davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1879-08-06
Tact on the Half.Shell.

Whatever this subtle attribute may be
called-this happy knack of saying and
doing exactly the best thing that can he
said and done under the circumstances
lis certainly highly valuable one in
every department of life. A lady of
this city recently issued invitations for
a dinner party of twelve, and on the
morning of the appointed day, when
comforting with the head servant, very
accomplished and well-trained waiter,
she discovered that one of the twelve
silver shells in which scalloped oysters
were to be served had been misplaced.
Rigid search for the missing article
having proved unavailing, the lady de-
cided that sooner than give up that par
ticular course she would simply decline
oysters when they were handed her and
so the eleven shells would be sufficient.
1t happened that when the oysters were
served at dinner by the same accom-
rlished attendant his mistress was en-
gagged in very animated conversation
with one or two of her ncighbors, and
forgetting her determination she took
one ofthe shells of oysters and set it be-
fore herself. If the servants heart fell
in CONSERVATION at this he gave no ex-
ternal sign of it, but speaking in tones
distinct though low, said, respectfully
Excuse me, madam, but you said l
was to remind you that the doctor for
bade your eating oysters" His mistress
laughed and returned the oysters to the
waiter, saying in explanation to her
guests: II am 50 abscnt-minded that
have to engage Thomas to remember
things for me sometimes" which, in
deed, was literally true. After the
dinner was over the story was told hy
the lady to one of her guests from whol:'
the present writer had it.-Detroit Frcc
Press.
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1879-08-06
Proving the Likeness.

There lived in Brussels q celebrated
painter named Wiertz, whose eccentric
tiles were such rs to give him the name
of the crazy artist. That there was
method in his madness, the following
anecdote shows:
After having finished portrait Of the
old aristocratic Countess de Amos, who
pretended to be only thirty when nearly
sixty, she refused to accept the painting,
saying it did not look anything like her.
self, and that her most intimate friends
would not recognize a single feature OF
| her on that piece of canvas. .|
Wiertz smiled kindly at the remark,
and, as true knight of old, gallantly
reconducted the lady to her carriage.
Next morning there was grand dis
turbance in the Rue de Madeline. A
big crowd was gathered before win,
dow, and the following was whispered
fron ear to ear: :,
"Is the Countess de Arnos really in
jail for her debts?"
Wiertz had exercised little ven
geance toward his noble but unfair Gus
toner. AS soon as she had refused the
portrait, he set to work and palntec a
| lew IRON DarS on Cue plcluie' "i'li 'nS''
words:
"In Jail for deht!"
He exhibited the painting in Jew
eler's window, in the principal street IN
Brussels, and the effect was ins'an-
taneouS.
A few hours later the Countess was
back at Wiertz's studio pouring lnvec-
tives on him at high pressure-"t to nave
exhibited her likeness under such sc"''-
dalous "-etc. ..,.
Most noble lady," was the artists
reply "you said the painting did not not
look anything like yourself, and thst
Your most intimate friends would not
have recognized a single one q Of - you, t"l,
features in the picture. Wahtee q 70 III iiSs
The portrait was taken away, the city
LAUGHED, the artist charged double price,
and rave the amount to the poor of the
city.
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1879-08-06
Sleen for the Restless.

The Kansas City Journal tells how to
WOO sleep when one is restless. Sit
down in an easy position. relaxing all
the muscles of the body, and let the
head drop forward upon the breast, as
low as it will fall without forcing it.
Sit quietly this way for few minutes,
freeing all the powers Of the body, and a
restful, drowsy feeling will ensue, which
will, if not disturbed, lead to refresh
ing sleep. If the sleepless fit comes
on in the night one can simply sit up in
the position described. Stiffness of any
part of the body must be avoided, and
it is well to bend the head forward after
lying down, rather than to keep it
straig or throw it back upon the
pillow. The writer suffered several
years from sleeplessness caused by
severe pain and nervousness, and was
taught the above by physician of great
experience and ability, and found through
it complete relief Many persons SINH
larly afflicted within the writer's
knowledge have tried it and always
with good results.
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1879-08-06
snubb,nr Two Young Snobs.

