RIL THE TWENTY-SIXTH.--Word came this morning that Miss Hamm was
confined to her home in an ailing condition. As a member of the faculty
and because of the interest I take in the prospective development of
this young woman's character, I felt it my bounden duty to send her a
short note expressing my regret that she should be indisposed and my
sincere hope that she may soon be restored to her customary health. Did
so. Upon finishing the note an impulse to accompany it with a small
nosegay culled from my window box came upon me. Obeyed the impulse, note
and nosegay being despatched by special messenger to the home of her
uncle.

* * * * *

APRIL THE TWENTY-SEVENTH.--Miss Hamm still absent from her post and no
answer forthcoming from my note of yesterday.

Altogether a dismal and dispiriting day, several members of my history
class evincing great stupidity during the lesson periods.

To-night a threat of rain in the firmament, with clouds gathering and a
murky twilight. Being of a nature more or less sensitive to atmospheric
influences, I feel a corresponding gloominess.

* * * * *

APRIL THE TWENTY-EIGHTH.--A line of thanks in Miss Hamm's handwriting
received; short but couched attractively, methought. Was particularly
struck by one-line phrase: "So very good of you to think of me!"

Weather clearing and promising!

* * * * *

APRIL THE THIRTIETH.--Miss Hamm returned to her work betimes to-day, a
slight but becoming pallor in her cheeks. Took occasion to congratulate
her upon so speedy a recuperation, incidentally exchanging with her
comment upon contemporaneous events, not only within the scope of our
seminary life but in the great world at large.

Rarely, if ever, do I recall a more beautiful sunset than the one of
current date. Merely to behold the orb of day descending beyond the
western horizon in all its magnificence of prismatic colouring was
sufficient to awaken within one's bosom the desire to burst into song.

Am reminded that the morrow will be May Day when, in the olden days in
Merrie England, the happy populace were wont to frolic about the May
pole, to indulge in morris dances, to witness mummeries and mystery
plays. How great the pity that such pleasant customs should have fallen
into misuse! I would they were revived here at Fernbridge! Fain would I
myself lend my energies and talents to such an underta