"No propaganda, Cameron!" he declared good-naturedly. "We must learn
wisdom of our children. Their paper is quite non-partisan. In fact," he
continued, lapsing into seriousness, "the younger generation teaches us
many things. I've learned a lesson or two from your son. You have put a
great deal of your fineness of principle into him, Cameron. I hope you
realize what a deep respect I entertain for you. I have always regretted
the occurrences that parted us. If I had my life to live over again, my
dear sir, there are some offenses that I should not repeat. An honor
that one wins by foul means is an empty one. I took an unfair advantage
of an honorable gentleman in the campaign of 1916 and I have always
been sorry and longed to tell you so. I now offer you my hand. It is the
only amendment I can make for the past."
The apology was a handsome one and Mr. Cameron was a big enough man to
be forgiving.
Taking his enemy's palm in a warm grasp he said:
"We all blunder sometimes, Carter."
"An honest blunder is one thing; but pre-meditated meanness is quite
another, Cameron. However, I appreciate your generosity. It is like
you--on the same scale with the rest of your nature." Then to shift a
subject that was embarrassing he remarked: "As for these young rascals
of ours, I suppose a great career awaits each of them after college is
over. Your son has a better brain than mine; but they are both promising
fellows. I'd like to land Paul in an editorial position. He has a
decided gift for such a job. Perhaps later on I may be able to help him,
should he decide to take up such work permanently. I should be very
proud to be of service either to you or him, Cameron."
"Thank you, sir," replied Mr. Cameron courteously.
Amid the pressing crowd they separated, the parents to go home in a mood
of satisfaction and happiness, and the boys to continue the day's
festivities with a class banquet and a dance.
That banquet was a never-to-be-forgotten affair!
For weeks the class officers had been planning it and no detail was
omitted that could add merriment and joy to the crowning event of 1920's
career.
No sooner were the guests seated at the long table and the spread fairly
begun than a stuffed rabbit, exquisitely decorated with the class
colors, was borne into the room. This was, of course, the far-famed
March Hare. Its advent was greeted with a storm of clapping.
Very solemnly it was elevated in Paul's hands and amid shouts and cheers
was carried by the graduating editor-in-chief to the president of 1921
where, with an appropriate speech, it was surrendered into the keeping
of the incoming seniors.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account