8 ACORN in a smooth knot: his hair was combed back to show the waves, which he knew would please Miss Daisy. The door opened and Miss Daisy Winslow herself welcomed Air. Arnold Dudley in a manner that he only dreamed of. When the youth found himself, his coat and hat and Daisy had disappeared, leaving him alone with the box of candy. "What quaint little pictures, and" but the sentence was not completed when the hostess returned and received the marschinos. Evidently she had opened other boxes of candy, because, before Arnold had regained stable equilibrium Miss Daisy had picked out several pieces. Not wishing to make an unfavorable impression, Arnold took one and refused another, telling her that he didn't care much for candy, but all the time his mouth was watering for more. The strike of the old mission clock told him that he had been there an hour instead of fifteen minutes. Silence prevailed for a few more minutes, while Arnold sat deep in thought. Finally he gathered his senses and renewed the conversation by the question, "Would you like to go to the show?" "Oh! I'm just crazy to go," she replied cheerfully. Well, that settled it, but then Arnold didn't think she was crazy. He thought she was sublime, beautiful. Shortly Miss Winslow returned with her jacket, and Arnold proudly escorted her from the house. As they entered the theatre the audience was interested in the acrobats on the stage. Arnold followed the usher and his lady to his seats keenly aware of what he thought to be glances from the admiring crowd, but, no doubt, were only casual glances to newcomers. He learned from Miss Daisy's conversation that the vaudeville was delightfully entertaining. The chorus was excellent, but he only knew it indirectly. To know that she was so pleased with the program made Arnold feel so overjoyed that he could only watch Daisy's actions, and listen to her comments. As our fair couple leave the theatre our proud escort is very attentive. He is careful not to walk faster than the crowd, or to allow Miss Daisy to be pushed about. Arnold suggested that they stop at the Kandy Shop to have some refreshments. While awaiting service he leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes and thought how it would seem if, every day, he could have her across ACORN 9 the table from him. Could it be real? And to see that beaming face all the time. He was suddenly aroused by Daisy's order to the waitress, and remained awake, but quite devoid of speech. "Do you think the faculty would grant my petition to take history?" Daisy began after an interval of prolonged silence, during which they had walked some distance from the confectioner's store. "I am not registered in any class that period." If I was only free that period I would tell her no," he thought, and then, "I believe you would like history," he answered aloud. The subject of school did not interest Arnold very much, and, as he neared her home, he mentioned the Junior Hop that was arranged for the following Friday. "I would think the students have such such good times at the school dances," Daisy replied. Arnold knew they did, for he had attended several, but he didn't know how to answer. It seemed just luck that he was relieved of a tinge of individual embarrassment by their arrival at Miss Winslow's home. Arnold was just a trifle timid, and was going to say good-night, when Daisy extended her hand. It was a tiny, soft, velvety hand that anybody would be proud to hold. Arnold stood facing the pretty miss; he noiselessly inhaled one deep breath, drew the muscles of his body into a state of momentary rigidity, and then let the little hand drop. He turned to go, but noticed that Daisy pouted for a second. In a deficiently courageous manner he bid her good-night, and waited on the walk until she had entered the house. He turned, smiled to himself and walked slowly homeward, repeating the one thought, "What a fool I made of myself." F. F., '14.