"Anybody home?" "All there is." "Come on in, Sam." "So, I want to see." "Stopped by for a second on my way home." "By way of an innovation." "Try it out." "Looking backward." "Great waste of time." "Have some sherry, Sam." "What happened to the trustees' meeting yesterday?" "I wasn't there." "Had to go over to Pretty Prairie to see about some land" "I'm buying." "More land?" "You must own half the state already." "Remember the day you... you drove up" "In your brand new delivery wagon?" "Do you realize that's over 50 years ago?" "50 years ago." "The day Midwestern opened." "Goodmorning, Chris!" "Miss Bishop!" "I've been promoted." "Chris, I can't stop." "Yeah." "Yeah, but I'm not just a janitor no more." "Chris, I'm late." "I got so excited I forgot my registration money," "And had to run all the way home for it." "Yeah, but..." "I'm gardener now." "Oh, that's wonderful, Chris!" "Yeah." "I know some some of have walked miles to get here." "And that every day for four years," "You'll have to walk those miles." "Through rain, sleet, and snow." "But I know this." "In the end, we'll pay you for those hardships," "Because the end is wisdom." "Wisdom is first cousin to freedom," "And freedom is the glory of our nation." "And our people." "Let us pray." "Almighty, most merciful God, here on free land" "And of free air, we have tried to build" "A house for wisdom, free to all." "Look favorably upon us, oh Lord, for today" "We light a lamp of learning." "May it shine through the years to come." "Wisdom is the first cousin of freedom," "And freedom is the glory of our nation and our people." "Doesn't that give you a thrill, Mother?" "Yes, Ella." "Your milk." "Nothing since breakfast." "Of course, it was the way he said it." "So simply." "Oh, he had the most wonderful voice." "The most wonderful eyes." "Is he married?" "Oh, Mother, what are we going to do" "This romantic minded niece of yours?" "Come in." "Good afternoon, Mrs. Bishop." "Good afternoon, Miss Bishop." "Hello, Buddy." "Won't you have a cookie?" "Oh, thank you." "Hello, Amy." "Hello, Buddy." "I guess you're busy, Amy." "No, I..." "Yes, Buddy." "Amy, those peas for supper." "What was it, Buddy?" "Not ice cream at the drug store?" "Well, Miss Bishop, I thought if anything..." "Auntie, please..." "I'll finish the peas." "Oh, Ella?" "You will?" "Oh, darling." "I need the apron." "Come on, Buddy." "Goodbye, Ellen." "Goodbye, Auntie." "Bye!" "Love is certainly working wonders" "With Buddy's deployment." "He'll be kissing our hands next." "Ella, you really shouldn't." "Amy's so boy crazy." "No, dear, just 14." "But you never acted that way..." "That was different." "We were still on the farm when I was 14," "And I was Pa's right hand man." "Remember how thrilled I used to be when he'd call me that?" "He was proud of you." "I was so proud of him." "Oh, mother, I've thought about him so many times today." "He'd have been so happy." "Yes." "Your father always said education pays big dividends." "That's true, Mom." "Oh, with a college diploma, I can teach anywhere." "Just think, you and I may go to Kansas City," "Or Chicago, or maybe even New York." "There's Sam." "Sam!" "Oh, Sam!" "Sam!" "Whoa." "Whoa." "Sam!" "Sam!" "Wait till I tell you." "You don't have to." "Ma Bishop?" "Yes?" "The apples didn't get in today." "Have 'em here first thing in the morning." "Early, please." "Applesauce and pie." "First delivery." "Cross my heart, Ma Bishop." "All right." "Sam, always so reliable." "Faithful old dog tray." "I'm not too pleased with faithful old dog" "Tray at the moment." "You didn't come to hear about the first day of college." "Just came about some old apples." "Uh-uh." "New apples." "September sweeties." "What a nice name." "What a nice world, Sam." "And you perched right on top of it, huh?" "The very tip top." "Are you sure you don't want to enroll?" "It isn't too late." "Look, El, see the name on that cart?" "Oh, I know." "Something of your very own." "Something you started." "Not just my own, El..." "Good glory, Sam, I know book learning" "Isn't everything, but just wait." "I'll wait." "And the day you graduate..." "You'll help me decide which of the millions of teaching offers" "I'll accept." "Like heck I will." "For a smart girl, you sure have some mighty pudding' head" "Notions, El." "Imagine figuring you're cut out for a teacher." "Well good glory, Sam, you don't think" "I'm going to spend all my life teaching, do you?" "That's all right, El." "I've got scads of time left." "But someday, I..." "Sam, dear... we mustn't." "I mean, don't you see, I..." "I just know you too well." "Well, stop." "What?" "Stop." "Stop answering questions till they're asked." "Johnny, did you ever notice some girls" "Take an awful lot for granted?" "Goodbye, El." "Goodbye, Sam." "I've got some deliveries to make." "Legs up, Johnny." "Bye." "Bye, Sam." "I guess there's no finer man in the world than Sam." "Good glory, Mother." "Now Ella, I'm not gonna be with you forever." "I'd like to see you settle down." "Oh, you're going to be with me for years and years!" "And don't worry, I won't be an old maid." "I'll know when the right man comes along." "But now all this..." "There's so much to do." "Mighty becoming of El, graduating, Ma Bishop." "She does look pretty." "She made that dress herself." "There isn't a girl in the class can touch her." "Well, that's an understatement, Dad." "There's not a girl in the whole world can touch her." "There's not a really good looking man in the whole lot." "Amy." "Mr. Pins?" "Please, the flowers?" "Hey,." "Miss Ella Bishop, founder of the Minerva Society For Girls." "First editor of the Midwestern Crown, and now valedictorian." "Oh, Sam, my hat does feel a little bit tight." "Well, if I remember right, you were going to consult me about" "Which of the many teaching offers..." "You know, Sam, I haven't had one answer to all" "Those applications I've sent out." "I expect it's too early to hope to hear." "Mm-hm." "Guess so." "Well, I thought if you knew of an opening in any" "Of the schools around here, uh..." "I mean," "Just the Prairie grade schools..." "Well, I'm only just back from my vacation." "Pretty busy with the fall enrollments, and... yes." "And I'm trying to arrange for a new member of the faculty." "A young