Stella Rosevelt — page 87: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

RETRENCHMENT. Sr graceful self-possession, and unfolding the roll of manuscript which she carried in her hand, read in sweet, yet clear tones, a production which held her listeners spell-bound from begin- ning to end, She must have woven something of her own heart history into it, he thought, for two or three times the tears welled un- bidden to his eyes at the pathos which those smoothly rounded sentences contained. It seemed as if Star's efforts were more highly appreciated than any other portion of the exercises. Even the valedictory, from a member of the senior class, although well written and to the point, was not listened to with such breathless attention. At the conclusion of the programme, the diplomas were awarded to the graduating class, and then the professor said he would read the names of those who had passed their examina- tion and were to be promoted from the other classes. There were two young ladies, he said, who were entitled to a double promotion, having accomplished the work of a year in about six months, which was, to say the least, a very unusual and laudable circumstance. The names of those entitled to this were Miss Stella Glad- stone and Miss Grace Turnbull, and they would, upon the be- ginning of the fall term, take their places in the senior class. As the people flocked by him out of the hall, Mr. Richards heard Stars praises on every side, and inwardly vowed that the girl should have every chance in the future. He made his way toward the platform, intending to speak with and congratulate her upon her success; but just before he reached her another gentleman approached her, and after snaking hands in the most cordial manner with her, gave her a small package, and bending down, whispered a few words in her ear. ; He could not understand the expression of mingled surprise and joy which for a moment absolutely glorified her fair face as Gomicbooks (Eo)