king. At least so
do I feel at this moment.

Eleven-thirty-eight P. M.--Have arisen from my couch to jot down several
rhythmic lines which came to me subsequent to retirement; a continuation
in spirit and theme of the verses which I began some days ago. However,
the work still remains incomplete, for after much pondering I am unable
to find a word rhyming to the word with which I had intended to conclude
the composition.

How euphonious to the ear and yet how unusual is the name Hildegarde! I
imagine that the difficulty of suitably rhyming it is the very reason
for my having chosen it.

* * * * *

MAY THE SEVENTH.--To-day at faculty meeting Miss Primleigh evinced
toward me a marked coolness of demeanour and shortness of speech, for
which I am totally unable to account. I cannot recall having given
offence either by word or deed. Indeed, for a fortnight past I have been
so engrossed with other matters that barely have I spoken ten words to
Miss Primleigh.

To-night reread "A Dream of Fair Women," by the late Lord Tennyson,
finding everywhere in it new beauties, new meanings, which upon the
occasion of earlier readings had entirely escaped me.

Found opportunity this afternoon to pay another of my little visits to
the gymnasium hall. Complimented Miss Hamm upon the indubitable progress
made by her disciples. I find these small casual calls upon various
departments of our work form agreeable interludes in the monotony of the
day.

Her hair is not chestnut brown; I was wrong there. It is of a rich,
golden-reddish tint, a shade to which I am quite partial, especially
when observed in conjunction with large hazel eyes, as in the present
instance.

* * * * *

MAY THE EIGHTH.--To-night, being minded to seek relaxation in
literature, I picked up my Tasso, but, soon tiring of the Latin, I
exchanged it for Shakspere's "Romeo and Juliet." I am gratified that I
made this second choice, for from it has sprung an inspiration which may
prove fruitful. Hardly had I opened the latter volume when the idea,
darting forth, so to speak, from the typed page, found congenial
lodgment in my intelligence.

It is our custom, upon the occasion of our annual commencement in June,
to present a scene selected from the realms of classic drama, with
members of the faculty and of the student body enacting the characters.
Last year, by mine own suggestion, we presented an act of