woman to teach freshman English." "A girl I've watched pretty closely for four years." "An intelligent girl, I think." "Anyway, she seems to me to have one quality which is mighty" "Important to the teaching profession..." "She loves and understands folks." "President Corcoran, do you mean... well," "Of course I know you couldn't mean..." "But I can't help thinking you might mean..." "President Corcoran, do you mean..." "Oh, dear, dear, dear." "There's a heap of repetition in that sentence." "For a teacher of freshman English." "I take it you're going to accept?" "Accept?" "Accept?" "Well, if I could... if I could only... well," "President Corcoran!" "I'm going to teach at Midwestern!" "I'm going to teach at Midwestern!" "What?" "I'm going to teach at Midwestern!" "Come on!" "I can hardly believe it, myself!" "Well, President Corcoran, I went in to see him, and... oh!" "Ah, Miss Straws is so sweet." "Good morning, class." "I want you please to devote the first 10 minutes to the writing" "Of a very brief theme on the subject of my favorite season." "No, uh..." "I'll have them write on some subject" "That will teach me something about them." "I've got to understand them if I'm" "Going to help them learn anything." "Good lord." "Good morning." "Hasn't the teacher come yet?" "I'm the teacher." "Oh... yes, ma'am." "I'm just as frightened as you are." "Thank you, Ms. Smith." "Mr. Anton Radchek." "My life's ambition is to be a great astronomer." "For since I can remember, the stars to me" "Have been comfort and beauty, and like friends." "Thank you, Mr. Radchek." "Miss Minna Fields?" "Except to get learning, I ain't got no special life's ambition." "Yet." "The class will please come to order." "So it just occurred to me, Minna," "That with that amazing memory of yours," "You might be interested in the librarian's course." "It would be an interesting job, wouldn't it, Minna?" "Oh, yes, Miss Bishop." "But..." "Miss Bishop?" "Yes, Minna?" "I..." "I have got a life's ambition now, Miss Bishop." "It's to be just like you." "Professor Wicks studied astronomy at Yale." "Both he and President Corcoran have" "Agreed that if a student at Midwestern" "Wants a course in astronomy, he shall" "Have a course in astronomy." "Oh, Miss Bishop." "Report to Professor Wicks in the morning." "Oh, thank you, thank you." "I tripped." "Hail to Midwestern." "Oh, it's you, Sam." "Only Sam, huh?" "And what rugged, masculine hearts" "Are you tearing to bits tonight, Amy?" "Larry Winslow." "And what makes you think it's more than one?" "It usually is." "Well, tonight it just so happened" "That Larry has a ticket, and Buddy has a sleigh." "There they are now." "Larry, Buddy." "Yoo-hoo!" "Coming." "Oh, goodbye, Sam." "Oh, and Sam, I almost forgot." "Ella can't go with you tonight." "She's got a sore throat." "I beg your pardon, but I shall have to remind you" "Of to whom the sleigh belongs, old man." "Oh, Buddy." "Ma Bishop?" "Yes?" "Dr. Samuel Peters, coming up to see the patient." "Come up, Sam." "Please get out the goose grease," "The turpentine, and plenty of red flannel." "I smell like a paint shop." "But you'll be well in the morning." "The magic touch of old Doc Peters." "This pan... what?" "Oh." "Oh, Mother, I thought while I was correcting things," "I'd just make some maple snow candy." "That's all." "Professor Bishop my foot." "Goodnight, little girl." "Goodnight, Sam." "Oh, uh, thank you, and mind you applaud loudly now." "Kind of got my mind set to hiss." "They sang "Believe Me" in parts again." "Oh, Sam." "Oh, believe me, if all those endearing young" "Charms, for the heart that is truly loved and never forgets." "Goodbye, dear." "Goodnight, El." "Goodbye, Sam." "Yoo-hoo!" "Yoo-hoo!" "Yoo-hoo?" "Me?" "Yoo-hoo anybody." "I'm locked out here on the roof, and there's" "No one in the house to let me in." "Coming." "Oh, uh, there's a ladder right over there by the well." "Oh." "Here?" "Yes." "That's right." "I've got it." "So silly, I put my candy out here to cool," "And it slipped away from me." "So I got out after it, and the window came down and locked," "So here I am." "Shall I come up all, uh, fire brigade?" "Oh, no thank you." "Uh, I'll come down." "I'll, uh, rescue the maiden." "Are you sure you can make it?" "Oh, positive." "Oh, uh, that is if you don't mind?" "Oh, of course not." "I'll not only look the other way, I'll close my eyes." "Now you can descend with a prime eye." "And while you're descending I shall make all sorts" "Of encouraging sounds, such as, uh, steady there." "And, uh, et cetera." "Oh..." "What?" "Can I look?" "Well, I lost my slipper." "Oh, I've got it." "There it is." "Thank you." "Oh, no you don't." "Don't what?" "Don't ruin the most time honored romantic scene" "In all the world of fairy tales." "Extend your tiny foot, Cinderella." "Well, funnily enough, my name is Ella." "I'm Ella Bishop." "And I'm the prince, and the slipper fits." "So now it only remains for me to carry you into the palace." "No, please, don't be absurd." "Now, don't you be absurd." "No!" "The candy!" "You can't go plowing through snow in glass slippers." "You'll catch your death of pneumonia." "Then you couldn't live happily ever after." "And you do want to live happily ever after, don't you?" "I want to be put down here, please." "Oh, no, no, not on a snow covered porch." "That's bad." "No." "No." "You know there's an old legend about this?" "Well, really?" "Oh, but the candy!" "Now, let me see." "Where were we?" "Oh, yes." "Here we are." "Put me down this minute!" "Right in front of the fire." "You know, when I save lives, I save them thoroughly." "Thank you very much, Mr. Delbert Thompson." "Oh, you're not Cinderella at all." "You're a witch with the gift of second sight." "No, I'm just a schoolteacher of average intelligence" "Who lives in a small town where everybody" "Knows everybody's business." "Oh, we all know, for instance, that you were" "A brilliant young lawyer, that you're coming to live" "With Judge Peters, that you're to be his junior partner," "And underneath your picture in your class book," "It said mad, bad, and dangerous to know." "Well, uh, then shouldn't you, in kindness," "Ask the junior partner to sit down?" "Oh, I'm sorry, I can't." "My mother's at a concert." "Oh, we must