e� �t�i�m�e� �a� �l�a�r�g�e� �a�m�o�u�n�t� �o�f� �c�a�u�t�i�o�n�.� � �S�u�c�h� �a� �m�a�n� �w�a�s� �N�a�t�h�a�n� �(�o�r� �N�a�t�h�a�n�i�e�l�,� �I� �f�o�r�g�e�t� �e�x�a�c�t�l�y� �w�h�a�t� �h�e� �s�a�i�d�)� �B�i�s�h�o�p�,� �a�n�d� �i�n� �t�h�e� �f�i�r�s�t� �y�e�a�r�s� �i�t� �w�a�s� �n�o�t� �P�r�e�s�.� �R�a�y�m�o�n�d�,� �b�u�t� �M�r�.� �B�i�s�h�o�p� �t�h�a�t� �l�e�a�d� �i�t�.� � �W�h�e�n� �P�r�o�f�.� �B�a�c�k�u�s� �w�a�s� �e�n�g�a�g�e�d� �t�o� �c�o�m�e� �h�e�r�e�,� �h�e� �w�a�s� �a� �m�e�r�e� �b�o�y�,� �2�4� �y�e�a�r�s� �o�l�d� �(�h�e� �i�s� �4�0� �n�o�w�,� �[�S�t�e�m�a�t�z�]� �s�a�y�s�)�,� �a�n�d� �h�e� �h�a�d� �n�e�v�e�r� �t�a�u�g�h�t� �i�n� �h�i�s� �l�i�f�e� �a�n�d� �s�o�m�e� �o�f� �t�h�e� �s�t�u�d�e�n�t�s� �h�e�r�e� �w�e�r�e� �a� �g�o�o�d� �d�e�a�l� �o�l�d�e�r� �t�h�a�n� �h�e� �w�a�s�.� � �H�e� �t�o�l�d��7�1� � �M�r�.� �B�i�s�h�o�p� �t�h�a�t� �h�e� �d�i�d�n�'�t� �l�i�k�e� �i�t� �a�n�d� �t�h�a�t� �M�r�.� �B�i�s�h�o�p� �h�a�d� �g�o�t� �h�i�m� �i�n�t�o� �t�h�e� �s�c�r�a�p�e� �a�n�d� �m�u�s�t� �g�e�t� �h�i�m� �o�u�t� �o�f� �i�t�,� �a�n�d� �t�h�a�t� �h�e� �w�a�n�t�e�d� �a�d�v�i�c�e� �a�s� �t�o� �h�o�w� �h�e� �s�h�o�u�l�d� �c�o�n�d�u�c�t� �h�i�m�s�e�l�f� �a�t� �f�i�r�s�t�.� � �W�e�l�l�,� �M�r�.� �B�i�s�h�o�p� �t�h�o�u�g�h�t� �i�t� �o�v�e�r� �a�n�d� �t�h�e� �r�e�s�u�l�t� �w�a�s� �t�h�a�t� �h�e� �t�o�l�d� �P�r�o�f�.� �B� �t�h�a�t� �h�e� �w�a�n�t�e�d� �h�i�m� �t�o� �s�u�r�p�r�i�s�e� �t�h�e�m� �a�l�l� �b�y� �a�n� �i�n�t�e�l�l�i�g�e�n�c�e� �f�e�a�t� �w�h�i�c�h� �w�a�s� �m�e�r�e�l�y� �t�o� �b�e� �a�b�l�e� �t�o� �c�a�l�l� �t�h�e�m� �a�l�l� �b�y� �n�a�m�e� �b�e�f�o�r�e� �a� �f�o�r�t�n�i�g�h�t� �w�a�s� �o�u�t�.� � �S�o� �P�.�B�.� �a�c�t�e�d� �u�p�o�n� �h�i�s� �a�d�v�i�c�e� �a�n�d� �h�a�d� �a�l�l� �t�h�e� �s�t�u�d�e�n�t�s� �p�u�t� �i�n�t�o� �s�o�m�e� �c�l�a�s�s� �i�n� �h�i�s� �d�e�p�a�r�t�m�e�n�t� �a�n�d� �r�e�q�u�e�s�t�e�d� �h�i�s� �t�e�a�c�h�e�r� �t�o� �s�e�a�t� �t�h�e�m� �i�n� �a�l�p�h�a�b�e�t�i�c�a�l� �o�r�d�e�r�.� � �D�u�r�i�n�g� �r�e�c�i�t�a�t�i�o�n�s� �h�e� �w�o�u�l�d� �c�o�m�e� �i�n� �a�n�d� �s�i�t� �d�o�w�n� �b�y� �t�h�e� �t�e�a�c�h�e�r�,� �g�l�a�n�c�e� �o�v�e�r� �h�i�s� �l�i�s�t� �o�f� �n�a�m�e�s� �a�n�d� �o�v�e�r� �t�h�e� �c�l�a�s�s� �a�n�d� �s�t�u�d�y� �h�i�s� �l�e�s�s�o�n�,� �a�n�d� �b�e�f�o�r�e� �t�h�e� �f�o�r�t�n�i�g�h�t� �w�a�s� �o�u�t�,� �h�e� �w�a�s� �a�b�l�e� �w�h�e�n� �h�e� �m�e�t� �M�i�s�s� �L�e�f�u�r�g�e� �a�n�d� �M�i�s�s� �L�e�f�e�v�r�e� �o�n� �t�h�e� �w�a�l�k� �t�o� �s�a�y� �"�G�o�o�d�m�o�r�n�i�n�g� �M�i�s�s� �L�e�f�u�r�g�e� �a�n�d� �M�i�s�s� �L�e�f�e�v�r�e�.�"� � �A�n�d� �i�t� �w�a�s� �a�s�t�o�n�i�s�h�i�n�g� �t�h�e� �f�i�n�d� �h�o�w� �w�e�l�l� �i�t� �w�o�r�k�e�d�.��7�2� � �T�o� �b�e� �a�b�l�e� �t�o� �c�a�l�l� �t�h�e�m� �a�l�l� �b�y� �n�a�m�e� �e�s�t�a�b�l�i�s�h�e�d� �a� �s�o�r�t� �o�f� �p�e�r�s�o�n�a�l� �r�e�l�a�t�i�o�n�s�h�i�p� �b�e�t�w�e�e�n� �t�h�e�m�.� � �I�t� �w�a�s� �r�e�a�l�l�y� �a� �v�e�r�y� �b�r�i�g�h�t� �t�h�i�n�g�,� �n�o�t� �t�o� �d�o� �i�t� �b�u�t� �t�o� �b�e� �a�b�l�e� �t�o� �t�h�i�n�k� �i�t� �o�u�t�.� � �W�e�l�l�,� �a�t� �t�h�i�s� �r�a�t�e�,� �I� �s�h�a�l�l� �n�e�v�e�r� �r�e�a�c�h� �t�h�e� �m�a�i�n� �b�o�d�y� �o�f� �t�h�e� �l�e�c�t�u�r�e�.� � �P�r�o�f�.� �B�a�c�k�u�s� �s�a�i�d� �h�e� �w�a�s� �g�o�i�n�g� �t�o� �s�p�e�a�k� �t�o� �u�s� �o�n� �a� �s�u�b�j�e�c�t� �t�h�a�t� �p�r�o�b�a�b�l�y� �n�o� �m�a�n� �w�i�t�h�o�u�t� �p�e�r�h�a�p�s� �o�u�r� �f�a�t�h�e�r�s�,� �e�v�e�r� �t�a�l�k�e�d� �a�b�o�u�t� �t�o� �u�s�.� � �W�e� �w�e�r�e� �a�l�l� �d�u�m�b�-�f�o�u�n�d�e�d� �a�n�d� �w�o�n�d�e�r�e�d� �w�h�a�t� �c�o�u�l�d� �b�e� �c�o�m�i�n�g�.� � �H�e� �p�a�s�s�e�d� �h�i�s� �h�a�n�d�s� �o�v�e�r� �h�i�s� �f�a�c�e�,� �s�m�i�l�e�d� �a� �p�e�c�u�l�i�a�r� �s�m�i�l�e�,� �l�o�o�k�e�d� �v�e�r�y� �s�h�e�e�p�i�s�h� �a�n�d� �c�o�n�t�i�n�u�e�d�.� � �H�e� �s�a�i�d�,� �o�f� �a�n�y� �c�o�m�p�a�n�y� �o�f� �w�o�m�e�n� �i�t� �w�a�s� �p�r�o�b�a�b�l�y� �t�h�a�t� �t�h�e� �g�r�e�a�t�e�r� �n�u�m�b�e�r� �w�o�u�l�d� �m�a�r�r�y�.� � �A�n�y�o�n�e� �w�h�o� �w�a�s� �n�o�t� �w�h�o�l�l�y� �s�e�l�f�i�s�h�,� �d�i�d�n�'�t� �f�e�e�l� �a� �c�o�n�s�t�a�n�t� �d�e�s�i�r�e� �t�o� �b�e� �a�l�o�n�e�,� �d�i�d�n�'�t� �t�a�k�e� �o�f�f�e�n�s�e� �a�t� �s�l�i�g�h�t� �t�h�i�n�g�s� �a�n�d� �t�h�e�n� �f�e�e�l� �i�n�c�a�p�a�b�l�e� �t�o� �f�o�r�g�i�v�e�,� �w�a�s� �e�l�i�g�i�b�l�e� �t�o� �m�a�r�r�i�a�g�e�.� � �A�n�d� �t�h�e�n� �h�e� �w�e�n�t� �o�n� �t�o� �t�a�l�k� �a�b�o�u�t� �t�h�e� �b�u�s�i�n�e�s�s� �s�i�d�e� �o�f� �m�a�r�r�i�a�g�e�,� �a� �s�i�d�e�73 which is of great importance and is not considered enough. Marriage is a business contract, and no business man would enter any contract without mature deliberation. This too is a contract that can be broken only by death without bringing infamy upon one or both. It is for life. He spoke about equality. Said a woman should look out that the man was her superior. He need not necessarily know as much Latin and Greek as she did but he ought to be at least her equal in brain power. I believe Timothy Titcomb takes an opposite view, but I agree with Prof. Backus. Well, I can't tell what all he said, but I have it in my mind. I knew it all before. Mother and he would agree pretty well about it I guess. But I liked his talk, he put it in a new light and gathered it up nicely, as he always does his talks. Several times he said he didn't want us to74 think , and he knew we didn't think, that he meant to depreciate the sympathetic side of marriage. And he thanked us for listening in such a nice way. I am sure I felt as sober as could be. But I did want to smile when he passed his hand on his face and smiled and looked so sheepish! And I laughed outright and indeed, the whole class roared, when, in saying that young men almost invariably fell in love for the first time with ladies much older than themselves because they were always open and natural towards them, he said that the first lady to whom he offered his heart and hand was twenty-four years older than he was! Of course he was telling a story. He wouldn't have said it if it had been true. But i don't mind his telling that kind of a story and I don't think he expects us to believe them. He thought, so he told some of the girls after class, that he had made a fool of himself.75 I think, however, that nearly all of the girls liked it. Some, however, did not. I don't think Prof. Backus would have held so much influence over us, if he were more reserved towards us. I like his openness. If Prof. Cooley was not so distant he would have more influece. I think Prof. Cooley has a very great many admirers, but I don't believe any of them look upon him in the way they do Prof. Backus. Prof. B. has more [fantrs], but after all I believe he has more devoted friends among the girls. There are lots of things I would like to say; but I will put it off, for now I am tired of writing and I have yet considerable to do. English Class At last English Class Miss Fridenburg read an essay entitled "Do Circumstances Make the Man", argued affirmatively. It was very thoughtful and judicial. Miss Shailer read a76 true story "Aunt Caroline". Her grandmother told her the first part of the story how she came as a governess to the children. She said she had broken with her relatives several years ago on account of her marriage, and now her husband had been dead two years. She was English. The grandmother always thought that Caroline had not been quite frank about her former life. She always believed there was some mystery about it. She had a younger brother Steven who used to come there often. Finally Caroline went back to England and soon afterwards Stephen went there to become partner in a mercantile house there. He did not return for 25 yeras, and, although they knew that he was married, they did not know till just before he returned that he had married Caroline and had a daughter Helen nearly twenty years old. Then Cora's mother takes up his story and she says that one summer when77 they were at the seaside, they were going to have a surprise party for her uncle, and they sent him out for a sail while they completed their preparations. She and Helen walked down to the wharf with him. On their way they found a bird with very brilliant plumage on the ground. Uncle Stephen took it up and warmed it in his hands and presently it flew away and sailed about his head singing a plantive melody. While he was out a storm arose and his body was washed ashore. The next year as Helen was at her father's grave a bird fluttered down into her lap and died. The next day she was brought in with both legs crushed. She had been thrown down and run over by a run-away team. Aunt Caroline lived to be quite old. One day she was brought home from Church by an Englishman, who said she had fallen down the steps. He had not noticed78 her at first but he saw a bird of very brilliant plumage circling above her and singing a plaintive song. Just then he heard her cry, "Oh, save me!" and she fell. In a few days she died. The mystery of her early life kept up our interest all through and when we came to the Englishman we thought it was surely going to be solved. When she was through, Miss Sanford said, "Do I understand Miss Shailer to vouch for all three of the birds?" Rutger College Glee Club gave a concert in Poughkeepsie Wednesday night and it came out here the sixth period and sang for us in the Chapel. The leader was splendid. He sang an imitation of an Italian opera and of a [cornet], both of which were splendid. They went around the grounds and came into Physics just as class was out, which so frus��7�9� � �t�r�a�t�e�d� �P�r�o�f�.� �C�o�o�l�e�y� �t�h�a�t� �h�e� �f�o�r�g�o�t� �t�o� �t�e�l�l� �u�s� �t�o� �h�a�v�e� �a�n� �e�x�a�m�i�n�a�t�i�o�n� �t�h�e� �n�e�x�t� �d�a�y�.� � �S�o� �h�e� �s�p�e�n�t� �t�h�e� �n�e�x�t� �d�a�y�'�s� �p�e�r�i�o�d� �i�n� �s�h�o�w�i�n�g� �u�s� �p�r�e�t�t�y� �c�o�l�o�r�s� �o�f� �t�h�e� �p�r�i�s�m� �o�n� �t�h�e� �w�a�l�l�.� � �M�a�d�g�e�'�s� �D�e�p�a�r�t�u�r�e�.� � �M�a�d�g�e� �w�a�s� �g�o�i�n�g� �F�r�i�d�a�y� �m�o�r�n�i�n�g�,� �a�n�d� �s�h�e� �w�e�n�t� �d�o�w�n� �t�o� �t�a�k�e� �a� �1�0� �o�'�c�l�o�c�k� �t�r�a�i�n�.� � �W�h�e�n� �s�h�e� �g�o�t� �d�o�w�n� �t�h�e�r�e�,� �t�h�e�r�e� �w�a�s� �n�o� �s�u�c�h� �t�r�a�i�n�,� �s�o� �s�h�e� �h�a�d� �t�o� �c�o�m�e� �b�a�c�k�.� � �S�a�t�u�r�d�a�y� �I� �w�a�l�k�e�d� �i�n� �w�i�t�h� �h�e�r� �p�a�s�t� �B�u�l�l�'�s� �H�e�a�d� �a�n�d� �g�o�t� �b�a�c�k� �b�e�f�o�r�e� �b�r�e�a�k�f�a�s�t�,� �a�n�d� �M�a�y� �a�n�d� �J�.�P�.� �w�a�l�k�e�d� �w�a�y� �i�n� �a�n�d� �b�o�u�g�h�t� �s�a�n�d�w�i�c�h�e�s� �a�n�d� �d�o�u�g�h�n�u�t�s� �f�o�r� �b�r�e�a�k�f�a�s�t�.� � �J�.�P�.� �a�n�d� �M�a�y� �w�e�n�t� �i�n� �t�o�d�a�y� �t�o� �S�m�i�t�h�'�s� �R�e�s�t�a�m�e�n�t� �a�n�d� �g�o�t� �t�h�e�i�r� �s�u�p�p�e�r�.� � �S�u�n�d�a�y� �A�p�r� �1�7�t�h� �1�8�8�1� � �V�a�c�a�t�i�o�n� �D�a�y�s� � �d�r�a�g� �b�y�.� � �I�t� �s�e�e�m�s� �a�g�e�s� �s�i�n�c�e� �t�h�e� �v�a�c�a�t�i�o�n� �b�e�g�a�n�,� �y�e�t� �I� �h�a�v�e�n�'�t� �a�c�c�o�m�-�80 plished anything to speak of, and I haven't had any delightfully lazy days. I have copied my class essay and taken all the notes I am going to for my Astronomy lecture and done a little mending and that is all. I haven't been on any more tramps yet, and the weather hasn't been very good until today. I have read Robert Falcones, Wilfrid, Cumbermede, and Bleak House. I like them all, and think the first is about the nicest book I ever read. May has got her dress done. She wore it to church today. She and J.P. went in. They had the awfulest time ever was getting a machine. They had engaged Mrs. Norris, but her little boy was sick. They wanted to ask for one at the Lodge, but May wouldn't because she didn't like to, and Jessie wouldn't because she asked the first time and May acted so funny about it. They tried to get J.F. to ask. Then they teazed [teased] me. After about two days they compromised and asked together. The couldn't get one then, so they waited another��8�1� � �d�a�y� �a�n�d� �a�s�k�e�d� �a�t� �F�l�i�g�l�e�r�'�s�.� � �I� �b�e�g�a�n� �t�o� �t�h�i�n�k� �t�h�e�y� �n�e�v�e�r� �w�o�u�l�d� �g�e�t� �o�n�e�.� � �O�u�r� �r�o�o�m� �h�a�d� �b�e�e�n� �c�l�e�a�n�e�d� �a�n�d� �w�e� �h�a�v�e� �a� �n�e�w� �c�a�r�p�e�t� �w�h�i�c�h� �i�s� �r�e�a�l� �p�r�e�t�t�y�.� � �W�e� �h�a�v�e� �a�r�r�a�n�g�e�d� �t�h�e� �r�o�o�m� �d�i�f�f�e�r�e�n�t�l�y� �w�i�t�h� �t�h�e� �b�i�g� �t�a�b�l�e� �i�n� �t�h�e� �c�o�r�n�e�r� �a�n�d� �n�o�t�h�i�n�g� �i�n� �t�h�e� �c�e�n�t�r�e� �o�f� �t�h�e� �r�o�o�m�,� �w�h�i�c�h� �m�a�k�e�s� �t�h�e� �r�o�o�m� �s�e�e�m� �m�u�c�h� �l�a�r�g�e�r�.� � �W�e� �h�a�v�e� �t�h�e� �d�r�o�p� �l�i�g�h�t� �o�n� �t�h�e� �s�m�a�l�l� �t�a�b�l�e� �b�y� �M�a�d�g�e�'�s� �d�o�o�r�,� �a�n�d� �t�h�e� �p�i�p�e� �p�a�s�s�e�s� �i�n�t�o� �M�'�s� �r�o�o�m�.� � �I� �h�o�p�e� �s�h�e� �w�i�l�l� �l�i�k�e� �t�h�e� �a�r�r�a�n�g�e�m�e�n�t� �w�h�e�n� �s�h�e� �c�o�m�e�s� �b�a�c�k�.� � �S�u�n�d�a�y� �A�p�r� �2�4�t�h� �'�8�1� � �C�o�l�l�e�g�e� �H�i�l�l� � �J�e�s�s�i�e� �W�.� �a�n�d� �I� �w�a�l�k�e�d� �i�n�t�o� �C�o�l�l�e�g�e� �H�i�l�l� �l�a�s�t� �M�o�n�d�a�y� �w�i�t�h�o�u�t� �p�r�e�m�i�s�s�i�o�n�.� � �T�h�e�r�e� �w�a�s� �a� �b�i�g� �d�o�g� �o�n� �t�h�e� �h�i�l�l� �t�h�a�t� �w�a�s� �d�r�e�a�d�f�u�l�l�y� �s�a�v�a�g�e� �a�n�d� �b�a�r�k�e�d� �a�t� �a�s� �e�v�e�r�y� �t�i�m�e� �w�e� �s�t�i�r�r�e�d�.� � �W�h�e�n� �w�e� �c�a�m�e� �b�a�c�k� �w�e� �s�t�o�p�p�e�d� �o�n� �a� �b�r�i�d�g�e� �t�h�a�t� �w�a�s� �o�v�e�r� �a� �s�t�r�e�a�m�.� � �T�h�e�n� �w�e� �w�e�n�t� �d�o�w�n� �a�n�d� �s�a�t� �o�n� �t�h�e� �s�t�o�n�e�s� �u�n�d�e�r� �t�h�e� �b�r�i�d�g�e� �a�n�d� �s�k�i�p�p�e�d� �s�t�o�n�e�s�.��8�2� � �w�h�i�c�h� �w�a�s� �a� �v�e�r�y� �d�i�g�n�i�f�i�e�d� �t�h�i�n�g� �f�o�r� �t�w�o� �d�i�g�n�i�f�i�e�d� �V�a�s�s�a�r� �j�u�n�i�o�r�s� �t�o� �d�o�,� �e�s�p�e�c�i�a�l�l�y� �w�h�e�n� �t�h�e� �b�r�i�d�g�e� �w�a�s� �a�l�m�o�s�t� �i�n� �t�h�e� �m�i�d�e�l� �[�m�i�d�d�l�e�]� �o�f� �t�h�e� �t�o�w�n�.� � �W�e� �f�o�u�n�d� �t�h�e� �q�u�e�e�r�e�s�t� �k�i�n�d� �o�f� �a� �w�i�l�l�o�w� �t�r�e�e� �a�n�d� �p�i�c�k�e�d� �s�o�m�e� �o�f� �t�h�e� �[�c�a�t�k�i�n�s�]�.� � �P�a�l�m� �B�r�a�n�c�h�e�s� � �i�s� �t�h�e� �n�a�m�e� �o�f� �a� �b�o�o�k� �w�h�i�c�h� �i�s� �n�o�w� �o�u�t� �o�f� �p�r�i�n�t�,� �b�u�t� �s�e�v�e�r�a�l� �v�o�l�u�m�e�s� �o�f� �w�h�i�c�h� �h�a�v�e� �b�e�e�n� �r�e�s�u�r�r�e�c�t�e�d� �a�n�d� �a�r�e� �n�o�w� �g�o�i�n�g� �t�h�e� �r�o�u�n�d�s� �o�f� �t�h�e� �C�o�l�l�e�g�e�.� � �I�t� �i�s� �p�e�r�f�e�c�t�l�y� �r�i�c�h�!� � �I� �n�e�v�e�r� �e�n�j�o�y�e�d� �a� �b�o�o�k� �(�f�o�r� �f�u�n�)� �m�o�r�e�.� � �A�n�d� �w�h�a�t� �i�s� �m�o�r�e�,� �i�t�s� �f�u�n� �i�s�n�'�t� �m�e�a�n�t� �f�o�r� �f�u�n�.� � �O�h�,� �t�h�e� �p�u�n�c�t�u�a�t�i�o�n�,� �t�h�e� �g�r�a�m�m�a�r�,� �t�h�e�n� �p�a�r�a�g�r�a�p�h�i�n�g�,� �a�n�d� �t�h�e� �s�i�m�i�l�e�!� � �S�e�v�e�r�a�l� �e�x�c�l�a�m�a�t�i�o�n� �p�o�i�n�t�s� �f�o�r� �e�a�c�h� �w�o�u�l�d� �i�n�a�d�e�q�u�a�t�e�l�y� �e�x�p�r�e�s�s� �m�y� �s�e�n�t�i�m�e�n�t�s� �c�o�n�c�e�r�n�i�n�g� �i�t�.� � �T�h�e� �h�i�g�h�-�f�l�o�w�n� �e�x�p�r�e�s�s�i�o�n�s� �w�h�i�c�h� �s�h�e� �u�s�e�s� �i�n� �d�e�s�c�r�i�p�t�i�o�n� �i�s� �m�a�d�e� �n�o�t�i�c�a�b�l�e� �b�y� �c�o�n�t�r�a�s�t�,� �w�h�e�n� �a� �m�o�s�t� �c�o�m�m�o�n� �p�l�a�c�e� �e�x�c�l�a�m�a�t�i�o�n��8�3� � �f�o�l�l�o�w�s� �c�l�o�s�e�l�y� �a� �"�h�i�g�h�-�f�a�l�u�t�i�n�'�"� �d�e�s�c�r�p�t�i�o�n�.� � �S�h�e� �m�a�k�e�s� �h�e�r� �m�a�n� �s�a�y� �"�O�h� �d�e�a�r�!� � �I� �w�o�u�l�d�n�'�t� �h�a�v�e� �l�o�s�t� �t�h�i�s� �f�u�n� �f�o�r� �a�n�y�t�h�i�n�g�.�"� � �I�t� �m�u�s�t� �b�e� �a�n� �o�l�d� �m�a�i�d�,� �s�e�n�t�i�m�e�n�t�a�l�,� �u�n�e�d�u�c�a�t�e�d�,� �w�e�l�l�-�r�e�a�d� �i�n� �t�r�a�s�h�y� �l�i�t�e�r�a�t�u�r�e�.� � �H�e�r� �n�a�m�e� �i�s� �S�a�l�l�i�e� �M�i�l�l�s�.� � �H�e�r� �h�e�r�o� �a�n�d� �h�e�r�o�i�n�e� �w�e�r�e� �i�n� �t�h�e� �c�o�n�s�e�r�v�a�t�o�r�y�.� � �T�h�e�r�e� �w�a�s� �m�a�g�n�e�t�i�s�m�.� � �S�h�e� �w�a�s� �d�i�z�z�y�.� � �S�h�e� �r�e�e�l�e�d�.� � �H�i�s� �a�r�m� �w�a�s� �a�r�o�u�n�d� �h�e�r� �a�n�d� �t�h�e�y� �"�m�e�l�t�e�d� �i�n�t�o� �o�n�e� �k�i�s�s�.�"� � �"�T�h�e�y� �k�i�s�s�e�d� �a�s� �i�f� �t�h�e�y� �h�a�d� �b�e�e�n� �b�o�r�n� �t�o� �k�i�s�s� �e�a�c�h� �o�t�h�e�r�.�"� � �A�n�d� �s�h�e� �s�a�t� �u�p� �a�l�l� �n�i�g�h�t� �f�o�r� �f�e�a�r� �s�h�e� �w�o�u�l�d� �s�p�e�a�k� �h�i�s� �n�a�m�e� �i�n� �h�e�r� �s�l�e�e�,� �a�n�d� �s�h�e� �s�l�e�p�t� �a�l�o�n�e�.� � �I�n� �t�h�e� �l�a�s�t� �c�h�a�p�t�e�r� �h�e� �h�a�d�n�'�t� �s�e�e�n� �h�e�r� �f�o�r� �a� �l�o�n�g� �t�i�m�e�.� � �H�e� �h�a�d� �b�e�e�n� �a�b�r�o�a�d�.� � �I�t� �w�a�s� �t�h�e� �n�i�g�h�t� �o�f� �h�e�r� �r�e�c�e�p�t�i�o�n�.� � �H�e� �s�a�w� �h�e�r� �f�a�t�h�e�r� �a�n�d� �g�o�t� �p�e�r�m�i�s�s�i�o�n� �t�o� �m�a�r�r�y� �h�e�r�.� � �H�e� �i�n�v�i�t�e�d� �t�h�e� �w�e�d�d�i�n�g�-�g�u�e�s�t�s�.� � �H�e� �b�r�o�u�g�h�t� �a� �c�l�e�r�g�y�-�m�a�n�.� � �H�e�r� �p�e�r�s�u�a�d�e�d� �h�e�r� �m�a�i�d� �t�o� �d�r�e�s�s� �h�e�r� �i�n� �w�h�i�t�e� �s�i�l�k�.� � �T�h�e�n� �h�e� �t�o�l�d� �h�e�r� �t�h�a�t� �h�e� �w�a�s� �g�o�i�n�g� �t�o� �m�a�r�r�y� �h�e�r� �a�n�d� �t�h�e�y� �w�e�r�e� �m�a�r�r�i�e�d��8�4� � �"�D�a�i�s�y�,� �I� �t�h�i�n�k� �I� �s�h�a�l�l� �h�a�v�e� �t�o� �m�a�r�r�y� �y�o�u�;� �n�o�w�.�"� � �A� �m�a�n� �o�n� �a�n� �i�s�l�a�n�d�,� �a�p�p�a�r�e�n�t�l�y� �u�n�i�n�h�a�b�i�t�e�d� �e�x�c�e�p�t� �b�y� �a� �p�r�i�n�c�e� �a�n�d� �h�i�s� �d�e�a�d� �l�a�d�y�-�l�o�v�e�,� �w�h�o�m� �h�e� �k�e�p�t� �o�n� �a� �s�h�e�l�f�,� �w�e�n�t� �i�n�t�o� �a� �t�e�m�p�l�e� �a�n�d� �s�p�e�n�t� �t�h�e� �n�i�g�h�t� �a�s�l�e�e�p� �o�n� �a� �p�r�i�v�e�t� �t�o�m�b�,� �j�u�s�t� �f�o�r� �f�u�n�.� � �H�e� �s�a�w� �a� �b�i�g� �s�e�r�p�e�n�t� �a�n�d� �s�h�o�o�k� �a� �s�t�i�c�k� �a�t� �i�t�,� �a�n�d� �w�h�e�n� �t�h�e� �m�o�n�s�t�e�r� �s�a�w� �t�h�e� �s�t�i�c�k� �h�e� �l�a�y� �d�o�w�n� �q�u�i�e�t�!� � �H�e� �(�t�h�e� �m�a�i�n�)� �f�r�i�g�h�t�e�n�d�e�d� �a� �m�e�s�s� �o�f� �a�l�i�g�a�t�o�r�s� �a�r�o�u�n�d� �h�i�s� �b�o�a�t� �a�n�d� �t�h�r�e�w� �a� �s�t�o�n�e� �a�t� �t�h�e�m� �a�n�d� �a�w�a�y� �t�h�e�y� �a�l�l� �w�e�n�t�.� � �W�e� �a�l�s�o� �s�a�w� �a� �p�i�e�c�e� �o�f� �p�o�e�t�r�y� �o�f� �h�e�r�s�,� �c�a�l�l�e�d� �"�T�h�e� �[�S�a�v�t�o�u�r�'�s�]�"� �F�i�r�s�t� �M�i�r�a�c�l�e�"� �a�n�d� �t�h�e� �w�e�d�d�i�n�g� �g�u�e�s�t�s� �w�e�r�e� �d�r�e�s�s�e�d� �i�n� �v�e�l�v�e�t� �t�r�a�i�n�s� �a�n�d� �h�a�d� �"�s�u�n�k�,� �w�i�t�h�i�n� �t�h�e�i�r� �v�e�i�n�s�,�"� �a�n�d� �m�a�n�y� �a�b�s�u�r�d�i�t�i�e�s�.� � �S�c�h�o�o�l� �A�g�a�i�n�.� � �I� �w�a�s� �t�i�r�e�d� �o�f� �v�a�c�a�t�i�o�n�.� � �I� �n�e�i�t�h�e�r� �h�a�d� �a� �v�e�r�y� �l�a�z�y� �t�i�m�e� �n�o�r� �s�u�c�c�e�e�d�e�d� �i�n� �a�c�c�o�m�p�l�i�s�h�i�n�g� �v�e�r�y� �m�u�c�h��8�5� � �I� �k�e�p�t� �s�a�y�i�n�g� �h�o�w� �g�l�a�d� �I� �w�a�s� �t�h�e� �g�i�r�l�s� �w�e�r�e� �c�o�m�i�n�g� �b�a�c�k� �T�u�e�s�d�a�y�,� �a�n�d� �t�h�e� �g�i�r�l�s� �a�l�l� �s�q�u�e�l�c�h�e�d� �m�e� �f�o�r� �i�t�.� � �M�a�d�g�e� �b�r�o�u�g�h�t� �c�a�n�d�y� �a�n�d� �s�o�m�e� �c�h�e�e�s�e� �w�h�i�c�h� �s�h�e� �h�a�d� �p�r�o�m�i�s�e�d� �M�a�y�.� � �M�i�s�s� �H�i�s�c�o�c�k� �h�e�a�r�d� �m�e� �s�a�y� �t�h�a�t� �I� �w�a�s� �g�l�a�d� �s�c�h�o�o�l� �b�e�g�i�n� �a�n�d� �s�m�i�l�e�d� �s�w�e�e�t�l�y� �o�n� �m�e� �(�a�h�e�m�!�)�.� � �W�e�d�n�e�s�d�a�y� �m�o�r�n�i�n�g� �P�r�o�f�.� �M�i�t�c�h�e�l�l� �l�e�c�t�u�r�e�d� �t�o� �u�s�.� � �S�h�e� �l�e�c�t�u�r�e�d� �o�n� �t�h�i�r�t�y� �y�e�a�r�s� �a�g�o�.� � �S�h�e� �m�e�t� �F�a�t�h�e�r� �[�S�e�c�c�h�i�]� �a�n�d� �w�i�s�h�e�d� �t�o� �v�i�s�i�t� �t�h�e� �O�b�s�e�r�v�a�t�o�r�y� �i�n� �t�h�e� �m�o�n�a�s�t�e�r�y� �w�i�t�h� �h�i�m�.� � �T�h�e� �t�i�m�e� �s�h�e� �h�a�d� �g�e�t�t�i�n�g� �p�e�r�m�i�s�s�i�o�n�!� � �A�n�d� �s�h�e� �p�r�o�b�a�b�l�y� �w�o�u�l�d�n�'�t� �h�a�v�e� �r�e�c�i�e�v�e�d� �i�t� �a�t� �l�a�s�t� �i�f� �s�h�e� �h�a�d�n�'�t� �k�n�o�w�n� �t�h�e� �n�e�p�h�e�w� �o�f� �C�a�r�d�i�n�a�l� �A�r�t�o�n�e�l�l�i�.� � �I�t� �t�o�o�k� �a�b�o�u�t� �a�s� �m�u�c�h� �m�a�n�u�v�e�r�i�n�g� �a�n�d� �d�i�p�l�o�m�a�c�y� �a�s� �t�o� �m�a�k�e� �a� �t�r�e�a�t�y� �b�e�t�w�e�e�n� �t�w�o� �c�o�u�n�t�r�i�e�s�.� � �T�h�e� �p�e�r�m�i�t� �w�a�s� �w�r�i�t�t�e�n� �o�n� �p�a�r�c�h�m�e�n�t� �a�n�d� �w�a�s� �a�b�o�u�t� �a�s� �l�o�n�g� �a�s� �a� �p�a�g�e� �o�f� �t�h�i�s� �b�o�o�k�.� � �T�h�e�y� �w�o�u�l�d� �o�n�l�y� �l�e�t� �h�e�r� �s�t�a�y� �t�w�o� �h�o�u�r�s��8�6� � �b�e�f�o�r�e� �s�u�n�s�e�t� �a�n�d� �c�o�u�l�d� �n�o�t� �t�a�k�e� �h�e�r� �m�a�i�d� �w�i�t�h� �h�e�r�.� � �S�h�e� �w�a�s� �t�h�e� �f�i�r�s�t� �w�o�m�a�n� �t�h�a�t� �w�a�s� �e�v�e�r� �a�d�m�i�t�t�e�d�,� �a�n�d� �v�e�r�y� �l�i�k�e�l�y� �n�o� �o�n�e� �h�a�s� �s�i�n�c�e� �b�e�e�n� �a�d�m�i�t�t�e�d�.� � �P�r�o�f�.� �B�a�c�k�u�s� �d�i�s�m�i�s�s�e�d� �u�s� �i�n�s�t�e�a�d� �o�f� �l�e�c�t�u�r�i�n�g� �t�o� �u�s�,� �w�h�i�c�h� �w�e� �d�i�d� �n�o�t� �l�i�k�e�.� � �I� �h�e�a�r� �t�h�a�t� �h�e� �i�s� �g�o�i�n�g� �t�o� �b�r�i�n�g� �2�5� �W�e�s�t� �P�o�i�n�t� �c�a�d�e�t�s� �h�e�r�e� �F�o�u�n�d�e�r�'�s� �N�i�g�h�t� �a�n�d� �d�i�s�t�r�i�b�u�t�e� �t�h�e�m� �a�m�o�n�g� �t�h�e� �g�i�r�l�s�.� � �W�e�d�n�e�s�d�a�y� �h�e� �g�a�v�e� �u�s� �a�n� �o�r�a�l� �e�x�a�m�i�n�a�t�i�o�n� �o�n� �t�h�e� �l�a�s�t� �s�i�x� �c�h�a�p�t�e�r�s� �i�n� �L�o�g�i�c�.� � �R�o�l�l�o�'�s� �J�o�u�r�n�e�y� �t�o� �C�a�m�b�r�i�d�g�e� � �I� �b�o�r�r�o�w�e�d� �i�t� �o�f� �M�i�s�s� �H�i�s�c�o�c�k� �a�n�d� �r�e�a�d� �i�t� �a�l�o�u�d� �t�o� �J�e�s�s�i�e� �W�h�e�e�l�e�r� �a�n�d� �J�e�s�s�i�e� �M�e�e�k�e�r�.� � �D�e�l�t�a� �M�e�t�t�i�n�g�,� � �l�a�s�t� �F�r�i�d�a�y�.� � �I� �w�a�s� �[�S�a�i�n�]� �W�e�l�l�e�r�,� �a�n�d� �J�e�s�s�i�e� �w�a�s� �M�a�r�y� �i�n� �"�I�n�c�o�m�p�r�e�h�e�n�s�i�b�l�e� �L�e�t�t�e�r�"�.� � �M�a�y� �w�a�s� �L�i�t�t�l�e� �N�e�l�l� �i�n� �a�n�o�t�h�e�r� �s�c�e�n�e� �f�r�o�m� �D�i�c�k�e�n�s�.� � �M�i�s�s� �E�a�s�t�o�n� �b�r�o�u�g�h�t� �o�u�t� �t�h�e� �e�c�h�o�.� � �I� �g�a�v�e� �m�y� �d�i�s�c�r�i�p�t�i�v�e� �e�s�s�a�y� �t�o� �i�t�!��8�7� � �S�u�n�d�a�y�,� �M�a�y� �8� �1�8�8�1� � �P�.�B�.�'�s� �T�a�l�k�s�.� � �P�.�B�.� �t�a�l�k�e�d� �t�o� �u�s� �a�b�o�u�t� �o�t�h�e�r� �w�o�m�e�n�'�s� �o�c�c�u�p�a�t�i�o�n�s� �b�e�s�i�d�e�s� �m�a�t�r�i�m�o�n�y�,� �t�e�a�c�h�i�n�g�,� �s�t�o�r�y�-�w�r�i�t�i�n�g�,� �d�o�c�t�o�r�'�s� �a�n�d� �[�C�a�n�v�y�e�r�'�s�]� �p�r�o�f�e�s�s�i�o�n�s�.� � �I�t� �w�a�s� �a� �v�e�r�y� �p�l�e�a�s�a�n�t� �t�a�l�k�.� � �A� �f�e�w� �d�a�y�s� �a�f�t�e�r� �t�h�a�t� �w�e� �h�a�d� �t�h�i�s� �s�e�n�t�a�n�c�e� �i�n� �L�o�g�i�c� �t�o� �p�o�i�n�t� �o�u�t� �t�h�e� �f�a�l�l�a�c�y�.� � �"�T�h�e� �l�a�w�s� �o�f� �n�a�t�u�r�e� �m�u�s�t� �b�e� �a�s�c�e�r�t�a�i�n�e�d� �b�y� �D�e�d�u�c�t�i�o�n�,� �T�r�a�d�u�c�t�i�o�n� �o�r� �I�n�d�u�c�t�i�o�n�;� �b�u�t� �t�h�e� �f�o�r�m�e�r� �t�w�o� �a�r�e� �i�n�s�u�f�f�i�c�i�e�n�t� �f�o�r� �t�h�e� �p�u�r�p�o�s�e�;� �t�h�e�r�e�f�o�r�e� �t�h�e� �l�a�w�s� �o�f� �n�a�t�u�r�e� �m�u�s�t� �b�e� �a�s�c�e�r�t�a�i�n�e�d� �b�y� �I�n�d�u�c�t�i�o�n�.�"� � �H�e� �c�a�l�l�e�d� �u�p�o�n� �t�w�o� �o�r� �t�h�r�e�e� �g�i�r�l�s� �t�o� �d�o� �i�t� �a�n�d� �t�h�e�y� �c�o�u�l�d�n�'�t�.� � �S�o� �h�e� �s�a�i�d�.� � �"�W�e�l�l�,� �M�i�s�s� �S�o�u�t�h�w�o�r�t�h� �l�o�o�k�s� �s�e�r�e�n�e�.� � �W�e�'�l�l� �s�e�e� �w�h�a�t� �s�h�e� �h�a�s� �t�o� �s�a�y� �a�b�o�u�t� �i�t�.�"� � �"�W�e�l�l�,�"� �s�a�i�d� �I�,� �"�I� �t�h�i�n�k� �i�t�s� �d�i�v�i�s�i�o�n�,�"� �a�n�d� �I� �w�e�n�t� �o�n� �t�o� �e�x�p�l�a�i�n� �t�h�e� �d�i�v�i�s�i�o�n� �o�f� �t�h�e� �t�e�r�m� �"�D�e�d�u�c�t�i�o�n�,� �T�r�a�d�u�c�t�i�o�n�,� �a�n�d� �I�n�d�u�c�t�i�o�n�.�"� � �N�o� �o�n�e� �e�l�s�e� �h�a�d� �t�h�o�u�g�h�t� �o�f� �i�t�.� � �A�l�l� �t�h�e� �o�t�h�e�r�s� �h�a�d� �t�h�o�u�g�h�t� �i�t� �c�o�m�p�o�s�i�t�i�o�n� �o�f� �t�h�e� �t�e�r�m� �"�l�a�w�s� �o�f� �n�a�-��8�8� � �n�a�t�u�r�e�.�"� � �I� �a�d�m�i�t�t�e�d� �t�h�a�t� �b�u�t� �l�i�k�e�d� �m�y� �o�w�n� �v�e�r�s�i�o�n� �b�e�s�t�.� � �W�h�e�r�e�u�p�o�n� �P�.�B�.� �s�a�i�d� �t�h�e� �o�t�h�e�r� �v�e�r�s�i�o�n� �w�a�s� �t�h�e� �m�o�s�t� �n�a�t�u�r�a�l�,� �b�u�t� �t�h�a�t� �h�e� �l�i�k�e�d� �m�i�n�e� �v�e�r�y� �m�u�c�h�.� � �H�e� �t�h�o�u�g�h�t� �h�e� �l�i�k�e�d� �i�t� �b�e�t�t�e�r� �t�h�a�n� �i�f� �I� �h�a�d� �t�a�k�e�n� �t�h�e� �o�t�h�e�r�.� � �M�i�n�d� �w�a�s� �v�e�r�y� �i�n�g�e�n�i�o�u�s�.� � �U�s�u�a�l�l�y� �I� �o�b�j�e�c�t� �t�o� �b�e�i�n�g� �t�o�l�d� �t�h�a�t� �a� �t�h�i�n�g� �i�s� �i�n�g�e�n�i�o�u�s�.� � �I�t� �l�o�o�k�s� �a�s� �i�f� �y�o�u� �h�a�d� �p�a�s�s�e�d� �o�v�e�r� �t�h�e� �m�o�s�t� �n�a�t�u�r�a�l� �e�x�p�l�a�n�a�t�i�o�n� �a�n�d� �g�o�n�e� �o�u�t� �o�f� �y�o�u�r� �w�a�y� �t�o� �m�a�k�e� �a�n� �u�n�n�a�t�u�r�a�l� �o�n�e�.� � �B�u�t� �i�n� �t�h�i�s� �c�a�s�e�,� �P�.�B�.� �e�v�i�d�e�n�t�l�y� �m�e�a�n�t� �i�t� �a�s� �p�r�a�i�s�e�.� � �T�h�e�n� �h�e� �s�a�i�d�,� �"�Y�e�s�,� �I� �l�i�k�e� �t�h�a�t� �v�e�r�y� �m�u�c�h�.� � �I�t� �w�a�s� �v�e�r�y� �i�n�g�e�n�i�o�u�s�.� � �I� �d�o�n�'�t� �k�n�o�w� �b�u�t� �y�o�u�'�l�l� �m�a�k�e� �a� �l�a�w�y�e�r�!�"� � �H�e� �s�a�i�d� �i�t� �h�a�l�f� �a�s� �i�f� �h�e� �h�a�d� �n�o�t� �i�n�t�e�n�d�e�d� �t�o� �s�a�y� �i�t�,� �a�n�d� �i�m�m�e�d�i�a�t�e�l�y� �a�s�k�e�d� �a�n�o�t�h�e�r� �g�i�r�l� �a� �q�u�e�s�t�i�o�n� �a�n�d� �t�o�o�k� �n�o� �n�o�t�i�c�e� �o�f� �t�h�e� �c�o�m�m�o�t�i�o�n� �i�n� �c�l�a�s�s�.� � �M�a�r�y� �K�i�n�g� �n�u�d�g�e�d� �m�e�,� �I� �b�l�u�s�h�e�d� �a�n�d� �w�e� �a�l�l� �l�a�u�g�h�e�d�.� � �I� �t�h�i�n�k� �M�i�s�s� �H�i�s�c�o�c�k� �m�u�s�t� �h�a�v�e� �t�o�l�d� �h�i�m� �t�h�a�t� �I� �w�a�s� �g�o�i�n�g� �t�o� �b�e� �a� �l�a�w�y�e�r�.� � �H�e�89 would never have said that otherwise. In his next Monday's lecture he talked to us about the stock exchange. He distributed any any amount of [Tribune's] and explained the Money Market column. He told us about the little tricks and some in especial about Vanderbuilts. Explained "keeping your margin," and said he lost all his property in this way once. "And I'll tell you in confidence, that was three weeks before I was married." He is very fond of giving confidences, which we believe or disbelieve as we take a notion. Miss Jordan thinks that is true, for he told her the same once in a "pirate interview", and Mary King says "he is too versatile a genius to make use of the same lie twice." I am inclined however to doubt that. He is too lazy to take too much trouble in inventing stories. Madge's father has been here. He was very pleasant.��9�0� � �M�a�y� �a�n�d� �I� �w�e�n�t� �w�i�t�h� �h�i�m� �a�n�d� �M�a�d�g�e� �a�r�o�u�n�d� �t�h�e� �g�r�o�u�n�d�s� �a�n�d� �t�o� �t�h�e� �l�a�b�o�r�a�t�o�r�y�.� � �M�r�.� �J�o�h�n� �M�u�r�r�a�y� � �r�e�a�d� �t�o� �u�s� �i�n� �t�h�e� �h�a�l�l� �A�p�r�.� �2�7�t�h�.� � �H�e� �w�a�s� �f�r�o�m� �C�a�l�i�f�o�r�n�i�a� �a�n�d� �i�s� �a�n� �a�c�q�u�a�i�n�t�a�n�c�e� �o�f� �P�r�o�f�.� �B�a�c�k�u�s�.� � �P�.�B�.� �t�o�l�d� �u�s� �a�b�o�u�t� �h�i�m� �a�n�d� �s�a�i�d� �h�e� �w�a�s� �t�h�e� �f�i�n�e�s�t� �r�e�a�d�e�r� �o�f� �S�c�o�t�c�h� �d�i�a�l�e�c�t� �h�e� �e�v�e�r� �h�e�a�r�d�.� � �H�e� �p�r�e�v�a�i�l�e�d� �u�p�o�n� �h�i�m� �t�o� �c�o�m�e� �o�u�t� �a�n�d� �r�e�a�d� �t�o� �u�s�.� � �H�i�s� �p�r�o�g�r�a�m�m�e� �w�a�s� �T�e�n�n�y�s�o�n�'�s� �"�S�p�e�a�k�i�n�g� �[�C�l�a�k�]�"�,� �a� �p�i�e�c�e� �o�f� �[�B�r�e�t�]� �H�a�r�t�e�,� �J�e�a�n�n�i�e� �D�e�a�v�e�r�.� � �I� �d�i�d�n�'�t� �l�i�k�e� �t�h�e� �f�i�r�s�t� �v�e�r�y� �m�u�c�h�,� �a�s� �h�e� �h�a�d� �a� �s�o�r�t� �o�f� �h�e�s�i�t�a�t�i�n�g� �w�a�y� �t�h�a�t� �w�o�r�r�i�e�d� �m�e�.� � �B�u�t� �t�h�e� �o�t�h�e�r�s� �w�e�r�e� �s�p�l�e�n�d�i�d�,� �e�s�p�e�c�i�a�l�l�y� �t�h�e� �S�c�o�t�c�h� �o�n�e�.� � �W�h�e�n� �h�e� �h�a�d� �f�i�n�i�s�h�e�d�,� �h�e� �s�a�i�d� �t�h�a�t� �h�e� �h�a�d� �b�e�e�n� �r�e�a�d�i�n�g� �o�e�r� �t�h�e� �h�o�u�r� �a�n�d� �t�h�e� �t�h�o�u�g�h�t� �w�e� �h�a�d� �h�a�d� �q�u�i�t�e� �e�n�o�u�g�h�.� � �B�u�t� �P�.�B�.� �a�r�o�s�e� �a�n�d� �s�a�i�d�,� �"�W�o�n�'�t� �y�o�u� �p�l�e�a�s�e� �f�a�v�o�r� �u�s� �w�i�t�h� �a� �s�h�o�r�t� �S�c�o�t�c�h� �b�a�l�l�a�d�,� �a�n�d� �t�h�e�n� �w�e�'�l�l� �'�[�c�u�d�d�l�e�]� �d�o�w�n�'�"�.��9�1� � �S�o� �t�h�e�n� �M�r�.� �M�u�r�r�a�y� �r�e�c�i�t�e�d� �t�h�a�t� �b�a�l�l�a�d�,� �a�n�d� �w�e� �c�l�a�p�p�e�d� �s�o� �m�u�c�h� �t�h�a�t� �h�e� �s�a�i�d�,� �"�I� �t�h�i�n�k� �t�h�e�r�e� �m�u�s�t� �b�e� �s�o�m�e� �S�c�o�t�c�h� �b�l�o�o�d� �i�n� �t�h�i�s� �a�s�s�e�m�b�l�y�.�"� � �T�h�e�n� �h�e� �r�e�c�i�t�e�d� �t�h�e� �"�[�T�i�v�a�]� �D�o�g�s�"�.� � �W�e�l�l�,� �i�t� �w�a�s� �a�l�l� �n�i�c�e�.� � �T�h�e� �"�C�u�d�d�l�e� �d�o�w�n�"� �w�a�s� �s�p�l�e�n�d�i�d�.� � �I� �l�i�k�e�d� �h�i�s� �r�e�a�d�i�n�g� �b�e�c�a�u�s�e� �i�t� �w�a�s� �s�o� �q�u�i�e�t�.� � �N�o� �"�t�h�e�a�t�r�i�c�a�l� �p�u�t�-�o�n�"� �a�b�o�u�t� �i�t�.� � �F�o�u�n�d�e�r�'�s� �D�a�y� � �I� �e�x�p�e�c�t�e�d� �D�e�a�n� �F�o�u�n�d�e�r�'�s� �D�a�y�.� � �H�e� �a�s�k�e�d� �m�e� �t�o� �m�e�e�t� �h�i�m� �a�t� �t�h�e� �d�e�p�o�t�,� �b�u�t� �I� �d�i�d� �n�o�t� �k�n�o�w� �w�h�a�t� �t�i�m�e� �h�e� �w�a�s� �c�o�m�i�n�g�.� � �I� �w�e�n�t� �d�o�w�n� �t�o� �t�h�e� �f�o�u�r� �o�'�c�l�o�c�k� �t�r�a�i�n�,� �t�h�o�u�g�h�.� � �H�e� �d�i�d� �n�o�t� �c�o�m�e�.� � �L�i�z�z�i�e� �B�r�o�w�n� �d�i�d� �h�o�w�e�v�e�r�.� � �W�h�e�n� �I� �c�a�m�e� �b�a�c�k� �t�o� �t�h�e� �C�o�l�l�e�g�e�,� �I� �f�o�u�n�d� �a� �n�o�t�e� �f�r�o�m� �F�a�n�n�i�e� �s�a�y�i�n�g� �t�h�a�t� �h�e�r� �A�u�n�t� �A�l�l�i�e� �w�a�s� �h�e�r�e�.� � �S�o� �I� �w�e�n�t� �d�o�w�n� �s�t�a�i�r�s�.� � �A�l�l�i�e� �w�a�s� �t�h�e�r�e�,� �a�n�d� �M�r�s�.� �F�r�e�d� �[�U�r�i�d�s�h�i�p�]�.� � �T�h�e�y� �h�a�d� �g�i�v�e�n� �F�a�n�n�i�e� �a� �s�u�r�p�r�i�s�e�.� � �I� �i�m�a�g�i�n�e� �I� �w�o�u�l�d� �h�a�v�e� �b�e�e�n� �g�l�a�d�d�e�r� �t�o� �s�e�e� �h�i�m� �a�t� �m�o�s�t� �a�n�y� �o�t�h�e�r� �t�i�m�e�,� �f�o�r� �s�h�e� �w�a�s� �e�x�p�e�c�t�i�n�g� �a��9�2� � �g�e�n�t�l�e�m�a�n�,� �a�n�d� �o�n�e� �w�h�o�m� �s�h�e� �h�a�d� �n�e�v�e�r� �s�e�e�n�,� �b�u�t� �h�a�d� �b�e�c�o�m�e� �a�c�q�u�a�i�n�t�e�d� �w�i�t�h� �t�h�r�o�u�g�h� �l�e�t�t�e�r�s� �b�y� �M�i�s�s� �W�a�l�c�h�.� � �H�o�w�e�v�e�r�,� �h�e�r� �g�e�n�t�l�e�m�a�n� �d�i�d�n�'�t� �c�o�m�e�.� � �I� �w�o�n�d�e�r� �w�h�a�t� �s�h�e� �t�o�l�d� �A�l�l�i�e� �a�b�o�u�t� �h�i�m�.� � �I�t� �h�a�d� �c�l�e�a�r�e�d� �o�f�f� �b�e�a�u�t�i�f�u�l�l�y�.� � �T�h�e� �m�o�r�n�i�n�g� �h�a�d� �b�e�e�n� �a� �d�r�i�z�z�l�y� �r�a�i�n�,� �a�n�d� �M�a�y�,� �J�.�F�.�,� �a�n�d� �I� �w�a�l�k�e�d� �i�n� �t�o� �t�h�e� �g�r�e�e�n�-�h�o�u�s�e� �w�i�t�h�o�u�t� �a�n�y� �s�a�c�k�s�.� � �M�a�y� �a�n�d� �J�e�s�s�i�e� �w�e�n�t� �o�n� �t�o� �t�o�w�n�.� � �I� �d�r�e�s�s�e�d� �a�n�d� �h�u�n�g� �a�r�o�u�n�d� �t�h�e� �r�e�a�d�i�n�g� �r�o�o�m�,� �w�a�t�c�h�i�n�g� �f�o�r� �m�y� �n�a�m�e� �o�n� �t�h�e� �b�u�l�l�e�t�i�n�,� �t�h�e�n� �o�c�c�a�s�i�o�n�a�l�l�y� �t�a�k�i�n�g� �a� �p�r�o�m�e�n�a�d�e� �t�h�r�o�u�g�h� �t�h�e� �h�a�l�l� �a�n�d� �p�a�r�l�o�r�s�,� �a�s� �s�o�m�e� �h�a�d� �b�e�e�n� �o�v�e�r�l�o�o�k�e�d�.� � �T�h�e�n� �I� �h�u�n�g� �a�r�o�u�n�d� �t�h�e� �h�a�l�l� �i�n� �f�r�o�n�t� �o�f� �t�h�e� �d�o�o�r� �f�o�r� �a�n�o�t�h�e�r� �h�a�l�f�-�h�o�u�r�.� � �A�t� �l�a�s�t� �h�e� �c�a�m�e�.� � �H�e� �w�a�s� �s�o� �l�a�t�e�,� �h�o�w�e�v�e�r�,� �t�h�a�t� �w�e� �d�i�d� �n�o�t� �g�e�t� �a� �[�b�i�t�]� �g�o�o�d� �s�e�a�t�s� �i�n� �c�h�a�p�e�l�.� � �M�r�s�.� �H�u�m�p�h�r�e�y� �A�l�l�e�n� �s�a�n�g� �b�e�a�u�t�i�f�u�l�l�y�.� � �R�o�b�e�r�t� �C�o�l�l�y�e�r� �a�d�d�r�e�s�s�e�d� �u�s� �a�b�o�u�t� �G�e�o�r�g�e� �E�l�l�i�o�t�.� � �M�i�s�s� �Y�a�m�a�k�a�n�a� �w�a�s� �m�a�r�s�h�a�l� �a�n�d� �s�h�e��9�3� � �l�o�o�k�e�d� �b�e�a�u�t�i�f�u�l�l�y�.� � �S�h�e� �h�a�d� �a� �d�r�e�s�s� �o�f� �w�h�i�t�e� �s�a�t�i�n� �a�n�d� �b�l�u�e� �J�a�p�a�n�e�s�e� �f�i�g�u�r�e�d� �g�o�o�d�s�.� � �I� �e�n�j�o�y�e�d� �t�h�e� �e�v�e�n�i�n�g� �e�v�e�r� �s�o� �m�u�c�h�.� � �I� �b�r�o�u�g�h�t� �A�l�i�c�e� �a�n�d� �M�r�s�.� �W�i�n�d�s�h�i�p� �i�n�t�o� �o�u�r� �p�a�r�l�o�r�,� �a�n�d� �t�h�e�n� �b�r�o�u�g�h�t� �D�e�a�n� �i�n�.� � �I� �w�a�s� �g�l�a�d� �t�o� �h�a�v�e� �a� �c�h�a�n�c�e� �t�o� �s�h�o�w� �h�i�m� �o�u�r� �r�o�o�m�.� � �H�e� �a�s�k�e�d� �m�e� �t�o� �g�o� �t�o� �r�i�d�e� �w�i�t�h� �h�i�m�,� �a�n�d� �I� �s�a�i�d� �t�h�a�t� �I� �w�o�u�l�d� �t�r�y� �t�o� �g�e�t� �p�e�r�m�i�s�s�i�o�n�.� � �B�u�t� �I� �w�a�s� �v�e�r�y� �m�u�c�h� �a�f�r�a�i�d� �I� �s�h�o�u�l�d� �n�o�t� �a�s� �I� �k�n�e�w� �s�o�m�e� �g�i�r�l�s� �h�a�d� �n�o�t� �b�e�e�n� �a�b�l�e� �t�o� �g�e�t� �p�e�r�m�i�s�s�i�o�n� �a�t� �o�t�h�e�r� �t�i�m�e�s�.� � �H�o�w�e�v�e�r� �t�h�e� �n�e�x�t� �m�o�r�n�i�n�g� �w�h�e�n� �h�e� �c�a�m�e� �o�u�t�,� �I� �b�o�l�d�l�y� �m�a�r�c�h�e�d� �u�p� �a�n�d� �a�s�k�e�d� �p�e�r�m�i�s�s�i�o�n� �t�o� �g�o� �r�i�d�e� �w�i�t�h� �m�y� �c�o�u�s�i�n�.� � �"�Y�o�u�r� �o�w�n� �c�o�u�s�i�n�?�"� �s�a�i�d� �M�r�s�.� �R�a�y�.