OUR STUDY WINDOW.
A Noble Sacrifice
At last the one great desire of Robert Brown's whole life was to be gratified—he was to enter college.
On a dark, stormy day in September, 18., Robert arrived in the city of Lawrence, where Kansas State University is located. How dreary everything looked! All around everything seemed to be sad; the trees hung down their branches and let fall drbs of rain like great tears.
And yet, though all else was gloomy, Robert Brown was not. He thought neither of the rain nor of the mud. No. His heart was filled with joy; for was he not here at the very goal of his ambition? His imagination passed over the four intervening years, and carried him to the time when he should graduate. He saw himself on commencement day the leader of his class, and the pride and joy of his loved parents and sisters. He saw himself standing before an appreciative and applauding audience, whom he made laugh or weep at pleasure. He glanced even further into the future, and beheld himself an eloquent lawyer having an extensive practice—the support and comfort of his aged parents.
Early in the morning of the opening day of school, Robert walked "up the hill" and climbed the stone steps which led to the classic halls of the college. He was full of life and hope—full of his one great ambition. His heart grew more enthusiastic, his mind more determined, as the thought came to him that he was breathing the same air, that he was treading the same walks, and that he was surrounded by the same objects as those who had made themselves famous. He lifted his heart in thankfulness to God.
In the University building, no one paid him the least attention. Perhaps some daintily dressed coxcomb would give him a curious stare, and then pass on; but no one showed him any courtesy. Even when he stopped some student with a question, he simply received a very short "yes" or "no" for answer. Robert had been accustomed to behaving courteously and being treated so. His heart fell at such studied rudeness.
When he returned to his room that evening, Robert's first act was to step to the glass and survey himself. What could be the matter? Was he so very different from the other students?
He saw an open, frank countenance, with a pair of dark grey eyes, and light brown hair which obstinately refused to stay in place. He looked closer and noticed that the face and neck were not of marble whiteness, but were tanned very dark by constant exposure to the sun; and, yes, his hair was not cut according to the latest style, but was just as a fond mother's hand had left it.
He glanced at his clothes. They were worn and threadbare in places, yet at the same time neat and clean; and he was not ashamed of them even though his strong arms were too long for the sleeves of his coat, and though his shoes and trousers did barely meet. He looked at his hands—large, strong hands; hard and callused by years of toil, and reddened by the hot rays of the sun.
Then his thoughts turned to the elegantly dressed "fellows" he had seen at school, their hair trimmed in the latest "cut," and their small white hands which had never seen labor. He understood, at once, the GREAT DIFFERENCE between himself and those with whom he would be compelled to associate. His teeth came together hard, and a look of quiet determination came into the gray eyes—a look that told more
plainly than words how hard and perseveringly he intended to work and study.
From this time forth Robert left the other students entirely to themselves. He studied cons: [y, and thoroughly mastered everything he undertook. Soon the country boy, who was so awkward, and whose clothes fit him so badly, stood at the head of his classes. He won the respect of his teachers because of his promptness in answering questions. He was gaining courage and growing mentally stronger every day. Bright prospects seemed opening before him and far away in the distance he imagined that he saw the haven of his life's voyage.
It was only the fourth month of school when, on reaching his room one afternoon, Robert found a letter from home awaiting him. Quickly opening it, he read:
MY DEAR SON:
It gives me great pain to tell you that in spite of my best endeavor, I have been unable to meet the regular payments on the mortgage when they have fallen due, and that now I am threatened with foreclosure unless I pay the whole amount immediately. I have not the required sum, nor have I any means of procuring it; so I suppose the old farm and house will have to go. I would not feel so badly were it not for your mother and sisters. Heaven only knows what will become of them. Your father.
W. M. BROWN.
Robert stood bewildered; his head grew dizzy, and he threw himself on a chair. It was terrible to be thus rudely awakened from his dream of happiness. He must think about this matter; his mother and sisters were very dear to him, and they must not be allowed to suffer. Here in his own aoom, alone with God, he fought his hardest battle.