observe conventions at all costs, huh?" "At all costs." "Well, I'm glad to have been of service, Miss Bishop." "Thank you very much, Mr. Thompson." "I'll pay my respects to your mother real soon." "She'll be delighted." "Oh, you've got one of those new contraptions." "I'm crazy about them." "Oh, aren't they marvelous?" "My pupils gave it to me for Christmas." "Doesn't really work, does it?" "Of course it does." "Listen." "See?" "It's amazing." "You know, to listen properly, one might sit down..." "Oh, no, I'm sorry." "Oh." "Well, I tried." "No harm done, huh?" "No harm." "Goodnight." "Goodnight." "I'll call on your mother soon." "Oh, uh, in the meantime, princess," "Your ruby necklace is most becoming." "Horrible." "Mad." "Bad." "Dangerous." "No." "All join hands and circle to the right." "Down to the left." "Long ways and back." "You know who's a little out of sorts, Sam?" "Del Thompson rushing out, you mean?" "Mm-hm." "No idea, honey." "Well, he's awfully good looking, Sam." "Judging from the way you're swarming around Ella." "Sure must be crazy about her." "Who isn't?" "You've got to let me take you home, Ella." "I know the prince should take the princess home." "Well, this isn't fairy tales, Ella." "It's real." "Salute your partner." "Adieu." "And I came with Sam." "Back, and swing your partners to the right." "Having a nice time, El?" "Wonderful, Sam." "Tell him." "Tell him what?" "You look mighty pretty, El." "Tell him I'm in love with you." "Head over heels in love with you." "Do you, Ella, uh..." "Ella Bishop," "Take this man for your lawful wedded, uh, husband?" "Of course I do, you fool." "And do you, Delbert Thompson, take" "This woman for your lawful wedded wife?" "I do." "I now pronounce you man and wife." "Now may I kiss the bride?" "Please do." "Ella." "It's like a dream." "The end of all dreams." "A house." "Red firelight." "A man you love." "Children." "I'm about through for this time, Miss Ella," "And I expect you're glad." "Standing for fitting's is mighty tiring." "Do you suppose the time will ever" "Come when you can walk into a store" "And buy a dress already made?" "For heaven's sakes, no, Miss Ella." "Mother..." "I feel like a queen." "Here." "Guard it with your life, Martha." "I will do." "I'd better help you." "Yes, Mother." "Oh, mind the trim." "I will." "Oh, Auntie, isn't it beautiful?" "Yes, dear, but be careful the way you handle it." "I'll take it upstairs." "Del's coming for supper, and the bridegroom" "Mustn't see any of the outfit before the wedding day." "The most beautiful bride in the world." "Del..." "Amy, we're crazy." "I mean, what a crazy mistake." "Yes." "Yes, of course." "Oh, Amy, thank you dear." "Put it up in the stairroom with the dress." "Oh, Del, you shouldn't have seen the veil." "Anyway, I hope it isn't bad luck." "How could it be bad luck?" "Del, I didn't mean it that seriously." "You know you aren't supposed to see the wedding" "Finery before the wedding day." "Ella, why can't this be the wedding day?" "Darling..." "We can keep it a secret until college" "Is over if we have to, but..." "How sweet." "I have to go to Central Hall tonight." "A special meeting." "We're going to question a pupil... a girl who's" "Been accused of cheating in an examination." "Yes, but why..." "I know she didn't cheat." "And I'm the only one who can help her." "Oh, Ella?" "Yes?" "I'm going to have a game of cribbage with Judge Peters." "Could you two drop me?" "Of course." "What a moon." "I thought you were going on the river with Larry Winslow?" "No, I'm tired of wasting my time on those children." "Get up, boy." "Come on." "Give my love to the Peters, Amy." "All right." "Thank you, Del." "Goodnight, Amy." "President Corcoran..." "Come in, Miss Bishop." "I'm sorry to be late." "Not at all." "And so, much as I regret the necessity," "I feel that on evidence submitted," "Miss Fields should be expelled." "Miss Fields' paper contains whole pages from the textbook" "Reproduced word for word." "Minna, did you have a textbook in the examination room?" "Oh, no, Miss Bishop." "I learned by heart." "Really?" "And are we asked to believe that she" "Committed an entire textbook to memory?" "Please, Professor Lancaster." "Why don't you ask her to repeat what she wrote?" "That would hardly be proof, Miss Bishop." "She's had a week to..." "Yes, an entire week." "Quite so." "Professor Lancaster, what assignment" "Did you give your history class for tomorrow?" "I asked them to read the Declaration" "Of Independence and the Constitution." "And memorize them?" "Certainly not." "Minna, have you read them?" "Oh, yes, Miss Bishop." "I have read them and read them for at least an hour." "Do you remember the Declaration?" "I think so, Miss Bishop." "President Corcoran..." "Miss Fields, do you mean you could actually recite" "The Declaration of Independence after having" "Read it for only one hour?" "Well, I could try, President Corcoran." "Very well, child." "Go ahead." "When, in the course of human events" "It becomes... necessary for one people" "To dissolve the political bounds which have connected them" "With another, and to assume among the powers of the Earth" "The separate and equal stations to which the laws of nature" "And of nature's god entitle them," "A decent respect to the opinions of mankind" "Require that they should declare the causes" "Which impel them to the situation." "We hold these truths to be self evident," "That all men are created equal." "That they are endowed by their creator" "With certain inalienable rights." "That among these are life, liberty," "And the pursuit of happiness." "We mutually pledge to each other our lives," "Our fortunes, and our sacred honor." "My, my." "I would have never believed it possible." "Well, I admit the pupil's possession" "Of unusual mnemonic powers." "Under the circumstances, I withdraw my charge." "You want that I should recite the Constitution, too?" "Oh, no, no." "That was enough, my dear." "Del?" "Amy." "I saw you coming, so I waited." "Oh, it's too beautiful a night for cribbage." "Isn't it a beautiful night, Del?" "Yes, it is." "Beautiful night." "Oh, it would be heavenly down by the river." "Could we drive down there, or..." "Or what?" "Are you afraid?" "Mr. Berkely, the definition of a transitive