davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington times., 1902-12-28

the door was open. and. before he could
collect his thoughts. ne found himself in
the drawIngroom in the presence Of his
divinity. and several other visitors of
both sexes.
"Oh. ] am SO glad you have come. Mr..
snipcr." said Katie a pretty girl with
sparkling dark eyes and neat figure.
as she hurried to meet him at the door.
Then she lowered her voice TO say:
such a nuisance. those people coming.
"Er-er-not at aII-er-I assure you
/" he stammercd convulsively. too
much unnervcd by the discovery Of the
state Of his feet to have the slightest
idea of what she was saying. beyond a
vague idea that she was apologizing for
something
Katie gave him one look Of contemp-
tuous anger and turned away without
another word. When a pretty girl tells
a man she is glad to see him and in the
same breath Iaments that anyone else
should be present. and he answers as
Augustus sniper did. is it anything tc
be surprised at that she feels mortally
offended?
SO Augustus was left stranded by the
door where he had entered, too much
overcome by the paralyzing fear that
someone would look al him and discover
those boots to heed Katie's anger Of
to be aware in what way he had offended
her
However. he dared not remain in the
open space. and. seeing an ottoman, h,
determined to reach It or perish in the
attempt Happily it was near Mrs. Gum
which afforded him an excuse TO go {,
it. Where he stood he felt as though
he was on the edge Of fearful preci
pice. any moment someone might Iool
round; there was nothing for it but Z
rush. He rushed. Happily he was able
TO pull himself up in time and ayoit
tumbling over Mrs. Gum.
How do you do. my dear Mrs. Gum %
he gasped, shaking hands with hei
violently. hoping thereby to draw hel
attention from the eccentric manner il
which he had crossed the room.
The Washington times., 1902-12-28
THE HUMAN VA 7.
cA Charming Story for the Disconnected.

.IkV WONDER" muttered young Mrs.
Perry. jerking a hat3in from the
cushion. 'if I'll ever in this life
possess suitable and seasonable
things to wear?'
She thrust a hatpin rather viciously
through the dainty summer creation that
crowned her head
zone would suppose ] didn't know. 20
she Indignantly told her reflected image.
that a trim. tailor made dress and
walking hat are the correct dress for
autumn. One would suppose didn't
realize how shabby and out Of taste is
this hat. winter skirt, and odd spring
jacket But what use TO know these
things. when one has no money!"
She sighed despairingIy and rummaged
in "a box for her oft-cleaned tan gloves.
The sight Of them lying beside a small
pile Of newly washed neck ribbons pro-
vokec a fresh burst Of scorn.
"Oh, the littleness Of III" she cried
bitterly To spend ones God-given
energies in cleaning and mending and
turning and dyeing-aH because OF a
miserable. soul-pinching lack OF money. '
Catching up gloves and pocketbook she
passed into the sitting room OF the little
fiat.
BE sure to take good care OF Fred
die while I'm gone. Dora. she adiured
her cousin, who bent above her school
book the -year-old youngster play
ing at her feet"
III try. was the rather weary an
swer Hes always getting into mis-
chief. though, no matter how / watch
him"
The mother sighed impatiently. q
suppose" she said aggrievedly, that
ought really TO stay with him. But il
does seem as if ] might have some rec
reation once in while even II it's nc
more than going TO do little shopping
But then, I'm always made to feel guilty
whenever / demand any release from the
daily grind"
She kissed the child hastily. Good
by, Freddle-mamma' coming baci
soon. Graciousl how dirty that dress is
and / just put il on an hour ago l must
make him some new things this week
The Washington times., 1902-12-28

