davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Milford chronicle., 1885-03-20

1t is reported that the French Chamber OF
Deputies and the members of the government
are convinced Of the necessity of marching
upon Pehin. The French government wi Il
shortly ask for grant OF Sl0,0O0,000 to pro-
vide for the dispatch Of $4,000 men to China.
The Afghan war clouds have been tenn
porarily disseminated. Mr.. Gladstone an
nounced in the English House Of Commons
that tue advance OF the Russian and Afghan
forces wouli be stopped, and that a conflict
between England and Russia was at least post
The French police have arrested James
Stephens and Eugene Davis. chief Of the
Anglo French section Of dynamiters, and John
Morrissey, president OF the lrecent Conve { on
in the Rue Cambon. These ,hree are now de-
tained at the Prefecture, and will probably be
expelled from French territory. The police
are searching for another man supposed to
have fled TO switzerland with important pal ers
Lord Granville has received q dispatch
from NJ. de Giers saying that the Car desires
peace.
President Diaz of Mexico, sent on ulh-
matum to President Barri a, OF Guatemala
giving him to understand that Mexico would
not permit him to carry out his designs upon
the Central American republics 1t Is cOnsid-
cred that President Diaz by his bold and
statesmanlike action has prevented war.
An atrocious act Of sacrilege has thrown the
little town Of Saint Saulge, France, into state
OF Indicators forced their way into the Gem
etery and desecI ated over one hundred tombs.
They also destroyed all the crosses in the
neighboring cemetery of Clamecy and pro-
famed It in the same manner.
Edmund Yates, editor of the London
World who was sentenced to four months ini-
prisonment for allowing Lady SIadbrooke to
libel Lord Lonsdale in his paper, was released
from prison on account OF i'll health.
"A dispatch from Newry, ireland, says that
4 gang Of marauders visited inc house Of John
Tarley, lear Camlough, and gave the man a
terrible beating. His wife interfered in most
energetic way 10 save her husband, and was
killed. Turley is in a critical condition.
Agrarian troubles are the alleged cause Of the
outrage.
The internal machine found in an unoc-
cupied house In Cork Ireland, contained seven
pounds Of powder. The police are searching
Tor other machines Of the same kind, having
been informed that a number Of them had re-
Gently been introduced into the city.
Milford chronicle., 1885-03-20

This is the only COM
plete American edition
of this work, which IS
known as the best pop.
ular history of France.
journal, In dian
apOlis. Ind.
Milford chronicle., 1885-03-20
GuIZOT,S

AA9 I OA Z OE
FRANCE.
W{tb 426 Fine
illustrations, Eight
be a utiful volume es,
small octave, cloth, gilt
tops. Price reduced d
from $49.50 to $S. 90,
postage S1.20.
Milford chronicle., 1885-03-20

If some other banks in the country
had a Board of Directors made Q.i'it, ,ass
the kind Of stuff the directors of ceoS seF S9Gsg sg
tie bsg3SdHg-tJy-r y-rHe q a gepeVwne''st ''st. The
0Puns nothing to say about it. In tdses while
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1885-07-10
VIRGINIA, FRIDAY, JULY 10, 1885

nope; Du5 ne IelJ ne mus5 nuake Ills von,css.v..
before he struck his flag altogether.
1t was warm July afternoon. Beatrice,
in dainty white dress, looked deliciously
cool as she sat reading in the shade of a syca-
more tree. She smiled pleasantly when she
saw her visitor approaching. Sylvanus would
have given all he possessed to have seen her
eyes drop shyly-to have noticed blush rise
to her cool, white cheek. Mrs Miller, the
nurse, sat with the little boy on her Lap some
short distance off,
After the first greeting, Sylvanus fetched
one OF those comfortable, carpet-seated chairs,
several of which were scattered about and
sat beside Beatrice They talked for a while
on ordinary subjects; then, like a man. the
curate resolved to come to the point.
81 wish to say few words to you alone,
Miss Clauson. Will you walk into the house
or the other garden with meg"
She looked surprised, perhaps troubled.
1--WE can speak here" she said, telling the
nurse to take the child indoors. She kissed the
little man tenderly as he was led away.
"You are very fond Of the child" said Syl-
vanus.
every, very fond of him." Then she
turned her clear gray eyes upon him as one
who waited for a promised communication.
He knew all was 1ost-or rather nothing had
been his to lose. But he went on to the bit
ter end.
''Miss Clauson-Beatrice," be said. ssI
have come to-dayt to ask you if you could love
me-f you will be my wife?"
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1885-07-10

although iousu saii.. -At.- uened with toll WERE
not the hands of one who has labored from
his childhood. His eyes had cruel, crafty
look in them; but this look might have been
acquired since his Incarceration. Indeed.
Mrs. Miller had noticed the same expression
In the eyes of every convict whom she had
met on the road to the prison.
Mrs. Miller looked through her bars at the
convict; the convict looked through his bars
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1885-07-10