verb, please." "Uh, a transitive verb is a verb that..." "Come in." "Yes, Chris?" "Good afternoon, Miss Bishop." "For me?" "Thank you, Chris." "Excuse me, please." "I'm sorry, Mr. Berkeley." "I had asked you for the definition" "Of a transitive verb." "A transitive verb is a verb that takes an object." "Can you give me an example?" "To strike." "Name the principle parts, please." "Strike, struck, stricken." "I mean, struck." "That will do, Mr. Bekerely." "Class dismissed." "Del?" "Del!" "Oh, Del, what is it?" "Tell me nothing's happened." "I'm such a silly goose." "Something terrible, you said." "Tell me, Del." "Tell me nothing's happened." "It is terrible, Ella." "It's about..." "Ella, I'd give my right arm to spare you this." "You must believe that." "Just what is it you want me to believe?" "Are you trying to make it difficult, Ella?" "I'm sure Amy will supply all the lovely details." "Well, it was your fault, anyway." "If you hadn't left him for a stupid board meeting." "It's not like I've taken anything" "You really cared a lot about." "Ella..." "Oh, I know what you're thinking, but it isn't so." "I didn't plan anything." "It just happened." "Amy..." "Ella!" "You've got your school!" "Criminy, El, you don't need to be that way about it." "I have..." "I mean..." "I didn't mean to do anything!" "I'm sorry, that doesn't give you" "Any license to treat me like" "That's what you're doing." "You're treating me like dirt!" "You will listen to me!" "You're a teacher, aren't you?" "Pretty smart, aren't ya?" "Pretty smart, and pretty smug, too." "Well, you left him alone, and there was a moon by the river." "That's right!" "There was a moon!" "So now he's mine." "You understand?" "You can't marry him!" "He's mine!" "Oh, Ella!" "Ella?" "Ella, what are you doing?" "What are you doing, Ella?" "Ella, let me in!" "Let me in, Ella!" "I'm your mother!" "Don't ruin the most time honored" "Romantic scene in all the world of fairy tales." "You're Cinderella." "I'm the prince." "The slipper fits." "What a beautiful moon." "So you'd rather save her than me?" "What a beautiful moon." "Drive with me to Maple City tonight" "And be married." "It's all your fault, anyway." "That's it." "Tonight we can be married." "Why not?" "If you hadn't left him" "For your stupid board meeting." "Tell him I'm in love with you." "Head over heels in love with you." "We could be married." "Tonight." "Tonight, we could be married." "Tonight, we could be married." "Tonight." "Tonight." "Tonight!" "Tonight!" "Now, Del, do you take little Amy" "Here for your lawful wedded wife?" "I do." "Stenna?" "Sam?" "You heard that." "You're witnesses." "Well, guess that makes you man and wife." "Oh, Del!" "What do I owe ya?" "Oh, uh, would $0.50 be too much?" "It's awfully early in the morning." "Aren't you going to kiss the bride, Sam?" "You'll have to get a move on if you're gonna catch the express." "Now see here, Sam..." "I let you miss the milk train so you could get married." "I don't like your attitude." "No." "You make me feel like a little... a little old..." "I don't give two hoots how you feel, Amy." "Neither one of you." "I'm just making dead certain you don't humiliate El." "Anymore than what you already done." "Busy, Miss Bishop?" "Oh, President Corcoran..." "I just received your letter." "Ella..." "Well, I thought it easier to write it, you see?" "Uh, Mother and I are going to New York, President Corcoran." "It's an assistant librarian's position." "Oh." "Oh, I see." "Well, of course it is a hard job, teaching." "It never pays much, and..." "I know." "Lots of the time it's a headache," "Wondering if it's worthwhile." "President Corcoran, you can't feel that way." "You're inspired." "I mean, you give young people courage and confidence." "Ideals." "Oh, I am trying." "You see, I heard Abe Lincoln talk at Gettysburg." "And he talked sense." "You know, Ella, we've got something here" "In this country, the idea of people being free." "But it's got to be taught and re-taught, Ella," "To each new crop of youngsters." "The value of freedom." "Ella, your father homesteaded on this prairie." "Remember what his first corn looked like?" "Yes." "It was small and green." "You couldn't believe it would ever grow." "That's it." "And human beings are harder to raise than corn." "But when they're raised, if they're raised right," "They're worth a lot more per bushel." "Eh?" "Oh, you know, Ella, it's a funny thing." "A college is made up of bricks and mortar," "And students and teachers." "But it can have all those and not amount to a hill of beans." "And then once in a coon's a someone comes along with a god" "Given gift for teaching." "You've got it, Ella." "That magic touch that makes young minds" "Open up and flourish." "I certainly didn't intend to deliver a lecture." "Of course, Midwestern must accept your resignation." "But are you sure your New York library needs you" "As much as our seed corn here at Midwestern?" "President Corcoran, may I have that letter?" "Hey, a ride home for me?" "Get in quickly, El." "Sam, what is it?" "It isn't Ma?" "No." "Not Ma." "But I'm afraid it's going to be a shocker." "Amy's back." "Amy?" "She's gonna have a baby." "Is she alone?" "Yep." "Oh... oh, El, I'm frightened." "There's nothing to be frightened about." "He just left." "He just went away, and he didn't come back." "Well, he didn't know I was gonna have a baby." "I was gonna tell him." "You should have told him." "He didn't love me." "He never loved anybody but you." "It's a tough decision to." "You need rest." "You will be kind to me, won't you, El?" "You're all I've got in the world." "This is your home, Amy." "Go to sleep." "The water won't boil any faster for you stirring it." "Why does it have to... you know, does it always take?" "For heaven's sake, Sam." "Somebody would think you was having the baby." "Mrs. Bishop?" "Mrs. Bishop?" "Hot water, please." "Out of the way, Sam." "Boiled some more water." "Water!" "Sam, quick!" "A piece of wood for Amy to bite on!" "She's gone." "He couldn't save her." "Now, you get some rest, Mrs. Bishop." "I'll drop by in the morning with fever instructions." "Meantime, Stenna will know what to do." "Goodnight." "Goodnight, doctor." "She's a fine, healthy girl." "Holding a baby comes natural to you, Miss