1897 ]
began to be himself again. Of course Mrs. Radcliff and Bob
were often in at different hours during the day, as well as the
physician, and Edna’s presence wasn’t absolutely necessary. But
her bright eyes quickly detected the glow of pleasure which the
sight of her brought to Stanford’s face, and for the sake of her
brother’s great obligation to him she did all she could to make
him comfortable. She brought sweet flowers daily to his room.
She always had a bright smile for him, and once, when she
thought him asleep, she gently brushed the tumbled curls back
from his forehead.
As this pure-minded, kind-hearted girl of eighteen years had
done everything for the patient through sympathy and for the
sake of her brother, whom she loved dearly, the thought of the
extra heart beats which she might arouse in the sick boy’s breast
by her lovely thoughtfulness and by her own charming personal
ity did not suggest itself. But Harry Stanford was far less un
conscious.
Events of the past were never referred to, a tacit understanding
seeming to arise of itself. During the week of Stanford’s con
finement Edna and Bob often read to him and talked with him.
Both were surprised at his common sense and general informa
tion. His work before entering college had acquired for him an
experience which commanded respect, and Bob was forced to the
belief that his suspicions were absurd. Therefore he went boldly
to a member of the faculty and asked who furnished the informa
tion upon which Ralph Stewart was expelled.
‘ ‘ One of the professors caught him, ’ ’ was the cool reply.
Bob was overwhelmed with shame and remorse. Explanations
with Harry followed and they became the best of friends.
“ I just knew he suspected him wrongly,” said Edna to her
self.
Bob had his oration about rewritten, but now thought it little
enough to do to withdraw from the contest, for undoubtedly his
larger experience and exceptional ability in literary work would
enable him to excel the Freshman.
There were other competitors, but Stanford’s originality and
depth of imagination easily won for him the coveted prize.
Bob Radcliff helped Harry make up the work he had missed
during his illness, and in spite of the disadvantage he passed
very creditable examinations.
Though Harry had been too busy to call at the Radcliff's since
The Gascon Prize.