thing was. knew that fellow wanted to
come and Join us-and I-er-I-didn't z
want him. See"
Just then Thomson returned. carefully
steering his way across the room with
the desired cup Of tea.
Thank you Mr.. Thomson" she said
with a gracious smile; '4t is lucky
you've come. as Mr.. sniper has declared
he can no longer keep away from Miss
Gum. and / shall be LEFT all alone"
Poor Augustusl
Thomson beamed. and there was moth
ing for it but for him to rise and give
up his seat and make mis- way 70 Katie.
"Oh, that had skirts," he groaned.
Why wasn't born a woman?"
BY this tine many OF the guests had
departed, and to cross the room was
matter OF still greater difficulty than be-
fore. However. by making darts, when
no one was looking. from cover 70 cover.
he at length managed to place himself
behind his beloved Katie's chair. She,
/ however. took no notice OF him. but con-
tinued chatting gayIy with Jack McDon-
aid. So there he stood Csltting was out
OF the question: IN silence. till the las.
guest had departed. and when Katie re.
turned from bidding them good-by At
the door, he advanced and saids Il am
so glad all those bores are zn.e."
you have the advantage OF me there,
she said. haughtily
He ignored this remark and continued:
I've been waiting to speak to you all
the afternoon. Mss Gunn-Katie; you
know what I've come for-I want to tell
you"
please tell me nothing. Mr. sniper,
after your disgraceful behavior this az
ternoon nothing you can say viii have
any interest for me-"
But, Katie. listen to me-you know
love you. have always loved you from
the first time I saw you. and I thought
you did not dislike me-"
"Sir. you force me to speak more
plainly. IN short. your language to me
in the state you are in, after your out
rageous Irritation. is nothing short OF an
insult A gentleman does not come to
ask lady to be his wife and begin by
/ flirting with some one else. nor does he
expect 10 be received in respectable
houses when he cannot even walk
( straight. nor does he" as her glance
travelled downward, come to pay a visit
in such boots"
! Augustus fed. Poor Augustus!
The Washington times., 1902-12-28
Hard on the DuCR.

II X-PRESIDENT CLEVELAND was
r. not always the good shot he is to-
IL day. He used. when a young man,
TO go to waretown, y j.. after
ducks, and his uncertain marksmanship
is stiu spoken OF in Waretown with
wonderment
II is said that Mr.. Cleveland went
ducking one Gay with Joseph Coburn, a
Waretown guide. and shot worse, on this
occasion. than he had ever done before,
The decoys were working admirably.
Flock after flock Of redheads flew over
young Cleveland's head. But he. trem-
bling and excited. missed time after
time, the easiest shots. Finally, though,
he did bring down a brace Of ducks,
whereupon he said elatedly 10 COburn:
Hit -em for once, didn't 1. Joe2"
Cobun replied; Yes. sir; they will
fly into it at times. sir
The Washington times., 1902-12-28


,-.-,.
,, ,. ,., ,-,-
-
d.. 49,, -.
" 9 '''' ''-' ''' '''' '' " %
10 '1'A Nci'onNlu 'i'' Sie 'nou III ="
man VINO u'u no' wear patent ie"'''e's >
" ~ p'' ''''iS i'''' ~ HI '''' ''e iu " i'o' .
vi d" ing ioo'n' M" il sue was ~
'neSe' Oh' u makes me an oi "u''e'
90 'n'nN OF H. Now iuS' DC 'oo''
nat shal 40 10 CAIN llS sun
know, III read that book she lent me;
1t VIII do TO open the conversation
with" So he sat down in his easiest
chair and bepan n road
-, -. ,.---.-. -. o..,.,.,.
elocA s'IuCA = lne HouI nc '"ou'u III" 'e
been az his adored ones house. So. with
The Washington times., 1902-12-28

back 10 the drawing-room. where Bert
had remained. with unwonted dis
courtesy, while she had shown her
visitor ou,
He was standing by the window. his
hands thrust down into his Jacket pock-
cts, gazing -mindedly out into
space. So occupied indeed was he in
his own thoughts, that he was unaware
OF Vesdris' presence tiu he felt her
hand lightly placed on his shoulder.
Bert % she said wistfuuy. You told
me this morning that you had some
thing 20 speak 20 me about-lt was just
before Janet came to tell me that Mr..
Brent was in the drawing
He turned 10 gaze at the girl beside
him in mute agony
Won't YOU tell me now what It was
you wanted 20 say 70 me dear?"
NO. I am afraid that cannot 90 he
/ said hoarsely, as once avain he turned
10 look out OF the window. ,I-I-tc
tell you the truth. Il forgot what
was going 20 say.
Don't tell fb. Bert she said quiet
/ ly. az putting her arm through his. sh,
laid her head upon his shoulder. You
know really quite well what you were
going to say. Won't you 'ell me-tha
is. If ] really want to hear2"
/ A faint smile stole over his features
"You-that isl can never tell YOU
what ] was going 10 say, now
why" She raised her head from hi.
shoulder. to glance inquiringly up int,
his face. why won't you tell me now
when half an hour ago you we're willing
to-"
Why" He placed his hands on hei
shoulders and looked straight into IN,
violet eyes raised half-shyly TO his. "a
great deal has happened in those thirt!
minutes-aud l wonder IL you would b'
angry with me. if said-that you hav,
hardly been quite fair with me-"
Hardly fair Why do YOU say that
/ Bert" she asked. faint flush suffusc,
her checks. mounting 20 the very temples
where her soft golden hair strayed r
unruly cUrls OF gold. why do you thiui
that ] have been uatair''
/ "l don't know why should have said
The Washington times., 1902-12-28