For Whitaker was an intelligent Inan,
who in his hours Of leisure improved his
mind. For theology he read good old-fash-
doubt that through the porch of the parish
church lay the only road to Heaven. Every
one Knows that it is delightful to give
newcomer the benefit of ones own religious
tenets-to point out where enc is right and
the other wrong. 1t was but natural that in
kindly. paternal way Whitaker should take
an early opportunity of ascertaining Mrs.
Miller's orthodoxy.
He did this in the buffers pantry, whittier
she had one day come on some errand. 1t
was on a Monday, and Whitaker began by
commenting on Mr. Mordles sermon of the
preceding night. He little guessed what a
storm his words would raise-how by sheer
accident he had STUN bled on a way Of turn
ing this calm looking W oman into wild en-
thusiast. But he had il. fact struck the fire
from the flint
She forgot all about hel' errand, and entered
into religious discussion IN a way that took
the male disputant's brea tn from him. She
talked about selection anil predestination-
the utter ineficacy of work OF faith to save
she pounded him with ter ibIe texts which
cut off the hope Of mercy fl ON all save the
elect, until poor old Whittake fairly gasped.
His one-sided studies furnishe d no weapons
with which to meet her veheme Mt attack. ALI
he could do was to shake his head pityingly
and sigh for the state of her N ind. In this
he was little different from many reputed
teachers of men.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1885-07-10

eyebrows showed their owners discomfort
Beatrice, in giving a servant a holiday. ha6
taken a liberty.
"Where has she goneY' asked Herbert. who
liked to know thathis servants were SPENDING
their time properly.
''To London, I suppose" said Beatrice
carelessly.
Now the way in which Mrs. Miller spent
her holiday was as follows:
She rose at an early hour and walked from
Lakewood House to the cross roads, Here
she waited until the numbering, old-fashioned
bus came in sight. She took seat in it. and
was in due time deposited at the Blacktowu
station. At Blaektown she took the train tc
Weymouth, which fashionable watering
place she reached about II o'clock.
1t was, however, clear that she had not
come here to enjoy a day at the seaside In.
stead OF going at once to the gay esplanade.
she sought the shades Of the general waiting
room-here she remained an hour.
She then embarked in another train: ont
that ran on single line Of railway-rar
nearly the whole of its way with the sea OF
one side and mighty hill of smooth, rounded
pebbles, known as the Chesil Beach, on thu
other, whilst in front of it doomed tall
serrated, precipitous cliffs, at the foot o.
WHICH was 1tS QeSt1natOn,
Mrs. Miller paid no attention to thu
natural scenery of the place. She stepped
from the train and walked out of the little
station in methodical, business-like way. II
was evident that the woman had not come *
TAR on mere pleasure jaunt.
1t was burning day. The sun shot down
Its rays hercely on the treeless, shadeless
barren island, or so-caIed island. Mrs Mil
iers black garments seemed scarcely suitable
to such weather-her frame certainly no
strong enough to toll up those cliffs of oolitit
limestone which frowned down upon her
No wonder she turned to the cabstand Tn,
two or three cabs which it boosted wer
rickety old machines, but the horses which
were between the shafts were strong ones
Horses need be strong to earn living In thi,
land. % - s--N
She drove bargain after the manner Of
her kind, then took her seat in one of the
dusty vehicles. She was driven through the
little gray town, which lies at the foot of ano
stretches long way up the hill. The hor1
tolled up the steep street, on and on until thu
occupant OF the cab looked down on til,
tops OF the houses which she had iust
passed. Then a turn, and bit of leye
ground, another turn and steep hill: SO or
and on In z1gzag course until the table land
which lies at the top of Portland island wa,
somehow reached, an event which must have
been grateful alike to the horse and the occu.
pant of the cab, supposing the latter only
possessed of nerves of ordinary strength and
therefore apt to rebel against being drawn uu
hills as steep as the side of a house.
Some time before the cab reached the ton
of the cliffs it had at intervals passed canes
OF men working by the roadside. At a dis
tance these men looked little different from
ordinary navvies but a closer insuectior
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1885-07-10
Mrs. Miller looked through her bars at the