� �"�Y�e�s�'�m�,�"� �s�a�i�d� �I�.� � �B�u�t� �i�t� �a�l�l� �[�d�e�p�e�n�d�e�d�]� �o�n� �t�h�e� �m�e�a�n�i�n�g� �s�h�e� �g�a�v�e� �t�o� �"�s�o�o�n�"�.� � �I�f� �i�t� �w�a�s� �a� �w�h�i�t�e� �l�i�e� �i�t� �d�o�e�s� �n�o�t� �h�u�r�t� �m�y� �c�o�n�s�c�i�e�n�c�e� �i�n� �t�h�e� �l�e�a�s�t�.� � �"�Y�o�u� �m�a�y� �g�o�,� �M�i�s�s� �Y�o�u�t�h�w�o�r�t�h�"�.� � �A�n�d� �I� �w�e�n�t� �a�n�d� �i�t� �w�a�s� �l�o�v�e�l�y�.� � �I� �h�a�d�n�'�t� �h�a�d� �a� �r�i�d�e� �s�i�n�c�e� �C�h�r�i�s�t�m�a�s�,� �a�n�d� �I� �n�e�v�e�r� �w�e�n�t��9�4� � �a�r�o�u�n�d� �P�o�u�g�h�k�e�e�p�s�i�e� �s�o� �m�u�c�h� �b�e�f�o�r�e�.� � �D�e�a�n� �w�e�n�t� �a�s� �s�o�o�n� �a�s� �w�e� �g�o�t� �b�a�c�k� �t�o� �C�o�l�l�e�g�e�.� � �H�e� �d�i�d�n�'�t� �g�o� �a�r�o�u�n�d� �t�h�e� �b�u�i�l�d�i�n�g�s� �a�n�y�.� � �J�u�n�e� �b�u�g�s� � �h�a�v�e� �c�o�m�e� �a�n�d� �a�l�r�e�a�d�y� �I� �h�a�v�e� �b�e�g�u�n� �t�o� �p�i�n� �t�h�e� �c�o�n�t�a�i�n�e�r�s� �t�o�g�e�t�h�e�r� �a�n�d� �t�o� �j�u�m�p� �w�h�e�n� �t�h�e� �s�t�r�a�y� �o�n�e�s� �b�u�z� �p�a�s�t� �m�y� �h�e�a�d�.� � �I�t� �i�s� �r�e�a�l�l�y� �s�u�m�m�e�r�.� � �S�e�v�e�r�a�l� �g�i�r�l�s� �w�o�r�e� �w�h�i�t�e� �d�r�e�s�s�e�s�.� � �I� �h�a�d� �s�o�m�e� �o�t�h�e�r� �t�h�i�n�g�s� �t�o� �w�r�i�t�e�,� �b�u�t� �I� �a�m� �s�l�e�e�p�y� �a�n�d� �i�t� �i�s� �S�i�l�e�n�t� �T�i�m�e�.� � �T�h�u�r�s�d�a�y�,� �M�a�y� �1�2�t�h� �1�8�8�1�.� � �W�e�a�t�h�e�r�.� � �W�i�n�t�e�r� �h�a�s� �d�a�s�h�e�d� �r�i�g�h�t� �i�n�t�o� �m�i�d�s�u�m�m�e�r�,� �a�n�d� �w�e� �a�r�e� �a�l�l� �[�p�u�n�i�s�h�i�n�g�]� �b�y� �i�n�c�h�e�s� �w�i�t�h� �t�h�e� �h�e�a�t�.� � �I�t� �i�s� �r�e�a�l�l�y� �p�e�r�f�e�c�t�l�y� �a�w�f�u�l�.� � �A�s�t�r�o�n�o�m�y� �L�e�c�t�u�r�e� � �I� �l�e�c�t�u�r�e�d� �i�n� �A�s�t�r�o�n�o�m�y� �M�a�y� �2�n�d��9�5� � �I� �h�a�d� �t�h�e� �p�e�r�i�o�d� �a�l�l� �t�o� �m�y�s�e�l�f�,� �a�s� �J�e�s�s�i�e�,� �w�h�o� �w�a�s� �t�o� �l�e�c�t�u�r�e� �a�t� �t�h�e� �s�a�m�e� �t�i�m�e�,� �w�a�s� �n�o�t� �a�b�l�e� �t�o� �g�o� �o�u�t�.� � �M�y� �s�u�b�j�e�c�t� �w�a�s� �"�T�h�e� �P�l�a�n�e�t�s�,� �M�e�r�c�u�r�y� �a�n�d� �V�e�n�u�s�.�"� � �P�r�o�f�.� �M�i�t�c�h�e�l�l� �s�a�i�d�,� �w�h�e�n� �I� �w�a�s� �f�i�n�i�s�h�e�d�,� �"�I�f� �a�n�y�o�n�e� �d�o�e�s�n�'�t� �t�h�i�n�k� �t�h�a�t� �i�s� �a� �n�i�c�e� �l�e�c�t�u�r�e�,� �l�e�t� �h�e�r� �s�p�e�a�k� �u�p�,� �a�n�d� �w�e�'�l�l� �d�i�s�p�o�s�e� �o�f� �h�e�r� �f�i�r�s�t�!�"� � �T�h�e�n� �s�h�e� �w�e�n�t� �o�n� �t�o� �m�a�k�e� �s�o�m�e� �c�r�i�t�i�c�i�s�m�s�,� �o�b�j�e�c�t�u�r�e�s� �t�o� �m�y� �c�a�l�l�i�n�g� �V�e�n�u�s� �"�h�e�r�,�"� �f�o�r� �s�h�e� �d�o�e�s�n�'�t� �l�i�k�e� �t�h�e� �m�i�x�i�n�g� �o�f� �P�h�y�s�i�c�a�l� �S�c�i�e�n�c�e� �a�n�d� �M�y�t�h�o�l�o�g�y�,� �a�n�d� �t�o� �m�y� �c�a�l�l�i�n�g� �t�h�e� �h�u�m�a�n� �r�a�c�e�,� �"�i�n�a�p�p�r�e�c�i�a�t�i�v�e�.�"� � �S�h�e� �s�u�g�g�e�s�t�e�d� �t�h�a�t� �i�f� �I� �h�a�d� �g�i�v�e�n� �a� �s�h�o�r�t� �s�k�e�t�c�h� �o�f� �t�h�e� �l�i�f�e� �o�f� �S�c�h�r�o�t�e�s� �w�h�o�m� �I� �m�e�n�t�i�o�n�e�d�,� �s�i�n�c�e� �I� �h�a�d� �p�l�e�n�t�y� �o�f� �t�i�m�e�,� �i�t� �w�o�u�l�d� �h�a�v�e� �b�e�e�n� �w�e�l�l�.� � �T�h�a�t� �a�m�u�s�e�d� �m�e� �v�e�r�y� �m�u�c�h�,� �f�o�r� �I� �d�i�d�n�'�t� �k�n�o�w� �t�i�l�l� �t�h�a�t� �m�o�r�n�i�n�g� �t�h�a�t� �I� �w�a�s� �g�o�i�n�g� �t�o� �h�a�v�e� �t�i�m�e� �a�n�d� �I� �d�i�d�n�'�t� �t�h�i�n�k� �w�e� �w�e�r�e� �e�x�p�e�c�t�e�d� �t�o� �k�n�o�w� �t�h�e� �b�i�o�g�r�a�p�h�i�e�s� �o�f� �e�v�e�r�y� �o�b�s�e�r�v�e�r� �w�e� �m�e�n�t�i�o�n�e�d�.��9�6� � �J�e�s�s�i�e� �l�e�c�t�u�r�e�d� �n�e�x�t� �w�e�e�k�.� � �H�e�r� �s�u�b�j�e�c�t� �w�a�s� �"�M�a�r�s� �a�n�d� �i�t�s� �S�a�t�e�l�l�i�t�e�s�.�"� � �H�e�r� �l�e�c�t�u�r�e� �w�a�s� �v�e�r�y� �n�i�c�e�.� � �P�r�o�f� �M�i�t�c�h�e�l�l� �m�e�t� �h�e�r� �i�n� �t�h�e� �w�a�l�k� �a�n�d� �s�a�i�d�,� �"�Y�o�u� �d�i�d� �s�p�l�e�n�d�i�d�l�y�,� �I� �a�m� �g�o�i�n�g� �t�o� �g�e�t� �m�y� �m�a�r�k�i�n�g� �b�o�o�k� �a�n�d� �f�i�x� �y�o�u� �u�p�.�"� � �P�r�o�f�.� �M�.�'�s� �f�u�m�i�n�g�.� � �H�e�r� �c�r�i�t�i�c�i�s�m�s� �a�r�e� �o�f�t�e�n� �r�e�d�i�c�u�l�o�u�s� �[�r�i�d�i�c�u�l�o�u�s�]�.� � �S�h�e� �i�s� �k�i�n�d� �o�f� �g�e�t�t�i�n�g� �i�n�t�o� �h�e�r� �s�e�c�o�n�d� �c�h�i�l�d�h�o�o�d� �i�n� �s�o�m�e� �r�e�s�p�e�c�t�s�,� �I� �t�h�i�n�k�.� � �I�n� �c�l�a�s�s� �s�o�m�e�t�i�m�e�s� �s�h�e� �d�o�n�'�t� �u�n�d�e�r�s�t�a�n�d� �w�h�a�t� �t�h�e� �g�i�r�l�s� �s�a�y� �a�n�d� �s�o� �d�e�c�l�a�r�e�s� �i�t� �w�r�o�n�g�.� � �T�h�e�n� �s�h�e� �w�i�l�l� �e�x�p�l�a�i�n� �h�e�r� �w�a�y� �a�n�d� �i�t� �w�i�l�l� �b�e� �t�h�e� �s�a�m�e� �t�h�i�n�g� �i�n� �d�i�f�f�e�r�e�n�t� �w�o�r�d�s�,� �b�u�t� �w�e� �c�a�n�'�t� �c�o�n�v�i�n�c�e� �h�e�r�.� � �S�h�e� �a�l�w�a�y�s� �h�a�s� �t�o� �h�a�v�e� �a� �t�h�i�n�g� �s�t�a�t�e�d� �i�n� �h�e�r� �w�o�r�d�s� �a�n�d� �h�e�r� �w�a�y�.� � �C�l�a�s�s� �E�s�s�a�y� � �I� �r�e�a�d� �m�y� �e�s�s�a�y� �M�a�y� �5�.� � �P�r�o�f�.� �B�a�c�k�u�s� �w�a�s� �n�o�t� �i�n� �c�l�a�s�s�.� � �H�e� �w�a�s� �o�u�t� �o�f� �C�o�l�l�e�g�e�,� �s�o� �I� �d�i�d�n�'�t� �h�a�v�e� �t�o� �h�a�n�d� �i�n� �m�y� �e�s�s�a�y� �o�r� �a�n�y�t�h�i�n�g�.� � �I�f� �c�o�m�e�s� �I��9�7� � �w�a�s� �d�e�l�i�g�h�t�e�d�.� � �T�h�e� �g�i�r�l�s� �l�a�u�g�h�e�d� �i�n� �t�h�e� �p�r�o�p�o�s�a�l� �s�c�e�n�e�,� �a�s� �I� �k�n�e�w� �t�h�e�y� �w�o�u�l�d�.� � �I� �h�a�d� �j�u�s�t� �f�i�n�i�s�h�e�d� �i�t� �a�n�d� �t�a�k�e�n� �m�y� �s�e�a�t� �a�n�d� �M�i�s�s� �H�i�s�c�o�c�k� �h�a�d� �s�a�i�d�,� �"�A�n�y� �c�r�i�t�i�s�i�s�m�s�?�"� �w�h�e�n� �t�h�e� �b�e�l�l� �r�u�n�g�.� � �A�n�o�t�h�e�r� �f�o�r�t�u�n�a�t�e� �c�i�r�c�u�m�s�t�a�n�c�e�.� � �T�h�e� �t�i�m�e� �b�e�f�o�r�e�,� �P�r�o�f�.� �B�.� �w�a�s�n�'�t� �t�h�e�r�e� �a�n�d� �M�i�s�s� �S�h�o�v�e� �a�n�d� �M�i�s�s� �P�i�c�k� �r�e�a�d�.� � �S�u�b�j�e�c�t�s� �"�T�h�o�m�a�s� �B�a�i�l�y� �A�l�d�r�i�c�h�"�,� �a�n�d� �"�[�F�h�i�s�h�i�n�g�]� �B�a�y�"�.� � �I�n� �l�a�s�t� �E�n�g�l�i�s�h� �C�l�a�s�s�,� �M�i�s�s� �P�i�m�p�l�e� �r�e�a�d� �a� �v�e�r�y� �n�i�c�e� �c�h�a�r�a�c�t�e�r� �s�k�e�t�c�h�,� �"�S�a�v�a�n�a�r�o�l�a�"�,� �a�n�d� �M�i�s�s� �N�i�c�k�e�r�s�o�n� �r�e�a�d� �a� �v�e�r�y� �d�e�e�p� �d�i�s�c�u�s�s�i�o�n� �"�C�u�l�t�u�r�e� �v�e�r�s�u�s� �O�r�i�g�i�n�a�l�i�t�y�.�"� � �P�.�B�.� �s�a�i�d� �h�e� �w�i�s�h�e�d� �w�e� �h�a�d� �a�n� �a�u�d�i�e�n�c�e�.� � �H�e� �a�s�k�e�d� �M�i�s�s� �H�i�s�c�o�c�k� �t�o� �i�n�v�i�t�e� �P�r�o�f�.� �C�o�o�l�e�y� �a�n�d� �t�h�e� �P�r�e�s�i�d�e�n�t� �a�n�d� �s�o�m�e� �o�t�h�e�r�s�.� � �"�I�f� �y�o�u� �d�o�n�'�t�,� �I� �s�h�a�l�l�,� �t�h�a�t� �i�s�,� �i�f� �y�o�u� �w�i�l�l� �g�i�v�e� �m�e� �p�e�r�m�i�s�s�i�o�n�"�.� � �M�i�s�s� �H�.� �r�e�p�l�i�e�d� �t�h�a�t� �s�h�e� �s�h�o�u�l�d� �b�e� �v�e�r�y� �h�a�p�p�y�,� �a�n�d� �t�h�e� �g�i�r�l�s� �w�h�o� �h�a�v�e�n�'�t� �r�e�a�d� �a�r�e� �s�c�a�r�e�d� �t�o� �d�e�a�t�h�.��9�8� � �N�a�p�o�l�e�o�n� �B�o�n�a�p�a�r�t�e� � �I� �h�a�v�e� �b�e�e�n� �w�r�i�t�i�n�g� �a�n� �e�s�s�a�y� �o�n� �t�h�e� �"�S�o�u�r�c�e�s� �o�f� �t�h�e� �N�a�p�o�l�e�o�n�i�c� �I�l�l�u�s�i�o�n�s�"�.� � �I�s�n�'�t� �t�h�a�t� �a� �p�e�r�f�e�c�t�l�y� �a�w�f�u�l� �s�u�b�j�e�c�t�?� � �I� �h�a�d� �t�o� �r�e�a�d� �a� �g�r�e�a�t� �d�e�a�l�,� �b�u�t� �t�h�e� �t�r�o�u�b�l�e� �o�f� �i�t� �i�s� �t�h�a�t� �a�f�t�e�r� �r�e�a�d�i�n�g� �s�o� �m�u�c�h� �t�h�e� �w�h�o�l�e� �o�f� �t�h�e� �e�s�s�a�y� �h�a�s� �t�o� �b�e� �"�e�v�o�l�v�e�d�"�.� � �M�a�r�y� �K�i�n�g� �k�n�e�w� �t�h�a�t� �I� �w�a�s� �g�o�i�n�g� �t�o� �w�r�i�t�e� �a�b�o�u�t� �h�i�m�,� �s�o� �s�h�e� �m�a�d�e� �m�e� �b�e� �o�n�e� �o�f� �t�h�e� �s�p�e�a�k�e�r�s� �o�n� �t�h�e� �s�u�b�j�e�c�t� �i�n� �C�l�i�o�.� � �I� �s�p�o�k�e� �a�b�o�u�t� �h�i�s� �p�r�i�v�a�t�e� �l�i�f�e� �a�n�d� �c�h�a�r�a�c�t�e�r�.� � �I� �w�a�s� �t�h�i�n�k�i�n�g� �m�y� �e�s�s�a�y� �d�i�d�n�'�t� �h�a�v�e� �t�o� �g�o� �i�n� �t�i�l�l� �n�e�x�t� �S�a�t�u�r�d�a�y�,� �b�u�t� �I� �k�n�e�w� �a�l�l� �t�h�e� �t�i�m�e� �i�t� �w�a�s� �M�a�y� �1�4�t�h�.� � �T�h�u�r�s�d�a�y� �I� �h�a�d�n�'�t� �d�o�n�e� �a� �t�h�i�n�g� �a�b�o�u�t� �i�t� �e�x�c�e�p�t� �t�o� �r�e�a�d� �n�e�a�r�l�y� �a�l�l� �A�b�b�o�t�t�'�s� �L�i�f�e� �o�f� �N�a�p�o�l�e�o�n� �B�o�n�a�p�a�r�t�e� �a�n�d� �t�h�e� �M�e�m�o�i�r�s� �o�f� �M�a�d�a�m�e� �d�e� �R�e�m�u�s�a�t�.� � �I� �h�a�d�n�'�t� �a� �s�i�n�g�l�e� �w�e�l�l�-�d�e�f�i�n�e�d� �i�d�e�a� �o�n� �t�h�e� �s�u�b�j�e�c�t�.� � �T�h�u�r�s�d�a�y� �J�e�n�n�i�e� �P�a�t�t�e�r�s�o�n� �c�a�m�e� �t�o� �m�e� �f�o�r� �M�a�d�a�m�e� �d�e� �R�a�m�u�s�a�t�,� �a�n�d� �s�a�i�d� �t�h�a�t� �s�h�e� �h�a�d� �n�o�t��9�9� � �w�r�i�t�t�e�n� �a� �w�o�r�d� �o�n� �h�e�r�s� �b�u�t� �w�a�s� �g�o�i�n�g� �t�o� �s�e�n�d� �h�e�r�s� �i�n� �o�n� �t�i�m�e�.� � �I� �s�a�i�d� �I� �s�h�o�u�l�d�n�'�t� �a�t�t�e�m�p�t� �i�t�,� �I� �s�h�o�u�l�d� �t�a�k�e� �a�s� �m�u�c�h� �t�i�m�e� �a�s� �I� �c�h�o�s�e�,� �a�n�d� �I� �h�a�d�n�'�t� �a�n�y� �i�d�e�a� �I� �s�h�o�u�l�d� �g�e�t� �i�t� �i�n� �b�e�f�o�r�e� �n�e�x�t� �S�a�t�u�r�d�a�y�.� � �B�u�t� �s�h�e� �s�t�i�m�u�l�a�t�e�d� �m�e� �t�o� �w�o�r�k� �a�n�d� �I� �t�h�o�u�g�h�t� �h�o�w� �n�i�c�e� �i�t� �w�o�u�l�d� �b�e� �t�o� �h�a�v�e� �a�l�l� �e�s�s�a�y� �w�o�r�k� �o�f�f� �m�y� �h�a�n�d�s�,� �s�o� �I� �b�e�g�a�n� �t�o� �w�r�i�t�e� �a�n�d� �I� �g�o�t� �a� �l�i�t�t�l�e� �d�o�n�e�.� � �F�r�i�d�a�y� �I� �l�a�z�e�d� �a�r�o�u�n�d� �a�l�l� �d�a�y� �f�e�e�l�i�n�g� �c�o�n�s�c�i�e�n�c�e�-�s�t�r�i�k�e�n� �b�u�t� �i�n�c�o�m�p�e�t�e�n�t� �t�o� �w�r�i�t�e� �o�n� �m�y� �e�s�s�a�y�,� �a�n�d� �r�e�a�d�i�n�g� �a� �"�F�a�i�r� �B�a�r�b�a�r�i�a�n�"�.� � �F�r�i�d�a�y� �n�i�g�h�t� �I� �s�u�c�c�e�e�d�e�d� �i�n� �w�r�i�t�i�n�g� �q�u�i�t�e� �a� �g�o�o�d� �d�e�a�l�.� � �S�a�t�u�r�d�a�y� �I� �g�o�t� �i�t� �n�e�a�r�l�y� �r�e�a�d�y� �t�o� �c�o�p�y� �a�n�d� �I� �s�h�a�l�l� �h�a�n�d� �i�t� �i�n� �t�o�m�o�r�r�o�w�.� � �M�i�s�s� �P�a�t�t�e�r�s�o�n� �s�e�n�t� �h�e�r�s� �i�n� �l�a�s�t� �n�i�g�h�t�.� � �S�h�e� �h�a�d� �o�n�l�y� �7� �p�a�g�e�s�.� � �S�h�e� �s�a�y�s� �h�e�r�s� �i�s� �f�e�a�r�f�u�l�l�y� �b�o�m�b�a�s�t�i�c�.� � �S�o� �i�s� �m�i�n�e�,� �a�n�d� �f�l�a�t�,� �t�o�o�.� � �I� �n�e�v�e�r� �w�r�o�t�e� �a�n� �e�s�s�a�y� �t�h�a�t� �t�r�o�u�b�l�e�s� �m�e� �s�o� �m�u�c�h� �o�r� �t�h�a�t� �I� �s�p�e�n�t� �s�o� �l�i�t�t�l�e� �t�i�m�e� �i�n� �t�h�e� �w�r�i�t�i�n�g� �o�f� �i�t�.� � �I��1�0�0� � �u�s�u�a�l�l�y� �h�a�v�e� �i�t� �d�r�a�g�g�i�n�g� �a�l�o�n�g� �h�a�l�f�-�w�r�i�t�t�e�n� �f�o�r� �t�w�o� �o�r� �t�h�r�e�e� �S�a�t�u�r�d�a�y�s�.� � �M�i�s�s� �H�i�s�c�o�c�k� �l�e�t� �J�e�s�s�i�e� �h�a�n�d� �i�n� �h�e�r� �A�s�t�r�o�n�o�m�y� �l�e�c�t�u�r�e� �f�o�r� �a�n� �e�s�s�a�y�.� � �J�e�s�s�i�e� �c�a�r�r�i�e�d� �i�n� �h�e�r� �a�n�a�l�y�s�i�s� �a�n�d� �M�i�s�s� �H�i�s�c�o�c�k� �c�r�i�t�i�c�i�s�e�d� �i�t�,� �a�l�t�h�o�u�g�h� �s�h�e� �s�a�i�d� �s�h�e� �k�n�e�w� �"�n�o�t�h�i�n�g� �w�h�a�t�e�v�e�r�"� �a�b�o�u�t� �a�s�t�r�o�n�o�m�y�.� � �S�h�e� �o�b�j�e�c�t�e�d� �t�o� �J�e�s�s�i�e�'�s� �p�o�s�i�t�i�o�n� �o�f� �t�h�e� �t�o�p�i�c� �"�S�a�t�e�l�l�i�t�e�s�,�"� �a�n�d� �w�h�e�n� �J�e�s�s�i�e� �f�a�i�l�e�d� �t�o� �b�e� �c�o�n�v�i�n�c�e�d�,� �s�e�n�t� �h�e�r� �t�o� �m�e� �t�o� �h�a�v�e� �m�e� �c�r�i�t�i�c�i�s�e� �i�t�.� � �M�i�s�s� �H�i�s�c�o�c�k� �k�n�o�w�s� �t�h�a�t� �w�e� �a�r�e� �g�r�e�a�t� �f�r�i�e�n�d�s�.� � �S�o� �s�h�e� �g�a�v�e� �i�t� �t�o� �m�e� �t�o� �c�r�i�t�i�c�i�s�e� �a�n�d� �I� �m�a�d�e� �t�h�e� �s�a�m�e� �o�b�j�e�c�t�i�o�n� �a�s� �M�i�s�s� �H�.� �w�h�i�c�h� �w�a�s� �r�a�t�h�e�r� �f�u�n�n�y�.� � �M�o�r�e� �e�s�s�a�y�s� �h�a�v�e� �b�e�e�n� �r�e�a�d�.� � �M�i�s�s� �W�a�n�d�e�r� �r�e�a�d� �a� �c�h�a�r�a�c�t�e�r� �s�k�e�t�c�h� �a�b�o�u�t� �R�a�y�m�o�n�d� �R�o�g�e�r�,� �a�n�d� �M�i�s�s� �V�a�m�e�s� �o�n�e� �a�b�o�u�t� �a� �l�i�t�t�l�e� �b�o�y� �n�a�m�e�d� �G�e�o�r�g�e�,� �w�h�i�c�h� �w�a�s� �"�a�w�f�u�l�l�y� �c�u�t�e�"�.��1�0�1� � �F�r�e�n�c�h� �P�l�a�y� � �c�a�m�e� �o�f�f� �l�a�s�t� �n�i�g�h�t�.� � �I� �w�e�n�t� �w�i�t�h� �F�a�n�n�i�e�.� � �T�h�e�r�e� �w�e�r�e� �t�w�o�,� �"�L�a� �M�i�a�i�s�e� �d�e� �S�t�.� �F�l�o�u�r�"� �a�n�d� �"�L�e� �M�a�l�a�d�e� �I�m�a�g�i�n�a�i�r�e�"�.� � �T�h�e� �s�e�c�o�n�d� �w�a�s� �v�e�r�y� �m�u�c�h� �t�h�e� �b�e�s�t�.� � �M�a�d�g�e� �m�a�d�e� �h�e�r� �f�i�r�s�t� �a�p�p�e�a�r�a�n�c�e� �i�n� �t�h�e� �h�a�l�l� �a�s� �B�e�r�a�l�d�e� �a�n�d� �l�o�o�k�e�d� �v�e�r�y� �h�a�n�d�s�o�m�e�.� � �M�i�s�s� �M�e�n�i�c�k� �a�s� �A�r�g�a�n� �d�i�d� �s�p�l�e�n�d�i�d�l�y�,� �a�n�d� �H�a�t�t�i�e� �a�s� �T�o�i�n�e�t�t�e� �w�a�s� �v�e�r�y� �n�i�c�e�.� � �M�i�s�s� �H�a�r�k�e�r� �w�a�s� �a� �l�i�t�t�l�e� �g�i�r�l� �a�n�d� �c�a�m�e� �i�n� �w�i�t�h� �a� �b�a�b�y� �c�a�r�r�i�a�g�e�,� �w�i�t�h� �h�e�r� �h�a�i�r� �d�o�w�n� �a�n�d� �a� �s�h�o�r�t� �d�r�e�s�s�.� � �S�h�e� �d�i�d� �s�p�l�e�n�d�i�d�l�y�.� � �S�h�e� �l�o�o�k�e�d� �v�e�r�y� �l�i�t�t�l�e� �a�n�d� �s�h�e� �h�a�s� �a� �c�h�i�l�d�i�s�h� �v�o�i�c�e�.� � �M�a�d�e�m�o�i�s�e�l�l�e� �g�a�v�e� �t�h�e� �a�c�t�o�r�s� �a� �s�p�r�e�a�d� �a�f�t�e�r� �i�t� �w�a�s� �o�v�e�r�.� � �S�h�e� �w�o�r�k�e�d� �v�e�r�y� �h�a�r�d� �t�o� �g�e�t� �i�t� �u�p� �a�n�d� �s�a�y�s� �i�t� �i�s� �t�h�e� �l�a�s�t� �f�o�r� �m�a�n�y� �y�e�a�r�s�,� �a�l�t�h�o�u�g�h� �t�h�e� �o�t�h�e�r� �d�a�y� �s�h�e� �s�a�i�d� �s�h�e� �w�i�s�h�e�d� �I� �w�o�u�l�d� �t�a�k�e� �F�r�e�n�c�h� �f�o�r� �s�h�e� �w�a�n�t�e�d� �m�e� �f�o�r� �h�e�r� �p�l�a�y� �n�e�x�t� �y�e�a�r�.� � �S�h�e� �i�s� �s�o� �f�u�n�n�y�!� � �S�h�e� �t�o�l�d� �h�e�r� �c�l�a�s�s� �t�h�a�t� �s�h�e� �w�a�n�t�e�d� �t�h�e�m� �t�o� �c�l�a�p� �a�f�t�e�r� �t�h�e� �f�i�r�s�t� �s�c�e�n�e� �b�e�c�a�u�s�e� �i�t� �w�o�u�l�d� �e�n�c�o�u�r�a�g�e��1�0�2� � �t�h�e�m�,� �a�n�d� �s�h�e� �w�o�u�l�d� �l�i�k�e� �t�o� �h�a�v�e� �t�h�e� �s�i�n�g�i�n�g� �e�n�c�o�r�e�d�.� � �S�o� �w�e� �c�l�a�p�p�e�d� �t�i�l�l� �t�h�e� �p�r�i�n�c�i�p�a�l� �a�c�t�o�r�s� �h�a�d� �t�o� �c�o�m�e� �b�e�f�o�r�e� �t�h�e� �c�u�r�t�a�i�n� �a�f�t�e�r� �t�h�e� �f�i�r�s�t� �p�l�a�y�,� �a�n�d� �t�h�e� �s�i�n�g�i�n�g� �w�a�s� �o�b�e�d�i�e�n�t�l�y� �e�n�c�o�r�e�d�.� � �T�r�e�e� �C�e�r�e�m�o�n�i�e�s�.� � �T�h�e� �S�o�p�h�s� �h�a�d� �t�h�e�i�r� �T�r�e�e� �C�e�r�e�m�o�n�i�e�s� �F�r�i�d�a�y�.� � �F�i�r�s�t� �t�h�e� �e�x�e�r�c�i�s�e�s� �a�t� �t�h�e� �t�r�e�e�,� �t�h�e�n� �a� �r�i�d�e�,� �t�h�e�n� �a� �[�c�o�l�l�a�t�i�o�n�]� �a�t� �t�h�e� �h�a�l�l�.� � �T�h�e�y� �h�a�d� �a� �l�o�v�e�l�y� �t�i�m�e�.� � �M�a�y� �2�2�n�d� �1�8�8�1�.� � �E�d�i�t�o�r�s� � �f�o�r� �n�e�x�t� �y�e�a�r�s� �M�i�s�c�e�l�l�a�n�y� �h�a�v�e� �b�e�e�n� �e�l�e�c�t�e�d�.� � �M�i�s�s� �H�o�w�e�,� �l�e�a�d� �e�d�i�t�o�r�.� � �M�i�s�s�e�s� �K�i�n�g� �a�n�d� �S�a�n�f�o�r�d�,� �s�e�n�i�o�r� �e�d�i�t�o�r�s�.� � �M�i�s�s� �N�i�c�k�e�r�s�o�n�,� �b�u�s�i�n�e�s�s� �e�d�i�t�o�r�.� � �M�i�s�s�e�s� �[�B�o�s�k�w�i�c�h�]� �a�n�d� �S�w�i�f�t�,� �j�u�n�i�o�r� �e�d�i�t�o�r�s�.� � �M�i�s�s� �K�i�n�g� �h�a�d� �a� �l�o�v�e�l�y� �e�s�s�a�y� �a�b�o�u�t� �K�e�a�t�s� �l�a�s�t� �w�e�e�k�.� � �I� �w�a�s� �n�o�t� �i�n� �E�n�g�l�i�s�h� �C�l�a�s�s�,� �b�u�t� �s�h�e� �r�e�a�d� �i�t� �t�o� �m�e� �a�f�t�e�r�w�a�r�d�s�.� � �I� �t�h�i�n�k� �i�t� �i�s� �t�h�e� �n�i�c�e�s�t� �o�n�e� �w�e� �h�a�v�e��1�0�3� � �h�a�d� �y�e�t�.� � �S�h�e� �h�a�d� �o�n�e� �s�u�c�h� �n�i�c�e� �t�h�o�u�g�h�t�,� �w�h�i�c�h� �I� �n�e�v�e�r� �h�e�a�r�d� �o�f� �b�e�f�o�r�e�,� �t�h�e� �q�u�e�s�t�i�o�n� �w�h�e�t�h�e�r� �t�h�e� �m�a�n� �s�h�o�u�l�d� �d�r�i�v�e� �h�i�s� �i�d�e�a� �o�r� �t�h�e� �i�d�e�a� �t�h�e� �m�a�n�.� � �S�h�a�k�s�p�e�a�r�e� �[�S�h�a�k�e�s�p�e�a�r�e�]� �w�a�s� �o�f� �t�h�e� �f�o�r�m�e�r� �c�l�a�s�s�.� � �K�e�a�t�s� �o�f� �t�h�e� �l�a�t�t�e�r�.� � �I� �t�h�i�n�k� �t�h�e� �l�i�t�t�l�e� �v�e�r�s�e� �a�b�o�u�t� �K�e�a�t�s� �i�s� �c�u�t�e�,� � �"�W�h�o� �k�i�l�l�e�d� �J�o�h�n� �K�e�a�t�s�?� � �'�I�'� �s�a�i�d� �t�h�e� �Q�u�a�r�t�e�r�l�y�,� � �S�o� �f�i�e�r�c�e� �a�n�d� �s�o� �[�t�a�r�t�e�r�l�y�]�,� � �'�I�t� �w�a�s� �o�n�e� �o�f� �m�y� �f�e�a�t�s�.�'� �"� � �P�.�B�.� �s�p�o�k�e� �h�i�g�h�l�y� �o�f� �h�e�r� �e�s�s�a�y�.� � �H�e� �a�l�s�o� �s�a�i�d� �t�h�a�t� �b�e�c�a�u�s�e� �a� �y�o�u�n�g� �l�a�d�y� �w�a�s� �o�n� �t�h�e� �b�o�a�r�d� �o�f� �e�d�i�t�o�r�s� �w�a�s� �n�o� �r�e�a�s�o�n� �h�e�r� �e�s�s�a�y�s� �s�h�o�u�l�d� �n�o�t� �b�e� �p�u�b�l�i�s�h�e�d� �i�n� �t�h�e� �M�i�s�c�e�l�l�a�n�y�.� � �T�h�e� �o�t�h�e�r� �e�d�i�t�o�r�s� �o�u�g�h�t� �t�o� �a�s�k� �f�o�r� �h�e�r� �e�s�s�a�y�s�.� � �T�h�e� �e�s�s�a�y�s� �o�f� �M�i�s�s�e�s� �H�o�w�e� �a�n�d� �S�a�n�f�o�r�d�,� �w�h�i�c�h� �w�e� �h�a�d� �t�h�a�t� �w�e�e�k� �w�e�r�e� �a�l�s�o� �v�e�r�y� �n�i�c�e�.� � �M�i�s�s� �S�a�n�f�o�r�d� �l�e�a�d� �w�i�t�h� �J�o�h�n� �B�r�o�w�n�,� �t�h�e� �H�o�t�-�h�e�a�d�e�d� �D�e�m�a�g�o�g�u�e�'� �a�n�d� �M�i�s�s� �H�o�w�e� �f�o�l�l�o�w�e�d� �w�i�t�h� �J�o�h�n� �B�r�o�w�n� �t�h�e� �F�r�a�r�104 sighted Patriot' They each took the side that each believed. I think if anything I was inclined, without giving the matter any thought, to Miss Sanford's side. The action seemed more the action of a 'hot-headed' than a 'far-sighted' man. But Miss Howe succeeded in convincing me. They were both very nice. But I think Miss Howe's was more finished. She is such a nice writer. There were very many people in class Mrs. Ray, Miss Jordan, Miss Brown, Fitzhugh, Freeman, White, Burke, and some others. Miss Brown afterwards said to Mary King in the hall and said that she wanted the next Miscellany to publish those three essays, Misses Howe, Sanford, and King. But Mary said that wouldn't do very well, for the editors to publish their own essays in the first number they published. Miss Brown hadn't heard the new editors till then. Prof Backus105 thinks lots of Mary King. The other day she was excused from preparation and he told her she didn't know what a relief it was to him to have her unprepared once in a while. One day last semester, something was said about genius and talent. Mary asked if "genius wasn't merely talent only in a higher degree." Where upon P.B. said, "I don't know, Miss King. I was just thinking of asking you that question." Which was meant for a compliment. "P.B." There is a little joke on me about those letters, which is too good not to tell. We all call Prof. Backus "P.B." when we are talking about him, and I talk about him so much that I use them a great deal. The other day in Astronomy class, I had to explain a figure in which one of the [...] was designated by P.M.106 I kept calling it "P.B." which very much amused the girls. Poor Miss Whitney couldn't imagine what was going on that was so funny. As for me, I was unconssious [unconscious] of it all till I went to my seat and Jessie told me about it. Mary King said that she was going to put that among College Notes in the first Miscellany she brought out and also that she was going to tell that to Miss Howe when P.B. could hear her. For this last she had an excellent opportunity, but she waited carefully till she had an opportunity to tell it so that he would not hear. The Junior Party came off Friday. It rained all the week, and as day after day passed and there was no sign of a clearing, our faces began to get long. Thursday I was sick all day and you may well believe I was blue, for I was afraid I should be unable107 to go. I spent the evening in Mary King's room. About 9 o'clock I started to come down and I said, "Let's see what is the state of the weather is." "Yes, see if there are any stars out," said Mary in her most sarcastic tone. I looked out, and behold, there were stars. I cried out in astonishment. Mary gave a howl of delight and rushed out to alarm the tower. "Stars, stars!" we cried but no one was in sight. Presently we heard a rush in Miss Patterson's room and the cry was taken up there. We went to bed rejoicing. At 5 o'clock when I walked it was quite clear. At 6.30 when I got up, it was cloudy again. Well, I got up and dressed and determined to go at all costs. The previous day when I was at class meeting and had suggested staying at home, all of the girls had cried out against it. And Miss Howe108 had said, "Now, look here, you're not going to stay at home. You've got to go!" and some of the committee said, "The rain won't hurt you." The committee didn't seem unreasonably disturbed at the thought of a storm. We were all wondering where we could be going. We weren't surprised however when we were told to assemble in the parlor at quarter of eight, for there was no moon and for that reason we thought we wouldn't be out late. At quarter of eight were [we] were in the parlors and the carriages were at the door. We piled in and started. Mrs. Ray saw us off. We had quite a jolly ride, but it had been raining and looked every minute as if it would begin again every minute. We passed Prof. Cooley on the corner of Main Street, and he raised his hat very politely. Some of the girls thought we were going to the depot, but we passed it and went109 on to the wharf. Then some conjectured that we were going across in the ferry, for the Mary Powell was being painted and we could not have her. Well, we waited. Poor Miss [Henck] wasn't there, and we had very "little faculty," that body being represented by [Prex] and P.B. At last the steamer Thomas Cornwell arrived at the wharf and we all went aboard. We were handed painted ribbons with cards attached. There was a piece of poetry on the cards that contained clues to our journey, if any one was smart enough to discover them. Soon we were off and '82's glee club sang the greeting. 81's responded with the cutest words and most rollicking tune ever was. "Hunny, hunny, '81 waits," and "What is you quid, your quid, your qui, qui, qui, quid, what is your [vaunted] quid." They were anxious to see our quid in this, our [...] party. Then we went110 out in the bow. Miss Braishir was my girl. Up the river to Roundout, and there we stopped. What now? We gathered up our bundles and left the boat. Lo, a train! We got into the Observation Car with Mary and Miss Hodge. The scenery was lovely! The cinders flew, and the wind blew. But we were happy. Three hours we rode. We made, however, three stops. To get up steam, I heard, it was so up-grade. 770 ft. to the mile. By and by Miss Baldwin sent me into the other car, it was so cold in that one. I obeyed dutifully, and it was well I did, I guess. I talked with Miss Whitney and Miss Hayes. We all hailed with delight the first mountain, as it loomed up thro [through?] the mist. Mountains ceased to be wonders to us long before we reached our destination. We were in the heart of the Catskills. At last we111 stopped for good at Summit, on the highest mountain of the Catskills, 50 miles inward, I heard someone say, from the river. There were carriages there, but not enough for the whole party. I however was fortunate enough to get a ride. The road was rough and muddy. It was [coideulty] now, and P.B. who was standing up in the back of the wagon, said that the house was called the Grand Hotel, and that we were to be the first guests ever sustained there, for it was not yet done. We were wise enough to stop at the end of the road and walk a few roads up the hill to the door. Those who did not, seemed in imminent danger of an upset. But they all came out right. The hotel was yet far from finished, and the carpenters were busily at work. We wandered about the [piazzas] and gazed at the scenery, which was lovely in112 spite of the fog. Some of the girls danced and the band played. The committee got things ready for dinner. About half past two we were called to dinner, which lasted three hours. It was perfectly lovely. [Their] menus came from Paris. I guess Miss [Semple's] sister brought them. Every thing was lovely, but the last part was rather hurried as we had to go to the train. Miss Shove made a speech and was answered by Miss Bryan. Miss Howe, in whose favor Miss Baldwin resigned her position as chariman of the committee a few days ago, proposed toasts. [She] was responded to by Prex who ended with "The Junior Class having reached the summit of their hopes, there are no more words to offer." Misses Durand and Shaw responded. P.B. only said about six words when he was called upon. When we slapped him till he rose again he only said that the train started in five minutes.113 We were quite provoked with him for not making a speech, for he can make such nice ones when he chooses. Miss Glenn toasted out "chairman Rose" and also Miss Howe in a piece of poetry and Miss H. responded in poetry. We hurried off at last and I rode to the station. Miss Braishir and I were with Misses Durand and Harker, and we all thought it would be nice to have a ride on the engine. So I asked P.B. if we could. So when we stopped he came to see who wished to go. As but two could go we sent Misses Braishir and Durand, of course, for they were our guests and we wished them to. P.B. came back and asked why I didn't go, which was very silly, and said he would try again for me. But the train did not stop again, so I did not have that treat. The sun came out beautifully now and there was a lovely rainbow.114 The sun came out some when we were in the dining room, and the girls clapped. When we got on board the boat we find that it had been raining there. The river trip was lovely. The fairwells were finally sung, we landed at Poughkeepsie, were bundled with the waiting carriages and at last landed at the College, where we were treated to coffee, egg, potato, and the remnants of ice cream and strawberries. Well, it was over, and it had been lovely. The hotel people were real nice. They had lovely bouquets for all of us and they invited us to come up between the 13th and 22d of June and spend a night. Everything was to be finished then but it was not to be opened until the 22d. There were any amount of natives around, and we could not imagine where they came from, as scarcely a home was in sight. Some of them came and sat in on115 corner of the dining room while we were at dinner. But they went out just before the toasts and came in just after. The Pres. said that the Pres. of the road told him to bring the whole College up there, when the foliage was nicest next fall, and he would take us up as far as we wanted to go. And I guess Prex means to do it. Saturday Mrs. Ray said, "Well, I'm very glad to see you back alive from that Junior party, Miss [Southworthe]. I heard that it was terribly cold there and that a great many of the young ladies were ill." Which [...] rumor was the result of Miss Laurence having a chill. But Miss L. has been subject to chills for several days and it was not all the result of the cold among the mountains. Miss Howe said that she was glad Miss Ray wasn't there, for she would have kept her (Miss H.) in a contin.116 state of [foment?] all the while. Miss H. also said that P.B. was any amount of help to them. They ran to him for everything while they were planning. He likes to do such things but it is real good of him, all the same. No one else would take the trouble or be half the use to them if he should. Miss Meeker says that he helps those girls that need assitance in going through College, a great deal. He goes to private persons whom he knows can afford it and enlists their sympathies and their money in the cause. She says he does more than any one person in this way and she thinks that at least half who get help from private individuals get it through P.B. Well I think it is awfully nice in him, too. He is interested in us somewhat besides our progress in the English Department as a teacher ought to be.117 Sunday May 29 1881 Rooms We are having an awful time about rooms. We handed in our choices Monday night. Tuesday all those who wanted single rooms went to her. I had agreed to parlor with Helen Warren, if Mrs. Ray wouldn't let her room with Miss Gunnison. We asked Miss [Munro] to go with us. She will not be admitted to our class till fall, for she has Zoology to make up. As I thought I must say something to Mrs. Ray about rooms, I went to her and applied to her for the corner room, but said that I would like to go into a parlor. I said nothing about Miss Warren, for she did not wish Mrs. Ray to known till she asked about Miss Gunnison. The next day Helen went to Mrs. Ray about rooms. She did not get permission to room118 with Miss Gunnison, so spoke about Miss [Munro] and me. Mrs. Ray assigned us a room on the Senior Corridor. Soon after, I heard that the same parlor had been assigned Miss Shove's parlor. There are four long rooms on the Corridor, and six sets of young ladies applied for them. Among others Miss Shove's parlor of four. But they gave it up, so Mrs. Ray had an opportunity to pur four girls in a parlor, and did so. I do not wonder at that, or that we were the ones to be put out, for Miss [Munro] has not yet joined the Class. Well we went to Mrs. Ray and she explained and I explained and she said she would see what could be done for a parlor off the Corridor. I departed. I was to go to her the next day at her office hour. I believe it was that afternoon she119 made an offer, through Miss Jones, to put me with Misses Easton and Jones. But I prefered the parlor I had made. And where was Mrs. Ray to put us? The Senior Corridor was full. I think Mrs. Ray's chief idea was to dispose of Miss Jones, for she is quite a spunky girl to deal with, and has left College once on account of the trouble about her room. Otherwise I can not account for her trying as she did to force Miss Jones to accept the Corner room, the only single room on the corridor, which she did not want and which Jessie had applied for. She told Miss Jones that it was a very nice room and she wished her to have it. "Well, what are you going to do with Miss Wheeler?" asked Miss Jones. "Oh, Miss Wheeler would just as soon have the room on the fifth120 It would be nice and quiet for her. But Miss Jones did not want a single room. She wanted a parlor. Then she tried to get me to give up Miss Warren and go in with her, which I refused. Miss Sanford advised us to call a class meeting and send a petition, asking to have the double alley-way on the Second Sourth transverse. Which we did. And I made my first little speech in class meeting. Miss Easton also made known Mrs. Rays little action concerning Jessie, which excited some indignation, as the class have all been anxious to have Jessie in the corner room. So the petition was sent [to] Mrs. Ray. The next day I went to her, as did Jessie. She told Jessie that no one else had applied for the corner room, but that some of the young ladies had applied for things121 that it was "utterly impossible" to grant and she might be "compelled" to give it to some of them "to satisfy them". She tried to force it on Miss Jones. I went in, and Mrs. Ray said it was impossible to give what we had asked. Then she offered me all sorts of things for single rooms on the first and fifth and double rooms, with Miss Warren, in the same place. Which I refused. Then I asked if we could not have a parlor on the Third North. No, that was "ex-clusively a preparatory corridor!" She kept telling me that it would not be hard for me to make up my mind to go into a single room, and everytime she said it, I said, "Mrs. Ray, it is very hard for me." And I told her that I should never be satisfied if I was not allowed to go into a parlor,-- never! And she said it was impossible, and somebody122 had to give up. (Give up what? I had found no fault at not being able to go on the Senior Corridor.) And she kept saying "My dear girl." And I kept wanting to say "you old fool." And she got excited and jiggled her foot. And I kept outwardly calm but my voice trembled. And at last I got up and said it was no use to talk longer, I should not be satisfied with any such arrangement. As I went out she said she had offered me a parlor with Miss Jones and Miss Easton. And I said that I didn't see what difference it made if I preferred to room with two other of my classmates. Besides, which I didn't [out] ought to have said, where could she have put us, all the same. Turn out some of the other girls? Oh, I forgot to say that she told me how good she had been to me. I had never asked her for a favor but that123 she had granted it. "But I have asked for very few favors, Mrs. Ray." Favors! I ask to go to town about six times a year. I have been home twice early; but was sick and had Doctor's permission. I went to ride with Dean. That is every identical thing. Then she said I had always had such nice rooms. Yes, I was on the first two years. I had the outside room the first year, expecting to