Ella." "I'm going to call her Hope." "Very good." "Yes, very British." "Hope promised to be here before midnight, and it's almost..." "She'll be here, Ma." "The most dashing boy in the world" "Couldn't keep Hope away from us on New Year's Eve." "So little Hopie's got a beau?" "Yes." "One of our outstanding sophomores, President Corcoran." "Richard Clark." "Oh, yes, yes." "Fine boy, Richard." "Happy new year!" "Oh, I'm so sorry we've been late." "Oh, please, President Corcoran." "Hello, Richard." "Hello" "Hello, darling." "Hello." "Worried, Granny?" "A little." "Hello, Uncle Sam." "Hello, Hope." "Aw, she ran here every step of the way." "Was it a nice party, then?" "Wonderful." "And was she the belle of the ball, Richard?" "Ah, she certainly was, sir." "Sam." "Stenna made us a very special concoction." "What's it called, Stenna?" "Swedish love." "In the old country, always we drink at new years." "Then we say." "That means health, happiness, and hooray!" "She's here!" "1900." "Happy new year." "Happy new year!" "So, El, may it bring prosperity." "And common sense." "The world could use a little, the pace it's going at." "El, honey?" "I've waited a century." "Seems a lot longer." "Sam, dear..." "Oh, stop." "Make a toast, Aunt Ella." "Let me think." "Uh, it wouldn't be anything about Midwestern," "Of course, Miss Bishop?" "Everything about Midwestern, of course, Richard." "President Corcoran, you once gave us a prayer." "May the lamp of learning which you lighted then" "Continue to shine brightly through this new century." "Thank you, my dear." "Anybody hurt?" "No, but I'm mad as a hatter." "You're an entering freshman, aren't you?" "Yes, ma'am." "Don't you know that entering freshmen" "Are not allowed to ride their bicycles on the campus?" "Yes, ma'am, but I thought..." "You mean you should have thought." "A pretty much to have against you before you" "Even get into college." "That is if I were going to take the time" "And trouble to report you." "Gee, thank you, ma'am." "I'm terribly sorry." "Well, I'm sorry, myself." "Shouldn't have lost my temper." "Come and see me when you get homesick." "Central Hall, Ella Bishop." "Miss Bishop?" "My aunt was in your first freshman English class..." "Yes, you can tell me all about it when you come to see me." "Now scat." "And wheel that bike." "Yes, I will." "Thank you, Miss Bishop." "Goodbye." "Bye." "Oh, thanks." "May I come to your office, too, Miss Bishop?" "I have messages for you from three of your formal pupils." "They took extension work under me at Colombia, and..." "You're John Stevens." "Who has been so looking forward to meeting Ella Bishop." "Well, Professor Stevens, we're so" "Excited about having you join our staff." "I had planned a very elegant reception." "A little welcoming tea in my office." "Very dignified." "Well, it's just tea time now, isn't it?" "Come along." "Has Richard come?" "Not yet, darling." "Goodnight, Granny." "Goodnight, dear." "Goodnight." "Goodnight." "Sleep well." "Thank you." "And what are your plans for the evening,?" "You and your freshman French." "You're dodging the question, but I know." "Your beau's coming." "Hope, you really mustn't." "Oh, you don't have to worry, darling." "When the kids at college ask me if it's" "A romance between you and Johnny..." "Please, Hope." "Well, do you object to my calling him Johnny?" "He shouldn't." "I used to call him dude." "But he's really very popular now." "I think he's terribly attractive." "Don't you, at all?" "Hope if you've any idiotic notions" "About Professor Stevens and me..." "Any customers for a sleigh ride?" "Good evening, Sam." "The roads are slick, the moon is bright..." "And you are out of luck, Uncle Sam." "I'm going skating with Richard, and Aunt Ella is expecting..." "Please, Hope." "Hello, Richard." "Is expecting Professor Stevens." "For an academic evening." "Come on, Richard." "Goodnight." "Goodnight, children." "Is Stevens coming, El?" "Yes, he... he's bringing a new book." "Won't you stay and listen, Sam?" "You could do with a little brushing up." "Don't know why I never had more feeling for books." "Wish I had." "Don't wish it." "I wouldn't change you for the world." "You wouldn't marry me, either." "But you may yet." "Unless this fella Stevens..." "Sam, I want you to help me." "I want to tell you something." "What is it, El?" "Professor Stevens has a wife." "A wife?" "She's in Virginia." "They haven't seen each other for some time." "Well, why doesn't he get a divorce?" "Sam, how wonderful to find someone" "In Oak River who doesn't shudder at the word." "El, if it's for your happiness..." "Thank you, Sam." "Excuse me." "Good evening, John." "Oh, good evening, Ella." "I'm sorry I'm a little late." "That's all right." "Good evening, Professor." "Hello, Sam." "May I?" "Thank you." "I've been trying to persuade Sam" "To stay and meet your new friend." "Mr. Berry, isn't it?" "Yes." "The little." "I'm afraid it's a little out of my class." "Now, uh, if it was Frank Merriwell..." "Goodnight, El." "Goodnight, Sam." "Goodnight." "Goodnight, Sam." "The meeting had only one witness... a weaver." "And he said solemnly afterwards, they didn't speak," "Rather just gave one another a look," "And I saw the love alight in their." "That's beautiful, isn't it?" "The life of every man is a diary in which" "He means to write one story, and writes another." "Would you mind reading that again?" "Just the last sentence?" "The life of every man is a diary" "In which he means to write one story... and writes another." "I suppose that's true, isn't it?" "We dream dreams, and... do go on." "Look at me, playing hooky in Maple City." "If this is Maple City." "For a clandestine dinner." "And we'd both be dismissed if they found us out." "And I love it." "Don't you?" "Love it." "More than I can say." "I'd have to ruin it." "I had a letter today from my wife." "I want to read you just one paragraph." "Oh, no, John, not tonight." "It has to be tonight." "John, I know I was never the right wife for you," "But to consent to a divorce would" "Mean to deny the faith in which I've been brought up." "I can understand." "But what... what about us?" "Yes, what?" "Ah, a special wine for the lady." "Orvieto." "Orvieto?" "Should know, but I don't." "It's a little Italian town, Orvieto." "It's