18 Well, I’ve been and gone and done it, graduated, I mean. My knees shook so that I made a very graceful bow. Just easy and natural with nothing stiff about it, don’t yuh know. Something like this (
drawing) . Don gave me a lovely card case which he spoke of as “a doggone Chinezy thing”, but it was a love of a c-c. Dan seems rather sulky. I would like to know why.
Harriet looked lovely. Her hair was very fluffy and was well arranged. Not so mine. Muz says I was fussing with it all during the Grad. Forgot to bid Biddy bye-bye. Rather rude of me but I guess she won’t notice it. I hope not. Gave Harriet kings the Commencement Book. Says she likes it. I wonder. Moral: Don is a dear, Dan is quite nice but rather sulky, He is a peach and Biddy but a memory. Rah, Rah, Rah for the class of 1916. Am going to the Reception tonight. Well I certainly got myself into a nice mess. Gave a ticket that I could not afford to Irene Wood. Muz will have to go in on her face.
In the margin: Dancing The main object of dancing is to step on as many toes as possible, I deduced this from painful experience. The Boston, Barn Dance, Wall Flower
Nearly missed Don but he was as late in calling for me as I in coming home. Had several nice dances. Wish the boys I danced with could say the same. Went out in intermission with D. and had a pineapple College-Ice. They did not have the two extras but the orchestra played instead such gentle hints as “Good night, ladies” and “Home sweet home”. Reached home dead but happy. (Deductions: My previously expressed opinion of Don still holds good. Muz is a gay belle. I can dance better than I thought. Pineapple c- Is are as good as strawberry.) By the way, I found Biddy and introduced her to Muz. She was fine and did not tell Muz any of my misdeeds.
In the attached envelope there was a note by Marjorie, a clipping about Don, a picture, a 'calling card' with a note on the back, and a graduation ticket.
The note by Marjorie:
What Don said about me in his diary.
1. ... also a young lady who is quite attractive. Mother thinks very much so. Ninth Grade, Grammar school, though.
2. Got some candy for Margery James.
3. Margery was there. Looked great. Very dark. Sent Valentines to Irene Wood and Margery.
4. After supper tonight, Margery got me to play some on the piano for her; which I did with great pleasure and very little harmony. Anyway, I kept on playing and didn't mind a bit. Who would? (under the same circumstances)
5. Asked Margery to-day if she would teach me how to roller skate, if I would take her to the rink. She said she would. I don't think she thinks I can even stand up on rollers.
6. Played short game of cards with Margery after dinner.
7 Blue is very becoming to Margery. Bright blue.
8 Let Margery take my ring to-day. Walked up to Trinity Church with her to-night and helped her clothes she is to wear in a play tonight there.
9 Could not find Margery to dance with her.
10 I am trying to teach Margery the Boston.
11 Invited Margery to her graduation dance to be held the 18th. She is learning the Boston a little now. Very nice girl. Have bought an imported, hand painted leather card-case of purse - Japanese - to give her for a graduation present. I hope she will like it. I think she likes me pretty well but not in the least sentimentally. You know I think I almost like her a great deal. I know if I were a year younger I'd be head over heels in love with her.
12. Graduation dance at West Middle with Margery. Marg looked fine and danced well.
13. Dan and Margery came over this evening. Am appreciating Marg more every time I see her. She is a very lovely girl. She has read this diary up to this entry, I and all of the 1911 one. I have also read her diary.
14. Went down to Margery's this evening. Stoddard saw her yesterday and asked me who the classy dame was.
Biddy was Marjorie's unflattering nickname for a teacher at school.
Muz was Marjorie's nickname for her mother, Grace Tinker.
Marjorie mentions two Dons at times - one is a boy who lives at her boarding house, a 'annoying-brother' type of relationship, the other is a boy she has a crush on.