IT," he said. unless Il is that the world
has suddenly seemed TO grow cold and
bitter 10 me. he added abruptly. his
voice becoming oddly strained. "You
came to US as Peggy Smith. nearly two
years ago. and as Peggy smith loved
you, -"
Cannot you see your way to love
vesdris Pendual as much--as you loved
Peggy Smith?" The faint flush man
ding her cheeks deepened into a furious
blush
1t would not be honorable on my
part to tell her so. even if did, and
But you have" she said. a ring o.
triumph in her voice And now will
you explain TO me why IL would not be
honorable for you to tell Vestris Pen
dual that you love her, when you could
do so without dlshonor TO Peggy Smithg'
"Ah. little woman. cannot you under
stand?" he said. fondly. You are an
+ helress. and one OF the richest women in
! England at that. while IL am merely
/ the son Of a country squire, with few
hundreds to call my owni AS Peggy. I
might have found courage 70 ask you to
I be"
He paused abruptly. to turn and gaze
anew out OF the window.
Yes, dear-to be what?" She glanced
up at his face pleadingly. Bert. 10 yoI
. I shall always be Peggy. Don't let money
prove barrier between us We have
been so happy together. and. Bert. tell
me what you were going to say"
"Vesdris' he interrupted. hoarse1y.
do YOU know what you are saying Do
you know that you are tempting me2'
Il want 10 tempt you. dear. she said
as laying her head on his shoulder she
hid her tear-blurred eyes from his view
Then. Peggy. darlington / shall aE
ways call you by the name I first learned
to love you under-will you ne my wife.
ideareste"
Though tcar-stainod. it was a happy
face she raised 10 his. as she replied.
simply.
Bort dear. ] shall be the happiest girl
in the world if you will only have met
"If2" He pressed her closely to him.
smothering her resistless lips with hun
cry kisses. "If2 II Will be more to the
point 20 say. II Mr.. Brent viii let me
have you
"I am OF age she said mutinously
But somehow ! don't think that he will
find there Is a just cause or impcdiment
why we should not marry, dearest"
Vesdris proved a prophecies. - Mr..
Prent did not. and when Peggy entered
into her own 10 was as Lady Vesdris VII
J mot.
The Washington times., 1902-12-28

That, Mr. Brent. you-know that 7
should always do. she said, smiling
into his eyes.
Il an far from being certain on that
point said the solicitor. a slight note
Of testiness apparent in his voice. 81
remember the time when you told me in
all seriousness that you wanted 10 mar
~ the gardeners boy
But that was when 7 used 70 invite
you up to the schoolroom 10 tea with
my dolls. Mr. Brent" Always pretty.
she looked singularly winning at that
moment
Brent being merely a man, suffered the
smile to be wooed back TO his face. as.
pinching her gently on the cheek. he
said:
Those were happy days. Vesdrls,
when / used 10 come and drink thimble-
fuls Of tea with you. and listen 10 the
respective family histories OF your dol
lies, Eh? / little thought then that you
would ever have been thrown alone on
the world as Miss Peggy Smith. You
should have come 70 my house, little girl,
Instead Of hiding yourself away in the
wilds OF Yorkshire as a companion. Two
years hard hunting It has taken me to
find you
I knew that you would want me 10
come to you, II ! let you know Of my
whereabouts" Vesdris said softly. Il
did not want 10 be a burden on you, for
thought that ! could earn my own liv-
log! Rather than do that, would have
ter offered me. when he stepped into
everything at the death Of my POOR
father" Her lips trembled ominously
for e moment. then steadying. she con-
tinued. Il have been very happy here.
Everybody has been so kind TO me. and
Bert has looked after me as carefully as
If I were his own sister"
Perhaps more so than II you we're. 90
said the solicitor dryly adding hriskly
as the young man colored awkwardly.
"Well. / must be of now am lue al
York at 2, and"
But you will stay and have some
lunch" said Wumot. speaking for the
first time Il know Peggy
Vesdrls would"
Thank you but 7 am afraid that ]
cannot Ny train leaves az 12:43. and
/ n the clock on the mantelplece is cor
rect. I have just ten minutes in which
to get TO the station" The solicitor
spoke briskly "Good-by, OF course you
must leave here. little girl. at once
and come up TO town. You have q
lot OF documents 10 sign before you
can enter into possession Of your own.
Let me see, today SIS Monday shall
expect you at my Office not later than
Tuesday week Good-by, Good-by, Re
member what I said about the title and
making a suitable marriage AS you are
one o. 81 not the biggest heiress in
England. you have enough money 10 re-
viye st." And so saying. the busy little
solicitor walked TO the door and out
OF the house, pausing az the drive gare.
TO wave an adieu. before he stepped
briskly out toward the station. Yesdris
closed the door softly and sped lightly
The Washington times., 1902-12-28
THOSE BOOTSF TRAGIC LOVE STORY OF MR. AUGUSTUS SNPER

