davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1902-01-18

tell me who this girl is, and then 1 can
judge
He checked her by pleading. hope
less glance and a weak wave of the
hand.
Il must" said he-"I must tell you
who she is. 1 see no way to avoid it.
am amazed that you do not know. You
can't be unfamiliar with your cousins
writing"
Muriel turned white.
Annie! My cousin"' she cried and
snatched up one of the letters. Yes;
it is hers. I never saw much of her
writing. We didn't write to each other.
And it is she-Arthur, L can't believe
this"
II knew of it or at least guessed it,"
said Graden. with returning calrnness.
Il saw that she was drifting toward
Sargent, and 1 warned her against him
before 1 went west
Mr.. SARGENT" she cried. DO you
still expect me to believe
''Muriel. Muriel," he interrupted in
the voice of one deadly sick at heart,
do you not see? Do you not remember
one word? These letters that you have
read are all stolen. 1 told you that 1
was amazed by my first glance at them.
Muriel. they are mine-my letters to
you, line for line, almost word for
word. She has taken what 1 wrote
you when 1 was in Chicago, all the
stuff as you called it; all that l
thought was the true word of love,
though you said that 1t was pretty
sick five minutes ago. 1 don't know
whether you gave her my letters to
read or whether she pried into them.
I haven't had time to take these silly
illusions back to her. But in any case,
liking my style of stuff she has faith
fully copied it, changing only so much
as was necessary to make it read as if
written by a woman. Yes, Muriel.
that's my love talk to you. The words
you have just read aloud to me are the
same that you have been accustomed
to read over and over again before 60
ing to bed and repeat softly to your
self while waiting for slumber to watt
you away and repeat again when you
woke in the morning. All. Muriel, you
must have loved those letters!"
Muriel was panic stricken. Her gold
en- palace was tumbling about her ears.
She was frantic
Arthur" she cried. they were beau
tiful! 1 did read them! All. how
loved them! And do remember But
was so excited, so jealousi 1 remem-
Der every word. How could have been
so crazy as not to know this that ]
have read a thousand times?"
She snatched up one of the letters
from the desk and read at random. and
it happened that she lit upon one of the
few passages that were truly original
with Cousin Annie,
Graden got upon his feet and looked
at her. He looked her through and
through. Then he turned and went out
of the office
When he came back from abroad
about a year later. the Ballantynes
were no longer in our city. He went
humbly to the house of the girl who
loved him and was worthy of him, and
Constance told him truly that she was
very glad he had come back.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1902-01-18
Copyright, 1902, "a
By Elizabeth LangsdOrf.

supplied with game, and had no need
to roam far from home for food. When
wished a bit of fish. all had to do
was to sit down on the shore and wait
till a fish came to the surface to
breathe Then 1 could whip him out of
the water with my paws before he
knew what was the matter. When 1
craved bird, the trees were full of them.
When was bit French in my tastes,
1 could enjoy a dainty luncheon of
frogs or a Chinese dish in the shape of
mice. with which the fields are filled, as
you know. / am an excellent hunter.
Just notice how conveniently my paws
are arranged-webbed for swimming
and with long. sharp claws for fishing
or whipping down land game. But
there" and the mink looked sadly down
at his limbless body, they have taken
away my legs, and 1 am nothing now
but a mink collar. wearing borrowed
plumage in the shape of half a dozen
tails which are not mine and deprived
OF my own useful feet.
The trouble has always BEEN" the
mink went on after sohbing softly for a
minute, that 1 was too good looking.
My beauty has been my ruin. This
lovely reddish brown coat was admired
even when I was a fat baby mink tum-
bling about inside the hole which served
as nome for my mother. myself and
my five brothers and sisters. My moth
er would sigh when she looked at me
and say: You are too handsome to es-
cape trouble. Minkie. Beware Of men
and traps.'"'
You should have obeyed your moth
err" Johnny softly admonished.
II did, oh, did, the mink replied,
rolling his little round eyes to the cell
ing and clashing in anguish two rows
OF littk. catlike teeth You see, /
never dreamed that there was a trap in
the Reighborhood. or 1 should never
have ventured out of my hole that
morning. but when I smelled such deli
cious meat and saw a dead bird on the
snoyL I ran up to look at It. There was
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1902-01-18

