davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1883-12-27

it seemed to her the great house had
never looked so beautiful as now, with
its evergreen wreathings, its luxury,
its parted curtains, where the sunlight
entered and blessed with abundance.
She realized what home it had been
and what had been Miss Channing's
goodness through all these years. 4
goodness not to be set aside or forgot
ten through any cause on earth Come
what might, she would be grateful and
honest.
But first she must see him. Come
tomorrow! Come tomorrow, quickly,
when she should see him-on Christ
mas eve!
But how to meet him? She had
not thought of this. The visitors were
expected IN the morning Robert
would not suffer from any embarrassing
encounter unless Uncle Rowland
should chance to arrive also by the
same train-that of early evening. She
hoped the old gentleman would come
as herctofore-on Christmas day. She
had no great love for Uncle Rowland.
His fierce little eyes would ferret
Robert out; his sharp, sarcastic tongue
mako note of it TO all the visitors. He
might even point his remarks to bring
confusion upon her. She did not fancy
he liked her well.
After another restless night, dawned
another day of dazzling sunshine. The
carriage, sent down to meet the guests,
returned with merry crowd of six,
one of the gentlemen riding outside.
Clarice was sincere in her welcome of
dainty-blonde Myra, and rosy-cheeked
Nettie and Nell, fresh from the life and
light of the great city. She had
pleasant words and cordial for the
young men. Lunch was waiting with
all they liked best. There was good
skating on the river, and sleigh-rides in
prospect. There was new billiard
table to be tried. In the evening there
would be singing and dancing, and so
she thought, said Clarice, they might
manage little sport.
I'VE miss Elmer, said Myra, slipping
her coffee with dainty grace.
And Bob Mcclure, put in Charley
Fielding.
Isn't Bob coming?" asked DIR.
Keene, glancing up from his salad.
NO." said Miss Charming, serenely,
Il have not asked him"
In the interval of silence, Myra
glanced furtively at Clarice, but the
girls face was utterly placid, even
smiling without flush or culver.
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1883-12-27

wondered if her aunt had thought of
this. Her aunt was the last person on
earth to pry into another's correspond
ence even to examining postmark.
All, yes, her aunt was nobly just-to
herl
But to Robert-Robert, so brave, so
honest, so full of youths enthusiasm
Poverty? Yes, sore poverty was
against him. Elmer Keene had told
her something once about rich man
having defrauded Robert, rich man
who knew well that which he was doing
when he took advantage of legal quib-
bic and and days lapse to so possess
what Robert should have gained-his
mothers heritage. But Robert had
never learned the name or identity of
the defraudcr. Robert was peculiar in
some respects. "Communistic! she
wondered if this were Communism, a
great heart yearning toward all the op-
pressed, the suffering ones of earth.
If he were rich man, or even fairly
fixed, she knew what he would be do
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1883-12-27

Clarice repeated the words in n
wondering tone: viii not be here;
why, aunt, did you forget to ask him ?"
NO, did not forget.
There was silence-the sheerest
silence-then Clarice spoke in a low
voice; "And you are not going to ask
him 2"
II am not.
"But why, aunt ~ There was only
calm and respect in the query.
because, my dear, it is not advisa-
BILE. It would have been hard to omit
him had not Elmer been absent. In
deed, [ think it happened most fort
unately So
What has lac done to forfeit our
friendship, aunt"
Nothing especial, my dear. But,
candidly. it is as we'll for the young
man that he be not thrown in your
society--don't interrupt, Clarice.
Close observation, when we last met
Mr.. Mcclure, convinced me that he
might easily become too greatly in
terestod in you. That is all l have to
say, my dear.
THAT is the only reason, aunt?'
The main reason. 1t is difficult to
say what sort of man he may be grow
ing. Poverty is against him; poverty
and a quick, passionate nature. He
seems inclined to communistic notions.
] have no sympathy with Communists
or Socialists or Nihilists. That is all,
Clarice and now / must go down and
speak with Jane"
Clarice wcat slowly out of the room
and down the winding corridor to her
own apartment; there she shut herself
in and sat by the window to look upon
the dusk and the white fields.
Aunt" she said, speaking her
thoughts aloud, with tinge of bitter
ness, "you have spoiled my Christmas !;
but / will not spoil yours, for You are
an old woman-an old woman, and you
have been good to me. | will try not
to show disappointment, but it is cruel,
cruel"
She said no more, but sat there in
the dusk, thinking very rapidly and
trying TO feel less grieved. What
would Christmas be, now that he would
not come? What were all the others.
if that one earnest face, with its clear
blue eyes, looked no response? That
hopeful, handsome face, with its crisp
chestnut locks at the temples.
She had not seen him since October,
when he had come out with Elmer,
just before Elmer had sailed. They
had corresponded at intervals. She
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1883-12-27