have a room-mate. The next year, both my parlor-mates were lower and new students. I had been so favored in being allowed to go on the second south. And she had let Miss Miller and Miss Sudduth go too, "especially to keep me company because we were such an amicable parlor." As if there were not plety of Sophs and Fresh on this corridor! As if she didn't put Hattie and Miss Wilkinson124 the latter a new girl and a prep into parlor with Miss [Farnes], whom they did not know at all. Bah! Well, I left, and now I must stop writing and go to bed for it is Silent Time and I am sleepy. Monday, May 30th First Period When I got out in the hall, I raged, and I alone can rage when I get angry. I was so angry that I didn't care to controll [control] myself. Jessie, Helen, Miss Sanford and two or three others drew me down the hall where the underclass girls -and Mrs. Ray- couldn't hear me, and I told them the result of my interview. Miss Sanford said that was a shame. And "call a classmeeting". So I set about calling one, and succeeded after many difficulties, for Mrs. [Dessansure] wasn't then to read the notice. I succeeded in eating a little lunch and telling the girls about it between mouthfuls. Well, I ranted around125 till class met. And then I made my second little speech stating my grievances. I haven't an idea what I said. But the girls said it was sarcastic and funny and I did it in such a way. Then Miss Sanford made a few remarks and moved that a committee of three be sent to talk it over with Mrs. Ray and that Miss Shove act as chariman. Some one nominated Miss Sanford, but she said that, owing to a personal feeling she had for Mrs. Ray, she should injure the cause if she went. Then Miss Howe, who declined for reasons similar to those of Miss Sanford, but said that she should like to go. Miss Sanford also said that she should be delighted to go but feared injuring our cause. Then Miss Semple, who is a great favorite with Mrs. Ray, was nominated. Not long after Physics they came to report. They had utter-126 failed to move her, although they had said everything. Mrs. Ray declared that she would never do for another class what she did for '80. Finally the girls asked if after every girl in College, down to the last Sophs., had chosen her room, she would allow us to chose one of the parlors that were left, and Mrs Ray said "No"! Mrs. Ray gave no reason except that we would crowd the Preps. Poor Preps! We have to take up space somewhere, and why should it crowd the Preps any more to put us into parlors than single rooms. What makes it more disgusting, is the fact that never since I have been here have all the parlors been full, and never has the supply of single rooms equalled [equaled] the demand for them. If we had wanted single rooms, she would have forced us into parlors. But we did not want them, so she is trying to force us into them. Well I spent the rest of the afternoon127 in the calmness of despair. I thought the class would do nothing more. I was thoroughly mad and I hated thouroughly Mrs. Ray. At dinner, to my surprise, a class meeting was called. Mrs. Ray looked daggers at me when I went out. Miss Shove reported from Mrs. Ray and said that Mrs. Ray said that the Pres Dr. Webster and herself were one in agreeing that the young ladies should have singles rooms, not parlors. Miss Easton said Dr. Webster told her that she said no such thing. That she saw the petition and agreed that it would not be fair to give the seniors the transverse second or fourth, as those rooms ought to be reserved for sick girls. But she didn't see why we shouldn't have parlors anywhere else we wished. June 3rd, 1881 The thing is all settled now, but I am calmed down and I'll begin where I left off. In Class128 meeting, these two facts were intertwined, and Miss Shove reported the result of the interview. Miss Howe rose with her supreme deliberation and calmness and asked Miss Shove what Mrs. Ray said about Dr. Webster. Then she turned to Miss Easton. "And what did Dr. Webster tell you?" Miss Easton repeated. "Well, there seems to be some discrepancy in the two statements. I think it would be well to carry the matter further. We might bring out that fact, if we accomplish nothing more." So the matter was discussed, and finally it was decided to send the committee to the President, and, if necessary, to the faculty. Miss Shove resigned the chairmanship, and Miss Howe was nominated to fill her place. We were in a somewhat agitated state, but soon cooled down. In fact, I was completely worn out, and did not have [animation] enough129 to keep it up. I believe that was Friday night. Saturday afternoon Mrs. Ray sent Miss Jones word that she might have either the corner room or one of the rooms on the fourth made out of Room O. That those were the only rooms that would be offered her and she was to send her answer immediately. Miss Jones could not accept the latter, as it has a bad draft and she catches cold very easily. Dr. Webster says if she has pneumonia again (she has had it twice) she will go into quick consumption. So Miss Jones was forced to take the corner room. Then Mrs. Ray sent word to Miss Easton that she could have one of the rooms on the fourth (O Rooms) and she was to send her word immediately which one. Miss Easton, by Miss Howe's advice, answered conditionally. "If no arrangements can be made in regard to the parlors, Miss Easton will ac-130 cept Room --." Mrs. Ray had previously had Miss Easton up, "giving her taffy," which is really the only expression for it. "She wanted the young ladies to be perfectly satisfied in the matter. She didn't want to separate the class. Those rooms were near the senior corridor, and they were very desirable. Now she could give one to Miss Easton and one to Miss Wheeler, and Miss Easton could have her choice, she would give Miss Wheeler the other." The sick girl was to be put off to the last. She also told how she had made up her mind as to who Miss E. would room with and had reserved a parlor for her, etc. But every time she spoke of Miss Warren or me, she acted as if she would like to have us there and choke us. "She had offered us everything and we had refused." She also said that she had offered to put Miss E, Jones, Warren, and I in131 a parlor on the Senior corridor where we would each have a single room! That was the very first we heard about it. The room could only be the fire-wall, and what could she do with Miss Morrill's parlor? Well, Saturday Miss Howe went to Prex. and reported favorably. He had not said that he did not think we would better have any parlors. He desired to have all the young ladies satisfied. Miss Howe stated the case very clearly and forcibly as she always does. Sunday in Logic I heard a new thing. One of the [present] Sophs went Monday to Mrs. Ray and applied for one of the rooms on the fourth that she wanted us to have. Mrs. Ray said "The seniors are to have those rooms." The Soph hinted that possibly the Seniors might prefer some other [others]. Mrs. Ray brought her fist down emphatically on the desk. "The Seniors shall have those rooms." She called132 up Misses Warren and Munro. My heart had gone down since the last report and I was thouroughly disgusted with the whole affair. Well, I hung around impatiently till Helen came out, and could I believe my ears, Mrs. Ray had offered Misses Easton, Warren, Munro and I, the fourth south fire-wall! I know I jumped a yard, and I ran to tell Miss Phillip's parlor. Then I saw Misses Patterson and Sanford in Room N and called them out and told the news. "Well, don't exult!" said Miss S. the moderate, and I [promest] the most abjectly humble gratitude. Wasn't it a concession. Weren't we pretty happy, though? Helen said that Mrs. Ray tried to get her to take all sorts of single rooms, etc. first, and said that we must conform to all the rules of the corridor about lights etc. Never mind, we beat her! But we have been good and as quiet as any133 one could reasonably expect under the circumstances. I expect however there was an air of elation about us for a day or two, and a sort of sympathetic smile when we met. I have lots of things to write about but must go to bed now. June 3rd '81 Essays Miss Yamakawa's essay was entitled the English in Japan and was very nice indeed. There were little touches of satire in it that were very nice. Prof. Backus liked it and told her that it ought to be disposed of where it would do some good to her cause. Afterwards he spoke to her privately about it. She has copied it for him and he is going to send it to the Harper's Magazine. I hope it will be published and I guess it will. There is a good joke about the first sentence. It was Miss Hiscock's and she had worked the word paradoxi-134 cally in it. Prof. Backus didn't like the sentence, especially the paradoxically, and asked Miss Yamakawa to change it. Miss Hiscock helped her, but still kept paradoxically, and Miss Yamakawa, not daring to retain the objectionable word, was forced to change it for herself. Miss Y. told me of the Harper's scheme in strict confidence. There is another thing she told me about that I will write. She wrote an article about Japan and sent it to the Atlantic. Howelle, who was then about to resign from the editorship, said he had so much matter on hand that he could not accept it. But he spoke very highly of it, and recommended it to the Saint Nicholas, where, however, [Seematz] had little hope of its being accepted because it was not illustrated. Now it is to be published in Good Words and she is to recieve at least $25.00 and is to write another for it.135 Miss Patterson read her Napoleonic essay and I was particularly struck with the similarity of the ideas. I liked her analysis ever so much and her style was not so bombastic as mine. When she spoke of the "Glory of France" and how dear it was to the people and how Napoleon seemed the one to win it, I wanted to laugh, it was so near like mine. I wish Miss Hiscock would hand it back. Misses Warren and Morrill read at the last English Class. Miss W's subject was Lorrell, his Claim to a Lasting Fame. It was very nice and of course P.B. liked it, for she thought his claim was good. P.B. thinks there's nobody like Lowell. "Trust forever on the scaffold" etc. Georgie's essay was "Addison's Character analyzed as a Type". Addison is another of P.B.'s "smashes," and Miss Morrill took an unfavorable136 view which was not well for her peace of mind. When she got through, P.B. asked why she wrote on that subject, if it was because her teacher told her to. She said no. Miss Hiscock asked why he asked, and he replied that he was afraid he might hurt Miss Morrill's feelings, but as long as she asked he would reply. He thought that Miss Morrill had to be interested in a subject to write upon it, and this essay, with the exception of two sentences, which he quoted, didn't have her usual fire. The rest of the essay seemed to be pumped up, sentence by sentence, and the whole was not well-welded together. He said that he didn't think Miss Morrill believed it. Georgie said she did, she didn't like Addison. P.B. said "Yes, you do." Miss Vames came to the rescue and said she thought Miss Morrill did believe it. Miss Hiscock agreed with her.137 After class we all said we thought Prof. B. was unjust. Georgie must have felt dreadfully. I know just what it was gave the "pumped-up" impression, her delivery which is labored. Probably P.B. had not read the essay, he don't half the time. He has puffed her analyses, though, everyone of them got brought up for praise, in Rhetoric. I didn't agree with Miss Morrill in placing the calmness of Addisson among his faults, although she admitted that at the time it was effective. I like enthusiasm, and I have contempt for anybody that hasn't it; but the same time, I think calmness is one of the greatest advantages in the world, if not a [vixture]. Look at me, and Miss Morrill herself! A touch sets us off, we are so excitable. Consequently we don't accomplish half what we might. I do admire and envy the coolness of Miss Howe, and Miss Sanford, and138 Miss King! Cutting Chapel. The other night Prex. made the startling announcement that he had found out that many girls didn't attend Chapel who didn't report for it, and for two Sundays he had found out the exact number. There were two questions to be considered, first why the young ladies had remained away, second why they did not report. He had their names and would be pleased to receive explanation either by note or personal interview. 11 seniors were absent. On the seniors part, there was an indignation meeting, and they sent to the president a statement of what they thought their senior rights. Not that it made any difference to them, who were so soon to leave, but for the future classes. The Pres. replied that the seniors had assumed for themselves prive139 [leger] to which they were not entitled. They had no right to remain away from Chapel without reporting. Well, well, I'm sorry. I didn't intend to go oftener than once a fortnight, and I don't now. The doctor yet exists and is a refuge. Went to Town Last Saturday with Madge. Walked both ways. Bought a hat which is very becoming and Madge and I trimmed it. Went to Vails and I got some pictures for Ella Irving, and a list ot the pictures that I wished to send for in the summer. We bought strawberries and had a festival which was great fun. We walked both ways. Class Officers have been chosen. [Buttain], pres. Coleman, vice-pres. Cass, sect'y [secretary]. Vames, Treas [treasurer]. Miss Cass is also our marshal Class Day.140 Jessie Wheeler is real sick. She never had an attack before in warm weather, and I am greatly worried. She is so herself, too, I think. She is having night sweats, which weaken her very much. I don't believe she will be able to come back in the fall. If her folks knew how low she was, I am sure they would not allow her to return. But the way she has kept her condition from her mother, is wicked. She never tells her when she is sick, and, as she is not sick in the summer, her folks think she is getting better. It will be a great blow to them. Delta We were going across the river today instead of having a meeting, but it rained and we could not. I was glad we did not have a meeting instead, for I had promised to read, and did not want to.141 Sunday, June 5th '81 Officers, of Philalethia, Miss Yamakawa, pres., Gross, vice-pres., Sharpe, sec'y. [secretary], Ponier, tres. [treasurer], of Students Association, Miss Stanton, pres. Taylor, vice-pres, Boyd, sec'y [secretary], Sanford, crier, Curtis, vice-crier, of Religious Inquiry, Phillips, pres, Buckland, vice-pres, Raymond, recording sec'y [secretary], Bostwick, coresponding sec'y [secretary]. Exotic Play came off last night. It was rather a queer selection, but it was so funny and the characters were so well suited to the actors. "Engaged" was the play. Miss Dean, who was the hero, was, as usual, inimitable and kept us laughing all the time. Miss Alcorn was well suited to her part, and strutted around theatrically. Miss Stevens was herself Minnie with her "simple little head," but not in the least artless in reality. Miss Baldwin, as the142 Scoth Meg did very nicely. I was as much impressed with Miss Ramsey's acting as anybody's. She was the awkward Scotch Cover. The talked the Scotch dialect very nicely. Tuesday, April 7th 81 Political Economy We had lectures in Political Economy all last week and yesterday. It was only a breif outline of the science as there was not much time. Prof. Backus has gone now to Chicago and Cincinnati to give examinations. We are very sorry to miss the two weeks lectures. Stematz and Miss Nagai spent the Sunday at Prof. Backus'. He thought I worked hard, which strikes me as funny. He said Dr. Webster told him some time ago not to work me too hard. I know that must have been when I asked permission to change my room to escape from Fanny-ism.143 Chapter Officers. Miss Jones, pres. Easton, vice-pres. Wilkinson, sec'y [secretary]. of Delta. Warden, pres. Buckland, vice-pres. Menick, sec'y [secretary]. of Beta. Case, pres. Koontz, vice-pres. of Alpha. Rooms again. Mrs. Ray has been to see Jessie and says she can give her the corner room if we would take Miss Jones instead of Miss Munro. She asked us, and we consented, because we didn't like to have Jessie worried. We wouldn't have consented on any other ground. But Miss Jones hasn't consented to go in with us, because she knows we don't want her. The corner room has been assigned her already. Thursday, June 9 '81 Essay I had my Napoleonic essay corrected144 Tuesday. Miss Hiscock thought there was an improvement in style. It was more fervid and consequently the diction was better. I asked her if she could correct some essays for me next year, if I wished to write some extra ones, and she said that she would be delighted. She is going to give me a list of books for my reading next summer, which I think I shall like very much if I have the opportunity of carrying it out. Monday, June 14th, 1881 Rooms Still I am sure I don't know how the room question is settled. Miss Jones said she did want to go into a (-- She was just in now, and says Mrs. Ray has sent word to know if she is willing to go into that parlor. I am very much interested as to the result.145 The Eclipse I was very much interested in the eclipse Saturday night, for we calculated it in class; besides I never saw one to watch it with interest. It rained all the week and I worried for fear we should not be able to see it, and Madge laughed at me. But Saturday afternoon, greatly to my delight, it becan to clear. I was going up to Mary King's to look at it; for it could not be seen from my window. I lay down on my bed to get a couple of hours sleep, after silent time, before I went up. But I heard Mary King asking for me and so arose. "Aren't you coming?" "Why yes." "Well, come now, won't you. Bring your night-gown and stay all night." I gathered up my things. "Now run, so we'll get past Miss Jordan's door before the last bell." But just then the bell rang, and away we went up the tower146 stairs. Miss Learned, Broadhead, and Semple were also in Mary's room, and we sat up, talking in a low tone. No corridor teacher appeared to tell us to put out the light or reprove our little gathering. Mary read Poe's "The Facts in the Case of M. Valdemir," which was just the kind for such a lark. At quarter after twelve we started for the ladder that led to the loft and [theuee] to the roof, and in the Junior parlor met Bijou King and Miss Hongate. One by one we crawled up and scrambled out on the damp roof. Miss Semple, Hongate and myself ensconsed ourselves snugly on the top of the chimney. Bijou came up last and utterly refused to stir from the opening, it was so dark, and the other girls stood around on the wet roof, regardless of slippered feet. By and by Miss Semple went down and got rubbers and more147 wraps. She turned the corner of the opening up-side down and Bijou sat in that which was "just as dry". We waited and speculated as to the umbra and penumbra, and saw lots of meteors. Bijou asked what caused the eclipse and Miss Semple entered into a discussion of eclipses-- their number, their kind. Mary and Miss Learned pointed out different stars, and I tried various contortions of head and body to see them, but was so wrapped up with Miss Hongate that it was impossible. It was great fun on the chimney. It seemed where we looked up as if we were suspended in mid-air. It was fun to hear Bijou King worry. "Ethel," to Miss Hongate, "Is that chimney right on the edge?" A pause. "Ethel, are you cold?" Five minutes silence. "Ethel, you be careful and don't fall off." "Ethel, isn't it too damp for you?" and so and and so148 Between one and two we came down and saying "goodnight," separated. I staid with Mary. We talked awhile and then fell asleep. I waked up some time afterwards and looked out. It was very misty, but the moon was still visible but nearly out of the shadow. I didn't get up till silent time but was not entirely starved, for I went to see Jessie and she treated me to bananas. We had no Bible class. I think it was a nice lark, to say nothing about the real interest in the eclipse. My only regret is that none of the party were artists, so we could not have drawings of the picturesque scene. The girls said Miss Hongate and I looked like owls perched up on the chimney. Thursday June 16th 1881 Vacation Begins Well, everything is over, I'm glad to say, although I have been in no149 hurry for the end. Indeed, I have made Madge and May utterly disgusted with me, by saying I didn't care to have vacation come. "I shall be glad to get home, but I have just so long to stay here and so long to be at home. I'm enjoying myself here and I like to have the time pass slowly," I would say. And the girls would say "Oh! Put her out!" I haven't enjoyed the last few days so particularly, though, for we have had so many Physics examinations. I was groaning in spirit today, for the topic was Polarization and was both long and hard. I found also lots of places where I didn't understand it, and Stematz and I mixed each other all up with our questions. We couldn't get any satisfaction out of the other girls, either. As I told Miss Howe, I don't care if a thing is hard, but I like to have good and sufficient reasons150 for things. Not that I am not willing to take things for granted, to accept facts, yet when an explanation pretends to be given, I want it to be an explanation and adequate. And that isn't true of all places in polarization as given us by Prof. Cooley. However, I am willing to be easy on that, for I suppose nobody knows so very much about it yet. I don't like that sort of thing very much, though. I'm not satisfied till I get to the reasons. I don't mean this as grumbling, I wouldn't miss our Phyics course for anything. It is excellent. And it is well conducted, analytical, and goes into the theory. Prof. Cooley has been very nice too [to] us lately. He has thawed some, and on two or three occasions been indeed quite facetious. Today he told us that he wanted to congratulate us on the excellent work we had done in his151 department. We were really quite overwhelmed. It was such an unusual thing, praise from Prof. Cooley. He always keeps off from you and smiles in his superior way as if he knew so much about it and we, poor ignoramuses! He is nice, though. Almost everybody likes him, I think, in a mild sort of a way. The sentiment is seldom [impetuous]. I never knew a [single] to have that sort of fascinated devotion to him that so many have to Prof. Backus. And really, he is so much nicer, and has so many less faults. But he never seems to touch you, that's the whole explanation. Eexaminations [examinations] were held as usual at Boston, Chicago, and Cincinnati. Prof. Braisbin went to Breton and had but two applicants. I don't believe they advertise enough. They insist152 a notice in the advertiser and let it go at that. Prof. Backus went to Cincinnati and Chicago. He had six at each place and a promise of more to come here. Oh, Georgie Morrill says P.B. has a regular salary for getting help for girls from private individuals. I don't want to give him too much credit for doing so much of it. But I will say, they showed good judgment in selecting him to do it. Prof. Robert Raymond read in Chapel Friday night and Saturday of last week. He read Twelfth Night and King Henry V. I never saw anything like his impersonation of Falstaff, Sir Toby Belch, and Sir Andrew. How he could take of those drunken men. Nellie Raymond says it is actually painful to hear him he does it so naturally. But you could detect the difference in the different char-153 acters of the drunkards. I liked his personation of the fool of the steward in Twelgth Night very much. His facial expression is best of all. His reading of women's parts is not so pleasing because his voice is not adapted to them. His laughter was "catching". I don't know why, but I had expected to see a younger man and was quite astonished to see so white-headed an old gentleman. He had a large, jolly face and white side whiskers. His fat form and rather red face came in excellently when he played Falstaff. June 18th Rooms Settled at last, I suppose, and I'm glad of it. Mrs. Ray sent word to Jessie by doctor that she was to have Miss Palmer's room and only one teacher is to be on the corridor next year. I guess Jessie likes it pretty well. It was the best way out of the trouble, I think,154 though its [it's] too bad J. couldn't have the corner room and Miss Jones the other. Clio had a spread tonight, for which we were taxed six cents apiece. It was very nice. Strawberries, cream and cake. Officers were elected Thursday. Misses Sanford, Warder, King, Hongate, and myself were standing talking about officers. We had decided on Miss Wanen for president. "I'll tell you what," said Mary, "you'd better have some one for vice president with a good deal of--" and she gave a long word ending with ality. "What!" we all cried. "Why," she said, "some one that has a good deal of go-ahead and some one who is kind of cross, you know." "Like yourself, for instance" said Miss Sanford. "No, oh no, not at all like myself!" "Like Miss Southworth, for instance, then" said Miss Warder, laughing. And so they155 all joined in, I with the rest. "Yes Miss Southworth's just the one. She is so cross." Then a lot of other girls came in and the meeting was called to order. Miss Wanen was unanimously elected pres. Then Miss Stanton got up and nominated me for vice-pres.! That just convulsed us girls, who had been talking about it. We all laughed and they all looked at me. Miss Stanton could not imagine what was the matter. The Miss Hongate was elected sect'y [secretary] and treas. [treasurer]. She said they elected her because they knew I was so cross, they needed someone quiet and mild, like herself, to hold me back. And all those who had been talking about it before, declared that the whole society must have recognized the necessity of a cross vice-pres. and so have elected me .156 June 19 '81 Dome Party Friday we received our little cards for the dome party, and soon after 9 yesterday morning we were all assembled in her parlor. Soon we passed into the dome. Little tables were arranged all around the dome and in the meridian room. The alumnae were in the meridian room. We had a very nice breakfast, and, after it was over, the tables were moved back and everybody came into the dome. The choir sat on the steps. Miss Meeker led in Prof. Mitchell then brought in a basket filled with colored paper rolls. Each contained a piece of candy, and nearly every one a piece of poetry. There wasn't quiet enough poetry for each one, for Prof. Mitchell only writes poems on those girls who are now in her classes. Some one read her poem, then the girl who was referred to in it, responded with her poem. After every ten poems we had157 a song. After all these poems, others were read, some long and some short. Mine was among those. Prof. Mitchell was so nice and jolly. She kept us laughing all the time. The poems were many of them very cute, too. Before any of them were read, Prof. Mithcell repeated a warning which she gave us several weeks ago. "You mustn't believe what these poems say about you. You're always told you're angels and all that." The poem about me was "Of Paris' Worth, the less, the better, their judgment and good sense to fetter. If worth in wit, we'd like a treasure, If worth in gold, a goodby measure. But there's one Worth that we can [brash] of, And while we can, must make the most of, For when it's gone, what shall we do, Without South-worth of eighty-two?" I think Miss Whitney wrote it. Prof Mitchell said she didn't. The person I had to read was about Miss Whitney and ran thus:158 "In Wallthan, Mass., there lived a lass Under her feet there grew no grass, And every muster she could pass, For she was educated at Vas- sar. "Neuro." Prof. Mitchell says, "Bring out the rhymes strong." She read a poem sent us by Julia Ward Howe, and her niece, Miss May Dame, one sent by a lady in New York, where Prof. Mitchell used to board. In it, she spoke of P.M. as being "great among women." "She ought to have said greatest" said Prof. M. "But then--!" And we all were convulsed. Prof. Mitchell said, when one of the poems in [enlogy] of her, was read, "I don't mind. I'm used to it." This is my contribution. There was a bring Junior at Vassar In Astronomy none could surpass her. Both early and late, This young lady sate, And poured over Godfrey at Vassar.159 But when her lesson was o'er, And she needed to study no more, She was sure to be found Kneeling down on the ground, The little MacDonald before. One day her dear professor, Professor M.M. (God bless her) Said: "Look out for a comet. A matter of moment, Would a comet be to your professor. All day very hard at her lesson, The subject of which was precession, This bright Junior worked. And nothing she shirked; But she mastered the subject precession. This Junior then made up her mind To attempt a comet to find, And as then 'twas quite late (The belle had struck eight), She went out, a comet to find. The little MacDonald before160 She knelt for an hour or more, And scanned the sky With anxious eyes, But was no wiser than before. Then the silent bell called her away. No more observations that day. So in sadness she went, But with firm intent To search for a comet each day. That night, in her dreams, she found Herself kneeling down on the ground; And her anxious eye A comet did spy. At last the comet was found! The Professor, this bright Junior dreamed, Pleased with the discovery seemed. Declimation [declamation], twenty one; Eighteen, right ascension." Said she, as this bright Junior dreamed. "To find it's [its] true place for me, now, For what will you have to allow?"161 For parallax aberration, Precession, refraction, mutation," Said the Junior, "you'll have to allow." Then said Professor M.M., "Since you've learned how to find them, To do it for me Good practice it will be. I expect you tomorrow to know them." In her room this bright Junior sate, With Astronomy, Trig., and her slate. "What nice problems they'd be!" And she laughed in high glee, As she took up her books and her slate. But alas for this Junior's delight! It was doomed to be banished that night. It was sad, sad indeed, She should badly succeed In working her problems that night. [...] she carefully worked out refraction. And quite to her own satisfaction. The barometer that night,162 Being at standard height, She was sure this was the refraction. The problem for parallax done, Three degrees was the answer that come. "Dear me, oh dear me! How near it must be. Parallax of the moon is but one! "A body so near as all that The eart cannot fail to attract. In eighteen eighty-one, The end was to come Of the world,- think of that! "To go on with my calculation, What's next? Oh, yes, aberration." Though she found the earth's way, She e'en then dared not say Whether six or sixteen was the aberration. But when she came to precession, Though the subject of her last lesson, No point could she find That was clear to her mind,163 In the whole of the subject precession. [Antation] was in such dire confusion, That she thought it was all a delusion. How the pole moved, and why, Draco and Bradley, their place in the sky, Filled her mind with most fearful confusion. "Oh, this horrible, horrible lesson, Aberration, mutation, precession! That it's driving me wild, Is a statement too mild To describe the effects of precession!" Just then she heard a great sound, Felt a trembling of the ground, Saw the whole of the sky Lit up far and might, Felt a rushing and whizzing all round. She ran to the window in fright. Yes, the comet she discovered that night Was coming, indeed, At a terrible speed. Right toward her, she sivered with fright.164 Now near and nearer it came. She felt the hot breath of its flame. Only one moment more And all would be o'er, She'd die in the midst of the flame. Then she felt the earth rock, And there came a great shock. She fell with a scream, And,-- 'twas only a dream! The silence of night her lesson did mock. Every after, this Junior at Vassar, (Though still in Astronomy none could surpass her.) The mention of comet, precession, mutation, Filled with dire trepidation This once confident Junior at Vassar! They clapped after-- 'twas only a dream," so I guess they liked it. I called this "The Horrible Dream of the Junior at Vassar". Marks I was in Slematz' room last night, andHere is a poem that Helen Warren wrote for the Dome Party, but it was lost and not read till the next year. I think it is very cute. It's certainly the way Prof. M. would be affected if she tried to drop anyone. It was the grim Professoress, That knit her angry brow, And said that Junior must be dropped, And sealed it with a vow. And oh! it was that poor Junior That fell upon the ground; And oh! it was her sad classmates, That quickly gathered round. 