mores placed a ladder against it, and
after Theodore Billings ascended it, removed it to a distant place. Ted
was to discover other means of getting out of the Freshman’s room, Just as Ted entered through the window, he was surprised to hear a distinctly feminine voice say, “Oh, Eddie, I thought you would never come-I expected you though. Are you angry at me yet? Oh Eddie, forgive me-say it with your own lips-Oh, Eddie, won’t you forgive me?” Ted was extremely uncomfortable in his awkward position, and was very much frightened when he heard the girl rise from her bed and walk toward him. He was two black braids and could detect the odor of perfume and rouge. He dared not speak or move, and was unable to prevent the inevitable consequence, when the girl threw her arms around his neck, and again began to talk to him, pleading with him to answer her. The strategy of Teddy for once failed him, and he was silent. The girl receded a few steps, and looked up at him. With a startled look on her face she said, Ugh! bah! You horrid, impertinent thing! Get out of here this minute! No,-you must stay until morning when my husband returns.” Theodore Billings now understood that by mistake he had entered a young salesman’s wife’s apartments, and not Sprague Clements’ as he had expected to do. He continued to remonstrate with the girl for several hours, and then pled his honor to redeem him. When he told what his disgrace in being expelled would mean to his mother, the girl said, ‘For your mother’s sake, go-say nothing of this, however. You came to torment a person weaker than yourself, and have had your just punishment.” Teddy disappeared down the street after muttering in a low voice, “Thank you, my merciful benefactress-I don’t deserve to be treated so well,” told his chums a fine story about a serious illness of the Freshman, and returned to his own room. The following morning he received a letter. It read as follows” My dear Billings-You played a fine trick on yourself last night. Eddie’s wife (Sprague Clements) imposed upon you in a most unkind manner. Hoping the rouge will come off, I remain, |
Your merciful benefactress, |
Sprague Clements |