ing just now. He would be going and
sending from house to house among
the low, the ignorant, the sorrowing,
with bread and meat and tenderness
for soul and body, and blessings for the
Christmas day so near approaching.
Oh, it was cruel! She rose and
walked slowly to and fro. How calmly
her aunt had dismissed it. How eff
fcctually She knew too we'll the utter
vanity of rcopening the subject. She
almost regretted she had not let her
heart cry out for him, saying,
Aunt, for my sake, let him come.
But he had never said that he loved
her, and should she be the first? I'm
possible! Her face grew hot in the
darkness. Still she could not give him
up thus. She must see him once more,
if only once She had no thought of
wronging her aunt's confidence, for her
aunt had ever been just, and Justice
begets justice wherever its touch has
been felt. But she would write him
tomorrow, in any event. He should
know that if all else were different, she
remained unchanged.
Thus resolved she went down to the
sitting-room, and as they sat at dinner,
her face was unclouded and beautiful
Miss Claiming had possibly forgotten
the conversation and the evening
slipped quietly away
But Clarice retired only to toss fever
ishly all night long and realize that she
stood face to face with her first trouble.
She would not write, she determined,
but telegraph instead, when on the NOR
row she went to town. 1t occupied her
mind to word ont this message:
did not know until few hours since
that you had not been asked this year. My
aunt has always attended 10 such matters.
and supposed it 10 be as usual. ] cannot tell
you how panied | am-though were you here
| might convince you. Remember, though
other things bc different, am still the same.
Answer this if possible, that may know you
believe me. ] shall be i'm town some hours.
CLARICE.
Yes, she would say at least this much.
He should know that she was his friend,
if nothing more!
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1883-12-27

after was leaning back among the cush-
ions and listening with infinite satisfac-
ton to the cringing snow beneath the
wheels, as the carriage progressed
toward Cattling. They crossed the
railroad, and turned to the north again,
the sun slanting warmly through the
windows, then entered the old wooden
bridge, spanning wide, frozen river.
Having arrived in town, Clarice first
dispatched her message, then went
about some errands. When these were
done she returned to the telegraph
Office and found his reply awaiting her.
With nervous haste she opened it
and read:
will he in Cattling on Christmas eve, at
the Depot hotel.
She rode home in aquiver of delight.
Tomorrow! He was coming to-mor-
row-for her sake. He loved her, then
he loved herr
How bright you look, my DEAR" her
aunt said kindly.
Il am happy, Aunt, said Clarice,
impetuouSly.
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1883-12-27
PART III.

He drove back to the town-holding
the reins carefully lest the horse would
shy and plunge again down there at the
railroad crossing; drove, feeling new
strength and purpose in life, new de-
sire for life itself. His heart fairly
ached with excess of ambition. Poor
heart! So downcast of late and warmed
only 10y the rose-dust resting always
above it.
His room was coy after the outer
keenness; he was glad to throw himself
upon the bed and cover his face, to
dream of her by snatches. Would the
time ever come when he might call her
to his arms? When the jewels she
wore, the rich clothing be through him
provided And all might have been so
different but for the miserly old scoun-
drel who had robbed him with wanton
avidity. "Scoundrell" he said, through
his teeth. IF ever came chance to re-
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1883-12-27
ASHES Of Of ROSES.
A CHRISTMAS STORY.
BY LIN NJ. CURRY.