sunny and warm." "It's flooded with warm sunlight." "I remember once seeing a begger there" "With a beautiful flower in a ragged hat." "He was perfectly happy." "A beggar with a flower in his ragged hat?" "And sunlight." "I stayed there for weeks and weeks." "I ate chestnut bread with the peasants" "And drank the new wine, and I was perfectly happy." "And I went on to Rome." "I did everything the guidebook said, but it wasn't the same." "Orvieto." "Ella, why can't you settle for Europe in June?" "Why can't I join you there?" "Ah, a special dessert for the lady." "Checko, it's too beautiful." "I..." "I simply can't." "I could sail first, and join you in Italy." "Italy." "Ah, a special flower for the lady." "Thank you, Checko." "And goodbye, my dear." "Ella, please." "We've had three wonderful hours in Orvieto." "There are people who never go." "There's no time here in Orvieto." "Can't we stay?" "Dreams are the only realities." "Oh, my darling, is it asking too much?" "Too much?" "Or too little?" "I don't know." "I only know that I'd stay oh so gladly, John," "If I could follow my heart." "But you and I being as we are... there'd be tomorrow." "And sometime we'll be glad we spent just this little time" "In Orvieto, and didn't try to go under oath." "I must catch my train." "I know you'll understand, I'd rather go alone." "But come with me to the door." "Flower for the lady." "Wonderful lady." "It's been perfect." "All of it." "Haven't you forgotten something?" "Forgotten something?" "A kiss." "A special kiss for the lady." "Orvieto." "Though you're a teacher." "You said you're someone to carry a beacon for boys and girls" "To see by." "Well, carry it!" "It took him three solid hours, and he ate two pens," "And the better part of a pen holder." "But he wrote the theme." "Why, there's Mr. Peters and his horseless carriage." "Whoa, darn you!" "Whoa!" "Whoa!" "Sam!" "Somebody herald it off, will ya?" "Get a horse!" "Sam." "It's here, El." "Come to take you home." "Sam, is it safe?" "Why, sure." "If you keep her speed within a reasonable limit." "Well, gotta wind her up." "Horn." "Up aboard!" "Say, fellows, uh, will you give her" "A push when I give you the signal?" "Yes, Mr. Petes." "We'll give you a push." "Sure, we'll push your horseless carriage." "Stand back, everybody." "Ready, El?" "Hat on tight?" "Oh, Sam, how thrilling." "Thank you so much." "Well, what do you think of Uncle Sam's automobile?" "I saw it this morning." "But look, Aunt Ella." "A wedding gift for Richard's mother." "The wedding isn't for two months." "Well..." "Oh, Richard, how lovely." "Come on in, all of you." "We'll have some of Stenna's elderberry wine." "All this excitement calls for a celebration." "Oh, I've got a class meeting at 6:00, Miss Bishop." "Oh, just for a minute, Richard?" "Oh, what a shame." "As president of the senior class," "I suppose you do have to be there, don't you?" "Yes, I..." "Like me to spin you out, Richard?" "Oh, gosh, Mr. Peters..." "Hop aboard." "Thanks." "There's a knack to this cranking business, El." "Bye." "There he is." "Without a horse." "Oh, they are lovely, Hope darling." "And you shall have the most beautiful wedding dress" "In the world to do justice to them." "The most beautiful wedding dress" "I ever saw was Carol Allen's." "What was Carol's dress like?" "It was her mother's." "It was the most gorgeous white satin." "So many girls get married in their mothers' wedding dresses." "Hope... come up to my room with me, dear." "Oh, Aunt Ella, it's the loveliest thing I've ever seen." "You can have it made over anyway you like." "There are yards of material." "Oh, but I wouldn't have it changed for worlds." "It's... it's so quaint." "Sort of in the heirloom class." "Uh-huh." "And it's so bridal." "But it was never finished." "No, it was never finished." "Oh, Aunt Ella..." "Aunt Ella, darling," "I somehow never thought... was it for you?" "Yes." "I know I shouldn't ask, but was it... well, you know," "I always thought that you and Professor Stevens..." "Married in that fashion?" "No, dear." "No, of course not." "But he did resign so suddenly last year," "And so many people thought..." "So many people have so many wildly romantic thoughts," "M dear." "But do you like the dress?" "Oh, I couldn't have dreamed a dress I'd rather be married in." "Unless... why, you're not old, Aunt Ella." "Not really old, and... are you sure?" "Yes, darling." "I'm sure." "Excuse me, ma'am, but do I have to pay" "The entrance fee to register?" "No, any time this month." "All you have to do in there is just sign your name." "Or, uh, make a cross." "Thank you, ma'am." "I ain't got no money until next week." "To get me a college education, my pappy" "Is selling two of the finest ginny" "Mules in the whole state of North Carolina." "Let her shine." "I sort of suspected you were from the south." "Yes'm." "What's your name?" "John McRay." "But you can just call me Snapper." "I'm Ella Bishop." "I teach freshman English, and you" "Could do with a little, Snapper." "Yes'm." "I reckon I could." "Ella, you're looking bonny." "President Corcoran." "Oh, yes." "Scotland as beautiful as you remembered it?" "Just as I remembered it." "Even to the misty, moisty weather." "And Brussels." "The exposition." "Well, I had rather sad news in Brussels, Ella." "Oh?" "Yes, I'd arranged to see John Stevens there." "You remember Stevens?" "But just before we were to meet, he" "Was killed in a train wreck in Italy." "Italy?" "Yeah." "Ella..." "I never knew." "No one knew." "I'm so sorry." "Ella, come to my office." "Sit down." "Rest." "Not now, thanks, President Corcoran." "You sure?" "God bless you, child." "The door." "Thank you, ma'am." "Miss Bishop!" "Is that true?" "Is President Corcoran resigning?" "The Clarion usually prints the truth." "But who's gonna take his place?" "Who could take his place?" "So long as I am president of this university," "I must insist upon my ideas." "I demand certain changes in the curriculum." "Miss Bishop, for the past three months" "You reported more students than any other two" "Members of the faculty." "That usually means bad teaching." "Well, I admit that lately I hadn't had the same interest" "In my classes or my students, but I... now see here," "President Watts, if you're