Lima Morgenstern, the founder Of the
"Kindergartens," attended the court
held in the castle at Berlin, in celebra-
ton of the emperor's olden wedding:
Royal pages, gorgeous in scarlet and
white favors, were in attendance at the
doorway of the throne-room to spread
out the trains of the noble danes and
damsels privileged to appear before the
presence, and perform the homage OF
courtesies prescribed by etiquette. These
high-born youths executed their func'
tions with admirable featness whenever
the ladies requiring their ministration
happened to be ambassadresses, peeresses,
or even members Of the numerous un.
titled aristocracy; but when lady OF
the middle class presented herself at their
post, they were observed to hang back
When Lima Morgenstern's turn came
to enter the throne-room, she paused
at the portal, expectant of the assistance
eagerly afforded to her predecessor, j.:
countess, but in vain. Turning sharply
round upon the proud youths who dis
dained to notice her, she addressed them
"Who are you, young gentleman?"
am Prince II" Il am Count K
well, then, Prince H and Coun'
K, be so good as to arrange my tralr
PROPERLY" With cheeks.as red as thell
iiveries. the youthful mobiles hastily die
their ofice.-Lo ndon Telegram.
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1879-08-06
In a Den Of Rattlesnakes.

A party of ladies and gentlemen went
to High Knob, two miles from Lords
Valley, Pa. recently on whortleberry
excursion. One of the party took along
a small black and tan terrier dog. While
all hands were gathering berries the dog
wandered off into the thicket, and was
soon heard barking. One of the men
hurried to the spot, and saw the dog with
a big rattlesnake in its mouth. shaking it
fiercely. He seized stick, and, taking Il
few steps forward. was startled by loud
rattling noise few yards to his right.
Giving a glance in that direction, he saw
scores of rattlesnakes coiled, and sound
ing their rattles. He took a small fish
horn, which he had tied to his belt, and
blew it to call together the rest of the
party. Soon three other men arrived.
They armed themselves with sticks, and,
moving cautiously to within reaching
distance, began the battle. When it was
over, the victors counted thirty EIGHT
dead snakes. measuring from two and a
half to five feet in length. and some hav-
ing as many as twenty rattlcs.
That section abounds in rattlesnake
dens. The largest is at the foot of Ball
Hill, six miles northeast Of the valley.
1t was ut that den that Sam Helms, a
noted snake tanner. captured most OF the
snakes which he exhibited throughout
the country.
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1879-08-06
How Eueenie's Son Was Killed.

A correspondent gives the following
statement of Leetocf, one of the troopers
with the French Prince Imperial when
he met his death at the hands of the
Zulus, in South Africa:
We went about twenty miles from kop-
pie Allen. When we were crossing the
site of the present camp. the neck be-
tween Incenci and 1nqutu ranges, some
officers overlook US. They went to the
left, and we went to the right. We
crossed a spruit, and went up a flat
topped hill, where we slackened girths,
the Prince sketching. The kraal we
came to last was about fifty yards above
theq.iver. Here the Prince told US TO
off-saddle, and then the Kafir was sent
into the hut to see if any one was there.
He went down afterward to the river
for some water and we had coffee. After
an hour the Prince ordered lis to saddle
up. When we had all saddled up he
asked, "Are you all ready?" and we said
"Yes." He then said, "Mount," and just
as were springing to our saddles the
volley was fired from the mealies. We
had gone to that very place to catch
our horses. When we were saddiing
up, the Kafir, who had been to the
river to water the horses, said he
had seen Zulu going up the river
away from where the volley was
fired. l dropped my carbine and had to
dismount for it. In remounting l was
unable to get my feet into the stirrups.
my horse was galloping so hard from
fright. Hay across the saddle. l passed
the Prince, but was unable to stop 1or
him. having no power over the reins.
As I got clear away from the kraal
passed the Prince. He then had hold OF
the stirrup- leather and the cantle Of the
saddle, and was trying to get his foot
into the stirrup, but his horse was going
too fast. I said to him, "Please, sir.
hasten and mount your horse" He made
no reply. He had not caught hold of the
horse, and I saw it tread on him and the
Prince fell down. The Zulus were firing
all the time, but could not see them. !
saw no more of the Prince. I followed
Lieut.. Carey. He was leading at first,
but some Of us passed him. We gal
loped two or three miles, the Zulus try
ing to surround US. I saw Grubbe and
Willis could not catch up to US, and
asked Lieut.. Carey to wait for them. He
said: 1--WE will cross the spruit and wait
for them on the rise on the other side" "
Grubbe and Willis were 300 yards be-
hind us, for their horses were knocked
up. Q.-Were any orders given to stop
or rally, or try to save the PrinceP A. =
No. Q.-Did any of you mention the
Prince, or did Lieut.. Carey say anything
about him? A.-No; all that l heard
Lieut.. Carey say all the time was: Let
us make haste. and 60 quickly"
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1879-08-06

