Page 167 - YB1904
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wear, the boys selecting the fair maidens with whom they would spend the evening, and everyone at the same time was in a fever of agitation for fear we would not be allowed to have the banquet, for the Faculty said, "that they did not know of any night we could have it." But somehow they found a night, and it was not long before it came, and soon ended as all good things do. Promptly at seven o'clock, according to the custom, the girls assembled on the porch to go to the Hotel West- minster. The Juniors all arrayed in their new Parisian gowns, were admired by a large assembly of Freshmen and Sophomores, who sighed and wished that they were Juniors and Seniors. But, alas, for the Seniors, what a gloom they seemed to cast on this brilliant party, as they appeared robed in their long black gowns. The sad expression of their faces for the moment, showed that they also remembered the time when they were merry, happy Juniors, and had one more year to spend in dear old Western Maryland. But we cannot tarry here so long, we must now take a glimpse of this party in the parlor of the hotel, but ah, here we find an addition to the number, for the handsome young gentlemen have sought out their fair partners for the evening. Such admiring glances as they cast on one another, and reveal in their faces the feeling which comes from nothing less than a perfect delight. What a pity some gifted poet or painter did not see this fair scene and per- serve it for future times as this poor mind is not able to do. Here we see the fair singers, musicians and elocutionists holding their audience spell-bound, who for the moment seem to have forgotten the all important feature of the evening. But now they proceed to the banquet hall, but here I almost give up in despair, for only the pen of a Shakes- peare or the brush of a Raphael could describe this scene. One had dreamed of such a spectacle, but never hoped to see it. Here we see great arches of black and gold under which the fair couples walk, with characteristic grace and the tables beautifully decorated with white roses and more than all, the menu presented a beautiful sight to our eyes. At the close of the repast, toasts were given by the Presidents of the two classes, which were much enjoyed, and expressed very well the feeling of friendship between the classes. But now the delightful evening is drawing to a close; the boys and girls look as bright and happy as when we first saw them, but the chaperons look a little weary and soon tell these happy people that the hour for departure has come and with many sighs of regret they say good-night, to go home and dream of the happy evening which passed by, alas! all to soon. l63
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