nothing unllindly, however, or cruel.
Clarice recounted the preparations of
the day in CHEEKY voice--a voice that
seemed to have never thrilled with pain
or passion.
The same as usual, Aunt; the front
cahmber for Uncle Rowland, the pink
room to Nettie and Nell, the Fieldings
in the blue room, Victor and Myra in
the gold room and Mr.. Mcclure in the
red"
Miss Claiming rocked more slowly.
Mr.. Mcclure will not be here this
year."
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1883-12-27

she hesltated; III is true that my
aunt"
That your aunt dislikes me-" he
finished the sentence for her, and she
continued quickly:
But she has been good to me-
wonderfully good-for l am no kin of
hers; it would be heartless, wicked,
were / to speak against her or deceive
her. / could not do so. But why
should fear?"
"Ah, why?' he echoed, dreamily.
Then new energy came into his voice,
at has done me good to he with you.
Clarice, great good. You have given
me courage, the sweetest Christmas
gift. And, Clarice, if ever there come
day when L dare TO speak, dare to tell
you all that you have been and are to
me"
The moonlight fell like peace upon
her face.
Are you afraid of me?" she said
softly.
"Clarice"
Robert"
"Oh, my darling, my own wife! Can
You love me-is it true:"
His arm encircled her and held her
safe, while slow tears of happiness
gathered in her eyes and fell upon his
shoulder
New hope! New life" he cried rap
turously. "Clarice, l will win name
and honor for your sake. The thought
of you is like the thought of the angels
in heaven, lifting me up out of my
mcaner self. | tread new heights;
there is keen, sweet strength within
mel"
ooh, hush, hush,' she whispered
gently. lou make me ashamed of my
poor girlhood. | have done nothing,
become nothing but yours ~
Mine, mine!" he reiterated. "Shall
tell YOU, dear, of the rose YOU gave me
year ago tonight? 1t has never left
me; it lies upon my heart, though it is
| only ashes ashes of roses sealed
from the air even
You cared for me so long?"
Il always cared for you!'
And, now" she said, after mo-
ment, Il must return
He held her very close and muir
INJURED his tenderness.
My darling, my angel! Ny brave
sweetheart"
He would not let her see aught of
bitterness in his mood that she were
going back to the music and merriment
while he must return alone to the town
and see her no more for weary days.
You will write me, Clarice?"
VERY often, Robert, and long for
your replies"
She lay moment III his arms then
suddenly withdrew.
Goodnight, she said, and good
by
He united the horse and sprang into
! the Sleigh from which he leaned for
one last kiss.
God bless you, Clarice, and make
your Christmas happy. Goodnight"
He knew she preferred that he leave
her here. He might have driven her
to her own gate. but he fancied she
wanted to 60 back leisurely and grow
composed ere facing the glad company.
1t was half-past Z, their usual dinner
hour, when she entered the drawing
room, apparently cheerful. She strove
to do her part, and let none read her
heart; none should know how sorely
she missed the absent. Not one.
As the evening progressed, the old
house seemed to brim with Joy. Here
were swinging footsteps to slow waltz
melodies, and chorused songs of col
lege life, and shining eyes and crimson
lips under the glitter and in the warmth
of luxury, while only n few miles off, at
the little town, lonely soul would
wage fierce war in an hours short
space.
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1883-12-27
PART IL

TAKT TT.
The morning had risen white as a
sanctifed spirit, and with love upon the
shining fields.
Clarice was eager to be off. "You
must have the carriage" said Miss
Charming. IL dare say you would pre-
fer the cutter, but it would never hold
your parcels.
Clarice gave gentle assent, and soon
Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1883-03-14
PA. WEDNESDAY, MARCH IA. 1883

6ers hanging down, and as he didu't t
know the minister was there, he said
cuss words, and ma cried and told pa
he would go to hell sure, and pa said
he didn't care, he would kill the Gus
sed goat after he went, and | told pa
the minister was in the parlor, and he
and ma went down and said the wealth
er was propitious for revival, and it
seemed as though an outpouring Of the
spirit was about to be vouchsafed his
people, and none of them sat down but
ma, cause the goat didn't hit her, and
while they was talking religion with
their mouths, and cussin' the goat in
warGlv, my chum and me adjourned
the lodge, and | went and stayed with
him all the night, and | hain't been
home since; but | don't believe pa will
lick me, cause he said he would not
hold US responsible for the consequent
ces He ordered the goat himself, and
we filled the order, don't you see !?
Well, | guess L will go and sneak in
the back way and find out from the
hired girl how the land lays She
won't go back on me, cause the goat
was not loaded for hired girls. She
just happened to get in at the wrong
time. Good-by, sir. Remember and
give your goat kyan pepper in your
lodge"
As the boy went away. and skip
ped over the back fence, the grocery
man said to his brother Odd Fellow,
"If that boy don't beat the devil, then
| never saw one that did The old
man ought to have him sent to the re-
form school. ."-Peck's Sun
Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1883-03-14
A MODEL CANDIDATE.
Who Wants to be Elected Mayor
Of the, City of Bradford.

