Page 91 - 1931 Hartridge

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Trials of a History Student
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to the right of me, Shepherd’s to the left of me, Cheney in front of me, and H istory notes all over the desk and floor, not to mention maps and note-books which are necessary to the completion of the picture which I am trying to convey. Inside my poor head is the same confusion hy which
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I am hopelessly surrounded. My conscience alone is clear; at least I try
to imagine it is, for I must have something to cling to wdien all else is lost
X in this sea of History. yX
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“ If I drown in this,’’ I think to myself, “ they will at least have to say, ‘She certainly tried.’ But what’s the use of turning into a martyr so soon,” I argue with myself, as a wave of reality comes to my rescue, “ I am not
drowned yet: what’s more, History comes the first period tomorrow and I had better attempt to learn something.” But alas, my fate is surely a
hard one, for just as I get myself into the proper frame of mind to tackle the of the Spanish Succession with a vengeance, the bell rings and study hall is over. I try to go on studying, but the unfortunate war does not have much of a chance in the turmoil which ensues. I find battles and
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X dates sadly intermingled with “How do you do the fourth problem?” X “ Don’t forget to sign up!” and “ It’s time for our bath.” When it gets to
the point where Louis XIV is asking William if he has a walker for tlve
X next day, I give up. Displaying my ill-humor, \[ jam my books into my book-hag, hurl this into the hall in a most undignified manner, and leave
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X study-hall weighed down heavily with the responsibilities, burdens, and X X mental exertion required of one wishing to obtain a knowledge of History. X
M. \v., ’31.
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