'Twas one that loved the dropped one, then, Her voice was broke with sighs, And with her pocket handkerchief, She wiped her little eyes. All young and ignorant was she,But innocent and wild, And in her soft simplicity, Out spoke the tender child. "Oh, dear Professor, [best] to me This poor girl has been sick; She has been dropped in Logic, too, Her troubles come too thick." It was the cruel Professor, then, That laughed as she would die. "A girl that's dropped from out every class 'Tis sure, did never try." M.M. did sleep, and dropped girls Were busy with her dreams, Loud rang their wild unearthly shrieks Unbearable it seems. She started up,-- the telephone With firmest hold she grasped And shouted o'er its ringing wire "Oh tell that girl she's passed!"165 Mary King came in. She asked us if we could keep a secret and then said that she asked Prof. Mitchell about her marks. She is always worrying about her marks. Prof. Mitchell said they were high, average about 4 1/2 (the highest is 5). Warren's and Sourthworth's might perhaps be above them." Of course that made me feel pretty good. She called us Warren and Sourthworth in the most practical manner possible. She amused us one day in class by saying, "When I want to know the pronunciation of any of those words, I generally ask Hinkle!" One day she called Miss Whitney "Mary" and then added "I didn't mean to call her that before you." Baccalaureate Sunday today. May and I were going over to the Ridge this afternoon to get roots of ferns; but May proposed to go this morning, so we went and didn't hear166 the sermon. But can read it in the Class Day Books. We had a lovely time and got lots of roots. July 4th 1881 Commencement Concert Monday, June 20th was Commencement Concert. I had to pack in the morning and finished my trunk except what I wanted to use. The concert in the evening was jammed. Miss Hongate and I sat at the door most of the evening and I never saw such a crowd. They came faster than they could be seated during the first half of the concert. Class Day Tuesday was Class Day. I don't think I enjoyed it as much as last year, for the novelty was gone. But it was very pleasant. The history and prophecy were both very cute. Miss Shove has a very nice delivery and Miss Stockwell looked very pretty. I was a167 little disappointed in Miss Lloyd's oration. Miss Varues was cute as usual and "just gave it" to the Seniors. It was cold at the Promenade concert, so I did not enjoy it, and being very tired went to bed before it was over. Mrs. Wheeler and Edith were there. Commencement. The exercises began at about 11.30 am. As Miss Gardner was excused, there were only nine essays, and only six minutes were allowed for the debates, five for the others. Of course the debate was the most interesting. Subject Has the Negro a Future? Negative Miss Fitzhugh. Affirmative, Miss Lyon. Miss Lyon had the advantage of attractiveness and good delivery. I think she prevailed with the audience, except the students. I didn't like it so well. It was very cute, and all that, but it wasn't so good an argument. It was full of arguments168 ad hominem. The only two real arguments that I remember, are "he has imitated us so perfectly." Why whouldn't he and what does it prove? And "what are you going to do with the Caucasian blood?" It seems to me that is an argument on the other side, that it is the Caucasian, not the African blood that is going to hold the supremacy here in future. Miss Lyon's beginning, "Flat-nosed, thick-lipped, and worse still, thick-headed," did not much for her. It captivated her audience and after gave the impression of fairness, in acknowledging the things that were against her. Miss Lyon called the negro the most "picturesque element in out landscape." I was pleased with Miss Lyons essay and thought it a masterpiece in its way. But Miss Fritzhughs was the fair and square one. What a lawyer Annie Lyon would make!169 She could be a success in most anything if she wasn't too lazy to make any effort. May's brother-in-law was on east. He had been going to Europe; but he backed out, and came to Poughkeepsie to go house with May. Jessie Clinton went home with Madge for a few days. Jessie W. and I didn't go till the next day at ten o'clock. We spent the rest of the day in saying goodbye. I staid all night with Mary K. She had Miscellany work to do, so didn't get to her work till about 2 a.m. and of course I didn't sleep much before. Then she got up and five, and I rose soon after, to see the Mary Porrell girls off. I was a week with Jessie W. and had a lovely time. Review of the Year. Well, my Junior year is done, and I am sorry. No more lazy Monday mornings, lectures our only lessons170 but solid hard work for every day. Well, our lessons have been the nicest and we have had lots of jolly times, too. I am pretty well satisfied with my years work. I feel as if I had done a great deal, for all I have worked so little, and as if I had developed a great deal. I think my standing has been very good, too, especially in Astronomy and Logic. I must tell about the Logic. I scarcely know how it happened, but Prof. Backus got early in the semester an excellent idea of my clear headedness and ability in Logic, and he used to refer everything to me. I think it must have been because I used to get so interested when he was trying [to] mix the girls on the validity of A.E.I.O. The first thing that happened, especially, was about the rule "No term must be distributed in the conclusion that was not distrib171 uted in one of the premises. Miss Semple stated it, no term must be undistributed in the conclusion that was not undistributed in the premise. P.B. made her say the rule at least ten times, and she started it all sorts of ways, once in a while getting it right, and oftener getting it wrong. It was funny. Everytime she said it, P.B. made her asked me if it was right. Finally he asked me to state it, and I did, giving both sides of the question. Then Miss Stanton began. She didn't see why a term could be undistributed in conclusion and distributed in premise, if it could not be distributed in conclusion and undistributed in premise. "Why don't you see", said I, turning to Miss Stanton and ignoring P.B. The girls laughed a little, and I stopped and looked up to him. "You're all right, go ahead," said he. So I went ahead and by and by172 between us, we succeeded in convincing her. That day I saw P.B. in the elevator and he said, "Well, Miss Southworth, you rather pitched into that Senior this morning, didn't you?" "What senior?" I asked. "Why, isn't Miss Stanton a senior?" "Oh, no, she's only one of my own class-mates," said I. "Well," said P.B. "I have been treating her with extrordinary consideration because I thought she was a senior." After a moment he continued, "You seem to have a pretty clear head." "I haven't got mixed yet," said I. "I hope I shan't." "Oh, I guess you won't." Three of four times afterwards he stopped to congratulate me on my work in Logic and to say how much he was pleased with it. "I guess you are pretty well satisfied with it, too?" "Oh yes indeed. I like it better than173 any other study I ever had," I replied. If anything came up in class that wasn't understood, if any of the girls got confused, he would almost always call on me to straighten it out. One day when Miss Glenn had made an extra good recitation in regard to some example, he passed it and called for the next question. Then, "Oh, wait a minute," he said. "I can't pass that without Miss Southworth's approval. That's all right, isn't it, Miss Southwort?" Of course that was in fun; he is always saying just such rediculous [ridiculous] things. Once in Rhetoric, we were talking about the difference between genius and talent. "Prof. Backus, isn't genius just the same as talent only in a greater degree?" asked Mary King, with the little drawl she sometimes uses. "Well, Miss King," said he, "I was just thinking of asking you that question." And one day174 when she was unprepared he said, "You don't know what a comfort to me it is to have you unprepared once in a while." He is all the time saying such things. He likes to give compliments. But I don't think he would have said so much to me if he hadn't meant it, and my answers always seemed to suit him. There were a good many girls that knew just as much as I did about it. Of that I am sure. But he didn't happen to begin asking them so I suppose that was the reason he didn't refer to them so much. I am right sorry to finish essays under Miss Hiscock, too, she is such a nice essay critic. I asked her if she would correct essays for me if I wanted to write some extra ones next year. She said she would be delighted. She said if she were me she would keep a "Commonplace book." I didn't tell her about my journal. Wouldn't she be shocked if175 she knew the way I rushed through it, and neglected spelling, punctuation, capitals, and all that, to say nothing about giving no attention to my manner of expression. Well, well! July 5th 1881 Miss Alcorn and P.B. There is such a good story about Miss Alcorn and P.B. that I must tell it. Miss A. met a gentleman in Washington, whom she liked pretty well and flirted with considerable. Christmas he sent her a card and Miss A. was greatly troubled. She didn't know whether it would be proper to write and thank him or not, and if she wrote she didn't know whether to begin it "Dear Mr ..." or not. So she went to Miss Jordan and told her all about it. Miss Jordan said certainly write and thank him. It would be perfectly proper. It would be proper also to begin "dear" as that was merely176 a conventionality. But still Miss Alcorn was troubled in her soul. Not satisfied with the "Grandfather's" advice she went to "Little Nell," and to her imparted her troubles. Miss Hiscock repeated Miss Jordan's advice, and Miss A. departed. Miss Alcorn was walking down the corridor with perplexity still harasing her soul, when she met her friend, Miss Mame Koontz. To this sympathetic heart, she poured out the story of her woes, together with the information she had gained from Misses Jordan and Hiscock and the fact that she was not yet satisfied. "Well, I'll tell you what," said Miss Koontz, "This is Prof. Backus' office hour, you go down and ask him. He'll know." So Miss Alcorn went. What passed between them at that interview is not known with certainty. I have heard two reports. One states that Prof. Backus listened very gravely while she gave a detailed177 account of the affair, just how much she knew the young man, how much she'd flirted with him, how much she thought of him, how much he thought of her, and various other minutiae; and then P.B. said "I am very glad you came to Me, Miss Alcorn. No! under the circumstances, I should say it was not appropriate to address the gentleman 'Dear Mr. So-and-so! Under the circumstances, I think it would be better to say, "My dear Mr. So-and-so!" The other report says that he gave some very fatherly advice and winked at another girl who was in the room. I hardly think the first can be true, though it is very like him. The second is quite probable. Must'n't [Musn't] P.B. have been pleased. I bet he laughed over it with his friends afterwards. I know that the whole story is not made up, for she told Miss Easton something178 about it, and Jessie Clinton, too. Fannie I am disgusted with her. She tells such lies about the College, etc. She has circulated the report that she run [ran] away and Mrs. Andrew's, Mr. Bird's house-keeper, hinted to Mrs. Hazelword that Fannie got out of the window when she came away! Fannie is not going back. She hasn't done very well there. I washed my hands of her long ago. Many a time have I wished she never went, merely for my own personal comfort. We got awfully sick of her soon after Christmas. May was the only one that took any notice of her, and she didn't like her at all. At last she and Jessie Clinton fell out, and Fannie felt rather uncomfortable to be with J. and J. was always in our room. Then May went home, and Fannie lavished all her affection on Madge till Madge was179 obliged to snub her. We continued a judicious course of snubbing after May returned, and it was long before Fannie took them. Before she used to complain often but not take the hint. She didn't have much to say to me any of the time; for I had stopped talking to her long before. At last she left us. After she had left us for some time I began to take some notice of her again; but not much. It was such a relief to have her gone. There is one episode that I can't pass by. Fannie's flirtation with the porter. George was quite nice looking, but he must have been half-fool or he would never have acted so. But I think Fannie begun it. At any rate, George would never have acted so toward any other girl in College. He used to whistle to her when he went by her window and she answered it. One would have thought that she would have had more self respect that that. But. J.P.180 says she thinks Fannie was proud of it, quite slated at the porter's preferance. However that may be she certainly encouraged him. One night when F. was in J.P.'s room, George passed by and threw a note into her open door. It said "I think I seen a cat go in your room. I may be rong [wrong]." And when they went down they found notes there and conversation [losenges]. It went on for some time. Fannie didn't tell me about it but I soon heard about it from the conversations she had with J.P. and May. At last Fannie began to be sorry, to wish it stopped. She was afraid the teachers would find it out as she began to realize from what the girls said to her that it was rather a disgraceful matter, a flirtation with a porter. At last she got Jessie to speak to George for her and tell him that if he threw any more notes in Mrs. Bird's win-181 dow, she would report him. But Mrs. Ray found it out. Miss Myer's was in Fannie's parlor and wanted to get her room changed, and this was her excuse. Of course Mrs. Ray investigated. She came to see me and asked me a good many questions. I told her all I knew except that Fannie encouraged him at first. I think indeed, I rather lied about that. She asked a good many other questions about Fannie and her folks, etc. George was dismissed. Character Sketches I wrote a good many character sketches of the girls, in poetry. Some I wrote last year and some I finished only a few weeks ago. I didn't spend much time on any of them. They are only rough rhymes, but in some of them I hit on just the weak points of the girls. All of them are pretty hard on the girls. I write them in the order in which they182 were composed. Jessie Wheeler. Who was it banged her pretty hair, Although afraid her ma would care, And fixes it in twist and puff, And then thinks she is fine enough? Who, though short and like a rail, Wears a great immense long trail! Who leaves her things in other'r rooms, Uses their blacking and their broomes? Who over everything makes merry? 'Tis January Feburary [February]. May Sudduth Who is that rolls both her eyes, Puckers her mouth and looks so wise, And utters words so very sage You'd surely think her twice her age? Who is it drawls, in tones so dreary "Oh, I am sick of life, I'm weary?" And then doth add; in doleful tone, "Goodbye, kind friends, I'm going home"? Who leaves the buttons off her shoe? Who will persist in wearing blue? Who is it hasn't any brass? 183 Who is it always out of cash? Who never can her pencil find But uses those of friends so kind? Who is this heroine of mine? Of course 'tis Mary Catharine. Carrie Rausom. Who comes here with face so meek You'd think she'd mind each word you speak; But soon you find so very perverse, You're sure you've never seen one worse. If you like anything or it pleases your eye, "I think it is horrid!" this young lady will cry. Whatever you think, whatever you say, She never was known to think the same way. When the greatest disgust she wishes expressed She thinks measley's the word that expresses it best; And when with astonishment she is confounded, Then straightway she cries, "Oh I'm astounded!" So very very smart is she That Valedictorian she surely will be! Now from this sketch of mine, You'll surely know her to be Caroline.184 Louise Cornwell Who comes here, with a red Alsaeian [Alsatin?] bow upon her head? Who receives, most every day, A box of candy? oh how gay! Who dispenses to each friend Cake and chow-chow without end? Who, how very sad to say, Talks in slang the live-long day? And when affected with surprise, "Oh my goodness me!" she cries. Who is it makes enough of noise For half a dozen common boys? Who is it that will have her way, No matter what the others say? I'm sure that you can guess from that It is the Hateful Little Cat! Miss South. Who comes here so very gay, With hoop-skirt newly bought today? Who the same brown dress would always wear, Till it was stolen and hid with care? Who, in winter weather, without compassion Opens the windows in murderous fashion?Who bores each and every friend By discussing subjects without end? Who is going to study the laws, But will uphold only an honest cause? Who will believe whate'er you say, E'en that 'tis raining a pleasant day And when you're joking can never tell? Who has always stamps to sell? Who is it cannot learn to [shate] Although she practices early and late? Who is as tall as any tree, And as big round as a bumble-bee? It's surely is Miss Tatty C. Hattie Walsait Who comes rushing down the hall, Like a whirl-wind, scattering all? Who would dance all night and day, If she could only have her way? Who to study did never pretend, But used to read novels without end? Who is it says "Shut up, Miss South!" If her room-mate opens her mouth? Who is it that Sam comes to see As many times a month as three?Who receives so many new rings, And so many painted things? Who is this young miss so fine? Who can it be, but Hattaline? Fannie Bird. Who is that dreadful homesick girl? Who often tries her hair to curl? Who is it never tells the truth? Who has love-letters from many a youth? Who every day long letters sends To all her most intimate friends? Who is it all her fortune spends In crackers and caramels and treats her friends? Who's caught more times than I can tell In other's rooms, by Miss Haskell, After the fatal silent bell? Who changes her dress, I well can day As much as twenty times a day; But who is yet most often seen Clad in hoopskirt and wrapper green? 'Tis she to whom when chatter's heard, We quickly cry, "Be quiet Bird!"187 Jessie Clinton. Who often sleeps the whole day long? Who whistles and sings the same old song, Until we're all so sick of it We wish to goodness it never was writ? Who wears her dress so very tight She cannot hook it with all her might? Who scarcely stays at home at all? Why, that must be Miss Jessie Paul! Madge Miller Who was it promised to stay here, And spend vacation with us this year, But changed her mind when the time drew near? Who is it that will never do As the others want her to? Who pretends discussions to hate, And yet will argue early and late? Who, whenever you call her a name Just turns about and calls you the same? You can't guess who this is, I bet, For it is meant for Madgie Pet!188 Vassar College Saturday, Oct 1st 1881 Senior Year. You can't imagine how strange it seems to be Senior. For the first week I kept looking around for the older girls. Then you are so thrown in with your class, what you scarecely know a new girl unless you take special pains to look them out, as most of the Deltans have done, for we are in sore need of new members. But its awfully jolly being seniors. I enjoy it immensely, more than I ever have any other year. I like our room very much, it is pleasant and pretty but not so elegant, of course, as many of them will be. My parlor-mates are very pleasant, but what I enjoy most is table. The girls at my table are Missus Morrill, Nickerson, Shailer, [Bucklaus]189 Macadam, King, Howe, Hongate, Phillips, Yamakawa, the four last-mentioned being nearest me. I like them all so much that I am rendered perfectly happy. There are so many changes that the strangeness of the Senior Year is inhanced greatly. I can't realize that we have a New Lady Principal, and that Mrs. Ray will no longer sweep around the College in her "royal-highness-ism". Miss Goodsell of '69 now fills her place and though she lacks the beauty and majesty of Mrs. Ray's appearance, she has a far more lasting dignity, and is capable of inspiring us with a great deal of respect. Imagine anyone being saucy to Miss Goodsell! Ah, though, we've got to behave. She says her particular hobby is obedience and190 I guess she means to have it. She is strict, but you can be sure she will be just. Our Senior priveleges are defined this year, we know when we are breaking rules. There is a new Students Manual and Miss Goodsell has supplemented it by a little talk. For Chapel, Bible Class, attendence at meals, keeping lights [up], we have to get excused by the doctor, or by her, and then we need not report. But if we have no excuse that she or Dr. might not consider valid, we are to report. If these delinquencies are not of too frequent occurrence they will all stand excused; but if they get to be too many, something different will have to be arranged. Now I like that. It is treating us like rational beings, considering that we may have deficiencies that ought to be allowable when the excuse is not a Dr.191 or L.P. sort of one. Doctor Allen. We were very, very sorry to have our dear, good doctor go. Jessie wrote me about her in the summer and a great many of our class wrote to the President protesting against his accepting the resignation. But ah, it did no good, and when we came back we were confronted by a new doctor, who struck terror to our hearts on the first glimpse. But it didn't last. When we knew that she was a Quaker, it accounted for the straightness and rigidity of all the lines about her; and, on a little acquaintance, we found that the prominent eyebrows did not mean sternness. Indeed, I think I shall like her very much; but I cannot helping being sorry that our dear Doctor Webster is192 not here. Sunday, Oct. 2. '81. Studies I have [condensed] German, Mental Philosophy, and Senior Astronomy. German is great fun and Miss Hinkle is lovely. It is comic to hear us spell words in German and try to converse when she asks us questions, guessing at her meaning. Pretty soon we are going to learn the multiplications tables. Mental is very interesting, I think, though hard to learn. I am very agreeably disappointed in the President. So far he has been quite interesting. Astronomy is very easy. Mostly, Prof. Mitchell gives little bits of lessons and we recite with our books open. One day she announced that it was too hot to study or recite, so she only kept us about fifteen minutes, the period is first lunch193 period and only half an hour anyway. Miss Patterson drew a figure wrong and Prof. Mitchell said, "Well, you shall have your bunch of grapes all the same." Then she dismissed us all with some grapes and sent a bunch to Mary King who was absent. Chapter Meetings. The chapters met last Friday. We had room J. I had to read. Miss Goodsell gave the whole society a spread afterwards in the parlors. She was very lovely to us. She reviewed the Chapter badges. Ours is blue, and she gave badges to all of the members of Philalethea. She is a member of Alpha, and one of the original twenty who met to form the society. She was the first vice-president at the time when Dr. Raymond was president.194 Our Country's President I did not return to College till late. Harry was at home and I wanted to see him as long as possible. I started Monday, the nineteenth of September. The bulletins gave the president very low. "He is sleeping his last sleep, I guess," said mother. That night on the boat, I dreamed all night the President and Dr. Bliss in troubled snatches. In the morning, the first thing we knew I heard a gutterman say, "Aren't those flags at half-mast?" Ah, surely yes! Then we all knew. We soon reached the dock and the newsboy sprang aboard the saloon, the men stood around, each with open paper, reading the sad news, unmindful of anything around. Ah, it did not need the broad black lines down the pate to tell195 that the last struggle was over. Ah, the poor wife and children. It was the thought of them more than the Country that brought the tears to my eyes as I read, almost alone on the desk of the river boat. Last Monday, the 26 of Sept. [September] he was laid to rest and teh day was one of prayer all over the country. At three in the afternoon there were services in the Chapel, Prof. Cooley and Prof. Dwight both taking post, but Prof. Backus delivered the address. He spoke to us of the great struggle that began twenty years ago, he led us up to the martyrdom of our noble Lincoln, he spoke of the terrible distrust felt then, of mobs that raged, and of our second martyr's rising to quell it, and the words he spoke at that crisis, "God reigns and the government at Washington196 still lives." It was masterly in its effect. Then he spoke of the sympathy that had been manifested on all sides for the bereaved family and for the country and of the lesson drawn therefrom. And he spoke so fervantly of the heroism of the poor wife and of the last moments she remained with the dead in the rotunda of the Capitol [capital]. We were all deeply affected. If he had kept up the notion a second longer in some places, I think I should have been unable to keep back the tears. It was a beautiful tribute to the memory of our dead President, one that could scarcely be surpassed in its eloquence and pathos. The year may roll by, but I do not believe I shall ever the memory of the day of the cruel shot, the long days of sorrow and suffering, the204 I asked the old one for it, I never speak to the young one if I can help it." "Who?" said Prof. Van. "Why, the old one, I asked the old one for it. I never speak to the young one if I can help it." (She meant Mr. Dean and Daisy) "Oh, you shouldn't be so cruel," replied Prof. Van. Perhaps the latest is the message she sent Miss Goodsell. The girls told her at dinner that she had an express package come, and she was very anxious to go an see what it contained. She was told she couldn't go till the bell of dismissal rang, so she sent to Miss Goodsell, asking her if she wouldn't please ring the bell as Miss Shirley wanted to leave the dining-room. It seems to me there are more funny things told about the new girls this year than any other. And what of them are205 not referred to Eva Shirley are put to the credit of Miss Broodus, a new girl with glasses and a tremendous lisp. She is the girl that thought she could not go to her truck without taking a teacher, and who took Miss Wiley and Miss MacIlvane both down one evening at different times. One night Miss Glesan was sitting alone in her room in a dressing-sack, back to the door. Some one knocked, and thinking it one of her friends, she called without looking up. Some one came in and said, "Will you pleath tell me if there ith anyone near here that thuddies Thophmore Latin?" Miss Gleson replied, "No, I guess not. This is the Senior Corridor," where upon she withdrew. I should judge that she had a propensity206 for getting into rooms where she didn't belong, by the stories I hear. One day she marched in here, but seeing me, she said "oh" and was about the withdraw, when she decided to make some explanation and said, "Thith ithn't Mith Carterth room ith it?" The other night she went to every room on the second floor to see if anyone had a Jones' composition book to sell. But the best of all was her little speech to Miss Wiley. Her propensity for entering the dining hall late is well known. We [estime] it almost a miracle when she is on time. One day when she came liesurely in some time after the meal had begun, Miss Broodus said, "Mith Wiley, do you get [...] of Mith Goothell every time you come in late?"207 Sunday, Sept. 16. '81 Our Excursion. We thought we were to be invited to go up among the Catskills this year. And sure enough, the invitation from Mr. Coykendall and Mr. Corvell came last week, and we were given Friday for a holiday. If the weather had been made to order it couldn't have been more delightful. It was quite cool, but so clear. Everything was perfectly arranged for our comfort and enjoyment. We had the Rondout Band and danced to our hearts content, those who could. Soon after our arrival at the Hotel, a spread was served. It was perfect in all its appointments. Pres. Caldwell announced that a plenty of everything had been provided but waiters, so it would be necessary to detail one from each table to serve the [oys]208 coffee and desert. The person might be appointed either by voluntary offering or by popular election. The president made a very cute after dinner speech and announced that there would be but one speech, by Miss Stanton, who then arose and made a very happy speech and moved that a vote of thanks be give to Mr. Coykendall. The Pres. then arose and said asked all who agreed to signify it by clapping hands. Immediately a long storm of applause signified our unanimity. When it had subsided the Pres. called for "contra minded." It is needless to say there was no response. After dinner almost every body ascended the hill behind the hotel which commanded a magnificent view of the two valleys, between which Grand Hotel is situated. Then we had to go for the209 train. It was dark long before we reached Rondout. Stematz and I sat together, and, being very tired, put our heads down upon shawls on the back of the seat. We had a long nice talk. On the steamer we sat near Mrs. Backus and had a long and quite pleasant talk off and on. I had never met her before, and was not then introduced, as Stematz thought I knew her. I was very tired when I reached home, but oh! such a nice time as I had. Anecdotes, etc. Miss Goodsell was very kind all the time up there. I like her. Dr. Allen is snippy about some things. She won't excuse the girls from exercise on stormy days and she is horrid about giving meal orders. I'm glad I'm a Senior and don't have to report on exercise. Dr. Allen sent word to a girl who wanted toast because she210 had a headache that, "Toast wouldn't help a headache." She told Jessie it wouldn't hurt