Ezra Crossman, Esq, a candidate
for Mayor in the city of Bradford, Pa,
comes out in the following card:
II am candidate for the Office of
Mayor of the city of Bradford, and
will be until the polls close on election
day, unless the salary is reduced below
$500
am opposed to gambling houses
| think they are no benefit to an oil
town, and | will use all the power
vested in Mayor to close every house
in the city, and l think tho Mayor has
sufficient power to do it.
am not in favor of fining prosti-
tutes a small sum-which amounts
really to a license-and collecting it
periodically from them at their houses.
| will use all the power vested in
Mayor to Danish these houses Of pros
titution from our midst, and | think
the Mayor has sufficient authority to do
it, by arresting not only the keepers,
but the owners.
| will not retain a policeman who
cannot see house of prostitution or a
gambling den or violation of the
liquor law. Blind men are not fit for
policemen.
am not in favor Of saddling debt
of s12O, 600 upon the public for water
works.
| do not believe it proper for the
May to give stack OF city warrants
in blank to be filled out by the clerk,
and | will not do it.
l will not sign every warrant drawn
by the poor masters. / will enquire
first what they are given for, and if
not proper will not sign them.
l will attend to the duty of holding
a morning court.
am not in favor of the liquor traffic
in any shape, and will vigorously en-
force not only the ordinances but the
law against all violations of the liquor
laws, and will vote for better laws !;
and when man or woman is brought
before me charged merely with being
drunk, if he or she will tell me where
he or she got his or her liquor, l will
let him or her go and prosecute the
liquor seller.
There shall be no liquor selling on
Sunday through front or back doors.
! believe the Mayors salary should
be reduced to $500 per year.
| am not opposed to freman's
parades, but | will use the power vested
in the Mayor to see that we are re-
lieved from firemen's annual drunks.
/ believe that no other candidate has
put himself upon record in print upon
these questions.
No man, woman or friend has asked
me to be a candidate or suggested it,
and | do not expect the nomination
from either of the parties, so | am at
liberty to say if any other man will de-
clare himself as / have done, whom l
think otherwise qualified for the Office
of Mayor, l will withdraw in his favor,
'By your works shall ye be justified
and by your works shall ye be con,
demned.n
mean every word say, ard l be-
lieve this announcement will defeat
me, but | want to see whether the
people who want these things done will
support ore whom they know will dc
them. They are in a majority and
can haye it all their own wayn
Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1883-03-14
A Sensitive Tree.

An ''angry tree" a species of acacia,
is growing on a farm in Virginia, Ne
vada. 1t was brought from Australia,
and is now eight feet high and grow
ing rapidly 1t shows all the charac-
teristcs Of the sensitive plant. When
the sun sets its leaves fold together
and the ends of the tender twigs coil
up like pigtail. If the twigs are
handled the leaves move uneasily for
minute or more. A singular thing
concerning the tree was its apparent
resentment on being removtd from a
pot, in which it had matured, into a
much larger pot. To use the gardeners
expression, it "made it very mad"
Hardly had it been placed in its new
quarters before the leaves began to
stand out in all directions, like the
hair on the tail Of an angry cat, and
soon the whole plant was in quiver.
At the same time it gave out an odor
most pungent and sickeping, resem-
bling the odor given off by rattle
snakes and other kinds of snakes when
teased. This odor so filed the house
that it was necessary to open the doors
and windows. 1t was fully an hour
before the plant calmed down and fold
ed It's leaves in peace.
Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1883-03-14
An Egg Problem.

There is an egg problem which is
said to be very affecting to the small
mathematicians. Here it is: Two
men entered grocery with 30 eggs
each. The groceryman agrees to pay
one al the rate of cent for 2 eggs,
and the other cent for 3 eggs, which
is 2 cents for every eggs. 1t is clear
that he paid one man Is cents for his
eggs and the other 10 cents for his
eggs. A third man comes in for eggs,
and the grocerymen says: 81 will
sell those eggs at the same rate l
bonght them, that is, 5 eggs for 2
cents" They were sold; and it is
plain that they only brought "a cents
The groceryman lost just one cent in
the transaction How did this occur
Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1883-03-14
Protecting His Character.

