When Ben was in graduate school at Tulane University (1958-1960, New Orleans,) he, Ben Jr., and I lived on the sixth floor of the brand new housing building for married students. I must mention we had a wonderful view of our temporary city!
One night, when Ben was teaching, I heard a light tap on the door. It was one of Ben's students. He came in, and we had a nice visit. He was only eighteen and looked younger. Some might describe him as a nerd, but I found him completely charming. He really wanted to visit his teacher; but Ben was running late, had papers to grade. The student stayed several hours seeming to enjoy making do with me.
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We talked about mutual interests...the former chaplain of the US Senate, for example...and worked out way to our love of the opera.
At that time there was a TV Show, about an anonymous benefactor.
Soon we received in the mail a book of Peter Marshall's prayers in the Senate. He was chaplain from 1946 to 1948.
Peter Marshall, 1902-1949No return address. It was inscribed: from your Benefactor.
Then a week or so later, two tickets arrived for us to see MADAM BUTTERFLY. Very good seats. Ben's graduate school stipend did not allow us to buy such frivolous things, so I was excited about going to the opera. This was also signed: from your Benefactor.
I never saw our young friend again. But I am not likely to forget him... would you????
with love, annie
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This happened toward the end of the spring semester. I am not sure if the student returned to Tulane or transferred to another school. Wouldn't it be great if he accidentally reads this on the internet????
ReplyDeleteBy the way, there was a popular TV show at the time called THE MILLIONAIRE. About a man who gave away money, but ONLY SECRETLY. I think this is where my young friend got the idea to be OUR BENEFACTOR!!
ReplyDelete