Blanche Yurka's '07 Blog

My Daily Entries This Week

Sat Aug 31

We have read several parts of "Ring and the book.'' It is wonderfully fine; his poetry is so human; and the little personal touches are so clever.  Guido's character interested us both; his must have been the perversion of a splendid mind, for some of his arguments were very convincing.  And I can see how constant disappointment and humiliation would have soured and warped his nature until he was incapable of comprehending what really was pure and noble.  I sang the Bohemian folk-songs and some really musical people were very enthusiastic.  The disappointing part of music is that the really fine things are appreciated by so few people, and somehow I cannot sing the maukish sentimental or trite things like "dry those tears'' etc. with any sympathy.

Sun Sept 1

Pundit's lecture (the last) was a beautiful and uplifting one on "The Value of Devotion.''  He impressed me strongly, especially in his suggestion for reserving fifteen minutes at the beg. or end of the day for complete concentration on some noble and uplifting conception of the Infinite; saying that the power of devoutness, like anything worthwhile could only grow as a result of persistent and loving effort, and only according to our receptivity could we gain the real benefits of a religion.

The charming young Hindu who was so nice to Betty (and six others) last year, Mr. Gupta, has run down for two days, and had lunch with us.  He is the most charming young man I have ever met; very handsome, with a fine sincere face and wonderful eyes.  His manners are simply delightful; cordial and tactful to an unusual degree.  Mr. Ratnam, the Pres. of Central College, Ceylon, gave a most effective talk on Indian conditions, and roused a great deal of interest.  I kept growing colder, until finally Mrs. Bull loaned me her wonderful green cloak from Cashmere, handwoven, and a striking example of India's resources, if she were allowed to use them.  Mrs. Bull spoke several times after the lecture; as she has been to India, and is very much interested, and oh! she is so "distingu\'{e}e!'' There is no other word to describe her.  She insisted upon my going up to her house and drinking some cinnamon extract to break the chill.  It was so thoughtful of her.  After tea I went to sing at Mother Kennard's church.  Gupta accompanied us, tho' he had thought he would not be able to, and after the service Billy K. took me for a long auto ride; but stayed on so long afterward that I nearly passed away for sleepiness. H\'{e}las!

Mon Sept 2

The morning passed delightfully. Gupta went to Portsmouth and brought a friend to spend the day, a Miss Calend, sweet and nice, but not in the least thrilling. We had a jolly time on the porch, taking pictures, with Gupta decked out to look like an Indian dervish in Mrs. Bull's cloak. Then I went over to the Eirenion and sang for him.  I was in splendid voice, and could see how much he was enjoying it, so I felt inspired.  What a pleasure singing can be!  In the afternoon we all went over to hear the talk on India. It originated in the desire to pass a resolution of sympathy from America to India in her present deplorable state, and terminated in the formation of the Indo-American Nat. Association for the sympathetic assistance of Indian students coming to America to study and for the improvement of Indian political conditions.  Miss Farmer spoke most wonderfully; everyone was so moved, and truly she seemed like the incarnation of some lovely spirit of peace and sweetness. It was, I believe a historical occasion, and the air was tense with excitement. Betty and I both signed as members of the association, and I hope  that I shall be able to do something active some day.  I had to leave before the meeting adjourned, as it grew very late.  We bade Gupta and his friend farewell, and I can truly say that never before has so short an acquaintance brought me so much pleasure.  Betty and I had a long talk on the negro question from a Southerner's point of view and it was very enlightening.

p246 Tues Sept 3

We were very lazy this morning, and as it was a dismal rainy day we stayed abed till 12.45. We managed to read some Browning, however, and really Betty has a genius for sleeping which I am acquiring.  I never supposed I could enjoy dozing so much.

But it made the whole day seem upside down.  Marguerite Fuller played for us at the Inn; she has an exquisite touch and plays extraordinarily well; it is curious that her personality is so weak and inane in other respects for she has a great deal of beauty.  But such a jelly-fish voice and such a vapid expression in her eyes! She is like a queer character on the stage.  Betty and I took a long walk in the rain and it was good fun.  Had an interesting letter from Mrs. C. -- Interesting because I would like to know what action of mine inspired the outburst of advice.  She is such a dear tho', that she can say anything she pleases to me, just so she says something.  "Anything but indifference!''