c0nuict
at Mrs Miller; the warder between them sat
on his stool sublimely Indifferent, and for
while there was silence. The convict was fine
first to break it.
ooh, it's you, is it?" he said
eyes, it's me" said Mrs. Miller.
'Well, what do you wantsa To see how
am getting on2"
He spoke quite jauntily. His visitor gazed
at him scornfully.
"Oh, I'm in splendid health, )" he continued.
physically, I'm twice the man I was when I
came here. Regular hours, regular meals,
regular work. Constitution quite set up. No
chance Of my dying before my terms up"
mo, Pm afraid there isn't" said Mrs. Mil
Ter with such bitterness that the impassive
warder glanced at her, and wondered what
manner of prisoners friend this was
The prisoners face changed. Hescowled at
her as darkly as she had scowled at him.
when will your time be up?' she asked
sharply. "Can you tell mep' she added,
turning to the warder.
Cant say exactly" answered the warder,
Hes in blue, SO he's in his last year"
Mrs. Miller shuddered. Her hands clenched
themselves ipyoluntarily.
Il want to KNOW" she said, addressing the
convict, ''what arrangements you will be
willing to make when you come out. That is
the object Of my visit u
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1885-07-10
CHAPTER VIII.

Mrs. Miller, the respectable, middle-aged
widow who had, in spite of her lack of
properly authenticated vice-testimonials,
been installed in the place vacated by the
nurse girl whose amorous tendencies sent such
thrill through Lakewood House, continued
to give the greatest satisfaction. She was
living proof that broom which swept clean
when new, may continue to do so after the
newness has departed. Moreover. Mrs.
Miller was a broom which raised very little
dust as it swept.
She was palefaced woman with strongly
marked features. The nose was aquiline. the
cheeks thin, almost hollow; the mouth and
chin told of a certain force of character. the
eyes were dark, and at times shone with De-
culiar brightness. In spite of the calm.
methodical way in which she went about the
place in discharge of her duties, one skilled in
the study of the face would have said that
this woman possessed highly nervous tenn
perament-that her quiet was but the result
Of years of self-control, that had she lacked
that strong mouth and chin, Mrs. MilIer's
true nature would have shown itself at every
hour of the day.
She was thin, and in the dark gowns which
she invariably wore, looked almost ascetic.
10 men She presented few attractions. The
uuuef gardener VINO mad been repri1nanded,
but not dismissed, found the change of nurses
sorry one for him. Had he wished to do so, 1
doubt ii the most forward man servant would
have dared to put his arm round Mrs. Miller's
sombre waist
But her masters liked her, Miss C1auson
liked her, the boy liked her, and, above all
Whitaker liked her. This last was an i'm
portant matter, as in the servants hall Whit
taker. by virtue of 1Ono service ond ;.ro
proachable character, reigned supreme.
The new nurse was in MANY WAYS a. SER
want after his own heart. She treated him
with the respect which was his due, and
neither by word nor action ridiculed his
masters-the crime common to nearly all the
retainers of Lakewood House. The only
fault which Whitaker could find with Mrs.
Miller was on account Of her religious senti-
rSsek.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1885-07-10
She pounded him auth terrible tents until