CASTOR into the dining-room. It is good
to see the light of love and gratitude
which shines from his eyes as he sees
her. leave them alone as I catch up
my hat and make my usual frantic rush
for the train, which again as usual I
barely succeed in catching.
At night Nell meets me at the door of
our house. On her face is a glow, in
her eyes a tender light such as have
never seen there before. She kisses me
softly, then follows me into the house
and hovers about me daintily, with
wistful looks and broken, haf-Whis-
pered words.
"Cyril." she says at last, and then
"What is it, little sister?" ask, for
the shy radiance Of her face moves me
somehow to fresh tenderness.
"Cyril," she begins again, do you
want to get rid of me?"
stop short and look at her in amaze
ment, feeling half guilty in my own
mind. "Get rid of you?" I say. "Who
has been putting notions into your head,
child? What should do without my
little housekeeperP"
"That is just what I have been think
ing," says Nell, shyly; "just what 1
told Miles when he wanted"
"Well, what did Miles want?" I
"SS' SHe Ie wal wants. said Nell, hanging her
head low and speaking in voice which
seems half stihed by her bushes he
wants me to marry him in the fall"
Marry him!" I shout, in my first
amazement. MARRY him on his present
income? Do you mediate a diet on
locusts and mild honey? You will find
even those beyond your reach in winter,
and"
"No, but, Cyril" says Nell, softly.
Don't be angry, butt was to Miles
that Aunt Jane left her money. 1t was
his father that she Tilted when they were
both young. And so-you don't mind,
Cyril?"
Mind9 Why should I mind? It was
not the money that cared about. My
income will still be enough for two, and
Nell will be happy, and
"And, do you know, Cyril, " Nell goes
on, "Miles says that he never would
have married meSto live ON my money.
Only for Aunt James will we should
have had to wait still; ard weren't you
right? and wasn't yesterday the dearest,
blessedest day of the whole year, instead
of the unlucky one that I, like little
goose, called it? And so, if you can find
a nice motherly old housekeeper to take
care of you until you can put some sweet
girl, such as you deserve, in my place"
laugh out. 1 cannot help it.
Never you mind, Miss Nell" I say.
"I will make shift to take care of my
self. Go your way, and never worry
your little head about your stupid old
brother"
Well, there is little more to tell. The
report of the accident had been eXagger-
ated, as reports always are. The two
who were killed were the horses, while
the passengers escaped .miraculously:
There was one broken collar bone, and
bruises, scratches and sprains innumera-
ble-enough to break up the picnic and
make us thankful that we were not
there Especially rs DR.. CASTOR was also
absent), but hardly enough to cloud our
happiness seriously.
The days of waiting are now over for
all of us-for Nell and DR.. CASTOR, for
my little girl and me. Not the least
talked over of our memories is the cpl
sode of the unlucky day, which, we
fancy, brought about the happiness OF
all four of us.-HHrper's BGzar.
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1879-08-06
He Thought So.

The man in charge of the big engine
at the water works realizes that he has
q curiosity for most visitors, and when
callers express surprise and interest he
feels pleased. The other day q stranger
came in for look around, and his gen
eral make up satisfied the engineer that
he was person of deep thought and a
man to appreciate the merits of monster
machinery. The stranger viewed the
engine from every side and angle, and
sat down. Then he reviewed it and took
another rest. Then he walked around
the building in wise way and came
back for another inspection. For two
long hours he hardly had his eyes off the
ponderous machinery, but was at last
ready to 60. Taking one last look he
walked up to the engineer and said:
"Say. mister. this ere injine runs by
steam, don't it?"
"Why, of course" was the amazed
answer.
well, I thought so more'n halt an
hour ago." continued the man, "but it
is Just as we'll to BE- sure about these
things. There are so many wind-mills
around nowadays that one can't be
certain of nothing "-Dstro1 Free Press.
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1879-08-06