The events of his whole life came up before him: he saw himself once more a small boy of six years, just beginning his studies at the country school; he remembered how year by year, as he became older, the desire to learn, which had been instilled into him while yet a mere baby, had grown firmer and stronger until finally it became a part of his very being. How hard it was, even at that time, for the father to supply the necessities of actual life. Night after night he would return home entirely exhausted by his day's labor; and yet how unfortunate everything seemed to be that his father undertook. He thought of his father's speculations in hogs, cattle and horses, and how, just when these seemed most prosperous, some contagious disease had come among them which destroyed all. And then the money, which they had saved by years of the strictest economy, had all been swept away by the breaking of the bank in which they had deposited it.
Then his thoughts turned to how he, himself, after finishing the country school had resolved to obtain a higher education; and how he had perseveringly combatted every obstacle, working for his board, studying early and late, in order to attend the academy at B——ville. When he had graduated there with honor, the long-cherished desire to attend college had taken absolute control of him. But his family could scarcely support themselves, and how was he to accomplish the desired object? Winter after winter, he had untimely taught a country school, while his summers were spent in unceasing toil on the monotonous farm. At last he had enough money to pay for four years at college—that is, enough if he used it very sparingly.
He thought of the day when he reached Lawrence—rain and mud everywhere. He even recalled the first few days of torment in school —torment because no one understood him or cared for him. And now he had won the hearts of his instructors and the good will of his classmates.
answering the letter?" he asked himself. "What should he do? Was he really selfish in thus trying to gratify his ambition?" He went over to his old-fashioned leather trunk, and drew out a small, faded purse containing all his treasure—the scanty earnings of six years hard work. Slowly he counted the gold pieces—scarcely enough after his car-far is paid. Yes, he will do it; he will give up his very life, and more than life, to keep his dear ones from becoming homeless. It is settled forever. Again, he must go back to that geaseless toil and drudgery, and with no hope, no ambition, no enthusiasm to smooth the rugged paths. A sickly, yet kindly, smile passes over the pale face, and the grey eyes become misty—but only for one moment; he knows he has decided rightly.
Quietly, yet quickly, he packs his soiled leather trunk and torn, shabby valise. As he takes his algebra, geometry, Homer and Livy from the table and places them in his trunk, a sigh—almost a groan—escapes his tightly closed lips. And so he takes the first train westward, and sees, with glistening eyes, the dearly loved buildings of Kansas University fade from sight. A life's ambition is sacrificed.
The Commencement Program.
The following is the program for commencement:
The Commencement Program.
Thursday, May 31—Concert by the School of Music at 8 P. M. in the chapel.
Friday, June 1—Commencement exercises of the Department of Election at 8 P. M.
Saturday, June 2—Joint debate between Adelphi Literary Society and the University Debating Club at 8 P.M. Sunday, June 3—Baccalaureature sermon by Bishop J. H. Vincent at 8 P.M.
But what had this to do with 829 MASS. ST.
Monday, June 4-Address to Engineering school by Prof. Galvin Woodward, Dean of the Polytechnic School of Washington University at 10 A.M. Pharmacy School address by Dr. Chas Bessey at 3 P.M. Annual University address by Benj. L. Wheeler, of Cornell at 8 P.M.
Tuesday, June 5-Commencement exercises of the Law School at 10 A. M.
Class Day exercises of the School of Arts at 3 P. M. Alumni Oration at 8 P. M.
Wednesday, June 6—Commencement exercises of the School or Arts at 10 A M. followed by the Alumni Banquet.
The Land of the Sky.
Is not quite sky high, but is just far enough up from the sea to have a brazing climate. New Mexico is meant. And it offers something for the wealth-seeker as well as for the health-seeker, Beautiful apples, grapes and other fruits are grown in the lower Rio Grande valley, and in the Maxwell grant there are varied attractions for the general farmer. If you ask Nicholson, of the Santa Fe Route, Topeka, he will mail you a New Mexico folder which tells most of the story.