r. AUGUSTUS sNIPER stood
Nh in his second-hoor back bed
i VI room surveying himself in a
small locking glass. He was
arrayed for conquest. and contemplated
himself with a smile Of complacency.
His necktie was most correct. his coat
was marvel of tailoring, though some
what aggressiveIy new. as was also the
rest Of his attire down to his crimson
socks. but hce the newness suddenly
ceased. for on his feet we're a pair Of
.he most disreputable old boots which
have ever been worn since boots we're
Invented.
That they had once been patent leather
was apparent. but Of their former ele-
gance, their white stitching and pristine
brIliancy, there was no sign. They had
been patched, sewn, BACKED. linked
scratched. battered. trodden down at the
heels, and kicked out AZ the toes to
such a degree that a costermonger would
have refused TO convert them into a
flower for the dinner table even ac-
companied by shilling, when they had
reached half the state Of diIapidatiou
in which Mr.. Sniper wore them.
And why did he wear them? Among
his friends his boots we're a constant
source OF envy. hatred. and malice
his toes were the most pointed. bis
At the most perfect. his leather tn,
most shiny and his fashion the new.
rst. His lady friends talked Of them
and one OF them had even been inowr
10 refuse a man because 'his boot,
were not to be mentioned in the sam,
Breath with Mr Sniper's. and she ha,
once seen him wear one that wa,
patched"
But then no one ever saw him in th,
boots be wore in the privacy Of his bed
room. Such toes as he showed TO 81
admiring world were not compatibl
with the broad foot he unquestionabl.
possessed. and the agony they made hir
suffer was only TO be allayed by wearing
those comfortable old friends in his mo
ments OF retirement from the stage o
suburban society where he played no un
important part in his own estimation.
The Washington times., 1902-12-28

gle Neville. determined nothing should
move him from his haven.
What a coy place you've got over
here; thought so directly I came in.
so I got Mrs Gum to let me bring your
tea and come over here for a talk"
did you? ! watched you crossing the
room. but I could not tell where you
were going"
He turned hot at the bare idea Of his
being watched Had she seen the
boots?
did you-er-did you notice anything
-er-peculiar-about-me % he STAN
mered
NO" she said, wonderingly except
] perhaps, your manner Of walking. You
didn't look as if you we're trying TO get
here"
"oh. that's nothing often-er-dc
that. It's a way I've got"
Indeed"
This was not encouraging. anything to
turn the subject. he rushed on: But ]
assure YOU. Miss Neville. now am here
could wish for no greater happiness
than to remain here forever. At least
that is to say. until you go away"
This was perfectly true.
'Tn leave a little margin for your po-
liteness. Mr.. sniper. and won't consider
you bound by that" she said with a
laugh. and then added dryly. what
would the others-what would Katie say
II you sat here all the afteruoon?"
Il don't care what they say. Ny pres
ent position Is the only one to give me
happiness. would not exchange it for
throne" he said with fervor.
He was getting desperate. Anything
10 keep her attention from his boots, and
all these speeches which she took to
mean a sudden desire to get up a firta-
tion we're no empty compliments. but
terribly true expressions Of his painful
/ position.
Meanwhile Katie was watching him
with great wrath. What did he mean by
this behavior? She was not going to
stand such treatment. He had not
once looked at her. and now to see him
] flirting with that mink Maggie Neville
The Washington times., 1902-12-28