her a bit to go out in a rainy day to exercise. The idea! Why rain makes Jessie's lung ache then she don't go out at all, and sometimes even makes her sick. Miss Broodus the other night sat near me in the reading room. She asked me if I "thpothed the Dr. was in her room now." I said I guessed likely, as it was her office hour. Then she wanted to know if I "thposed the [she] would know how to get an eye lath out of her eye, she'd got one in it?" Frauline Hinkle says we shall begin to translate in about three weeks. She wants to get over the simple exercises. She says, "I get so tired of the thimbles and canes. These exercises are so easy the make me mad." Miss Fulton was sick Friday.211 morning, very sick and about the whole corridor was in commotion. She went from one faint into another, and they sent down for the doctor. The porter was sent for her and he evidently imagined that Dr. Caldwell was the resident physician, for he sent the Prex up. Miss Hiscock was flourishing around in petticoat and dressing sack, her hair all plastered down with bandolnee [bandoline]. Miss Shirley had just come from the bath and was attired in flannel vest and short skirt, or, as some say, night-gown. Some others were present in various stages of dishabile. Imagine it! Really I think it is about the funniest I ever heard. Oct 31st 1881 Mother's Visit? I was a happy girl last Satuday, you may be sure. The messenger-girl212 came to me just as we were going out of dinner and said that there was a lady in the parlor who wished to see me. I thought it was Mrs. Buck and was lamenting because I hadn't changed my dress. I had on my gym suit. I was perfectly astounded at the sight of mother there! She staid at Mrs. Norris' and I spent the night with her. We had a very cozy time the next day and I staid away from all College duties. Mother was intending to leave Monday morning, but I persuaded her to stay till night. So she visited Mental and Lit and I took her over to the Observatory and we called on Prof. Mitchell. She didn't leave Po'keepsie [Poughkeepsie] till 9 p.m. so about four p.m. we went down town and called on Mrs. Buck, who kept us to tea. We didn't leave there till nearly eight, and Mr. Buck took us down street. By good luck, I213 got a car for Vassar immediately. I was absent from elocution, dinner and chapel. I had been previously excused from elocution, and I didn't report for dinner and chapel. It is the first time I ever omitted such a thing. But I was afraid they wouldn't like me to be out so late and might make a fuss, and I thought if mother wished it, it was none of their business. Hallowe'en has gone with its good times. I guess every class had a spree. The Juniors and Sophs had a Kate Greenaway masquerade in the Gym. As for the Seniors, we were to go to the Lyceum at 7.15 p.m. We had no idea what it was to be, tho' Flora, a committee-women flourished around in a ferocious mustache and a long whip, rubber [water] proofs were in demand, and 214 Flo went to town for a bottle of brandy. Eva thought there was to be a farce and I was to be in it, for she heard me spouting in my room and I frequented the Lyceum, besides she thought she heard me say my name was Charlie. When we reached the hall, we found most everybody there seated in a half circle, and in the centre of the floor a chalk ring with a star in the center. Around the room were chairs and beneath them animals, toy ones running on wheels. They were labeled a la Menagerie, The Arabian Steed, Balgam's Quadruped and others. Soon they were paraded about the ring, while the audience were treated to peanuts. Then came the circus. Flora was ring-manager ad a good one she made to [too]. Ella Varnes was extremely cute as clown and her costume was unique and beautiful. Miss Has215 ker was the Infant Prodigy who had appeared as rope-walker before all the crowned heads of Europe. Miss Taylor performed the marvelous feat of leaping over the elephant. Miss Koontz performed wonderful equestrian feats. Miss Stanton figured as the wild red man. The cutest of all, I think, was the three trained dogs, girls with rubber circulars, hands sticking out, bull-dog fans for heads. After the performance was over we had a Viginia reel and a waltz, then we adjourned to the Senior Corridor where two long tables were spread and lit with candles. We had oyster soup and rolls. Just then the girls who had been to New York arrived and treated us to candies. Then Miss Stanton announced that the cakes would be passed around, there was one each, and in one of them was a ring, the girl who got it would be the first to be216 mamed. Also that, as the right ring didn't come in time, another had been baked in instead and would be changed when found. Miss Case was the lucky girl, but we tell her she will get the wrong man as she did the wrong ring. The right ring was a plain thin gold band with a yellow stone. Then a surprise was announced in Miss Stanton's room and we adjourned thither. We found a large platter filled with burning brandy in the centre of which was a bowl containing cards cut in the form of interrogation points. We snapped for them. I got Miss Howe's and the verse on it was "H is for Howe, of one thing the Queen. Down in the Sanctum, she reigned supreme." Mine was "S is for Southworth, she is tall and thin But there isn't a subject you can stick217 her in. Then we all read ours, and after that, as the ring had started the girls, some one propsed that the young ladies tell their experiences. They called on Miss Brittan and Miss Glam, both of whom I think are engaged; but they put us off. Miss Sanford was called on and Miss Easton who made up one. Mary Sanford informed us that she wasn't engaged and moreover there didn't seem to be any prospect of it. Then she called on Miss Howe, head editor of the Miscellany and Miss King, second editor. Some one suggested she was coming to Miss Sanford, third editor, which charge she indignantly repelled as she had already spoken. Then she called on Miss Nickerson, business editor. Now she is engaged, and only this summer, and once might have218 feared it would be too personal; but Abbie's card had said, "N stands for Nickerson, our business editor, She attends to money matters, and nothing more." So Abbie arose and said calmly, "I attend to business matters, and nothing more." That brought down the house. Nov. 13th '81 Senior Parlor The Senior Parlor was opened last Friday at 4 o'clock for the Seniors. I think it is perfectly lovely. It is furnished Turkish style, the colors king Turkish blue and crimson. The floor is carpeted with Turkish rugs. The furniture is ebony with Turkish blue upholsterings, the inside curtains are T. blue and on one corner is a piece of T. blue plush and an old gold star and crescent. On one of the tables we have an old lamp, Alad219 din's lamp and a Koran [Quran] with a crimson plush cover and an old gold star and crescent on it. We have lots of beautiful pictures and some lovely plaques that Niva Buckland painted. There is a large brass relief representing the Bible passage about the head of John the Baptist, which Cora Glenn brought from Europe. Also a lovely square mirror on which Miss Buckland painted passion flowers. The [ripper] panes of the window and the glass in the door is covered with window glass paper, which looks very pretty. It is so cozy and nice. They say it is the handsomest senior parlor there has ever been. Certainly it looks nicer and richer for the absence of bric-a-brac. Between dinner and chapel we took the Freshmen to the parlor. We sang to them and gave them flowers and pretty programmes, but no220 refreshments. We were going to have lovely things to eat, and all was to be given by individual members of the class who had asked to be allowed to give them. But Miss Goodsell called us up to talk to us. She said she wanted to cut down the class expenses, so she would not allow us to give anything to the Fresh unless it were apples and cheap grapes. We don't blame her for wanting to cut down expenses, but it was rather hard to cut us down altogether when we had made out preparations. Miss Goodsell said when she was here '69 gave a party to '68 and to some outsiders. There were 75 people present and the whole entertainment cost less than $10.00. Think of it! 75 people for $10.00. So when just we Seniors were let into the parlor we were treated to "refreshments a la '69," a plate apiece with a colored candy wrapper for a napkin and one221 small piece of candy. Class Play. Last year we decided to give a class play to '83 to propitiate her for her anger at our not giving Trig Cerinonies [Ceremonies] and to '84 because we didn't want to leave her out and because we wished to show we bore no ill feelingon account of some unforgetable occurrences connected with her Freshman party. The play came off last Friday. It was Masks and Faces. Miss Glenn was Peg Wolfington. I took the part of Mr. Triplet. All but about 8 girls were in the play or on the committee. They say it was a great success, and indeed they seemed to like it. 84 sent us a lovey basket of flowers and '83 some nice flowers on a beautiful plaque, which we have put up in the senior parlor. The seats in the hall were all numbered and there were tickets for admission. There were222 two boxes made, one for the class presidents and one for the vice-presidents. We had lemonade between the scenes, and Jay Gibson, Jamie Dwight and the Flenn boy distributed opera glasses. Our guests were partly dressed as gentlemen and they carried out the idea of the theatre and were very nice. No professors or teachers were present. Prof. Mitchall wanted us to observe Friday night and she was quite indignant when we said we could not come. She scolded away at us and said our readiness to give up observing for dramatic entertainment, showed that we did not appreciate the difference between the infinite and the infinitesimal. Finally Helen and Misses Broadhead and Learned said they would come over some time during the evening. We think Prof. M. repented afterwards for she told223 Helen they needn't come over, it was too cloudy to observe, but the air was clear as crystal! She remarked casually that she had received her invitation to Alpha for Saturday, but she had not received any for Friday. She was completely astounded when she heard that she was not to have any, that no teacher or professors were invited, and said "Well, Miss Goodsell has a right to go. I have no right, I admit, but Miss Goodsell has." Alpha and Beta. have had their hall meetings. Alpha's was last night, and Beta's I think two weeks ago, perhaps but one. I didn't go to Alpha, but sat in the senior parlor with some other girls and listened to ghost stories, etc.224 Sunday, Nov. 20 '81 The Creation. The Poughkeepsie vocal [union] gave the [ovatorir] of the Creation in Po'keepsie Tuesday! I wanted to go, but I neglected to get my seat in time. But Miss Patterson very kindly gave me a seat at the last moment. Mrs. Glenn and Cora had seats together and Mrs. G. was away, so Cora wanted Miss P. to sit with her, and Miss P. gave me her ticket. I enjoyed it ever so much. Better than I should have thought. P.B.s Lecture. Prof. Backus lectured to Phil Friday night on the subject of the Philosophy of Collegiate Education. It was very nice and very exhausive. Of course we enjoyed it immensely. The purpose of the College was not to give facts but the power to think. It is for225 the development of the mind. Latin grammer [grammar], being the finest grammer [grammar] in the world, is especially fitted to the development of the analytical faculties. In Greek you find the finest shades of meaning and it tends to develope [develop] the power of reasoning, and the other studies are added that you may learn to use these faculties in different directions. Sunday, Nov. 27th '81 Thanksgiving Day. It went off about as usual, and I enjoyed it very much, althought I was sick all day. I went down to dinner however and down in the evening. Miss Brace gave a reading over in the hall but I did not attend that. Jessie's mother and John came down in the evening and I226 took John down and introduced him to Jamie Dwight and some other children and he had a beautiful time playing with them. A good many went to N.Y. during the vacation. Jessie went down with her mother and had her pictures taken, but they were not very good. Sunday, Dec. 4th '81 Phil. Day. I have been so sleepy all day. I haven't got over Phil yet. The evening went off very pleasantly, although there was no speaker. It was very funny about the speaker. The committee applied to Oliver Wendall Holmes first, and then to several others, but without avail. Finally Dr. Bevan consented to come. Thanksgiving day Dr. Bevan telegraphed that there was a preparatory227 lecture at his Church Phil. night, and he could not possibly come. He had fogotten it when he consented to come. Friday Misses Howe and Sanford went to New York to remonstrate. It was useless. Then they tried to obtain some one else. Just before they left for Po'keepsie, they interviewed their 17th Choice, and after much teasing, he consented to come. But they had hardly reached College when he telegraphed that at home he had been reminded of an engagement and he could not possibly come. Monday Miss Sanford spent in New York without avail and the plan of having a speaker was given up. But the exercises passed off very pleasantly. Miss Hattie Shell sung very nicely and Miss Fridenberg played. Stematz looked so pretty, but she forgot the first part of her opening address.228 However she recovered herself beautifully and went on. The poor child had enough tribulations for coming down the steps, she stumbled, though not many noticed it. The heel of one of her slippers had come off. Afterwards Mr. Bacon took her back to chapel and cut off the other for her. I didn't have company but early in the evening I took Eva and her guest, Mr. Fred Wright, to the Senior parlor and then we went and sat in Room J until we thought the rooms would be clear enough for us to go through the Prex's rooms. We had hardly finished our inspection of the parlors when the bell rung. I was very much astonished as were we all. The evening passed so pleasantly and quickly. Mr. Wright was very sensible and very pleasant.229 Sunday Nov. 11th '81 Interviews with Authorities. Miss Goodsell forbade us the use of the corridor for slippers and such things, because she said it wasn't for such purposes. It was a thoroughfare and we had no right to shut it up. As we protested, she finally granted it, for once more. The class was disatisfied and a deputation was sent to her, but not until we had decided not to make much of a fuss, but to use the candy kitchen she fixed up for us (the whole body of students) for our bowls. Then the motion was reconsidered, and Miss Colman, Mary King and I were appointed to talk about it. We went first to Miss Goodsell and she appeared utterly disgusted with the whole affair, said she had not changed her mind, and advised us to go to Prex. So we went last night. He was real lovely to us.230 He said he would consider the matter. But it is of no use. He is going to talk to Miss Goodsell. He said he thought very likely no one would want to go thorough the corridor the nights we would want to use it, but then there was the principle, it wasn't a legitimate use for the corridor. Stuff! what is the use of the principle if it hasn't any practical application, what's the use of letting it spoil the pleasure of the whole class. The Kitchen It is a very nice idea. Miss Goodsell has had a room fixed up with gas stoves, pots pans, etc. for a kitchen where the girls can go and make candy any time out of study hour. Our class christened it the Wednesday before Phil. Miss Finkelstein. Jessie knows a lady in Pough-231 keepsie who is a Russian; her family left or escaped or were exiled or something, and she is teachng in Po'keepsie. She was out here last night to a lecture given in Chapel and some of us girls had the felicity of hearing her talk about Russia, nihilism, etc. We were much interested. Dec 15th Thursday 10 P.M. Our Tragedy I am all ready for bed, and tomorrow morning start for home but I must sit down and write about the sad occurence of today. The girls have been missing money and they have been trying to find out who took it. I believe $160 in all was taken. A day or two ago it was reported that the thief had been caught, that it was one of the students. Some of the money (it may be all) was returned. At anyrate one of232 the girls who had lost $3 [overs] a purse, received it from Miss Goodsell with a note saying that the purse had been disposed of. We thought then that the one who stole it had confessed but had destroyed the purse, for Miss Lane had not reported her loss. Her name was on the purse. Now we think that it was discovered among the girls things and left there so as not to let her know that she had been discovered. This morning at mail some girls were standing in line, Miss Magmis among them. [...] [orse] exclaimed, "Oh, girls, did you know the thief had been caught?" Miss M turned very pale and went away. Of course for such things as this, we must make allowance for some drawing on the imagination. Later in the day we heard that Miss M. was the culprit and had been taken to the Infirmary. Later that she had taken poison and was raving and very sick.233 At any rate a doctor was out from town and there was a great time. Miss Lu Morrill was in the Infirmary to have her [felon] attended to and heard her raving. First she went over a lot of numbers. Then spoke of poison. "Did I take poison? Am I so stiff because I took poison? Will the poison kill me?" Then we heard that the crisis would be over at 3 p.m. After Chapel that in two hours all would be decided, either death or hopeless insantiy! At 8 p.m. Miss Goodsell summoned everybody to the Lecture Room. She spoke very nicely and said that Miss M. died very suddenly the morning before 12 o'clock. Then she mentioned the rumor about poison and said, "But I want you to understand that the doctor from town and Dr. Allen have both concluded that234 she died of paralysis of the heart." We noticed particularly that she did not deny the girl took poison and if it had not been so, she would have been emphatic in her denial. Probably paralysis of the heart brought on by poison. Her parlor-mates are reported as saying she came out this morning and said she took poison and repented it, and that they think she went to town yesterday and bought the poison. Miss Goodsell said her father was here. He was coming on to take her away for the vacation and arrived this morning. We heard her father had been telegraphed to [too]. She belongs to a very nice family and her mother was devoted to her. Ah, it is so sad, so sad! The College has been so still all the evening. I hope the whole thing will not get out.Jan 22d '82 Bogardus. Sallie and I came back together by the Fall River Boat and went immediately to Bogardus' where we found Helen. Soon after Flora and Carrie Griffith came and by and bye Stematz. I sat 10 times. We had a very enjoyable time there too Mr. Bogardus was very nice to us. Our pictures were nice, at least we liked the proofs. I ordered from four proofs, but the pictures haven't come yet, it has been so cloudy. Christmas Tree. The Friday after I came back we had a Christmas tree in Jessie Meeker's room, and after it a supper in Madge's. We had a jolly good time. I gave Jessie M. a knife, May a basket, Madge a knife, Rebecca, Beth and Lida236 penwipers, and Jessie Wheeler Judge McCarthy's History of our own Lines. May gave me a pretty dish, Rebecca and Madge their photo taken together, Beth an inkstand and three little dolls, Jessie M. a cotton-batten lawyer. It was very cute and the following stanza accompanied it. "Sallie Southworth, L.L.D. A learned Lanister you see. She's six feet ten and rather slim, But full of logic to the brim." Jessie F.N. gave me several things. On [One] thing on condition that I read the marked article all through. That was a paper with the first story of a chapter by Mrs. E.D. E.N. etc. Another was a lovely card she drew and put fringe in. Another a birch bark pen wiper in shape of a palette. And two lovely College views of Notman's. Lida gave me237 a very pretty fan just the color of my new dress. I wrote some poetry about each of the girls for the occassion. As I had to do it in a very short time, it is not at all remarkable. But here it is. Jessie F.W. A nice little, slim little Senior, A highly particular Senior, A super-astute, Most awful accute [Olfactory]-nerved young Senior. Rebecca A silent and shy little maiden, Not a bit of a chatterbox maiden, Such a never-unnerved, Such a super-reserved Such a highly reflective maiden. May Such a cute little bit of a Junior. Such a fly-away mite of a Junior. Such a given to society, Fond of variety, Devoted to dancing young Junior.238 Madge. Such a dignified, sober big Soph, Such a babyish talking great-Soph, A very persistent, Not at all non-resistant, A not to be put off big Soph. Lida. Such an undecided young miss, Such a don't-know-her-own mind young miss, A never-know-what-to-do, Never-know-how-to-do, Never-know-when-to-do Miss. Jessie Meeker. Such a highly artistic Junior, Such a very poetic Junior, A useful in all things, A learned in all things, Universally talented Junior. Beth. Such a curly-headed maiden, Such a very cherubic maiden, A jollity exciting, Merriment inviting, Laughter-convulsed and convulsing maiden.239 Delta Hall Meeting came off a week ago Friday, and it appeared to be successful. I was dreadfully busy till it was over, for Flora was chaiman [chairman] of the committee and I helped her about it. I spoke the Hat, a monologue published in the Dee Harper's, dressed in costume. It was such a funny experience. Before I went out I was terribly frightened and when I had made my bow, I couldn't think of the first line of my piece. Just as soon as I found that I had forgotten it, I became perfectly calm and wasn't in the least troubled about it, and went on as soon as Flora prompted me without the least fear of forgetting again. The last thing on the programme was Leaves from the Album of a Flirt, the plan of which was concocted by the committee from some sug240 gestions they had seen in books. But there had to be something for the Flirt to say and Thursday night just as I was going to bed, Flora said, "Nan, I think you might write some poetry for it." At first I thought I couldn't then I said I'd try. So I took some paper and a pencil to bed and actually wrote out half of it in the dark and finished the last half the next day before I went to bed. Oh, wasn't I glad when the thing was all over! Patience. Phil. gave Patience Friday night, and it was speldid. The girls looked beautifully in their aesthetic costumes, and the dragons were capital! Miss Curtiss, who took the part of Bunthorne, was perfect. She went to see the opera 5 times this vacation, just to study the ac241 ting of Bunthorne. I like it so much better than Pinafore. Miss Goodsell invited the Seniors to her parlors last night to meet her brother and sister, Mr. and Mrs. Hubbert. Their daughter used to be in our class. All the professors and teachers were there. We had cake, cream, and chocolate for refreshments, and the evening was very pleasant. Jan 27th 1880 Day of Prayer for Colleges. As I have a few minutes before Chapel, I think I will write out the poetry I wrote for Delta. Leaves from the Album of a Flirt. Twenty five! Just to think twen-242 ty-five today, And it seems scarce a year since that other birth-day, When I stood by the sea, with Jack at my side, And we faithfully promised for [aye] to abide By the vows of true love we had long ago made, When, as children at school, together we played. But- ah! that bright time was so long ago, Then I was as pure and as fresh as the snow. And how little I thought that, when eight years had flown, I should here in my boudoir be sitting alone, I should never again have seen his dear face, While dozens of others should have filled his place. But I'm now twenty-five, twenty-five today243 I've turned the first corner, I'm well on my way To be an old maid! Who'd have thought it of me, Whom surrounded by lovers, you always would see. But today, when dressing, I found a gray hair, And I see there's a wrinkle, in spite of my care To keep my forehead fresh and fair. And now I am treated as almost the last Of a set whose youth is over and passed Perhaps they think I cannot see But I know very well how they're thinking of me. An old maid surely I'm fated to be. Though I've counted my lovers by the score, And thought [though] I never could wish for more244 I've sent them, one by one, away, And I sit and think it o'er today. So I turn to my album now once more. And look again their portraits o'er. Dear Jack, he looks as dashing and gay As on the morning he went away To join the army in Texas. I'm sure I was very fond of him And faithful to him would have been, If he had not staid in Texas. Ah! Mr. Walter Holinshed, He was too fast, so mamma said. He used to come most every day. Oh those old times were very gay! But I didn't care for him at all, Except that he took me to every ball. I sent him away from me at last. He really was so very fast!245 In the country I John Woodward met. That glorious summer I ne'er shall forget. How earnest and thoughtful he used to be, But ever so kind a pleasant to me. Ah, John, you sometimes made me wish, too, That I were as good and as learned as you! John was devoted to me, I know, But then, he was too awfully slow! Count Henri Gustave Montagu, I do not like to think of you. I gave myself up so completely, And you, you took me in so neatly! I should now be Countess and be abroad, If you had not turned out a fraud, And brother Ben had not found out That you were a barber, instead of a Count!246 Mr. Oscuro Wildeero was too utter by utter! Just to think of him sets my heart in a flutter. Just conceive him if you can, A super-aesthetical, ultra-poetical, la-di-da young man. He was quite too fine in every way; But papa didn't like him, and sent him away. Lord Darby, for you with your fine English ways, What words are sufficient to speak in your praise. Ah, you were nicer than all the rest. For you I tried always to be at my best. But it all was useless, for, you see, I didn't suit him, though he just suited me!247 Here is another stanza I've added to the "Leaves". William Wallace Fitzherbert Froude Little Georgie used to call a dude. He wore his clothes so very tight It made him look like a perfect fright. He carried a slender little cane Which Georige said was weak as his brains He wore a single glass in his eye, And talked in a tone 'twixt a drawl and a sigh. Which really was so very absurd That George would laugh at every word. He could not stand little George's tricks, So he went and married Luella Dix.447 Jan 28th 1882 Day of Prayer for Colleges. Rev. Mr. Robinson, a Presbyterian from New York was here. He was the most earnest person I about ever saw. He shook the desk so the lamp shades rattled. I thought once he was going to ask all those who were not going to take up the cross to rise and leave, while he would go on to speak of the crown to the others. Mr. Freeman the English historian, lectured in Chapel Friday night. He is a queer little man who limps with gout. His whiskers are long and are all over his face. He chews his words all up before he succeeds in getting them out, which is not very agreeable. In fact he is a very dull speaker, but I was glad I went. I got a few points to think about.248 Sunday Feb. 3th '82 Mabel Dart. The College authorities of Madison University have been corresponding with those of Vassar, about a Miss Dart, who was senior there but couldn't graduate merely because she was a girl. So yesterday she came. They say she is very smart and I should think she must be for she will not be ninteen [nineteen] till June. Miss Semple, as class baby, is deposed. Such a joke! Miss Dart is small, and pale, and thin, not pretty. But she seems quite pleasant and self-possessed. She lives near Madison University, and I heard that she was daughter of one of the profs. Blue Ribbon. Miss Glenn had an anonymous letter yesterday signed "Prep", which said that the writer had long admired Miss G at a distance, etc.249 and asked that she would please wear a blue ribbon at her neck if her admiation was not distastful. So we all wore to dinner blue, ribbons, the whole senior class, except Miss Glenn and she wore Mary Sanford's blue dress. We thought that we had discovered who the writer was, and were going to serenade her with the song, "Bunch of Blue Ribbons", and take her a bouquet of paperflowers. But we were mistaken, so we had to put off the serenade. Monday, Feb 6th. Miss Howgate. The girls expected her Saturday on the evening train, but she did not come. We thought perhaps the storm delayed her, and she would take a later train and Misses Patterson, Phillips, and Howe, sat up till after 11 p.m. in Jessie's room waiting.250 But she was delayed so she had to stay all night in New York. She came up at 3 o'clock Sunday, and Miss Howe never told anyone, not even Miss Phillips who was out, till she brought her into supper. Then a regular shout went up, and it was great fun to see Mrs. C's anger and Miss Howe's merriment. Sunday, Feb 12th 1882. Mr Blaikie, a graduate of Harvard and a lawyer in New York was here this week. He lectured to us in Chapel about how to care for the body and make it strong. He was very nice. He also visited the gym class which was held at the ninth period for his special benefit. Stematz bought his book, "How to get strong and how to keep so," and are going to be very good and follow out his rules.251 A revolution has occurred in College which astounded us all, but at which we are very happy. Just think Silent Time has been abolished and rising and breakfast bells ring half an hour later. Oh, it is delicious. A pleasant Saturday. Yesterday the four [torments] of Stematz life were in New York, and we had a nice time. We worked all the morning at our respective quilts. In the afternoon we were going to town. I was waiting for Steam at the Lodge when Mr. Buckingham was driven up to the College, and the old servant asked me if I was going to town and if I wouldn't ride. He waited for Steam, and Miss Shinton and Miss Patterson came along to go to the green house, so they rode, too, and Miss Hongate went with them. So we had a lovely sleigh-ride to town. When we252 got back it was dinner time. After dinner came Clio. Then Stematz and I read Blaikie's book and called on Miss Hongate. Then the girls came back and they had had no supper and couldn't get any and the store was closed. So Steam and I went to Mr. Gibson and got some chocolate, crackers, and olives, and by and bye came Misses Patterson and Hongate and got sardines and potted chicken. So we had a feast. Steam made the chocolate in her room and then we carried the things into Miss Howe's room. They were so hungry and tired, it was good to see how they enjoyed it. We didn't get through eating till after 10 p.m. Feb 19th 1882 Gymnastics. I am going to begin a thorough course in gymnastics today. I should have begun last week but I was sick all253 the week. I measured myself last week with the following result. Largest part of left fore-arm straight, 7 3/4 in. Largest part of left arm above the elbow 8 5/8 in. Largest part of left leg beow knee 12 1/4 in. Around the waist 24 in. Around the chest, just below the arms 30 1/2 in. I am going to see if I get any bigger. I am not taking any special exercises for