dertaken, however, without due prepara-
tion, or the bodily powers are exhausted
by fatigue, the power of being able to
take food is diminished. This condition,
if the exercise is continued and the power
of taking food remains impaired, is one
of considerable danger, and the health is
often greatly affected, the force of the
heart being much reduced. It is Of
great Importance, moreover, when great
fatigue is undergone, to see that the
bodily powers are thoroughly recruited
by rest before an attempt is made to take
food, otherwise there will be no inclina-
ton to take it, and if forced down it will
of warm tea. will do much toward re-
storing appetite in these cases. Indeed,
it should be a rule in all cases that a
period of rest should intervene between
work and food.
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1879-08-06
Not by Bread Alone.

A wonderful secret, oh, summer, *
Is yours! that your breath DER tho Land 4,
Can t1ll it to fullncss with fragrance;
That it blooms meath the touch otyour hand
That the earth and the rocks and the rivers
Bring their tribute at v1ur command.
But charm thati grea .er, oh, SUMMER
You WELD: and fain would know Sr =
II there's balm to hearts that are aching u
In your wonderful winds that blow; a,i'
If there's health to thejsoul athirsting
In the streams that you set allow ~,
Do your evening dews. oh, summer
Fall also into the heart?
Have your resinous spicy odors
a spiritual healing artl
Con the soul as well rs the body
In your ministries have part? -.
Is it true, indeed, oh, summer,
That your sunsets purple and gold, ~
Your brooks, your meadows, your roses ..a
Your breezes so sweetly bold,
Ripe fruits and yellowing harvests
Have ministry two-foldi
1t is true! it Is true, oh, summer!
And feel the heart Of me
Grow strong and glad with the virtues
OF your spiritual pharmacy;
And all of your glories contribute
To my Immortality!
-Carlotta PeryN
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1879-08-06
Put Your Shoulders Back.

-
Much of the proverbial slenderness
and physical frailty of our girls, as com
pared with those of other nations, ha:
been charged to intellectual habits ano
overwork in study. It is unquestion'
ably true that they need more outdoor
life, and more education in bodily de-
velopment. :,
Many American girls. through mat
tention to the way of carrying them
selves, unconsciously contract the habit
of bringing the shoulders forward and
STOPPING. The position not only dis
tracts greatly from their appearance, but
is also very pernicious in point o.
health.
The celebrated Aaron Burr, in letter tc
his daughter. Theodosia, afterward the
wife of Governor Aston, of South Caro-.
lima, wrote as follows on this subject:
"Your habit of STOPPING and bringing
your shoulders forward on to your breast
not only disfgures you, but is alarming
on account of the injury to your health
The continuance of this vile habit vii
certainly produce consumption, thcr
farewell pleasure; farewell life!
"This is no exaggeration; no fiction tc
excite your apprehensions. But, setting
aside this distressing consideration,
am astonished that you have no more
pride in your appearance. You will Ger
tainly stint your growth and distigurt
your person." There is reason to believe
that Miss Burr gave heed to this admoni
ton of her good father; for she after
ward became renowned for her beauty
as well as for superior mental endow
ments and accomplishments.
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1879-08-06
Death Of the Prince Imperial.

