-
3. THE PRIZE CONTEST
- West Virginia University Press
- Chapter
- Additional Information
72 THE PRIZE CONTEST. Chapter III. Everything was bustle and excitement as Lotus and Clement entered Recreation Park. Covered with dust and reeking with perspiration, the Knights look anything but the gay gallants that rendezvoused at the city building a few hours before. Hunger and fatigue had robbed them of their soldierly bearing, but not even these could sully their good sprits. The Afro-American is proverbially cheerful. He banishes sorrow as an evanescent dream. Lotus Stone had been taking an introspective inventory as he listened to the laudatory exuberance of his friend. He paid but little heed to the impression that Clement declared the nymph of the “Elms” had made upon himself. He knew that Clement’s intoxication would subside as rapidly as it had arisen. Lotus Stone saw in Regenia Underwood a possible future—a future in which he might play an important part. A consummate dilettante in the social world of Washington, he had made no embarrassing advancements. After floating for three years upon the vortex of that enticing whirlpool, society, he was as free, heart and hand, as when he entered its enchanting delirium. It was, therefore, with no longing for another “dangling” triumph that as he listened to Clement’s somewhat extravagant praise, he resolved to know more of the pretty occupant of the “Elms.” Clement St. John, on the contrary, was interested in Regenia as a new type—somebody to talk about and rave over. His loquacity, at all times, was unbounded. He thought, he often said, by talking. He called this proceeding “thinking audibly.” It was after his usual manner, he went into verbal hysterics concerning the adventure related in the previous chapter. As they approached the grand pavilion, at the top of the incline, an of- 73 hearts of gold ficer, who hurried them off to dinner, said, “Not a moment to lose; grand review at 2 o’clock sharp.” “I will be on time,” said Lotus, seating himself in the nearest vacant chair. While Lotus and Clement are enjoying themselves at dinner let us take a look at Recreation Park, a recent addition to the pleasure resorts of Mt. Clare. For years these grounds were the private belongings of Mr. G. N. Tolbert , an Afro-American, and but lately had fallen into the hands of their present owners. Located about two miles from the city, the rapid growth of population in that direction induced the street railway company to make the park the terminus of their road. They tried for years to purchase the grounds, but the owner, being a man of pronounced religious sentiments, refused to sell, fearing that the place would be converted into a beer-garden . Under a special stipulation that no intoxicating liquors should ever be sold in the park, he was finally induced to part with his interest. Tolbert Park was from that time known as Recreation Park. The corporation, as far as it could be done without destroying the natural beauties, had modernized the place. There was a shallow ravine between the entrance and the main part of the park. On each side of the carriage way, which was elevated so as to make the drive from the gates to the foot of the hill almost level, the ravine had been converted into artificial lakes. Covering the water almost completely, broad, green-leafed water lilies grew in picturesque profusion. The drive up the hill, called “lovers’ lane,” was canopied by the overhanging branches of the deep-rooted elms. Mr. Tolbert was a tree fancier, and every tree that could be induced to sprout in the region of Mt. Clare, he planted in his park. The great oaks, which were by all odds in the majority, lifted their proud heads like giant sentinels above their neighbors of a less hardy growth. On the east side of the park, the hill sloped gently toward the lake. At the foot of this incline the street railway company had fitted up a base ball park. This was to be the scene of the prize drill. Scattered about the grounds were rustic seats, sylvan bowers and every other device to charm and hold the pleasure seeker. Promptly at 2 o’clock the staccato notes of the bugle sounded, warning the commanders to get their men in line for the “Grand Review.” At the second call of the bugle, the Grand Officers took their places on a platform, [3.89.56.228] Project MUSE (2024-03-28 20:02 GMT) 74...