Entering the shop of bis taller the
other day, he said:
"Sir, l owe you sixty dollars"
eyes, sir, you do"
"And | have owed it for year."
'"Yo ou have"
"And this is the fifth postal card you
have sent me regarding the debt ?"
81 think it is the fifth"
"Now, sir, while / cannot pay the
debt for perhaps another year, l pro-
pose to protect my character as far as
possible.-Here are twelve two-cent
stamps You can use them in sending
me twelve monthly statements of ac-
count, and can thus save your postal
cards and my feelings at the same
time"
1t is said that the tailor has credited
the twenty-four cents on account, and
feels that he has secured more of the
debt than he had any reason to hope
for
Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1883-03-14
A Hidden Treasure Found

FARMERsvILLE, O., February 13.-
The luckiest man in all this county is
one Simon Shrimplin, farmer living
few miles west of here He had oc-
casion to cut down very old apple
tree in his dooryard and, when splitting
it, he found imbedded in the trunk d
small tin can which, on opening, he
found contained AS bright $40 gold
pieces, making in all $500. How it
ever got there is complete mystery
as the can was imbedded to the depth
of eight inches in the wood.
is the lady Of the house in P"
asked q tramp Of the servant who rang
the door. bell of one of the stateliest
mansions. "De lady OBJ de honse don't
come to de door to talk wild de like OBJ
you" ''Then said the tramp, elevat-
ing the remnant of a hat, with grace
Chesterfield might have envied, tell
the lady of the hoose gentleman wish
es to speak to her in the parlor."
Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1883-03-14
Information for Pensioners.

WASHINGTON, March 5.-The follow
ing circular has been issued by the
Commissioner of Pensions and approx
ed by the Secretary of the Interior:
The following regulations are pre-
scribed for the purpose of carrying into
effect as speedily as possible the pro-
visions of the act of Congress approved
March 3, 1888, increasing to $50 per
month the pensions of those who lost
leg at or above the knee, or an arm
at or above the elbow, and of those
who have been so disabled as to be in
capacitated for performing any manual
labor, but not so much as to require
regular personal aid or attendance, and
who are now receiving pension at
the rate of $24 per month, and to $24
per month the pensions of those who
have lost one hand, or one foot, or been
totally or permanently disabled in
same, or otherwise so disabled as to
render their incapacity to perform
manual labor equivalent to loss of a
hand or foot, and now receiving SIS
per month. Inasmuch as said act has
immediate effect upon such admitted
cases as have been adjudicated at the
rates of $24 and SIS per month re-
spectively, no formal application by the
beneficiary is necessary to be made
other than to forward to the Commits
sioner of Pensions the pension certif-
cate, accompanied by letter stating
in the handwriting of the psnsioner his
present postoffice address. AS soon as
possible after receipt of the pension
certificate aforesaid, the Commissioner
will reissue to him a new certificate
for the new rate, and will forward the
same to the proper pension Office to in
scribe the name of such pensioner on
the roll at the increased rate and to
make to pensioner proper payment. In
case of amputation the certificate will
be re-issued without any further medi-
cal examination. The Intervention of
agent or attorney in such admitted
cases as are affected by this act being
unnecessary, will not be recognized.
Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1883-03-14
March,.

All, passing few are they who speak,
Wild. stormy month in praise Of thee.
Yet though thy winds are loud and bleak,
Thou art welcome month to me.
For thou to northern lands again
The glad and glorious sun doth bring.
And thou hast joined the gentle train
And wear'st the gentle name of Sprirg.
BRYANT.
Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1883-03-14
Scarlet Fever
Cured.

Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn.
testify to the most excellent qualities of Prof.
Darbys Prophylactc Fluid As dsinfectant and
detergent it is both theoretically and practically
superior to any preparation with which am ac-
quainted.-N. T. LUTON, Prof Chemistry.
Darbys Fluid is Recommended by
Hon ALEXANDER H. STEPHENS, of Georgia;
Rev. CHAs. F. DEEMS, DID,, Church Of the
Strangers, N. Y;
Jos. LECoNrE Columbia Prof, University sc.
Rev A. J. BATTLE, Prof, Mercer University;
Rev. Gro. F. PIERCE, Bishop VI. E. Church.
INDISPENSABLE TO EVERY HOME.
Perfectly harmless. Used internally or
externally for Man Beast.
The Fluid has been thoroughly tested and we
have abundant evidence that it has done everything
here claimed. For fuller information get Of your
Druggist pamphlet or send to the propretors,
j. III. ZEILIN & CO.,
Manufacturing Chemists, PHILADELPHIA