any part except the chest, outside of what I get in gymnastics. I hope I shall grow larger. Steam and I are reading Mr. Blaikie's book. It is very interesting. Mar. 4th 1882. My journal has lately become a source of great disquiet for me. I let Jessie read it when she was in the Infirmary and since then other have been teasing me for it. Miss Howe asked me to do her a little favor and I promised, and come to find out it was to read my journal. If she insists, I am going to let her read the following.254 March 4th 1882 I snatch a moments time, at last, from the busy round of duties, from the arduous labor that is the lots of the student of condensed German and Quaternions, to confide in you, oh my Journal, the sorrow that is weight on my once joyous soul! What is the force that has the power to cast such deep gloom over my once buoyant spirit? Alas, my journal, it is you, ever you, the solace of my lonely hours, the friend of my friendless days, that were first cause of all my present sorrow. Through a promise, made in an incautious moment with thoughtless levity, you, my journal, brought me to the depths of dark dispair. Shall I soon forget the day, the hour, the moment, when the fatal promise was exacted? No, it was stamped indelibly upon my memory and each particular of the scene will ever reamin fresh in257 I had uttered, yet on it hung my fate! Ah, if it had but been that other monosyllable, so closely allied to it, yet so different in [import], the patrick of negation! So near and yet so far, but the word had been prounced, no more my fate trembled in the balance, all was decided. Trembling with eager longing to know to what I had thus rashly pledged myself, I hastened to formulate the quetsion that was uppermost in my mind. "What is it?" Ah! the anguish of that moment of suspense, before she spake again and gave the answer in a tone in which the feeling of triumph was disclosed, "Let me read your journal!" - - - Ah, my Journal, I pass over in silence the momements that followed these words of my too minutes! The flood of agony inexorably pushed between me and all hope and sweeping me up258 with my despair, threw us out as a pasture to the stars. There was no refuge in all the world. I had given my word, my sacred promise, I could not [forewear] myself, for I was of too tender years to lay such a [heary] crime upon my soul! Ah, my Journal, words are useless, tears are useless, go forth to your fate, reveal to her "coldly critical" mind the inmost secrets of my soul, the dear treasures of my heart, and where she peruses those pages with scornful contempt, say to her, "Never mind. She whose hand has written all herein, has not stained her soul with perjury. She has kept her promise, though in doing so, her inmost soul was torn with deepest anguish, such as you, Unfeeling One, have neer experienced. If you have contempt for all else, Scoffer, you must admire the streadfast courage and high honor of the soul.259 which would not stoop to break a promise ever thus deceitfully exacted, although her own heart broke instead; and you must shrink when you think of your own cruelty in insisting on the fulfilment of what brings such agony to another's soul!" Go, my Journal, while I remain and suffer as a martyr to the cause of Truth! Sunday May 28th I saved this space for the purpose of recording the effect of the above passage which was written especially for Miss Howe's benefit. But as long as she didn't insist, I thought I wouldn't show it to her. However, it was brought up again to night by some of my friends who had read it and were anxious for Miss Howe to have the benefit. So she read it tonight and also the following entry.206 Sunday Mar. 19.'82 Honors Cont. I haven't written for a long time, but you may be sure not because there has been nothing to say. This week, especially, has been full. We had been expecting the honors for some time. Finally it was rumored that there was to be a Faculty Meeting on Tuesday for the special purpose of giving honors. But P.Braislin [said] it sometimes took one, sometiems two faculty meetings, so we were by no means sure. There was a stir in the air at dinner. We all looked at Miss Case, our secretary, but she had received no note. Mrs. Desausure sat at the faculty table, so we judged that faculty secretary was not yet out. Every time the dining room door opened we looked to see if it was a message for Miss Case. At last262 read. We adjourned to the parlor and looked at the Class pictures. P. Hinkle came along and informed us that the honors were all decided, read Miss Sanford's list, told her it was "clever but not literally correct." More excitement and Chapel. Then we loitered again on the corridor a little again. Finally, Eva and I came up to read our German. Soon we heard that Miss Brittan asked Miss Goodsell about the honors and she said that they would be out at eight. We finished our German and I made out a list as follows, Easton, Glenn, Howe, King, Patterson, Shove, Warren, Yamakawa. I couldn't decide on the other two. A little before eight there was a grand collection in the parlor. Some waiting to summon abset ones. Miss Brittan263 read the note to herself and then aloud. Breathless attention, except as to Miss Sanford who sat on the floor writing down the names and calling to Miss Brittan to read "Slower." "Coleman, Easton, Howe, King, Patterson, Semple, Southworth, Stanton, Warren, Yamakama." Then Susie Coleman burst out crying and left the room and the silence was broken with questions, congratulations, and wonderments. I scarecely remember a thing but that I sat in the corner chair and tried to make out a list. I couldn't seem to get it right. I found the next day that I had numbered two persons with the same number. Then we sat around and discussed things a while and then I went to a rehearsal. There were two great264 astonishment for us all. Misses Shove and Glenn. I don't believe there was a single list that didn't have Miss Shove on it, or more than two without Miss Glenn's name. I can't understand it yet. There was a new proposition in the Faculty's note, concerning the Valedictorian. P.B. Prex and Miss Goodsell had been appointed to discuss the matter with the class. That aroused considerable discussion. The next day between dinner and chapel, the following appointments were made, Glenn, prophet, Sanford, historian, Shove, spade orator, Taylor, orator, Kormtz, chairman of Class Day committee. It was as I thought it would go and wanted it too. Indeed I think most of the Class preferred it that very way. Miss Gross was265 our marshal. Then we moved to ask the Faculty to explain their plan to us, and Prex and Miss Goodsell met us at 8 p.m. P.B. being sick. Prex tried to explain but was not very successful, as seniors who have been in his class out [ought] to have expected. The thing as it appeared to some of us was that the Faculty thoguht that there were often hard struggles in the classes about it and also hard feelings. So they thought perhaps the class would like to leave it in their hands to decide. In that case the Faculty would abolish the Valedictory or elect to it the girl with the highest standing or some one else. Some came out of the meeting perfectly rabid, declaring that the faculty had already made up their minds what they would do, and they might say that they266 would give it to the girl with the highest marks, but how would we know. "Would you trust them?" etc, etc. The next day the moderate ones concurred with the rabid ones in asking the Faculty to let us elect our own valedictorian, because we were unanimous (almost) in wishing for Miss Patterson. All other names had been dropped and we rallied about her. We will probably be allowed to elect her and she will be very much astonished. She is a lovely girl. We are all so sorry for Misses Shove and Glenn. I can not understand why they did not get honors. Little P. Hinkle told Miss Sanford that he didn't get honrs for but one girl on his list, which must have been Miss Easton. He must have had all his senior Latin girls on and two others.267 He said, "I hung on to the very last for Miss Taylor. And I voted for you, too, Miss Sanford, and oh! Miss Shove!" P. Hinkle called Flora up and said "Miss Easton, I suppose you know you are to be my Commencement salutation." "No, sir," said Flora. Whereupon P. HInkle was almost beside hismelf with fright. "Why! Aren't the lists out yet?" Poor little man, what a scare. We had a scare a day or two before, for he said in class, "Monday bring your pencils and paper to take down a piece which I wish you to put into Latin. For you know, Miss Laurence, you must get up you [your] Latin composition for the Commencement Satutation [Salutation]." P. Mitchell told some of the girls that Helen stood first on the books and I second.267 Mar. 26th 1882. Honors Again. We were called up Tuesday to P.B. all the honor girls and Class day spearkers. We were told that Commencement speakers must and Class Day speakers might have elocution after the holidays. Then the Class girls went and the others staid to be talked to about our special departments. Before P.B. began to talk he mentioned to me privately that I might have the history if I would like it, and he said that he would reserve it for me if I chose. I said he might. He said that we might select any department we liked and apply for it, that there was to be no compulsion about it. He said it was suggested in Faculty meetng that Miss Warren might like to write an essay on some san268 itary subject, Miss Coleman perhaps in the department of Metaphysics, that Miss Easton he believed had been offered and had accepted the Salutatory and Miss Southworth the department of History. Was it not so? I said it was, and soon he dismissed us, telling those who wished to talk privately with him about it to remain. Of course I went up and soon after I met Miss King and asked her what she was going to take. She said she should represent the English department. I was very much surprised, as I supposed she would have the debate with Miss Howe. I went up stairs to study my German, and soon some one knocked and in walked Miss Howe, saying she wanted to see me. I began to ask her about the debate, for we girls wouldn't think who would have it if Miss269 Semple didn't now, and we imagined Miss Semple getting up against Miss Howe! Miss Howe said that she did not know as anything was decided, but P.B. wanted to see me immediately. So after that I wasn't very much surprised when he offered me the debate. I deliberated and he gave me till the next morning to think it over, but told me not to talk it over with my friends, as, in case of my refusal, it would be very embarassing for the next one. I said I didn't know as I should care to talk with but one person and he enquired who it was and finding that it was Miss Howe gave his consent, saying that if I accepted, she would have the other side. I hardly know what to make of his offering me the history in that open manner, but the270 most plausible explanation is this. Of course he wanted Miss Howe, and he did not know but she might not wish me as an opponent, or I might refuse. In either case, as I had accepted the history so openly, there was no embarrasment for the one who was next selected. Either that or I was his third choice. But I know he did not offer it to anyone else first, and he said that he handed in to the Faculty a list of three for the debate, and I was one of the first two. He had no occassion to say it if he didn't mean it. And P. Mitchell told Helen that she supposed that I would have one side of the debate. Well, I talked with Miss Howe and she said decidely "Take it!" so finally I did, But I am dreadfull afraid of Miss Howe. I expect to get crushed. She laughs at me and271 says she is afraid of me, too. The queerest thing is, that as yet I can't really bring myself to want to beat. I don't want to. But I don't want to be beaten, by no means! I hope this feeling wont keep me from doing my best work, and I don't believe it will, for I am enough afraid of her to feel that I must do my very best to come out even, as I would rather we should. I would rather debate with Miss Howe than anybody else, yet I am more afraid of her than of anyone. I can't help thinking how astonished I would have been if this had come a few weeks ago. The posibility that I might get the debate never entered my head till Jessie Meeker suggested it and I hooted at the idea. She asked me if I would bet a sixpence and I said yes indeed. I came up stairs272 and told the girls and they said they shouldn't wonder a bit if I did. But I didn't think I should for I thought Mary would have it and enough girls in the class thought so, too, to make me feel certain I wouldn't. So it was really a surprise to me. What a lucky girl I am any way. Things almost always come out better than I expect without seemingly much exertion on my part. But perhaps I'd better reserve that till I see whether I get crushed on Commencement Day. Miss Patterson is our Valedictorian. The Faculty decided to let us elect our own, as we all watned to except Misses Shove and Harker, and, I believe, Miss Coleman. But she was not there. The whole class wanted Miss Patterson, so we who wanted Miss Yamakawa gave her up. We thought Miss P. would be unanimous, and273 would be so surprised. But Miss Shove put up Mary. We were so disgusted. But Miss Patterson got it on the first ballot. I think it was mean of those girls to put Mary up, for they knew she could not get it and I don't believe they wanted her especially. Miss Sanford thought they did it on principle, on the supposition that Mary had the highest marks (which she didn't). But in that case why did Miss Koontz whisper to another of that set, "If they don't get it, put up Lillie." Surely they didn't think "Lillie" had the next highest marks. Before I heard that, I said I guessed they had wished a tie and then were going to put up Miss Stanton. Mary was lovely to Miss Patterson. It was too bad she had to be put up to loose [lose] it.274 Cassie. came here a week ago Thursday. She was here to the dedication of the organ on Friday afternoon, and the play Esmerelda Saturday night. I was Mrs. Rudgen and made my last appearance on Vassar stage. Monday we went to town and called on Mrs. Buck. Cassie was going to take charge of her mother, Mrs. Maynard, a blind lady, when she went home. Cassie went Wednesday night. I went to town with her and we took tea at the Buck's and I went down to the depot with them in the Carriage and thence returned to College. I enjoyed Cassie's visit immensely. She gave me a 10 dollar gold piece for my honor and debate. Harry sent me 30 not long ago. Delta Miss Whitney addressed Delta Friday275 about "Scientific Openings for Women." She read the paper, last summer at the Woman's Convention. Miss Jones treated us to sandwiches and chocolate. I forgot to tell about Washington's Birthday, how Miss Brittan gave us a lovely spread and we had a fortune cake and Miss Patterson got the ring, Miss Coleman the thimble, and Miss Gross the 10 cent piece. April 9th '82. Vacation Vacation is almost gone and I am very sorry. I never had such a nice time. I haven't done anything in particular. I've read a little, sewed a little, painted a little, and talked a good deal. I've talked especially about276 subjects for debate. We've been deluged with them. All sorts. At first Miss Howe liked one best and I another. We each read on our favorite one and then decided neither would do. Then we were in dispair for several days. We concluded we must take "a man" but couldn't think of any appropriate one. At last Miss Howe was seized with a brilliant idea. Alexander II of Russia. We both like it and can agree as to the sides we will take. It is a topic suited to both of us, it is of interest but not worn threadbare. I should attack him. Miss Howe thinks all the arguments are on my side, but there is more opportunity for pathos, rhetoric, etc. on his, and probably she will have the last say since she defends him. It only remains to be seen whether P.B. likes it. He would better! Then I've walked and bowled277 this vacation. Have taken ever so many long walks. A week ago I went to Boardman's with May and Lida. We measured the pool and it is over my head. I [It] rained almost all the way back and we didn't have any umbrellas. I don't seem to get any more skillful at bowling than ever; but I don't care. It's good exercise any way. I am getting up a good deal of muscle. I haven't staid at home a bit this vacation. Lately, even, I've slept out, staying with Mary King. One night Flora, Miss Patterson and I staid at the observatory to look for the comet. There were some clouds in the way but we managed to do some observing. We didn't find it, it is needless to say. Day times I have spent almost entirely with my friends, Miss Howe's room being my favorite [resort]. I have had such a nice time.278 My twenty-first Birthday was last Tuesday. I fared so well. Stematz before she went gave me a little box to be opened on the 4th. It contained one of those dear little dog [salt]-collars. I had been trying to guess what it was all the week but didn't succeed in the least. Miss Morrill, before she went away, left me a lovely plate of flowers, and on my birthday Misses Howe and Phillips gave me some beautiful Marechal [Maréchal] Niel roses. The flowers are not gone yet. And Mary gave me two of those Little Classie series, Schiller, and Byron and Hord. I did not expect so many thing. Sunday. May 7. 1882. Essay I haven't written lately, as northing in particular has happened. Essays, I might say, are the chief279 and almost only topic of interest. P.B. approved out subject altho' [although] he still clung to his favorite topic of the Chinese Question. I have been going through all stages of experience. I began with fight, then got over it and commenced to dispair [despair]. My dispair [despair] got so great that Helen was frightened and Miss Howe got alarmed. "Do you really wish you hadn't taken the debate?" she inquired with anxious counenance. And I hastened to assure her that if I did I shouldn't in a few days. I read till I read every idea out of my head. Then I stopped and began to write to see if I could clarify my ideas. Then I began to make out analyses, but couldn't suit myself. I made five and think now it stands about as I shall use it. But I am not satisfied. I can't do it as I wish. My idas are not the kind I want and the argument is more against a false system than Alexander per-280 sonally. I am dreadfully afraid the first part of my essay will be stronger than the last part. And one important point that I wish to prove, Miss Howe says I can't, for she can overthrow it. And I am foolish enough to believe her. I wish I had more confidence [in] myself in this line and less in Miss Howe. She likes to plague me by telling me how near vacation is and how many good points she's got. But in her sober moments she says she's afraid of me, which she surely aughtn't to be. She's not so afraid as I am. I think the class as a rule think [thinks] I'm going to get beaten. It speaks highly for my own opinion when the rest of the class back it up. Founder's Day. Friday was Founder's Day. Dr. Vincent spoke on the "Law of Construction". It was very good but rather long.281 Mr. Thomas, a singer of St. Thomas's Church, N.Y. sang gratis. I never enjoyed a [Oollation] so much, for some of us girls went out behind the flag in the lower end of the dining roome [room] and ate there in comfort. Was with Eva and her guest Dr. Herbert Wright, Miss Hiscock's cousin, a good part of the evening. Danced the lanciers with Dr. Wright. Went around the grounds with him and Eva Saturday and beat him at ten-pins. Dancing The whole Class laugh at the seniors, especially Steam and I, who dance so much. We are devoting ourselves to learning to waltz, and I think I shall finally learn. I am improving. We took six lessons and now practice in Room J. every night at quarter of nine, [enveighing] all our friends who play or lead into coming to help us on. If I can only get it well!282 May 21st 1881 The Junior Party was Friday. We had a lovely time. I went with May. We left here at 12 in Carriages and took the Mary Powell. Had a very nice lunch on board. Left the Powell at Cornwall and took carriages nine miles through the mountains to West Point. It was lovely all the way. We walked up some of the hills. Part of the girls walked about 7 miles. At West Point we walked around and saw the half past six drill. Then we took the Powell, which came down for us, and had our dinner. General Howard was at dinner, so we couldn't start back till it was over. We all had lovely tambourines with painted silk tops. The collation was very nice. We had strawberries. There were nice speeches. In the evening we had ice cream and283 cake. Reached College about 12. I had the loveliest time ever at the College. Essay. Gave my essay to Miss Hiscock Thursday. It was over 11 minutes, read deliberately. Miss H. returned it with condensations, which she thought would be enough, but I don't think it will be less than 9 minutes. However, if they don't suggest more condensation, I shan't. Miss H. said it was the best work I had ever done in that line, not the best essay work but best in that line. May 28th 1882 Essay. Wednesday I had an interview with P.B. about my essay. As I came into his study he says, "Well, Miss Southworth, you've written a good essay. I like it. You knew I would all the time, didn't you?" He said285 Miss Howe's was the more judicial mine the more something, and I can't for the life of me think what. Then he had me read two pages to time it and then went over it to condense it. But it now takes 4 minutes to read it. However, I shan't suggest more condensation if he does it. He said he thought mine would come first, and a friend of his, in whose judgement he had a great deal of confidence, read them and thought that it was best for mine to come first. P.B. said he "was sure I wouldn't think he had any other reason for deciding this way, except that it was best for the presentation of the whole subject. And he knew that here it was generally considered that the last place was best. He didn't know as I thought so but many did. However it wasn't necessarily so." If I hadn't known286 it, I might have guessed from that, that the debaters were sometimes jealous of one another's advantage. He needn't have been in the least afraid this time and perhaps he was not. I told him I had expected to come first from the nature of my side. When Miss Howe had her interview, he suggested titles, The Infamy of Alexander, for mine, The Greatness of Alexander, for hers. But I don't like those very well. I think they are too strong. Bellvue Villa. Yesterday Jessie took me across the river to Bellvue Villa. We spent the day there and had a lovely time. The day was perfect. We walked along the new railroad and Jessie gave me a practical lesson in Geology. Then we went down in the woods and sat on a rock by a beautiful287 stream and altogether were happy. Jessie's Avocation. Jessie says she thinks she has found her avocation in life, she is going to be my Boswell. She says she is like Ralph Touchett in Potrait of a Lady, her curiosity in regard to my future is sufficient to prolong her life considerably. June 22nd 1882 Last Days Well, I am home. It seems strange enough to be here and think that Vassar is over for me, for, of course, it can never be the same to me. My relation to the College is now to be different, and I don't like it so well. It is very pleasant288 to be at home. It is nice to spread out, have a place that is to be permanent, and a top drawer that is in order. Quite new sensations for me. All that is very nice. But it does not seem to me as I thought it would. I didn't expect to realize it, but thought this would seem like any summer vacation. But it doesn't. When I am very busy, I get along very well. But when I am not very busy, or am doing some of those things that I used to take to Stem's room or Miss Howe's, it seems as if I couldn't stand it. And then I get perfectly wild to see Harry, as he is the only one who can be to me what some of my College friends were. If I hadn't my plans for this summer and next year, it doesn't seem as if I could stand it.289 What do those girls do, who are looking forward into uncertainty? I have framed Harry, Prog. Backus, Miss Howe, and Stematz and have them in my room where I can see them constantly. And I have a little piece of the Bogardus' class groups which we cut up and distributed, as they were very poor, and I carry that in my purse. Originally, I had Misses Howe, Philips, Hongate, and King on one piece and on another Jessie and Stematz. But it troubled me to see Mary with those girls, she didn't belong there, but I hated to cut her out. But finally I told Stematz I couldn't stand it any longer. I said I thought I must be getting as morbidly sensitive as Elizabeth Stuart Phelps. But I cut Mary out and put Stem in and now I290 can look at it with some sort of comfort. June 23d Well, I supposed I may as well chronicle the last few days of College life and end this journal. The Senior Howl came off as usual at the beginning of vacation. '83 seranaded us. We voted for appointments and ate out supper and sang and were supposed to be jolly. We had purchased two etchings for Miss Goodsell, and, she being out, we carried them down. Vacation days dragged on, and I was as busy as one could well be. See Miss Brace and practice was the order of every day. My throat was sore but it finally got better, about the last of vacation. Our titles were decided as the Patriotism of Alexander II and Alexander II the Evil Genius of Russia. I didn't291 like mine and it was changed to Perfidiousness of Alexander II. And so finally it stood. Miss Howe was very comforting. She regaled us with choice passages from her essay till she gave me the terrors, but absolutely refused to let me read hers. She said she should never cease to count it as one of the lost opportunities of her life that she forgot to tell me that Misses Coleman and Stanton had their essays rejected. If I had known it before I had sent mine in, I should have been wild, I suppose. As it was such a thing as an essay being rejected never for a moment entered my thoughts, and I didn't hear of it till after mine was returned to me approved. Finally matters culminated292 Stem heard Miss Howe's essay and came with glowing accounts. I dragged her away to hear mine, too, and declared Miss H. must let me hear hers. The girls said if I'd stop asking, she would volunteer. But she loves to tease. Noticing my melancholy, she inquire [inquired] the cause. "Well, Miss Howe" said I, "I shan't be happy again till I've heard your essay. I shan't ask you again. But when you're ready to do me a favor, I shall be glad to hear it." The next day as I stood by the Chapel door waiting for Miss Braee, she half looked mine over with my permission. That same day earlier I believe she asked [me]293 it I didn't think it would be a good plan to get up early some morning and go to the Chapel to rehearse our essays to each other. I said I did but didn't exhibit any especial gratification. I wasn't going to please her so much. So the next day [but one] was set. I countinued gloomy all day but that night rehearsed to Miss Baldwin, who cheered me up very much. Indeed during this time I don't know what I should have done if it hadn't been for Stematz and Rose Baldwin. But it was my last fit of blues, and I grew by degrees294 more cheerful. I didn't even get downcast when I awoke Tuesday, the last day before Commencement with such a cold that I could scarcely speak aloud. I took all sorts of medicine, especially aconite, till I was so weak I could scarcely stand. But I got through fairly. The audience in general did not notice my cold, but I had to work very hard. I had to concentrate all my energy, physical and mental, on getting my voice out. Oh, it was disgusting. To think that the one opportunity I had in my whole life, I should have such a cold. In dress rehearsal, Miss Howe forgot 5 times. P.B.295 talked at her. How girls were more likely to forget if they carried their manuscripts to Chapel, etc. And it was a pity if a College education made a girl unable to remember a six minute speech. I didn't take any manuscript to Chapel on the eventful day. I was sure I should not forget. Miss Howe kept declaring she should forget. She never remembered anything of the sort yet, and she shouldn't remember that. But from the moment I saw her on the stage, I knew there was not the least danger of her forgetting. And she did do splendidly. Her296 Her essay was grand and her delivery worthy of it. "Rose Baldwin is a very nice girl." So I've heard Miss Howe say countless times, and I quite agree with her. But we never got acquainted till the very last thing. I wish I had known her before. The first of our real acquaintance was the night we went with Miss Wood and Miss White to hear Prof. Backus' lecture on Alexander Hamilton. It was a splendid lecture. We missed our car, Miss Goodsell kept us so long in Chapel, and walked all the way in. It was worth it, though I had walked about five miles that day over297 to Boardman's, with Jessie and Sallie after fossils and ferns. Coming back Miss Baldwin and I had a long talk. You know people can't get acquainted talking on commonplaces. They have to have a subject of common interest and we had it, Miss Howe. Well, to go back to the happenings, Prex. invited us to spend the evening with him and we had a glorious time. Then there was the Dance Party which we enjoyed as usual. This was the poem about me. "As a Lawyer, we train A brain witted lass, Who has plenty of brain298 And will soon lead old Mass. "The women of Stonghton, The first will be votin'! The new-born idea At first met by fear, Will reach Plymouth rock, And give it a shock, And perhaps make it reel, Then Boston will feel, The anguish and throe Of incoming woe And wildly she'll tear Her venerable hair, For a space Then with grace The point she will yield, And give up the field And when Boston is fixed299 The towns fall in like bricks. Our senior Astronomy of 9 wrote a good many pieces on the spur of the moment. Here is one that we wrote line by line, not knowing what each other wrote. "To the Senior class of mine, There is no voice like thine. And laugh and jest go round, Which we've ground and ground and ground. Happy are we all today, Which we remember will alway. In the [Dome] our Star doth shine Baby mine, baby mine." Then I wrote one about the 9 muses, applying them to [in] 9 girls.300 but it took so long to find out who the 9 muses were that I didn't get it done till the party broke up. Then I read it to P. Mitchell. "The nine musses that this year have shone, From Vassar's sky will soon be gone. Without our Eurterpe what should we do To write lyric verses in praises of you? And Clio, our club King, who safely we led As we through History's mazes sped? And Urania who Astrology led us, all ray, And who represents it upon our last day? Easton, who ever as Comedy doth shine We gladly do count as one of our nine. And our Melpomene, who with tragic air, Attacks and settles our every affair. Winifred surely is our muse of love301 Who is always as gentle and soft as a dove She who through the corridor dances always, Must cetainly be our Terpsichore. Our Calliope is a Star who aye gives us pleasure Her soul is serene with Music's rhythmic measure, Who our sacred Polyhymnia better could be, Than our Class chosen one, our Jessie M.P.?" After the Dance Party we had our Vail picture taken, which proved very good, and then came dress rehearsal. Our baccalaureate Sunday came. The girls had a great time trying ot get us all to dress in white. But we couldn't. It was a very good sermon. "Quid agamus" was his text. That was very nice. I don't think any of us realized302 that we were going as we stood up in the seats to receive his final words, nearly so much as we realized it for other classes. Very few cried. The music was grand, so was the organ concert that evening. We didn't cry the next day [...] either; Class Day. That is, most of us did not. We had a very nice Class Day, indeed. The weather was perfect. My prophecy was about the best, but I had told Miss [Gleem] I should be angry if she put George Gordon in. However I refrained. The class song was very pretty, I broke my heart that my cold wouldn't let me sing it. Father, mother, Cassie,303 Miss Cleflore, Aunt Mary, Alice were there. I went down to meet them. Commencement Day came at last. I haen't yet got over my disappointment in the state of my voice. The exercises as a whole were excellent. All but Miss Stanton's I should have thought she would have been ashamed to get up with such an essay. She wrote a little on it every day and said she didn't care, anyway, whether it was good or not. Her friends said it was enough that she had got the honor, no matter about her essay. Think of a girl like that! Stematz had a splen-304 did essay. It was the event of the day. The valedictory certainly was very fine. I hadn't cried but it came over me all of a sudden. I broke down completely and cried straight through everything even till it was in the dining room. Everytime I began to calm down I heard Stematz sobbing and I began again. P.B. told me he set out to throw his handkerchief down to me. Well, it was over. I concluded I could not get packed, so I staid over with Stematz. My friends filled their trunk with some of my things, and among other things they packed my trunk key, which was305 locked. We didn't find it out till after the trunk was gone. But I succeeded in finding a key that would fit it. Then my folks departed to their boarding place, and I to Class Supper. But first let me tell about Miss Goodsell's cups. She gave us each Sunday a lovely little painted cup with pansies, our initials, the time of our entrance and departure and "Freely give, Freely ye have received." It was so lovely of her. She said little, but we did not need words. Hurrah for '88. That was how we felt when they gave us our class supper. Just think306 of it. Wasn't it lovely? Then there was a cake containing a bangle ring with '80 + '82 on it for banngles. Miss Beechland got it. Now appointments. Here is the list of all the votes. Sarcastic. Biggest-Eater. Wittiest. Populare. Varnes 24 Laureuce 19 Varnes 16 Hongate 9 Munro, 1 Sanford 8 Wheeler 12. Learned 8 Peck 2 Easton 5 Glenn 6 Shove 5 Wheeler 2 Wheeler 5 Howe 1 Stanton 3 Semple. 