She pounded him auth terrible terts until
- Whitaker fairly gasped.
Suddenly, as if remembering where she
was, Mrs. Miller grew calm, but evidently
by great effort of self-control. She even
apologized for her excitement which she
hoped Mr. Whitaker would forget. Then
she left him.
In his responsible position his first thought
was that his masters ought to be informed Of
the heterodox views held by the nurse But
this seemed scarcely fair to the woman, who,
in spite of all, went to church as regularly as
the other servants. So he did not mention
the matter to the Talberts, but, overtaking
Mr.. Mordle as the latter was one day walk
ing into the town, he, with all respect, told
him what strange ideas Mrs. Miller held on
religious subjects This may seem presump
ton on Whittalser's part. but the truth is,
that the dream of his life was, that had not
fate made him butler he might have been
clergyman. And a very imposing one he
would doubtless have made
s'Ahr' said Mordle 'tCalvinism-lreary
religion-most dismal and dreary of all"
The curate was rather short with Whit
taker. He thought the old servant rather
nuisance and somewhat of prig.
"Will you see her and talk to ner, slra'
asked Whitaker, respectfully.
"No-Calvinists are incurable. But to
please you, Whitaker, I'll preach at her
some Sunday"
1t may be presumed that Mrs. Miller did
not infict her Calvinism upon Beatrice, as
the latter seemed to find the new nurse per-
fectly suited to her duties. 1t was clear that
Mrs. Miller had become strangely attached
to her young mistress. Nothing seemed to
give her such pleasure as performing any
small personal service which Miss Clauson re-
quired. When Beatrice passed her, the wo-
mans dark eyes followed her with an ex-
part Beatrice treated the nurse with con-
sideration not always shown by the most
amiable toward their servants 1t was vul-
carly said among the household that Mrs.
Miller, quiet as she was, had managed to get
the length of Miss Clauson's foot
Whether Mrs. Miller was unduly favored
or not, things at Hazlewood House ran on
smoothly. Perhaps it was the perfect order
in which the gear worked that induced the
nurse to take days holiday.
1t was the day after Mr.. Mordle had made
and losthis venture. Horace and Herbert,
pottering about the gardens, saw the bright
haired boy going out in charge of the parlor
maid. This was an infraction of rules which
could not he overlooked. They demanded the
cause, and were told that Mrs. Miller had gone
for days holiday.
Of course the brothers said no more; but,
upon seeing Beatrice, they mentioned the mat
ter to her. Eyes" she said, II told her she
might go for the day."
The Talberts were too polite to blame Bea-
trica in l~snnAr~~---.,L o1os,o+;o,, ~ eo,,n
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1885-07-10

w 5O' AAAo WIN |
"You will only have ! ourselves to blame tor
the scandal" continued their visitor. Still
they smiled.
"Dear Lady Bowker," said Horace, soft
| ly, twill you still ask us to dinner occasion
ally?'
''Of course shall
"And still honU. Hazlewood House with
your presencea"
"Yes-when you ask men
"Then," said Borace, 1--WE feel we can hold
our own against the world"
| Lady Bowker drove away in a thorough
bad temper, hsit feeling more certain than
ever that the child was somebody. Indeed,
she managed to convey to most people the
impression that she was in the secret.
| "Lady Bowker is trife vulgar sometimes, :"
said Horace sadly.
''She is, )" assented Herbert.
1t was painful thing for them to be COM
PEELED to make such an accusation against a
well-known member of the aristocracy; but
they were conscientious men, and spoke the
truth even when it lacerated their feelings.
Then in a quiet. methodical manner they
went to work and busted all the Oriental cl lima
in large cabinet on the first landing. They
were fond of Oriental china, which they con-
sidered the aristocrat of ceramics.
1t is OF course proud position for a. man to
hold when he feels he can defy the scandal of
a place like Oakbury, but nevertheless Horace
Talbert was much annoyed, and as week after
week went bv this annoyance Increased He
thought that Herbert should have snolrep tn
him. He had waived b;s objections 70 LOCI
ing the child at Hazlewood House and now
that the matter Voc so++1oS ua,.lt 49,. -. ~
have fold him averu+hina Ea;+hf,,, - h Go
creed of non-interfersnca 5e said or showed ~,
nothing of his state of mind mt, Tho orroot
June audit came rouna WV
The great lime audit ,vos +h;s. W. howe
seen how eract1v i,,st Tho hro+ha,S Lev, ua,o
towards ono a,o+ s ~; ~ ,o'n LES. "el 70
mounds sbilI;ngs and ,a.,oe 60 - LII W W
easi1v 49,. 49, s-oo,,sst, -.
With tho oSt c, eIJ 1ue o,aeot "etH neps
wv, ~ n I.o nuoso eieiy ool1ec.ne 81 nolace
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1885-07-10

nope; DuG ne IelJ ne muS5 Iuake Ills vonlcss.v,.
before he struck his flag altogether
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1885-07-10
A FAMILY AFFAIR
BY HUGH CONw AY,
Author of "Called Back" and Ozark Days"
[Conc1uzed from last aoeek.l