was more than flesh and blood could put
up with
Here is your tea said young McDOn-
aid at this moment. "can 1 fetch you
anything to eat. Miss Gunn?"
Yes. please; should like some cake. 20
she answered. fixing Augustus. who stnI
held the plate Of cake, with her eye.
Where the dickens can it be gone to2
he muttered some minutes later. after
hunting high and low well. I'm bless
ed if there isn't sniper busging st on his
knee; III go and interrupt him"
And he went in sniper's direction. Poor
Augustus saw him coming and moved e
little closer to Miss Neville, hiding his
feet under the edge Of her gown. little
thinking all this was perceived by Katie
The wretch" she said to herself. and
when lack Mcdonald returned she airted
desperately with him. keeping one eye
on Augustus. however. "wen. Mr..
sniper. said Miss Neville in answer to
one OF bis pretty speeches: "sInce you
say your pleasure is in serving me. viii
you be so kind as to fetch me another
cup Of teag'
Poor Augustus
"of course my greatest pleasure is to
serve you. Miss Neville. but-er-when
that service-er-neeessitates my Ieav-
ing you-er-beIng deprived Of your So
ciety. 1 cannot ay to accomplish your
wish as would otherwise do" He had
the cup in hand and was balancing It i'd
ioticaIly and he stammeringly sought an
excuse for remaining where be was.
Just at this critical moment a friend
passed at about the distance OF a yard
and half. Here was his chance.
Thomson" he said. reaching over to
touch him and nearly overbalancing as
he did so. Miss Neville says will you
get her cup Of tea. please"
Thomson. who had long worshiped
Maggie Neville. few OF with alacrity on
this errand
Really. Mr.. Sniper, this is going too
far said Miss Neville in an offended
tone: "if you did not wish TO get my tea
I would not have you do it for worlds,
but 1 think you need not put speeches
into my mouth.
My dear Miss Neviile-not wish TO
get your tea2 assure yOu-I-" And
then a happy idea struck him. "The
The Washington times., 1902-12-28
The French cArn1Y in russia.

That host when from the regions OF the
Pole
They shrunk. insane ambitions barren
goal
That host. as huge and strong as e'er
cefed
Their God and placed their trust in
human pridci
SIS fathers persecute rebollious sons,
lie smote the blossoms Of their warrior
youth,
lie called on Frosts inexorabIe tooth
Life to consume in Manhoods frmest
hold;
Nor spared the reverend blood that feebly
runs:
For why-unless for liberty enrolled
Fleet the TaTtar's rcinless steed.
And sacred home-ah! why should hoary
Age be bold2
The Washington times., 1902-12-28

Oh, tho hundreds OF things crying 10 be
done. Shall / ever. ever have any leis-
ure?"
1T isn't right" she protested. as she
hurried along the street. that any hu-
man being should be obliged 10 waste
precious powers on miserly economies
and paltry strivings. There should be
time for something else than getting
meals and making beds and keeping
clothes in order. There should be leis-
ure! Time to think and study and de-
veloD the higher regions OF ones be-
ing. Time TO appreciate the beauties OF
the finer things OF life Oh. there's some
thing wrong with the system Of things,"
The sight Of gorgeous shop windows
only acceutuated her bitter mood. Mrs.
Perry did not possess the philosophy that
enables one to enjoy beauty regardless
Of possession. The display Of exquisite
garments only filed her with wretched-
ness.
ut is cruel," she persisted. Cruel tc
be deprived Of these things when one
has the taste and the artistic ability to
/ appreciate them so keenly."
II was half an hour later. as she stood
a. counter making modest purchases
that the sound Of a woman's voice near
( by arrested her attention. There was
something exceedingly familiar in the
/ well-modulated tones
Cisncing up. she saw that her surmIse
was correct. The perfectly appareled
woman who stood looking at silks was
no other than friend OF her girlhood
The recognition was mutual The
friends moved toward each other with
outstretched hands and glowing eyes.
why, Clara! Is this your"
And you, Margaret"
Then followed the rush OF questions
and comments most natural under the
circumstances.
Come with me-" said Clara EberIy.
drawing Mrs. Perry from the counter:
well 90 to my hotel, where we can talk
over old times to our hearts content.
shopping can wait for a day or two"
She was so sweet. so cordial so like
the Clara Of former days. that Mrs.
Perry forgot for the moment that her
dress showed disheartening contrast to
the exquisitely fitting gown Of gray.
Once in the street. however. the reaIi-
zation smote her. hanson was walt
ing for Clara. The two women got into
it, and again the questions and comments
ran on
II was but a few minutes ride to the
hotel. Mrs. Perry followed her friend
into the handsome entrance. trying very
hard not to be envious.
And now" cried Mrs Eberly as they
reached her room. we can have a cozy
Afternoon all by ourselves"
She rang the bell and ordered refresh
ments.
DO sit back and relax and forget If
you can all about the duties waiting for
you at home. I shan't listen 10 your
going under two hours at the least. Din
ner TO get? Oh! wen. can't you let it
60 for today There, Perhaps It is
thoughtless for me to talk so. You see.
have no responsibilities whatever. I've
IIvvG - hotels ever since / married.
Howard is out Of town so much, IL really