1 Broadhead 1 Kometz 1 Coleman 2 Fridenberg 1 Noisiest Shove 1 Patterson 3 Bartlett 1 Sanford 22 Peck 2 Dart 3 Howe 1 Howe 10 Careless Harken 2 Kometz 4 Yamakawa 34 Fross 1 Macadain 1 Coleman 2 [...]307 Flirst. This is about the way Gross 17 they all went, strange Glenn 8 and probably together. Bartlett 3. The others I set down Warren 4 just those who got the Coleman 3 most. Pugnacious, Joues 10 White 4. Meekest, Howe 13. Laziest, Philips 1. Shailer 18 (She wanted it.) Melancholy, Peck 15. Absent-minded Shove 14. Dig Stanton 24. Dignified Brittan 33. Greatest Talker Macadain 25. Energetic Sanford 15. Vainest Nickerson 9. Boaster Semple 26. Stylish Taylor 31. Imperturbable, Sourthworth 24. Athletic. Buckland 33. Hand- somest, Coleman 25. Eccentric, Jones 36. Growler, Munro 13. Punster, Howe 23. Amiable, Learned, 14. (16 Candidates) Prettiest Warder 29. Sentimental308 King 15. Polite. Brittan 13. Most everybody was pleased with their appointments, especially myself. Miss Jones felt terribly about being the most eccentric. She also wrongly conceived that from her prophecy, Miss Glenn meant to imply she was unwilling to lend. Far [fworce] it. We were much touched by Miss Brittan's speech. We all had [homes]. But to her Vassar had been her only home. Stematz came in looking teary. "Please don't look at me or I shall cry," she said. Of course she was looked at, and she very soon began to cry. Even macaroons could not tempt here. She cried309 straight through it all till Miss Howe took her in and made her promise to take some chloral and go right to bed. Miss Sanford, too, cried a great deal. While playing her banjo she dropped everything, down went her head and she sobbed away at a fearful rate. I didn't cry very much that evening. My tears were exhaused by the day's performance. The next morning I was up early to see my folks and friends off. I said goodbye to my folks and then went over to see Misses Howe, Phillips, and Hongate. I was melancholy but not teary. I had310 no idea I should cry. I watched there till they were out of sight. Miss Howe saw me and spoke to the others and they all turned round. Then I turned to go and suddenly burst out sobbing. Miss Baldwin saw me coming and came to meet me, taking me in and calming me. I did not cry for anyone else. We devoted the morning to packing. It was a great deal of work, for my friends had taken a great many of my clothes and such things as dumb bells, books, boxes, and china [remains]. Stematz brought in a lovely Japanese fox, "something which she wished me to pack." At last it was all done. We went together to say311 goodbye to people. Stem was rather dewy throught [throughout], and the atmosphere became especially misty where we said goodbye to P.B. In fact I was the only member of the party who was calm and unmoved. In the afternoon we went to town with Jessie who gave us a very nice supper at Smith's. The next morning I went to New York on the train with Stem, instead of by boat as I had expected. I must have every moment with Stem. The cars were very full and the conductor got us seats apart. But P.B. was aboard and I knew all would be right. So sure enough he soon got us seats together. Not312 only that but he was going by the very omnibus that passed the St. Nicholas, where I was to meet Miss Clifton and Al; so I had no bother finding the way and had company nearly all the way. Stematz and I didn't talk very much, but we were glad to be together. Besides we thought perhaps we could arrange it so I could stop in New Haven on my way back from the West and see her. We said goodbye in the depot. Poor little Stemie, how I hated to leave her. I can see just how she looked as I left her. I couldn't cry much, as it was so public and I was not alone. Prof. Backus very kindly offered to wait if I wished to stay313 a little longer with Stematz, but I thought I'd better go. "History repeats itself," he said as we were waiting for the omnibus, "I was the first to receive you, and I am the last to send you away." When P.B. left me in a crowded omnibus, I couldn't very well cry, but I could hardly keep [from] it and looked out of the window very steadily. I cried a little in the parlor of the hotel while waiting for my friends, although constant terror of somebody coming in rather moderated my grief. By the time Alice came my desire to throw myself down and sob was moderated and I behaved very respectably.314 We met Mary King and her friends on the boat. Got home about 8 o'clock the next day. I am glad to be here, if you take it in that light. But I am restless. If there was not something definite before me I think I should go wild. But I think it is fully decided that I am to study law at Boston University. I might have a position to teach where Harry is for about $50 a month. But father doesn't want me to teach, and I don't want to. If I am going to study law I am going to begin now. Teaching school a year would be a sort of dissipation of forces. As I told Har-315 ry, perhaps I am oversensitive, but I don't think anyone has a right to teach as a means for and end. Teaching ought to occupy all one's mental energy. P.B. said one day that I ought to come back for a post course. Whereupon I told him what I expected to do. "I absolutely forbid it!" he said and I thought he objected to the profession until he added "until you get over your habits of student life and student posture." Afterwards he said if I had the means financially to spend six or seven years in an experiment, he thought it a good thing. Rather a moderate approval, but it is usually but a moderate approvalthat I get from my most sensible friends. Father does not think of my studying law so much for a profession as so that in writing and speaking I may know whereof I speak and meet men upon their own ground. Mr. Pulsifer says I have to fight all the way against the sentiment there is against women in the law. I think Miss Howe believes in me, and for myself I mean to be successful in what lies before me. I cannot be too thankful for the fact that I go into it with different feelings that if I had never known Vassar, Prof. Backus, and Miss Howe, with more conservatism and with as much and better confidence in myself.g. Elanor (Holmes) Duane, 1928
Show less

Creator: Russell, Lucile (Cross), Janish, Jeanne (Russell)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Date: June 3, 1887 - March 1, 1938

Creator: Faust, Frances (Patterson)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Date: 1888

Creator: Strong, Eliza (McCreery)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Date: [1888]

Creator: Martin, Elma G.
Transcriber(s): Pulver, Bonnie
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel, Ditkoff, Andrea
Date: 1892-1907
Text: Elma G. Martin. spec. '92 - '931 Journal 1892. Sept. 22. Started for Poughkeepsie at 11:00 A.M. Thursday Sept. 22. Arrived in Syracuse between two and three o'clock in the afternoon and started to find McBride St. By dint of questioning small boys and wandering about for some time I reached 212. I found Inez and Nellie there, but aunt Het had moved back to Watkins the Saturday before. Had a very pleasant visit. In the evening Nellie, and her girl, Inez and I walked down town....
Show moreElma G. Martin. spec. '92 - '931 Journal 1892. Sept. 22. Started for Poughkeepsie at 11:00 A.M. Thursday Sept. 22. Arrived in Syracuse between two and three o'clock in the afternoon and started to find McBride St. By dint of questioning small boys and wandering about for some time I reached 212. I found Inez and Nellie there, but aunt Het had moved back to Watkins the Saturday before. Had a very pleasant visit. In the evening Nellie, and her girl, Inez and I walked down town. Syracuse seems to be a very pleasant city, though I do not think I would like it as well as Elmira. On Friday at noon, met Grace on the train bound for Poughkeepsie. There was a girl on the train also, named Odell who was going to Vassar. Grace had never met her until she saw her on the train. She seemed very pleasant. She was going to the "Winsor", but was afterward transferred to the college. Arrived in Po'Keepsie about seven o'clock. After giving our checks to a man to bring our trunks to the college (for the small sum of thirty cents) we took a car for the college. Of all street cars I have ever had experience with, the cars here are the worst. Rattling along as if they were unacquainted with 2 springs and were being drawn over the stones, without rear platform, they are anything but pleasant. When we arrived at the college we found Mrs. Kendrick, Lady Principal, was at the Winsor and some one else left in charge. We were directed to a number and having found it after much search, found it to be a single room. In despair, we started again for the office, and Mrs. Kendrick having returned, were at last directed to our room No. 207 fifth floor, center. Tired and dirty we were glad to use water plentifully and get to bed as soon as possible. Sept 24 The next forenoon was spent in a fruitless search for our trunks. They came after some time and we had the pleasure of unpacking them before dinner. My box containing some things which I needed most, did not arrive until Monday. This year meals have been changed and we have lunch at 12:45 and dinner at 5:45 P.M. Sept 25 My first Sunday in Vassar. Breakfast half an hour later, at 8:00A.M. Preaching services in the chapel. Dr. Taylor preached an excellent sermon from Math. 12-30. Spent the time after dinner before supper3. in writing letters. After chapel attended the Y.W.C.A. prayer meeting. Sept 26. et seq. This morning went to the chapel to find out about classes. I have 4 hrs. each Latin and German, 3 hrs. Mathematics and Rhetoric and 1 hr. Hygiene in a week. Math. and Germ. come in the morning the others in the afternoon. German will be pleasant after I can understand all the Fraulein Neef says, but she talks as if she had too many teeth. Mathematics will be the bane of my existance, for Miss Richardson, the teacher, sets my nerves on end. She is of medium height, rather slender, has iron gray hair and steely eyes, a nose which is an acute angle, her dress fits without a wrinkle, and, to quote Miss Freeman, when she bends she makes a right angle. She is Mathematics personified. Miss Green, teacher in Latin, has sparkling black eyes, white teeth, and a pleasant smile. I shall like her. Dr. Thelberg, in Hygiene, which we had for the first time Wednesday, gave us plenty of good advice about the "toilette". She has a very pleasant manner. Expect to like her. Miss Perry the teacher of Rhetoric has piercing black eyes, black hair, and a quick manner. She is excellent.4 Sept 28 Wednesday. Exercised with Miss Peckham. Took a walk past the flower gardens and through the pines. Miss Peckham is inclined to be a bit loud, but is very pleasant. Sept 29 Ex.ed with Miss Freiman. She is quiet and pleasant. Like her very much. Sept 30 Have four recitations on Friday which makes it a very hard day. Did not go for ex. but wrote a short Theme on Han's Disappointment. Had to skip prayer meeting last evening to study in advance for today. Sat Oct 1 Did some settling in the morning and went with Grace to town in the afternoon. Walked both ways. It is about two miles. We were both quite tired. Sun. Oct 2. As it was the first Sunday in the month and communion Sunday, there were no church services here. Grace and I went to the Baptist church in town. Heard Dr. Sampson of Buffalo preach on Rom 11-33. Rode into town and walked back. Sermon not as good as Dr. Taylor's of last week. In the afternoon wrote letters and went to Y.W.C.A. in the evening. Mon. Oct.3. Lessons and study of course. Tue. Oct. 4. Went rowing with Miss Higman. (Nellie) The lake was lovely. My easy day, but did not accomplish as much as I expected. 5 Fri. Oct. 7 Lessons all the week of course. Yesterday I had an extra German translation to write because I had not written the right one. Two hours wasted. Had to stay away from prayer meeting. Wednesday is my day for ex. with Miss Peckham. We tried to get a boat but failed as they were all full of water, so went to the orchard instead. Got some good apples. Thursday ex.ed with Miss Freeman. Took a long walk to Sunrise Hill by the glen path and back by the laundry. Wednesday received an invitation to the C.A. reception to be given tonight, from Miss Childs. Accepted. Our table in the dining room has been decreased by the transfer of Miss Barneth. She was extremely interesting. I took a strange dislike to her on the St. car coming to the college. She is rather ill mannered. (or rather lacks polish) Her table manners are not perfect. Our table now is very pleasant. Miss Underhill, assistant Librarian, sits at the head. She is very pleasant, but quiet & hard to talk to. Grace sits on her left. Next Miss Brown, a freshman from Brooklyn, then after a vacant place,6 Miss Freeman, the Misses Higman, Miss Learned, Miss McCauley, Miss Mary Howett and myself. I sit next Miss Underhill on the right. Miss Howett is very talkative and witty and we have excellent times. The maid who waits on our table is an old woman who smiles a great deal. Miss Howett smiles at her occassionally and she comes directly to see what she wants. She hurries around so that Miss H. suggested that we call her "the hustler". We found out that the girls last year called her "Smiley" so now she is "Smiley the Hustler". Sun. Oct. 9 Spent yesterday forenoon in clearing drawers, etc except one half hour's ex. with Grace on the lake. Our stroke is very different but we shall soon learn to row together well, I think. After lunch we went out for a walk. Came back through the orchard and got some apples. Grace walked to town and back with Miss Foster, her senior friend. I spent the after-noon digging into German, except about one-half hour spent in going with Miss Peckham to the flower garden. She gave me some beautiful flowers. Spent the evening on German and Mathematics. Hope I am "caught up" on German. But I am forgetting last Friday evening. 7 Miss Childs came for me about eight o'clock, and we went to the Gym, where the reception was held. Met Miss Barry, Latin teacher, who was also to be escorted by Miss Childs. Miss C. is a New York girl, and I should think a child of very wealthy parents. She told Miss Barry and I of her Summer home on Long Island where they frequently entertained thirty guests at one time. It must be delightful. We were fully twenty minutes in getting from the hall to the place where Miss Croft and Mrs. Kendrick received. The crowd was immense. There were fully five hundred there. We afterward went upstairs where there was dancing, then down to have our ice cream, then up again to listen to the glee club, which sang the College songs. Ther girls sang very well together. Our verse was "Who than our "Prix. more noted? Who than our "fac." more wise? Than our "alum." more quoted For wit and anterprise?" Came home about ten o'clock, tired but had spent a very pleasant evening. Yesterday Grace and I went out directly after lunch for ex. Went to the orchard after apples and then to the lake for a short row. We will soon be able to row together quite well, I think. We also took a walk after breakfast for half 8 Saturday Oct. 9 1892 an hour. The rest of the forenoon was spent in making the curtains to the book-shelves and clearing up the rooms. After lunch, after our row, Grace and Miss Foster, her senior friend, walked to town. I studied German all the afternoon except a half hour about five o'clock, when Miss Peckham asked me to go with her to pick flowers. She is a member of the floral club. This morning Dr. Richmond Wayland of Philadelphia preached. He is a very tall man, inclined to baldness, with dark hair sprinkled with gray, a short beard and is altogether a very peculiar appearing man. He read as the scripture lesson Mark VI 34-45. His text was from I Timothy 2-5 "The Man Christ Jesus". He preached an excellent sermon on Christ as a man. After lunch, Miss Durant, a former room mate of Grace called. As Grace was out, she did not stay long. Wed. Oct. 12. Yesterday had to go & make appointment for physical exam. Am to go next Tuesday. Today learned that we were to go to Lake Mohonk on an excursion. Mr. Thompson, who has given the new Library, gives the excursion each year at a cost of about $500. Freshmen and seniors go Sat. next. "Rah for Mr. Thompson. The Y.W.C.A. missionary meeting was held tonight instead of 9 tomorrow, as usual. Mr. Forman a young missionary from India spoke to us on the need of workers in the foreign field. He returns to India Saturday. Sat. Oct. 15. Last night the Republicans held a mass meeting and parade in the halls and lecture room and the Democrats a meeting in Philalethian hall addressed by Prof. Whitney and others. The Republicans formed on first south and marched upward. There were two hundred ten girls in the parade, dressed fantastically and carrying all sorts of banners. Miss Bartlett acted in the capacity of drum major. She was excellent. One banner representing Cleveland at the altar with D.B. and [Taimmany] on each side was comical. "No Free Trade", "McKinley and Protection", "Don't forget to register", were features of the parade while the girls shouted "No! No! No! Free Trade!" The musical instruments comprised banjos, mandolins, and combs. The parade marched to the lecture room where it was addressed by some of the girls and the glee club sang. Some of the songs, composed by the girls, and sung to old tunes were "taking" in the extreme. Each speech and song was vociferously cheered. Studied until nearly ten o'clock and retired. Rose at 5:30 A.M. this (Sat.) morning, dressed, 10 Oct. 15 and went down to breakfast at 6:00. Miss Freeman, Belle, and I rode to Mohonk in a four seated wagon with a girl from S. Carolina, another one named Nellie Stone, Miss Mace, who is a fellow, a senior whose name (Miss Williams) I have forgotten and one other girl, a friend of the senior. Started about 6:20. It was a lovely morning, but quite chilly. We had to wait for the second ferry as there were more than enough wagons to fill one boat. That made us almost a half hour behind the first wagons but we caught up with them. The scenery was beautiful. The Hudson looked beautiful as we crossed the ferry. The hills in their red and yellow robes were georgeous. We could see the mountain near Mohonk a log way off, but the ascent was so gradual that it did not seem high. It is about fifteen miles from Poughkeepsie. We passed throught Highlands, and New Paltz. Saw the New Paltz Normal at a distance. Met Miss Freeman, Belle's sister, and Miss Dennison, a friend of hers and a teacher in the Normal, beyond New Paltz. The were walking to Mohonk 6 miles, to meet Belle. When we had to get out to walk up a hill, they overtook us, and showed us some short cuts. We walked on quite a way, hearing the shouts of the girls below on the mountain and of the parties of Mohonk people who11 Oct. 15 passed us. The girls sang the Vassar song "Hurrah for the rose and the gray". The Mohonk people would shout M-O-H-O-N-K, Mohonk , 'rah, 'rah, 'rah, and the girls would reply with the college yell, 'Rah, 'rah, rah,-'rah, 'rah, 'rah, V-A-S-S-A-R- Vassar. We walked on so far that the wagons, taking another road, got beyond us, and we continued to the Lake. The lake is not large, but clear as crystal and its waters were of a deep green color. It is very deep, in some places has never been sounded. The cliffs rise abruptly from its shores, so that it may be said to have no beach. The Mohonk Lake House is built upon the rock without blasting the rock, and nestles among the irregularities in a very picturesque manner. It is unobtrusive in color and is not like a Summer hotel usually is. The little summer houses that dot the landscape are quaint and charming. They are of diverse shapes, rustic, and have thatched roofs. We had lunch soon after our arrival. Saw ex-President Hayes. Belle met him, but did not get a chance to present me. After lunch we invested in some views12 Oct. 15. of Mohonk and went to Sky top. The view is grand, indescribable. Went by the bridge path. There is another way, through a narrow cliff in the rocks called the Labyrinth, but that was longer and as we had little time, we did not take it. We then went to the Eagle cliff and beyond to Artist's rock. Eagle cliff tower affords a grand view of the surrounding country, as does the Artist's rock. On one side the Lake, like an emerald, and beyond it rocks piled in fantastic masses, high cliffs affording strange profiles. One of the strangest of these, seen from Eagle cliff path, is called the "Old Man of the Mountain". It is a perfect human profile. On the other side of the tower the country stretches away, hill beyond hill, the Catskill melting away into the sky in the distance. The "traps" in the middle ground are quaint in shape. Returned to the hotel in time to depart for Vassar at 2:45. The day seemed much too short. The ride home was beautiful. Left Miss Freeman & Belle and Miss Dennison, at New Paltz. Took the 5:15 ferry and reached home at 6:20. Had to stop in town and wait for some of the girls to do some shopping. Not as tired as expected to be. Studied all the evening. On a clear day from Sky Top six different states can be seen - New York, New Jersey, Vermont, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts.13 Oct.16. Heard Bishop Spaulding of Denver Col. preach from Luke 14-10 this morning. Episcopal service. He is quite an old man, looks something like Rev. Freeman without the pleasant expression. Did not like him very well. Oct. 23. Went to prayer meeting Thursday evening. Miss Parker lead. Didn't like the meeting as well as those at home or in Elmira. They are not bright but dull. The Juniors and Sophomores went to Mohonk yesterday. Grace did not go. She and I took a walk for ex. and rowed some. We are getting so we can row together quite well. Miss Peckham took me to the flower garden and gave me some flowers. Arranged them. Miss Freeman had two baskets of grapes come Saturday. She has been very generous to Grace and I. Mary Lynch has slept with Grace Friday and Saturday evenings and is coming tonight. Wrote to Emma and Ora today, good long letters. Heard Rev. Dr. Marion Vincent of14 New York preach this morning. His text was Rom. I-14. He preached a grand sermon. One thought which he emphasizes was "I can therefore I must", our obligation to the world. He looked very much like S.C.Keeler. Went down to Belle's room after prayer meeting tonight. Oct. 30. Last Monday Miss Green gave us a lecture in Latin class about taking cuts and studying when we ought not. In consequence I have not done so this week. Have gotten along just as well and felt very much better. Shall continue so doing, for the present at least. Monday Belle Freeman, Nellie Higman and I took a long walk to Sunrise Hill. We came back across the fields, after asking an old woman to direct us. Tuesday we three went to Richmond Hill for hickory nuts. Got a few. Organized the "Rambler's Club". Saw a cow of which Nell was afraid & Belle too so I had to drive it up the hill before they would pass it. Rowed with Miss Peckham Wednesday, and alone Thursday. Friday Belle and I rowed part of the time and then went to the museum. The statues and paintings are grand. A statue of Venus de Melos and one of Apollo Belvedere are those which I particularly admire. Belle liked best15 a collosal head of [J...]. Saw also the Laocoon, and the dead Christ by Michael Angelo. Two of the paintings, water colors by Turner with pencil sketches of dogs by Landseer about 12 X 8" cost $500 each. There were innumerable beautiful paintings but we had little time and it was getting dark. Went through the Museum hastily. Saw the mummy of a Patagonian. It was a shriveled brown horrible looking thing. There was also a head, I think from S. America or Australia, from which the skull had been removed by some secret process & the features preserved. It was about the size of my fist. The hair was long. It is very rare. Saw also many rare things. Yesterday we had the privilege of seeing and hearing Rev. John Peyton the man who for nearly thirty-five years has been a missionary in the New Hebrides. He is a man of medium height, has snow white beard and hair which gleams in its silvery whiteness almost like snow. It is beautiful. He has searching black eyes and a personality which strikes one as that of a thoroughly consecrated man. He talked in a very interesting manner of his work in the New Hebrides. He showed us one idol to which the natives sacrificed their babies. It was 16 a hideous black head with arms and hands clasping an infant's head which it was carrying to its mouth. He also showed us some small smooth stones which were used as idols. This morning wet to Dr. Trise's lecture of course. Heard of scientific discourse by Dr. Townsend of Boston University from Romans 8-19, I. Cor. 3-22,23. Did not like it as a sermon very well. He is a peculiar looking man with dark eyes, hair and a beard which covers all the lower part of his face, being parted in the middle at the chin. This afternoon at 4:45 heard Bishop Hare of S. Dakota talk on the Indian problem. He is excellent and gave a very good idea of the needs and spiritual state of the Indian. Heard Dr. Townsend was a Methodist. Nov. 1. Last night was Hallowe'en, which fact was celebrated according to the long established Vassar custom, by the Sophomores playing a joke of the Freshmen, and the Juniors on the Seniors. The Junior committee dressed up an old women, putting prunes all over her dress, and prisms in her hand and were about to place her in the Senior parlor at midnight when they were met by a deputation of the senior class. Much disconcerted they retreated leaving the figure of the woman "to represent us" as they said, thus17 turning the joke upon themselves. The Freshmen heard that the Juniors were to place mock diplomas tied with green ribbon at their plates at dinner, so the whole class stayed away from dinner. The Sophs. tied their diplomas then upon the door knob. They were very unique, being [invitations] of diplomas written in a mixture of Latin and Enlish, conferring the degree of A.B (artless babies) upon the Freshmen. McKinley spoke in Po'Keepsie yesterday at 2:00 P.M. Grace went to hear him, but I had a class and could not. Nov. 6. The girls of the Senior class sent a communication to the Juniors saying they had adopted the maid of the prunes and prisms into their class as an honorary member. Yesterday Belle and I went down town in the afternoon to do some shopping. We had Charlotte Russe at Smith's. Friday evening the Juniors gave a party to the Sophomores, and Saturday at 4:30 the Seniors gave a tea to the Freshmen. Went to Bible class this morning. As it is the first Sunday of the month18 there was no service in the chapel. Niether Grace or I went to town. Last night I called on Miss Mann. Met her two Junior room-mates. Had a very pleasant call. Nov.10. Went to prayer meeting this evening. Miss Bartlett lead. I do not enjoy the meetings here as at home. 12. Belle Freeman and I went to town this morning soon after breakfast. Got a gas stove and a basin to make cocoa. Studied in the afternoon. Grace went to town to make some calls with Miss Foster. Worked a little before dinner on Edna's slippers. They will be very pretty. They are pink and gray. Studied some after dinner. Grace and I took a cut. Made some cocoa. 9 Went to W.C.T.U. after dinner & before Chapel. Heard account of Frances Willard and rec'd a souvenir in the shape of a quotation from F. Willard enclosed in the gilded shell of an English Walnut and tied with a narrow white ribbon. 11 Had Prof. [Druman] in Rhet. for the first time. Drew his picture. Heard a concert by the Beethoven Quartette of New York city. It consisted of first and second violin, viola & violincello. It was grand beyond anything I had ever heard. 