Page 15 - 1918 February - To Dragma

108 TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI

visiting grand officer and thought myself a friend of the family. We
toured New Orleans and to me it is as beautiful as Virginia. We
are "brand new" in California; there is a mellowness in the south.
I am coming to the chapter and the tea in the fraternity room with
the active and the alumnae and representatives from the other fra-
ternities. I could not very well leave it out, nor the initiation of a
sophomore where I met more alumnae. Anna Many had some of
us to dinner at her home, and her mother planned with much success
some indescribable southern dishes. Seeing me off at the station
was as memorable as any other event planned for me. I carried away
a box of pralines and some roses, and left—a part of myself.

My trip was pleasant as far as Alexandria; because I traveled
with a friend of Pi's and Kappa's. Then it grew pleasant again as
I drew near Dallas—it is always so when I near a chapter. Margaret
Vaughn was with the girls at the station. We can never forget her
nor the other Margaret—Margaret Bonner Bentley—both of whom
are charter members of N u Kappa. I do not want to bring that poor
frog in again, so N u Kappa cover up your ears, for I must tell the
chapters what you are. We can remember the university is as old as the
chapter, both needed material to build upon, both needed builders,
perhaps you can guess what I am going to say. I was told by one of
the faculty members that four Alpha Omicron Pi girls had done more
for the university than any other students, that N u Kappa is a force
to be counted upon. A t a tea I met the mothers, faculty, and the
students, after which we had a banquet at the hotel, a most delight-
f u l affair, so the girls all felt for all toasts were omitted. The fol-
lowing day one of the patronessess entertained at her home where
confidences were exchanged and we grew to know each other better.
I t was pleasant to meet at the dormitory, Miss Land, Editor of Chi
Omega's magazine.

The long tedious trip across the desert was shortened by my writing
this article and living over again the days spent with the chapters. A t
Long Beach, I stayed with Mae Knight, Sigma. You know her as
chairman of the song committee and together we went over the songs
that had been handed in. Saturday afternoon, I met the Los Angeles
Alumnae Chapter, at the home of Hazel Crabill, Rho. The two hours
that I spent with them were short and f u l l to overflowing and the
parting made pleasant by the g i f t of red roses. I deeply regret
there is no active chapter near them to be inspired by their enthusiasm
and interest.

As examination time at the University of California was set for
December 11th, I hurried from Los Angeles to be with Sigma on