The last winter months and the sprinpr
months passed very quietly at Hazlewood
House. The Talberts and their niece dined
occasionally with the best families in the
leighborhood, and in return the Talberts
isked the best families to dine with them, The
even days wonder about the boy had almost
lied away. Everyone, of course, felt sure he
vas somebody, but no one knew what body.
t there was any scandal the serene brothers
seecu 1t not. tits true that old Lady Bowker,
iverv important parsonage. paid them visit
IN purpose TO Hnd ouG al aGtjoti5 every UnnIg.
She had known the Talber5s as boys, so felt
untitled to ask them point blank for an explain
ltion. People who have Known you as
10Y are, as rule, great nlisances.
She told them she wanted to speak to them
N private business, SO Bes trice left the room.
Then she turned from one to the other of the
grave, long faced men:
''Now, Horace; now, Herbert, what is the
meaning of this affair? VINO is the boy you
IRE making such fuss about?"
81 don't think we ever make fusses,n said
Herbert in deprecating way
Certainly not, y said Horace, with decision.
"Well, mysteries then; we all want to know
who this child really is-the child who came
IN the dead of night wrapped up in an anti
macassar or something-came by Pickford's
van, I am told.'
1T wish you could tell US, Lady Bowker.
We know no more than you do"
"That's all nonsense, Horace. hear YOU
have engaged a nurse, and that the child is to
stay with you. I think you are most incon-
siderate."
''We are never inconsiderate, I" said Horace.
Certainly not, said his brother.
"Yes, you are. You are inconsiderate in
not letting at least one safe, discreet person
into the secret. Some one like myself who
could vouch for you"
eve don't want to be vouched for.n
''Yes, you dol don't see that you are any
better than other people,"
Lady Bowker was growing cross at their.
mild obstinacy.
"You are most inconsiderate towards Miss
Clauson. Here, week after she comes to
live with you, this infant makes it's appear
ance. OF course people say you were only
waiting until there was a lady at Hazlewood
House to look after him.
''They say that, do they?' asked Horace,
refectively.
"What else can they say? I don't say SO;
but then have known you SO long I say
that you have some excellent reason for keep
ing this child; but you ought to tell one per-
son at least who he really is,
"But we don't know
"Yes, you do Now tell me, like good
men,
They repeated their simple statement, add
ing that the child was kept by Beatrice's ex-
press wish; also because they hoped the
mystery would one day bs solved and be-
cause they themselves felt a friendly DISPOSE
ton toward the little waif.
Il don't believe word of it," said Lady
Bowker rudely, and rising; to go. The brothers
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1885-07-10
CHAPTER TX.
JUMPING AT CONCLUSIONS.

JUMPING AT CONCLUSIONS
Mr.. Mordle went away the next week. He
carried his sorrow with him, manfully re-
solved to do all he could to leave it on the
summit of Mont Blanc or the Matterhorn. to
sink it in the Lake Of Maggiore or Como. or
to cast it upon the flowing Rhine. He told
himself with such cheerfulness as he could
muster that he was deeply wounded bat not
Killed. Before he tied the label on his port
manteau he discharged what his keen sense
of honor told him was duty He called on
the Talberts and informed them how he had
Jared with Beatrice.
They were very busy bottling off quarter
cask of sherry. They found that buying their
wine in wood saved them Heaven knows how
much y Now, bottling wine is nice, digni-
lied, yet, withal, cheerful operation, in the
performance of which duke need not be-
ashamed to be seen. If had the wine to bot
tie would work at it ten hours day. So
when t. brothers heard that Mr.. Mordle
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1885-07-10

wished particularly to see them, he v :;
to step down into the cellar.
Into the cellar he went. Not q had ,,laco
on such a sultry day. He found Ha,,sco
seated on low stool, with his long straiel,s
legs spread on either side of the casz, in
something of the attitude of reversed
Bacchus. He was filling the bottles with the
golden fluid, whilst Herbert stood near him
and after dipping the corks into a little basin
full OF wine, manipulated them with cork
squeezer and eventually drove them into
their resting-place by aid of small spade
shaped mallet. AS each bottle was filled.
corked, and put aside, Herbert made chalk
mark on board, and every fourth mari, he
crossed with another, so that the tally could
be easily counted. The whole performance
was beautifully methodical and busness-like.
rejecting great credit on the actors.
With their native politeness, the moment
MI. Mordle came in sight they ceased their
occupation. Horace turned the tap and rose
from the half filled bottle; Herbert left the
cork half driven in. They greeted their visi-
tor and apologized for bringing him down to
the lower regions. Although they wore large
coarse white aprons, fashioned somewhat like
girls pinafore, they looked two well-bred
gentlemen.
u say" said the curate nervously, "you
know I'm nj bo n L.,