asking me to resign..." "I'm not." "I know from your past record how valuable you can go ahead," "Or it can slump to nothing." "It can't remain as it is." "A hobbledehoy in father's cast off clothes." "President Watts, I won't listen to anymore." "A hobbledehoy." "I'm sorry that's all you heard." "Good afternoon, President Watts." "Good afternoon, Miss Bishop." "After 25 years of teaching, you dare tell me I'm a bad teacher." "Well, you can go ahead and ruin Midwestern," "But you're not going to humiliate me." "Hobbledehoy in father's cast off clothes." "That's what you said." "Well if this college was g for President Corcoran," "It's plenty good enough for you, Mr. Watts." "Ella." "President Corcoran?" "President emeritus." "Or is it emeritus?" "I always meant to look it up." "Sit down, Ella dear." "Sit down." "I've been meaning to come and see you." "Oh, I should have come to see you, now that I'm retired." "You're the busy one." "I... oh, President Corcoran!" "Why, Ella, bless you." "What's wrong, my dearie?" "What's wrong?" "That man, Watts." "Oh." "Oh, so that's it." "He called me a bad teacher." "Did he now, eh?" "Hm." "Do you know what he said about our college?" "No." "He said it was a... a hobbledehoy" "In father's cast off clothes." "He did, eh?" "A hobbledehoy in father's cast off clothes?" "Hm." "Well, that's pretty good, Ella." "But President Corcoran..." "Well, he's right, my dear." "He's right." "You see, you and I knew it from the first." "And so naturally it looks big to us now." "It is big." "It's magnificent, compared to what we started with." "Mm." "But we are too close to it, Ella." "Now, Watts has come in with a fresh viewpoint." "Fresh is the word." "All this talk about modern message." "What Midwestern needs, Ella." "Why, even you, my dear, could do with a bit of modernizing." "Oh, I'm not criticizing, my dear." "No." "No, no, no." "I know they you've got a heart, and a mind," "And a spirit as potentially young as the spring itself." "President Corcoran, what you don't" "Know about handling people." "Me, an old maid, youn as spring." "And me loving." "And loving Midwestern too, eh?" "I do love Midwestern." "Then help our driving friend give what she needs." "Watts is a driver, Ella." "That's why I picked him." "You picked him?" "Mm-hm." "He was my choice." "I believe in him." "But I believe, too, he's going to need" "A lot of the kind of help that you can give him." "And will." "I expect I will." "I expect I'll get to be fresh and driving, myself." "Driving." "President Corcoran, I'm going to get an automobile." "Yeah?" "Well, why not?" "Wouldn't that be a help in modernizing myself?" "Well, it' be a fine start, Ella." "A fine start." "Well, I must be getting back to my fire." "These old bones." "Let me walk along with you." "No, no, really." "Thank you, child." "No, I'd really rather not." "I can find my way along this river" "Road in complete darkness." "Whereas for you, it's just the wrong direction." "So you take the high road, and I'll take the low road." "And I'll be in Scotland before ye." "I will." "Goodbye, Ella." "Goodbye, my dear." "Goodbye." "You take the high road," "And I'll take the low road." "And I'll be in..." "President Watts!" "I'm sorry, President Watts, but you" "Wanted me to learn modern methods." "President Watts, a month ago I was a crotchety old maid," "But I'm not one any longer." "Least I hope not." "Will you take an apology?" "Gladly." "Then praise be that's straightened out." "Thanks to James Corcoran." "Do you mind?" "Mind?" "Why Miss Bishop, I love him, too." "Then keep on doing something for me." "What?" "Smile." "That way." "You've no idea what it does for that rock rib jaw of yours." "Rock rib?" "The passing of President" "Corcoran was a great shock." "Then, the following year I lost mother." "And with Richard and Hope living in California," "Sam was the only one I could turn to." "Good old Sam." "He's beginning to show his years, too." "Well, why shouldn't we?" "Hope and Richard have been married for years." "Hope's finally had a baby." "It's a girl." "Named Gretchen." "Mighty fine looking child." "Wonder what I did with Hope's scrapbook?" "Might as well start right now." "Hope says I'm to enter her name at once in Midwestern." "I'll never forget the Armistice." "Gretchen had her first tooth the same day." "Then the country went dry." "But that had absolutely no effect on Gretchen." "Gretchen and Midwestern were both growing." "She's six years old now." "The Depression was going good by the time she was 14." "Everyone had troubles those days." "Gretchen's were boy troubles." "It's hard to realize that Hope's little Gretchen is old enough" "To be a sophomore at Midwestern." "Hello, baby." "Are you always this late?" "Hello, Gretchen." "Aren't you surprised to see your favorite grand niece?" "I haven't bothered you in ages." "I'm not surprised at anything these days." "What's the matter?" "Parent trouble?" "Plenty of it." "Pour me a drop of that Sherry, will you, Gretchen?" "Oh, they don't like this, they don't like that." "One solemn irate citizen." "You know the type." "I am a taxpayer." "Caught his son reading "Mein Kampf" and blamed it on me." "What's on your mind, my pet?" "Love." "What a nove" "This is." "For one thing, he's married." "It's a man I met in Chicago." "He's quite a well known explorer." "Can't he..." "Oh, she won't." "Oh." "It wouldn't be an open scandal." "I could go along as a member of the expedition." "Secretary, or something." "Oh, Aunt Ella, you can't know..." "I could sail first, and meet you in Italy." "I think I could understand." "Almost anything, but about this," "You've been content to stay in one spot." "But I've got such a yearn to go places." "Magic carpet places." "Rich, exciting, and warm." "It's a little town in Italy." "Orvieto." "It's sunny and warm." "Flooded with warm sunlight." "It... it must be your own decision, dear." "It's a big step to take, of course." "But it's been taken many, many times." "Doubtless often happily." "Many times unhappily." "There's just one thing you must consider." "Reputation?" "No." "You'd be cutting yourself off from motherhood." "That's what's stopping me." "I think that any woman who's half a woman... oh, forgive me," "Aunt Ella." "And besides, you