Wed Sept 4

Another very important meeting on the Indian question, and this morning a great deal was accomplished by way of furthering the Association formally on a firm basis.  The Constitution , which had been drawn up by the Board of Officers, was discussed at great length, especially the name.  Mr. Harris, who, in spite of his blatant personality brought up some good points, wanted a more elastic name to be adopted, one which would imply no exclusion. Some excellent arguments came up, Pundit and Mrs. Bull giving the most concise statements of their views.  Mrs. Sewall was chairman of the meeting, and, tho' she talked too much as always, there is no denying her cleverness and clear headedness.  It was chiefly due to her executive ability that so much was accomplished.  May the association prosper and accomplish its mission! I, for one, feel that it gave me another very interesting experience to add to my already large list.

In the P.M. the last recital was given, everyone taking part. I sang the Bohemian songs and really made a hit.  But poor Billy K., who had been "hangin' raound'' all afternoon, waiting to take our pictures, finally strode off in a great temper and it took all of Betty's persuasive powers to bring back his good humor.  I meanwhile, was in a fury myself, for I had been forced to go back and rehearse a hymn for the welcoming exercises tomorrow and of all things, I loathe hymns! He spent the whole evening on our porch, till I once more expired from sleepiness.

Thurs Sept 5

We had promised to meet Billy K. at the car to let him take some pictures, and thro' a miscalculation, arrived just in time to see him wave us a disdainful farewell as he stepped on the car.  We were very sorry, but couldn't help it! It cleared up in time for Miss Farmer's welcoming procession from the Pier to the Eirenion, tho most of the distinguished guests were conspicuous for their absence.  The services (chiefly in commemoration of the Russo-Japanese treaty) were very simple but impressive; the group on the platform being quite typical of Greenacre; Rev. Dr. Hovey, Dr. Baracatula, Gupta's cousin, who had arrived upon his cousin's advice and introduced himself, the Armenian doctor who cured Miss Farmer, Dr. Ratnum, Lei Ninomyia, looking sweet in her kimono and singing her national anthem in her childish little voice; and Mrs. Sewall and Miss Farmer. The decorations were in Russian-Japanese colors, and Mrs. Lucas chanted beautifully in Arabic; Robert the office boy sang a Hebrew anthem, using his voice beautifully, and we closed by all joining in song.  Betty and I packed all afternoon.  In the evening we called on Miss Farmer accompanied by Gupta.  He is a charming boy; has not the poise of his cousin, of course, but has fine possibilities.  We cut the call quite short, as Miss Farmer had been out all day.  There is a most unique peculiar charm to her personality.  I think it is the absolute sincerity with which she professes her beautiful faith.

Fri Sept 6

Up at 6 to finish packing. Alas, for the beginning of the end of this epoch-making summer! Gupta's charming young cousin went to Boston with us, also Ninomyia, poor little soul.  She had been kept awake most of the night by Mr. Rutnum's talking.  To my great surprise, Billy K. was on the train at Kittery and went as far as Portsmouth with us.  I fancy he was a little upset to see us go. He took some snapshots of us.  We had a merry time on the train, and evidently the various nationalities of the party interested the passengers, for I saw many eyes upon us!  As soon as we reached Boston Gupta telephoned to his cousin, who met us and we all had a most delicious luncheon together.  It was a delightful end to the trip and when they put me on my train at three, I was very sorry that the parting of ways had come.  It is curious how strong an impression some people can make in a few hours. And these two Hindus are certainly nicer than any young American men I have ever met, especially the older one, whose poise and manliness are delightful.  Arrived safely home at 7 after a trip filled mostly with meditations and good resolutions.

I was quite upset by Miss Farmer's message as delivered per Mrs. Sewall per Miss Hughes.  It seemed so unfortunate that it should come at that last moment to spoil the charming impression of that last evening. But I am determined not to allow it to seriously affect me in my memory of either Miss Farmer or Greenacre.

< Previous | Top | Next >