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Henry Peters came to Nebraska
University with a single, though laudable ambition, namely,
to acquire a P. B. K. Now P. B. K. is the distinction which
entitles the possessor to wear a perfectly useless and not
altogether ornamental key attached to his watch fob. It
signifies that he has shown a degree of excellence in his
studies along with a correspondingly low degree of
excellence in certain other important college functions,
such as "hops," "proms," and "fussing."
In his freshman state Mr. Peters was not
exceptionally good to look upon. He had not yet learned to
wear close-fitting collars, rolled up trousers, or to
pompadour his hair. Because his cousin had "made a frat,"
Henry also became a "frat" man. In time he met a number of
charming co-eds who wore various sorts and sizes of sorority
pins. Tho he had not learned to dance in the little rural
village where he had been "brought up." he felt it necessary
to attend at least one or two such affairs.
Henry was not an apt pupil when it came to
things terpsichorean. He seemed to possess what is commonly
known as a "methodless foot." and not a few delicate little
toes suffered agonizingly in the course of his first several
dances. Also the impression prevailed on occasions that
Henry was trying to introduce a bit of the gridiron game
into the ballroom pasttime, from the manner in which he
smashed and bucked into other couples.
Among the girls whom Henry met was a Miss
Beth Smooth. Through the good graces of a "frat" brother,
Henry secured a number on the pretty and vivacious damsel's
program. He was in his usual form, and ere the encore had
been played had rung up a high record of collisions,
missteps, and other equally inconvenient and distressing
little mishaps.
Henry was much impressed with Miss Smooth.
In fact, he threatened to develop a severe "case." He met
her several times the following week. and once secured the
privilege of carrying her books from the library to the
sorority house.
When his fraternity decided to give
another "hop." Henry gleefully rushed to the telephone and
extended a stammering invitation to Miss Smooth. The ensuing
conversation was not of a particularly happy nature--from
Henry's standpoint.
Some few days later one of his "frat"
brothers called him aside and communed thuswise: "Beth fold
me today that she was sorry she had to turn you down, but
you see she doesn't go with anybody but the best dancers in
school."
Henry allowed his mind to tussle with this
disconcerting information for some little time, after which
he voiced a new determination in the following well-chosen
words: "To h--l with a P. B. K. I'm going to learn to dance,
and what's more I'm going to make some of the guys in this
school sit up and take notice, too."
Whereat there was much amusement among
those of his "frat" brothers who heard.
Two years became a part of the past and
during that time Henry never
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missed a dance at the old school. No longer did his
movements rival those of a piano-mover in skill and grace.
Instead, the girls began to ask their partners to trade
dances with Mr. Peters, and he encountered less and less
difficulty in filling his program. His era of triumph fairly
began when he was selected to lead a "prom," an honor never
bestowed on any but a popular and accomplished young man,
But in all this time Henry never asked Miss Beth Smooth for
even a dance.
With the beginning of his Junior year
Henry was generally recognized as an able dancer. Was he
satisfied with this exalted distinction? Most emphatically,
not. Henry's disposition was not one to be content with
half-portions. His ambition was broader, loftier. It knew no
limitations. So he continued to miss no dances. Long ago a
flunk," two "conditions" and a collection of "poors" had
dissipated all chances of gaining the coveted P. B. K., so
Henry was left with but one cherished desire.
The Junior "Prom," the society event of
the school year, was destined to bring fulfilment of this
longing. Several weeks before the affair Henry made a
portentous decision. Having made the p. d. he called up Miss
Beth Smooth and asked if he could have the extreme pleasure,
etc., of her company to the "Prom." And was the invitation
accepted? Well, well, little Adolf. you know it!
As Henry and the charming Beth were gaily
whirling to the inspiring strains of "The Pink Lady," she
remarked: "Perhaps I have imagined it, but it seems to me
that you have avoided me in the past two years. Mr. Peters.
We have been to innumerable dances, and you never have once
asked for a single number on my program."
Rising to the occasion Henry thereupon
told her of a certain conversation with one of his "frat"
brothers long ago. Heconcluded by saying in a tone vibrant
with the pent-up longing of weary months of waiting: "I
determined never to ask for a dance with you until I was
satisfied that I was one of the best little dancers in our
great institution. Have I waited long enough!"
Naively came the reply: "You have waited
too long, for I consider you not only one of the best but
the best dancer in school." As she spoke, Miss Beth brought
her left hand to her forehead, presumably to sweep back a
rebellious curl, and Henry saw sparkling on the third finger
a stone that possesses only one significance when worn by a
young and charming co-ed.
 E.
H. T.
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