had mother to bring up." "Yes, darling, I had your mother." "I remember the first time I had her in my arms." "She was practically brand new." "She was crying." "I was terrified to pick her up." "But I did." "She stopped crying, and began making little contended" "Peeping noises, like a chicken." "That was so satisfying." "The feel of her was, too." "That warm little body against mine." "But it wasn't the same." "Couldn't be, could it?" "Bless you, my flesh." "Those are thrilling words, Gretchen." "One slightly used magic carpet." "Thanks, great aunt." "Don't mention it, grand niece." "Any time." "I'll come to you, don't worry." "Then now I'm off to keep the dinner" "Date I rather thought I might cancel." "With Buzz Wheelwright." "China, and wreckless romance." "And now with charcoal broiled steak at Jake's." "With Buzz Wheelwright." "It needn't be Buzz Wheelright." "It probably won't." "But at least he's a date for this evening." "So long, lammy pie." "Goodbye, toots." "Oh, there I go again." "I will not live in the past." "To the future." "Future." "Sit down, Sam." "Can't, El." "I did, I probably couldn't get up." "Besides, I'm expecting three more old" "Bachelors for dinner and bridge." "Old bachelor." "Doesn't that give you a twinge of conscience?" "Oh, Sam." "Well, anyway, if you feel like a hand later." "I might, at that." "Well, if you do, just..." "Just holler Sam." "Just holler Sam." "I will." "Hope to see you later, El." "Goodbye, Sam." "My dear President Crowder, you're quite right." "I'm over 70, and I've been teaching long enough." "You don't know how much your cooperation means, Miss Bishop." "If I were in my 60s, you wouldn't" "Find me so cooperative." "I wouldn't be." "President Crowder, when you came here a year ago," "There were some people who felt that... that no one could" "Fill the shoes of President Watts." "Some of them even got a bit excited." "Remember?" "Yes, I do." "Well, I wasn't one of them." "I learned years ago that no one is irreplaceable at Midwestern." "So, we've come to the end of the term." "But Miss Bishop, there's so much I'd like to say to you." "Don't, please." "We've both outlived our usefulness, I guess." "Hi!" "In here, dear." "Aunt Ella, haven't you even started to dress?" "I'm not going, Gretchen." "Aunt Ella!" "I'm sorry, dear." "I just decided." "After all, I've..." "I've been to 51 alumni banquets." "51 times have I sat through an hour of bad food," "And three hours of bad speeches." "It's no good, toots." "You're not fooling me one bit." "Darling, I know how you must feel." "Sort of the... well, the end of..." "If you do know how I feel, you'll" "Run along like a good child." "Have a good time." "Leave me here with my..." "Well, my New Yorker." "I want to catch up on some Broadway plays." "Now that I have leisure, I may get to New York yet." "Sorry, lammy pie, but you've got to come tonight." "Gretchen, I absolutely..." "For a reason." "Parent!" "Aunt Ella." "Hope." "How'd you get here?" "We flew in from California." "We wanted to surprise you." "Like homing pigeons." "We decided we just couldn't miss" "The last banquet at old Central." "I had no business leaving, Aunt Ella," "Bu no business could have kept me" "From going to this banquet with you." "And Buzz has commandeered his papa's chauffer and all." "Yes, Buzz is in on it, too." "I'm afraid I am, Miss Bishop." "So now, Miss Bishop, will you hurry and dress?" "Well, I expect I will." "I'll help you." "Hope, darling, this hair can't be right." "Oh, the rush." "There." "Your hair looks perfect, toots." "And you are." "Aunt Ella, you look regal." "And here's the final touch." "Ah-ha." "An admirer." "Oh, Gretchen." "You don't know what a thrill I get out of a florist's box." "These are from Buzz." "He was going to produce them in the car," "But I thought it might be better for you to pin them on here." "Orchards." "Gretchen, do you know..." "I know we've got to hurry." "Stick them on." "No, Aunt Ella." "No, not at the waist." "Here, on the shoulder." "Much snappier, yes?" "Yes." "I must, above all things, be snappy." "You've got something there, darling." "Here's your wrap." "Miss Bishop, may I have the honor?" "President Crowder, I..." "All for you, baby." "Now, stiff upper lip." "Hail to Midwestern." "And now, one of our first pupils." "Anton Radchek, astronomer extraordinary." "Winner of the Nobel Prize." "Mr. Radchek." "Ladies and gentlemen, friends, I'm sure that Miss Bishop will" "Remember the day when I, a simple farmboy, said to her," "My life's ambition is to be a great astronomer" "Because since I can remember, the stars have been" "To me comfort and beauty, and like friends." "Or, uh, if she doesn't remember that," "I could manage to trip over another chair." "United States senator, Senator John McRay." "Miss Bishop, uh, probably won't remember a senator," "But if you just call me Snapper." "And I'm sure she'll never forget the day that, uh, I announced" "English ain't what I come for." "Miss Minna Fields, world famous historian." "My ambition in life is still to be just like you, Miss Bishop." "For your irreplaceable gift of human sympathy," "And because you exemplify to all of us" "What the American spirit can be, your university bestows on you" "The highest degree in its power." "I can't thank you." "Won't even try." "I'll only say that... that I've had a long life," "And in that life, I've seen the brave," "The gallant, and the kind." "They keep coming on, the best in this country." "So now, old Central and I are retiring to make way" "For modern buildings and methods." "It seems an appropriate time to quote" "The words of our great founder." "Words that inspired us when Central Hall" "And I were both very, very young." "Wisdom is the first cousin to freedom," "And freedom is the glory of our nation and our people." "So here's to our nation." "She's young, she's growing too fast," "She makes a lot of mistakes, but somehow she" "Does manage to keep her people free." "May she always." "Take me home, Sam." "Good old." "Always thinking of me." "Sam, if there's a question you've been wanting to ask me." "Stop." "Don't you go answering any questions 'til they're asked," "See?" "I've got scads of time now." "All the time in the world." "All the time in the world."