France lie sad to-day.
Many a heart beats low;
Words that the passer stops to say
Come ipgeringly and slow.
Paris weeps to-day;
London echoes her sigh
He went on noble quest" they say;
"Alas! that he went to die.'
France tor England fights,
A Frenchman for England dies
Saddest OF all sorrowful sights;
Spring, quick tears, to the eyes.
The Prince Imperial died,
Not in the heat of strife,
With noble hearts on every side,
Nor sword to sword in honor and pride,
But gasped away his life,
Done to death in the desolate land
By savage and treacherous band.
rome he lies in the long, dank grass,
His insignia OF rank is gone;
Stript and dying he lies, alas!
In the wilderness land alone.
What Is the thought that fills his soul
As the blue sky draws his last faint glance
Two words alone his thoughts control,
"Motherw and Francew
How the knell swept over the sea,
Heard with doubt and fear at first;
When it was known a certainty
"Who will tell it at Chiselhurst?"
They sent the word, the dolorous word,
To the stately mother who safe alone,
Woe, oh, woe, for the tidings heard,
Who shall comfort her for her son?
She has wept and tnsted sore,
Sitting to weep and fast alone;
Came queen to her barred door,
Fain with her would make her moan:
All, great queen, on thy mother eyes
The tears OF sorrow are hardly dried,
Well Of you, in friendly guise
To sit this sorrowing heart beside.
Nsught to say and naught to do,
Sorrows roots pierce tar too deep;
Only keep her close to you
Hold the tast-clenched hands and wecp.s
Mourn, kind hearts, from shore to shore,
For the brave young life that's fed.
Who can tell what golden store
OF hopes aud plans lie with him dead?
Hopes OF glory and deathless fame,
Hopes ottortune nobly won,
A country's love, well earned name,
Guerdons given for great deeds done,
Fled like dream when one awakcs,
Lost to thought, like tale that's told.
And still the world the same road takes,
Changing ever the new time to the old.
VII.
Princes OF earth return to dust, T
Kingdoms shake with rude alarms,
Naughtis there in which to trust
Wisdom, strength or cunning arms.
Turned like the diceby the player thrown,
Vain and slight seem all earthly things;
One doth guide and rule alone
The Lord of Lords, the King of Kings!
-JNep York Champion.
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1879-08-06

A great deal depends upon the time
chosen for necdful exercise. When it is
properly conducted the effect on the
digestive system is very marked. The
appetite is increased and more food is
taken in order to supply force necessary
for the maintenance of the mechanical
force. This increase of appetite is espe-
cially noted when the exercise is taken
in the open air. When exercise is un-
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1879-08-06
TIMELY TOPICS.

People would do we'll to be careful what
sort OF stuff they apply to their teeth. A
German scientific publication gives the
analysis of specific patented in Bel
gium, which is wonderfully like that of
sewage water, the only material differ
ence being the addition of some perfume
to disguise the odor of the Ingredients.
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1879-08-06
Where Did Shakespeare Get It.

Several writers have disputed William
Harvey's right to he called the discoverer
of the circulation of the blood, but in
spite of all that has been said the dis
tinction first conceded to him has always
remained. In the June atlantic writer
cites the interesting fact that while Har-
vcy first publicly announced his dis
covcrv in 1920. Shakespeare thirteen
wears cal licr (l6O7) has written in Julius
Cesar" act II, scene l, the following
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1879-08-06

Henry Bessemer, the English inventor,
many as Edison-and one of them, his
process for making steel, ranks as one of
the most brilliant inventions Of the
century. 1t converts pig iron into steel
in few minutes, and has reduced the
price of steel rails per ton from 5000 to
$50. Ten times as much steel is used in
the world now as was used prior to
1856.
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1879-08-06

You are my true AID honorable Vile,
As dear to me as arc the ruddy drops
That visit my sad heart.
narvey himself owned that he was in
debted in measure to his former master,
Fabricius, for his discovery, but Shakes.
peare could have known but little OF
Fabricius, since he was an Italian and
his works were not published until 1917,
the wear after Shakespeare died.
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1879-08-06

The medical committee, which recent
ly made an examination Of the health
of the school children in Providence.
hold that pupils are taken too young; !;
that the vitiated air of the school l-rooms
causes consumption; that epidemic dis
eases are caug ght there; that the pre-
mature development of the brain causes
nervous diseases; that the young minds
are crammed with uninteligible studies,
and that the method is too artificial.
The committee hold that children should
not be admitted to school under the age
of seven. and that the hours of confne-
ment and mental effort should be short
ened. Children in primary schools
should not be confined to their seats
more than twenty minutes at time, at
the end of which they should enjoy an
equal period of recreation out of doors
or in doors.
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1879-08-06

One of the characters in New York
city is Mustang Charley" young
man of twenty-one, who makes it his
business to- lasso steers that have broken
away from their drivers and gone plung-
ing through the densely populated
streets, to the danger of life and prop:
erty. Mustang Charley" keeps small
mustang ready in the yard attached to
his residence, and is said to receive
twenty-five dollars for every runaway
steer caught and returned to the owner.