Troxler's brother visited him last Sunday.
THE HATTER
FOR
W. Bromelsick,
Spring Styles Soft and Stiff HATS are on display by
New Goods,
FOR
New Styles.
IN
Fine Shoes,
Oxfords,
OR
SLIPPERS.
HUME'S.
AND NOVELTIES IN GOLD. SILVER AND PLATE.
PRICES RIGHT.
Jewelry,
Invitations . . .
Send for finely illustrated Catalogue.
FOR WEDDINGS, CLUBS OR RECEPTIONS HANDSOMELY ENGRAVED.
Send for grand catalogue.
We Have an Elegant Line
Spring
OF-
Clothing
Hats and Furnishing Goods
That we are selling very low. Come and see.
M. J. SKOFSTAD,
The American Clothier
F. T. SINGLETON & CO.. Postage Stamps for Collection,
PHILATELIG LITERATURE. ALBUMS.
Etc., Etc.
Selections of choice stamps on app-
proval at 13\% per cent discount.
1005 Walnut St., Kansas City, Mo
Winning Orations
INTER-STATE CONTEST.
Compiled by Chas. N. Prather, of Meriden, Kan. Sent to any address upon receipt of $1.25.
W. H. BARKER,
Tonsorial Artist.
Students Trade Solicited AND Good Work Guaranteed.
JUNG SEUNG.
Chinese Laundry.
West Warren Street.
BEAL & GODDING.
Livery, Hack, Sale and Boarding Stable
Opposite Lawrence House.
Talentone 130
WHITNEY & SON.
Lunch and Short Order House.
Coffee, Oysters and Porter House Steaks
Coffee, Oysters and Porter House Steak+
a Specialty.
730 Kansas Ave., Topeka, Kas
DONNELLY BROTHERS,
700 to 718 New Hampshire St.
Telephone 100. Lawrence.
Livery, Feed and Sale Stable.
H. JOHNSON.
BAKERY.
Next to Central Hotel.
ATHENS COUNCIL, NO. 3.
Fraternal Aid Association.
Has the finest Hall and Dancing Floor in the State. For terms, call on ED. HOUSELL, Mgr.,
Under Selig's.
Wilder Bros. Shirt Makers
AND
GENTS FURNISHERS.
Students will do well to see our on
Students will do well to see our on hand Shirts and Underwear, made for parties and not taken. These goods are standard and can be bought for one-third regular price.
Custom Laundry
Work called for and delivered.
1300 Mass. Street. Telephone No. 40.
WHEN IN NEED OF
TELEPHONE 67,
GROCERIES,
Stationery.
Quiz Books, Etc.
STOP AT
JACOB'S WELL
AND LOADS
AND LOAD UP.
A. K HOGE,
For Fit,
The Student's Grocer.
For Wear, For Style.
A. G. MENGER & CO,
BOUGHT OF
BOOTS AND SHOES
Cannot be excelled. Prices to meet the times. Everybody welcome. 742 Massachusetts street.
S. B. JACOBS,
HORSES BOUGHT AND SOLD.
LIVERY AND BOARDING STABLE.
Parties desiring to visit any part of the County where rigs are to be used cannot do be deter it an by calling on me. Hacks to any part of the City day or night. Good Drummer's Wagons to go to any part of the county.
ESTABLISHED 25 YEARS.
13i Bridge St. Tel. No. 130.
TUDENTS' HEADQUARTERS
FOR
Fresh Candies. Oysters,
Fruits, Soda, Etc,
Wm. Wiedemann.
What is the use
what is the use
Of buying Clothing made
out of town when you can
get them just as cheap at
home and better made?
Suits $10. Pants in proportion, at
O. P. LEONARD'S,
Practical Tailor.
Over Mark's Jewelry Store.
Jackson's Laundry,
Kansas City, Missouri.
Stanton Olinger and R. E.Blackman, Agents
POPULAR PRICES.
Work called for MONDAYS and delivered FRIDAYS.
All Work Guaranteed.