13 Heard a very good sermon by Rev. Dr. DeForest of 2n Conj. Ch. Detroit, Mich. this morning. His text was I John 5, 21-22. Went to an organ recital at 9:00 P.M. Miss Young called this afternoon, and Miss Morrissy19 while I was at Belle's this evening. Mon. Nov. 14. Went with Belle & Nellie Higman for ex. Took a long walk and got some apples and hickory nuts. Was gone two hours. Tue. Nov. 15. It rained so did not go out doors. Made some candy my ex. hour. Belle was up. My home letter said Mr. Shearer was buried Sunday. Wed. Nov. 16. Another rainy day. Mrs. Kendrick, Lady Principal, called this evening. Grace was out and I in my wrapper. She is very pleasant. Studied until nearly ten. Work for tomorrow and Friday is hard. Thu. Nov. 17. Had Miss Nettleton in Rhetoric, Miss P. joined Chris. Assoc. was ill, I think. The weather is very warm and pleasant. Went to row for my ex. this P.M. Took a short walk with Miss Morrissy after breakfast. Sent to Wanamakers for some visiting cards. They were $1.50 for 50 + plate. Fri. Nov. 18. Did not ex. today. Had to write a theme after Rhet. as mine was lost, so did not have time. Went down to Belle's room after chapel. Went to the Lecture with her and Nell Higman. The lecture was by Mr. Percy Reese of Baltimore on "Early Christian Rome and the Catacombs", illustrated by stereopticon. It was fairly good but I have heard better and seen better views. Grace did not go. After I returned I made a cup20 of cocoa which we drank before going to bed. Sat. Nov. 19. Studied German all the A.M. After lunch studied Latin and went for ex. with Miss Foster and Grace. Returned and studied Latin until dinner time. Read a little in Hypatia after dinner. Went out from chapel as early as possible, rushed directly to the Gym to secure seats for the "Hall play". Got an excellent seat. Held it for Grace, the Higman girls and Abbie Learned. The play was "Sunlight and Shadow". It was, for the most part, well acted. The best characters were "Helen" and "Maud" the Dr's. daughters, and "Adolphus Barnfield". The vocal solos between the acts were excellent and heartily encored. Had a cup of cocoa after our return home, and retired. Belle did not attend the play. Stayed home and studied. Sun. Nov. 20. Wrote my letters this P.M. Dr. True preached this A.M. Dr. Hill of Rochester was going to but could not. Went to the Reading Room between breakfast and Bible class and after dinner. Read a series of articles in the Mag. of Christian Lit. by Arch Bishop Farrar on London Charities. They treated of the Salvation Army, Dr. Bernands's homes, and the Royal Polytechnic Institute. The text of Dr. True's sermon was St. John IV 29. Good sermon. This P.M. Miss Chase a teacher of Packer who is visiting a Senior here, sung in the chapel. 21 She sings beautifully. This P.M. there was no chapel but Miss Wood a Vassar Alumna who is connected with the College Women's settlements spoke to the girls. It was a very interesting talk. A chapter is to be established here. Mon. Nov. 21. Had an oral exam in Germ. this A.M. It was very easy. Nell H. and I were going to Boardman place but it rained so Nell came up the 6th hr. and stayed most of the P.M. She dressed a doll for the C.A. and I drew a pattern of oak leaves on a glove case I am going to paint for Grace. Studied Latin all the evening. Tue. Nov. 22. Studied part of the A.M. Painted for one hour on the glove case, and again an hour this P.M. Had an exam in Rhet. this P.M. Not hard but long. Took a walk with Belle just before dinner. Last night Grace received an elegantly bound Whittier from a friend. I do all my painting in Belle's room so Grace shall not know it. Wed. Nov. 23. Grace decided this morning to go to her cousin's at West Stockbridge. She will start at 4:00 P.M. A good many of the girls are going away to spend Thanksgiving. College closed at noon. Belle went to visit her sister at New Paltz. Grace and22 I went down town. I did some trading and she went to the depot after doing a little shopping herself. I got some photos of the college buildings for Emma, Ora and Delia for Christmas, and one of Dr. Taylor for myself. I came back alone, and was reading (about 5:00) when there came a knock at the door. I opened it and there was - Grace. She found she could not reach W.S. before midnight so came back. Will go tomorrow noon. This evening we went to the library for an hour, finished reading Hypatia and made candy. It was a date candy and very good. Thu. Nov. 24. Breakfast at 8:00 this morning. Grace and I took Miss Foster some candy, & selected a book to read aloud. Got "That Lass o'Lowrie by Frances Hodgson Burnette. Had short service in chapel conducted by Dr. Taylor. Went for a walk with Grace before she went to West STockbridge. Came back and ate lunch in my room with Miss Foster. Lunch was provided at breakfast to be taken to our rooms. Went Went with her for a walk afterward and to the Reading room. Had dinner at 3:30 P.M. Miss Foster having invited me to sit at her table, I did so. Miss Kirscher (:) a senior, Abbie Learned, Miss McConley, Miss Haughwit, Miss Williams ('93), Miss Bishop and two others whose names I don't know, were there also. We had an excellent dinner and a good time. Left the dining room at 6:00. The Winsor girls23 were all here. Miss Bishop called in the evening and I went with her to the reception in the College parlors. Dr. and Mrs. Taylor received. Had a very pleasant time. Met Miss Madieria, president of Class of '96 of whom Miss Chase spoke. She is very pleasant. Had ice cream and fancy cakes. Fri. Nov. 25. Got up at 7:30. After breakfast spent some time in changing the furniture in the room. Painted Grace's glove case, after lunch sewed on buttons, fixed my dress etc. This evening called on Fraulein Neef. Had a very pleasant call. Have studied Latin and German since. Sat. Nov. 26. Went and got my Gym hours. They ar Tue. and Wed. mornings and Fri. afternoon. Gyms commence Monday. Darned stockings, took the ruffle off my red dress and studied. About 4:00 o'clock Belle F. brought me an express package which she found in the lower hall for me. It was a box of lovely candy from Elmira. Grace returned from West Stockbridge about 5:30. Sun. Nov. 27. Had no Bible lecture this morning. Not all of the girls are back yet. Episcopal service. Rev. Hart, rector of St. Marks, Rochester, preached. It was a good sermon. Text St. Math. v-I. Praise so nice in the evening. Mon. Nov. 28. Snowed a little today. Still snowing at bed time. 24 Tue. Nov. 29. Quite a little snow on the ground this morning and still snowing. Had Gyms for the first time this morning. Think I shall like the work fairly well. Wed. Nov. 30. Went to Gym 1st hour. We have not been able to get any steam at all today and are most frozen. Thu. Dec. 1. The weather is warmer, but the snow has not all melted yet. Stayed to prayer meeting after Chapel. Fri. Dec. 2. Philaleathean day. Classes all the forenoon. Dinner at 12:30. Studied most of the afternoon. Went to room A for lunch at 5:00 P.M. Belle, Grace and I ate it in our room. Had a cup of cocoa with it. Went with Belle to the lecture in the Chapel. It was by F. Hopkinson Smith. He toook us "under the white umbrella" to Spain, Holland, Venice and Mexico. The talk was witty and interesting. He is noted as an artist, writer, lecturer and story teller. After the lecture the orchestra, stationed in the rear of the gallery, played, as they had, also, before the beginnig of the program. The glee club sang before the opening address which was made by the Pres. of Phil., Miss Whitcomb. The chapel was very prettily decorated with palms and wreaths of smilax. The girls who had gentlemen with them went in the main hart of the chapel while the girls who were alone or with other girls went to the gallery. The girls in light or bright colored evening dresses made25 chapel and gallery look very bright and pretty. The halls, lecture room and dining room were cleared and very prettily decorated with palms, drapery and furniture from the girls' rooms. All the building except the dormitories was thrown open to visitors. On second floor where the orchestra was stationed and the promenade took place, there were two little lemonade stands where lemonade was served during the evening. On third, bouillion and sandwiches were served directly after the lecture, and later during the evening, coffee, ices and cakes. Belle and I had several promenades, took refreshments and came to our rooms a little before 11:00 P.M. Sat. Dec. 3. Studied during the forenoon. Grace and I went to town during the afternoon. Went directly after lunch and came back about 4:00. Did some Christmas shopping and had an ice-cream at Smith's. Studied a little before dinner. Helped Belle on Mathematics during the evening in consequence of which I have not all of my Latin for Monday. Decided to go home Christmas. Sun. Dec. 4. Grace did not go to breakfast, so brought her some. We both cut Bible Lecture and are not going to Church. Wrote letters, read Lowell's poems with Belle and read The Prophet of the Great Smoky Mountain by Chas. Egbert Craddock (Miss Murfree). Grace did 26 not go to dinner so took her some. She forgot to dress (was reading) until too late. Miss Learned & Miss McCauley called this evening & stayed quite a long time. It was a lovely day, bright and pleasant and not too cold. Mon. Dec. 5. Grace had a cold and did not go to Gym so we took ex. together. Had a very pleasant walk. Tue. Dec. 6. Made and important decision. Hope it can be carried out. Wed. Dec. 7. Had a cut in Hygiene. Thu. Dec. 8. Had a very interesting missionary talk after Chapel by Miss Helen Richardson of the Woman's Refuge in Bombay. She was a short, dark, square-faced English woman, dressed in deep mourning and talked very earnestly. Fri. Dec. 9. Had a lecture on Democracy this evening by Dr. Wilcox of Princeton College. We were obliged to make an analysis of it for Rhetoric, so I did not enjoy it very much. Dr. Wilcox is rather a young man, has smooth face and very black hair & eyes. Went with Belle. Grace got her dress today and a box of hickory nuts & some apples. Had first class work in Gym. Sat. Dec. 10. Worked on German this A.M. and Latin this P.M. Made out travelling list. Seems like going home. Sun. Dec. 11. Had an excellent sermon on I.Cor. 9-25 by Rev. Raymond Presbyterian of Albany. Had to make and analysis for Rhetoric. Was difficult to analyse. This evening heard and excellent decription of the slums of New York, illustrated by 27 stereopticon, by Mr. Riis author of "How the Other Half Lives". It was very pathetic and interesting. He spoke of Kings Daughters' and other work among the poor. Mon. Dec. 12. Miss Green was ill, so we had a written lesson in Latin. Not very hard but I am afraid I did not do well. Tue. Dec. 13. Miss Green still ill, had a cut in Latin. Went to Belle's room & worked on glove case most of P.M. Wed. Dec. 14. Winsor girls go tomorrow. Miss Brown came up and I showed her about making some slippers. Thu. Dec. 15. Another cut in Latin. Fri. Dec. 16. Cut in Latin again. Lecture this evening on Southern Literature by Mr. James Allen of Louisville, Ky. He was tall and thought himself very graceful. Struck the most imposing attitudes, but failed to interest his audience. Met with Grace & set in gallery. Sat. Dec. 17. Worked all the morning on German, except the time I was finishing the glove case. In the afternoon worked an hr. on Latin then finished my story for Rhet. It is a story for boys. Don't particularly like it. The second hall play took place this evening. Went out of chapel early & reserved seats for Grace, Belle, Miss Foster and a friend of hers. It was "Prince Karl" & was very good. Sun. Dec. 18. Had an excellent sermon this morning by C.R. Hemphill of Louisville, Ky. The text was Phil. I-20. Had to make analysis for Rhetoric. The chapel was28 prettily decorated with evergreen wreaths, & a star on the organ, and palms & roses. In the evening (8:30) Belle, Grace and I went together to hear the Christmas music. It was grand, beautiful. Mon. Dec. 19. Finished my story for the magazine. Had Miss Barry in Latin. Tue. Dec. 20. Went to town in the fornoon. In the evening decided to go as far as Rochester with Grace, starting at 8:05 P.M. tomorrow, because I can get home then at 9:08 Thursday morning & cannot before 3:00 P.M. if I go the other way with Miss O'Brien as I intended. Wed. Dec. 21. Had German this morning. Went to see Nell Higman afterward. Miss Brown came up the second hour to bid us good bye. The following is one of the Vassar songs composed by the Pres. of '92, Miss Reed. An institution once there was, Of learning and of knowledge, Which had upon its high brick front A 'Vassar Female College'. The maidens fair could not enjoy Their bread and milk or porridge, For graven on the forks and spoons Was 'Vassar Female College'. Tra la la la, Tra la la la, 'Twas Vassar Female College'. 29 A strong east wind at last came by, A wind that blew from Norwich; It tore the "Female" from the sign That was upon the College. And as the faculty progressed In wisdom and in knowledge, They took the "Female" off the spoons, As well as off the College. Tra la la la, tra la la la It now is Vassar College". In the afternoon Grace and I made fudges and molasses taffy. Started early for the depot and stopped at Smith's for an oyster stew. Train 1/2 hr. late. Started from Po'keepsie about nine. Reached Rochester Thu. Dec. 22. about 4:45 A.M. Grace left about 6:00 and I about 6:30. I reached home at 9:08. Folks not expecting me until later. Grace gave me "Lorna Doones' before we started. Sat. Dec. 24. Went down to Aunt Catharines with Edna in the afternoon. Rec'd a lovely book mark from Alice. Sun. Dec. 25. Christmas. I received a lovely pin & a glass jewel-box from mother. Dicken's "Our Mutual Friend" from father, a white silk neck-handkerchief from Edna. Went to Church and S.S. in the morning. Did not feel well. Could not go in the evening. Mon. Dec. 26. Went to the church to a supper in the evening. Called on Sarah Pike in the afternoon. 30 Dec. 27. Went to express office with Edna and got package from Mr. B. for her. Wed. Dec. 28. Went over to Mary William's to a social in the evening. Thu. Dec. 29. Aunt Het spent the day with us. Fri. Dec. 20. Went down to Aunt Catharine's this evening. Sat. Dec. 31. Went over to Mary Williams with mother. Cora Bailey was there. Sun. Jan. 1, 1893. Went to Church morning and evening & Y.P.S.C.E. Rained all day, a cold rain. Has been very cold ever since I came home, but no snow. Mon. Jan. 2. Lutie Yost came on 3:00 o'clock train, came to our house staid to supper & Mr. Coleman & Mr. Becker spent the evening, going to the Acad. very early. Lute came down on the 6:36 train. Staid until the 12:30. He gave me a very pretty cup, saucer, & plate. Tue. Jan. 3. Started for Syracuse at 11:00. Reached there at 4:00 P.M. Changed at Canandaigua. Found Nellie easily. Wed. Jan. 4. Met Grace and Miss Haughnot on the train in Syr. at 12:35 (ought to have been 12:35 but was 1 hr. 30 min. later). Reached Po'keepsie 45 min late. Went to bed early. Tired. Found an express package containing a pin cushion, two cologne bottles, all pink & gray and a [...] little tea cup & saucer, from Emma. Thu. Jan. 5. Work again. It is hard work too. Sat. Jan. 7. Went to town this P.M. with Belle. Got some skates. Had some ice-cream at Smith's. Came back & went to the rink to skate with Grace & Miss Foster. Sold skates to Miss Brown & am. Made next Sun. elections. 31. 1893 going to buy Miss Learned's club skates. Miss B. was up to our room until 9:00 P.M. Jan. 8. Sun. Heard Rev. Dr. Saunders of New York on Math. 8-27. He has a niece in Freshman class who told him about our having to analyse the sermon so he made it easy of analysis. Jan. 9-11. Nothing unusual happened. Weather cold with snow. Splendid sleighing but no rides. Miss Carbutt, '96, lead the prayer meeting Wednesday evening. Thu. Jan. 12. Snowed so I did not go to skate as I intended. Yesterday spent an hour helping Belle with her Geometry. She wants me to help her until after exams. Fri. Jan. 13. Heard of Anna Sackett Whalen's death. It seems so sad. Went skating for a little while after Rhetoric & Gyms. In the evening attended a lecture on "The Public Schools of England" by Mr. Geo. Fox of New Haven. It was very good. Was illustrated with views of the principle public schools such as Shrewsbury, Eton Rugby, Harrow, and Oxford and Cambridge. The views connected with the colleges however were mostly the boating crews. Had to notice Intro. Concl. & transitions for Rhetoric.32 Sat. Jan. 14. Studied all the A.M. in a desulatory fashion on German. Part of the time was in Belle's room and the rest of the forenoon Annie Brown studied with me. In the P.M. studied Geom. and went to the rink to skate with Miss Morrissy. In the evening studied a little on Latin and went to the Chapel with Grace to hear Miss Chase of Packer sing. It was grand. Sun. Jan. 15. Have carried out my resolution made before the holidays. It was hard, but am glad it is finished. Heard a sermon by Rev. Wm.H. Smith, D.D. a Presbyterian minister of New York. He was not a large man, rather slight, having brown hair, light complexion & light mustach. Rather a young looking man. The sermon was one of the best I have ever heard. It was an impassioned appeal to the unsaved to come to Christ. Grace and I took a short walk late in the P.M. Did not stay to prayer meeting. Wed. Jan. 18 Heard by mother's letter of the death of Annie Sackett Whalen. Fri. Jan. 20. Grace and I attended a piano-recital given by Mrs. Fanny Bloomfield-Geisler. She was dressed in a light blue satin dress with a lace front, sleeves and trimmings on bodice. She had very black hair and eyes, was 33 thin, seemed nervous, and near-sighted. She reminded me when at the piano of Eleanor Burge. She made such queer gestures. Her music was beautiful beyond description. Sat. Jan. 21. Studied Latin Prose this A.M. except the hour before lunch when Grace & I went to the rink and skated. Finished Latin and studied German in the P.M. Miss Peckham and Miss Dillo called in the P.M. Belle Freeman's sister Mary is spending the afternoon & night with her. I called on her between dinner & chapel. Studied some more German & a little Geometry in the evening. Sun. Jan. 22. No chapel this evening. Had a talk on Foreign Missions by Mr. Speers, Sec'y of the Board of Foreign Missions of the Pres. Ch. Grace went to the New Hall to supper with Anna Higman. The sermon this morning was by Bishop Poltes, Pres. of Hobart College. Mon. Jan. 23. One week from today - exams. Attended a lecture (illustrated by stereoptien) by Prof. Van Ingen at 8:30 P.M. It treated of the early growth of art. Tue. Jan. 24. Went down to Annie Brown's room after chapel to "erzahlein" in German. We talked after reading over the translation until the bell rang for the art lecture, which we attended. It was about Dutch Art and very good. 34 Thu. Jan. 26. Belle is sick & was yesterday afternoon. Have taken her meals, made tea for her, went for the doctor, sat with her, ordered meals when I did not take them from the dining room, and tried to do anything I could for her. Fri. Jan. 27. Belle still sick. She went down to dinner however. Had a lecture at 8:00 P.M. by Barrett Wendle of Harvard, on American Literature. It was good but his delivery was poor, voice not good and talked too fast. Sat. Jan. 28. Belle wished me to go to town with her in the afternoon. We went to an occulist, Dr. Dobson, and had to wait a long time. Then I bought some oysters & crackers, and she bought some cookies, cakes, and rolls and we are to have our supper in our room tomorrow night. Belle stayed all night with me as Grace took a cut with Mary Lynch. Sun. Jan. 29. Day of prayer for Colleges. There was a prayer-meeting at 9:00 A.M. I could not go as Mrs. Hendrick thought I had better go to town with Belle to see Dr. Dobson. It was pleasant at 9:00 when we started but sprinkled before we got there. Had to wait a long time, then it took some time to examine Belle's eyes. When we started back it rained hard. The Dr. loaned us an old umbrella. We went over to Main St. and waited a long time for a College car. It was going the wrong 35 way but we took it and soon came back toward the college, which we reached just in time to change our drenched garments for dinner. Belle, Grace and I had supper in our room. Had oyster stew, cocoa, rolls, cookies, cakes and jelly. All tasted very good. We asked Miss Brown to come up and she at first consented but finally refused because of scruples of conscience. Evidently thought we were to have a "spread". Attended a prayer meeting at 5:00 with Grace. No chapel. Mon. Jan. 30. Exam in Rhetoric at 10:45 A.M. Consisted in analysis and comparison of two essays, one on Dickens by Lang, another on Wm Hazlitt by Barrett, which Miss Perry read to us. Went to the rink for a short time this P.M. Attended an Art Lecture by Prof. Van Ingen in the evening. He told of the sketch, "motif", and labor on the picture. Tue. Jan. 31. Exam in Solid Geometry. Hard, but fair. Skated some in the afternoon with Belle. Art Lecture on Michael Angelo in the evening. Wed. Feb. 1. Exam in Latin. Nice exam. Quite hard, but not as hard as I expected. Skated some36 with Belle this P.M. Grace came down after a while and skated too. On coming to my room yesterday noon I found a note asking me to go to Mrs. Kendrick's office. I did so and she gave me a Balcony ($1.00) ticket to the Seidl concert in town Saturday evening. It was presented from the "Good times fund". Belle has one too. Thu. Feb. 2. Exam. in German. Very fair. Skated this P.M. with Belle and Annie Brown. Mrs. Taylor, baby and Mary were at the rink part of the time. Ice on the lake was soft. Skated a little with Miss Kirchner a Senior. Went to prayer-meeting. Miss Stebbins lead. Fri. Feb. 3. Exam. in Hygiene. Met Fraulein Neef in the corridor and she told me I passed a very good paper in German. I could have embraced her. Read Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde 2 hrs. to Grace in the Museum. Skated some in the afternoon with Belle. Grace stayed all night with Mary Lynch so I had Helen Peckham stay with me. I went over to the Hall and called on Misses Dillow, Broad, Beach and . Made a cup of cocoa just before we retired. Helen thought it delicious. Sat. Feb. 4. Had an interview with Miss Loomis on my last essay at 8:30 A.M. Then Belle and I went to town. Took the car in and seperated. She went to the occulists and 37 I did a little shopping and walked back. In the afternoon went and got my Gym hours, painted our white chair and skated one-half hour with Grace & Belle. Grace made fudges after dinner, thinking to get them done before chapel but as she did not we did not go to chapel. My first chapel cut. Went to the Seidl concert with Belle. It was grand. Grace stayed all night with Mary Lynch and Belle stayed with me. Sun. Feb. 5. Belle did not go down to breakfast. I brought her some bread and butter and made her a cup of cocoa. It was town Sunday and neither Grace or I went to church. I read and destroyed some old letters and wrote a new batch. In the P.M. went over to Helen Peckham's room, then for a walk with Grace and Mary Lynch. In the evening went to the Reading Room for a time after prayer-meeting. Mon. Feb. 6. Begin work again. Paleontology the first hour. We have it in the basement of Art & Music Hall. We have Prof. Dwight. He is an old man. I like him very much. Have German and Latin to the same teacher as last Semester. Tue. Feb. 7. Have four recitations Thursday. Went to Art History (Prof. Van Ingen) for the first time. It is held in38 the Hall of Cacts. Shall like it very much. Grace is in my class. Wed. Feb. 8. Only one recitation, Latin today. Had a lecture by Prof. [Greenough] of Yale. It was illustrated, subject, "Roman Wall Painting". Not very good. Prof. G. is short, has black hair, is bald, black eyes & a peculiar appearance. Thu. Feb. 9. My hardest day, five recitations. Got along very well however. Stayed to prayer-meeting in the evening. Prof. Drennan in Rhet. today. Fri. Feb. 10. Only two recitations today. Went for a short walk with Miss Foster first hour in the afternoon. Had a concert by the pupils in the music class this evening. Miss Cardzdaphner, from away, sang a solo and took the part of the "Lady of Shallot" in a cantatta by that [...] which formed the second part of the program. The whole concert was excellent. Went with Grace. Sat. Feb. 11. Studied all the forenoon. Read some to Grace in the afternoon over at the Museum while she was at work. We are reading "Capt. Blake" by the same author. Wrote [...] in the evening. Sun. Feb. 12. Went to Bible Lecture. We still have Dr. [T...] of Rochester. Had a very good sermon by Rev. Wood of Germantown, Philadelphia. Text Mark I, 37. He was a young looking, smooth faced man. The maid heads of the sermon were somewhat as follows. I. Introduction - (Ways different persons came to Jesus.) - Motions II. Seeking 1.Man always a seeker a.For things b.For knowledge about things c.For knowledge about the creator of things.39 2.Why we should seek Jesus. a.He knows himself. b.He knows us. c.He knows the way of salvation. III.Conclusion - (Exhortation to seek Jesus.) Attended prayer meeting this evening. Had quite a good meeting. It was about "doubts". Dr. Taylor spoke longer than usual and Rev. Wood spoke. Mon. Feb. 13. Helen Peckham stayed all night with me. We took a cut and wrote valentines. I wrote several. One for Grace with the little German poem from Heine "Du list nie eine Blume", one for Mary Haughenout, a parody on Break! Break!, one for Belle Freeman, made in the shape of a Belle, one for Mary Lynch, Miss Henderson, and Miss Peckham. Tue. Feb. 14. Sent my valentines and received three, one from Belle, one from Helen Peckham I am quite sure, and one from Mary Houghenout I think, although she denies it. Wed. Feb. 15. Had a lecture or talk after chapel by Miss Jane Addams, one of the originators of Hull House, Chicago. It was most interesting. She is a woman of medium height, with hair, dark slightly tinged with gray, brushed back from her forehead slightly parted in the middle, and an open, earnest attractive face. I am so glad to have heard her. Thu. Feb. 16. Five recitations. Got very tired. Skated, instead of walking, with Belle. The ice in the rink was 40 watery & inclined to be soft but fairly smooth. Fri. Feb. 17. Was excused from Gyms. & skated with Belle the last hour. We went to the lake and Miss Wood skated with both of us. Enjoyed it so much. Attended a lecture this evening by Prof. Herbert Tuttle of Cornell University. His matter was fairly good, his subject "Rome Aspects of 18th Century History", but his delivery was slow and not good. He is a fine appearing man. Sat. Feb. 18. Studied all the A.M. and part of the P.M. Went for a little over an hour with Grace to the Museum and read "Schouberg. Cotta Family" to her while she worked. Belle came up in the evening & I made taffy and studied Latin. Grace attended a class spread at the Gym. She reported a fine time. Sun. Feb. 19. As the Self-gov't comittee had requested us, we took our Chapel seats in Bible lecture this morning. Had an excellent sermon by Dr. H.M. King of Providence. His text was P2. 36-6, his theme, the Righteousness of God. The following was something like the outline of his sermon. I.Introduction - God is righteous in dealings although sometimes seems not. II.His Righteousness like the mountains. 1. Sublime and powerful. 2. Stable. 3. Restful. (Digression comparing it with the ocean in density of judgement.) 4. Unchanging. III.Conclusion Went to prayer-meeting in the evening. Called on Miss Learned and Houghenout. 41 (Tue. Feb. 14.) This page should have been included under Valentine's day but was forgotten. The Senior girls decorated their tables very prettily for dinner. One had three gilt paper hearts fastened together suspended above it, one had a large red cloth heart, stuffed, and another a cupid about 2 ft or 3 in size above it. At one table the girls all had the head of an arrow projecting from their backs and its shaft from their breasts, thus looking as if it had pierced them. One table was beautifully decorated with similax and violets. The senior girls who received the largest number of valentines is the "Queen of Hearts". Miss Cobb received forty-seven, but a bundle of twenty found Wednesday morning gave Miss Whitcom fifty-six and brought her out ahead. As it was Miss Underhill's mother's birthday she gave her table the treat of ice-cream and fancy cakes for dessert. Anna and Nell Higman were over to dinner. Ther girls gave her, Miss U., a bouquet of carnations. Wed. Feb. 22. A holiday. Studied hard all day except two hours when I read to Grace at the Museum. The girls dressed in colonial costumes for dinner and the tables were decorated except one or two, ours was not. Some had Jerusalem cherry trees, in honor of G.W's tree, one had his picture about six inches in height, dressed in uniform, surrounded with quite small flags fastened in a base, many tables were decorated with red, white and blue, one or two had a hatchet suspended over the table, flowers, candles42 and pretty china were everywhere. One table (3rd senior) had a large caldron in the middle of the table with sticks under it, and a large black cat with bristling fur and raised tail cut from paper suspended over it. At this table the girls were all dressed as witches with black skirts, red capes, tall black hats with a black cat on the peak of each, and each carried a broom, on the first broom was the word Salem. The girl at the second senior table each dressed in colonial costume and had one of the letters of Washington's name on their back, so that when seated the name was spelled. Most of the girls were dressed in costumes. Miss Bartlet as Gen. Lafayette in uniform was fine, one girl represented Geo. III and one an Indian, another Mrs. Gen Putman with curls down each side of her face, several were Geo. W. & many Marthas. After dinner Grace and I went to Room J. for a little while and saw the girls dance. Then we called on Belle, who was sick, and I went to the Gym. to see the tabeleaux but Grace was too tired. They were good and represented "A scene from Evangeline", "The Reception of Marquis de Lafayette", two scenes from "The Stamp Act", "Why Don't you Speak for Yourself John!" "A Dutch Dance". Fri. Feb. 24. Attended a lecture this evening on "Our Currency" by Prof. Tanssig of Harvard. Went with Grace. Had our first written lesson in Art Hist. yesterday. Was only 10 min. long and not hard. 43 Sat. Feb. 25. Studied most of the day. Darned some in the afternoon. Made fudges after dinner. "Cut" chapel to get a good seat at "Trig. Ceremonies" for Grace, Anna H., and myself and then found that the classes could not sit together. The "Trig. Ceremonies" were very good. There was an orchestra of girls dressed in masculine upper garments, which produced strains of entrancing (?) music before and between acts. The entertainment consisted of a play, the scene laid in different parts of the college building. The first scene was in the room of Sophie More (Sophomore) on the 3rd day of Fall term. Sophie returns and finds bare rooms, and then some of the girls rush in and welcome her, college fashion. A freshman, Olivia Lattice Sage-Green, is introduced. Many excellent "hits" are made, especially on the freshman class, who, hearing they were to be alluded to as "green", decided to wear College caps and gowns of bright green. The sophomores learned of this and sent a request to the class not to appear in insignia of class. They wore them until inside the doors, then took them off. Olivia has the cap and gown like that worn by the freshmen. Sophie looks out of the window and sees "the Faculty on wheels", in allusion to the bicycle fad which broke out among the ladies of the faculty last fall. The frantic cries for "Mr. Wheeler" sound natural. The next scene is on 3rd Maid corridor, in front44 of Lecture room. Prof. Elyson (Math) who is in love with Sophie More meets her as she with a glass of milk in hand attempts to take possession of a step ladder. Result, the glass drops & breaks & milk is spilled. A maid comes along with a meal order & while she assists Sophie, Prof. holds the tray. As he is relieved Prof. de Labratoire (Chem.) ente

Libraries

Today's hours:

Vassar College Digital Library

Search results

Pages