marry Muriel's cousin Annie, a silly
girl. whose leading trait of character
was a wholly unbridlsd curiosity. But
she had heart. while Muriel hadn't.
The worst part OF the whole affair
perhaps was the chance that II would
break Constance Hamlin's heart. She
loved Graden, but she was not the sort
OF girl to tell anybody about it. She
lived her life as she had always lived
it. cheerfully and sweetly. and she met
Graden with a smile and with a well
come whenever they were brought to-
gether.
Muriel took her triumph with a mock
ever saw. The key of the scene was.
How can you love poor little me?'
And she played IL to the gallery. Yet
she would pretend to understand Ora
denis deepest thought. though he was a
fellow of intellect. 1 have seen him
talking to MurieI and have been so
near as to get the drift of his thought
when she was not even trying to under
stand. She cared not a penny for the
fine things that he said, but she made
him think, that they were the bread of
life to her.
We were expecting an announcement
of the engagement in the full confidence
that the persons concerned had come to
an understanding when business sud
denly called Graden away to Chicago.
He was gone about a fortnight, and
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1902-01-18

CNNg%1S to what It is that
! ]. !. !. J.
Hcs makes a certain man
SlIA III fall in love with GER
IIAA&AI tain woman all phi
III ~ M losophers who have
Az A III diligently considered
EVA AZJ the subject are agreed.
TS0S<TYK The reason why he
- does IT, the reason
why he chooses that particular woman
and not another, is something that no
human being will ever know.
Backed by this authority, 1 am will
ing to admit that 1 do not know why
Arthur Graden chose MurieI BaIlan-
tyne. I am afraid, however. that 1 do
know why Muriel chose him. 1t was
because he was the greatest matrimoni-
al catch in those parts. He had much
money in his own right safely and
profitably invested. He had no female
relatives to keep him out Of bad
match or help him into merely I'M
happy match or to bother him after he
should make any sort of match what
ever for himself. He was very much
alone in the world, except for his
friends. Truly he never lacked friends
honest and sincerely devoted to him,
for he was a big, handsome, fine grain
ed fellow, q mans man, though very
gentle in his ways.
Now, because we cared so much for
him we were particularly sorry that he
should become infatuated with Muriel
Ballantyne. Really we did not want
him to marry anybody. A man rarely
views his friends approach to the altar
of matrimony with pleasurable feelings.
However, we had become recOnciled to
the idea that Arthur would marry
Constance HamIin. who was one of the
best and sweetest women that ever
blessed the world by coming into II.
There was no engagement between
them. but the trend of their friendship
toward the awful abyss of matrimo-
n.y." as one OF our confirmed bachelors
remarked, was too plain to admit OF
any doubt. AS matter of fact. era
denis marriage to Constance would
have been in every way appropriate.
eminently desirable, SO far as human
foresight could conceive.
But MurieI was a different girl from
Constance She was. to be frank about
IL. a pretty, tinted shell. with only a
certain sharp self interest as the ami
mating principle within. She had yell
low hair and wide blue eyes with dark
lashes. They surely were remarkable
eyes, possessed of a fascination that, in
my own case at least, could never rise
above the level of curiosity. With
Graden. however, il amounted to hyp-
notism, and 1 think he never saw Muri-
Ell at all. only her eyes. All the rest of
her was a creature of his imagination.
In particular he imagined a brain for
her and a heart. He fancied that she
understood him, that she loved him.
and she never did either. She never
even deceived herself into the belief or
felt the need of II. She simply wanted |
20 marry him.
1t was for that purpose, as am we'll |
convinced, that she persuaded her
mother to move over into our city. |
Previous to that time, although MurieI
was quite we'll known to many in our
social circle, she had never met Ora
den. for in those days he was a great
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1902-01-18

Graden laid his face upon his arm
that rested on the back of the chair.
and he groaned in agony. Muriel felt
that she had scored a point, but she
was almost afraid to press her advan-
tage too far.
If this had been matter of long
ago" she said, "I wouldn't have cared |;
but. Arthur, it's been going on since
you We're engaged to me. This letter is
postmarked this very month
Read it," said Graden. and Muriel
drew it from the envelope and began:
L have been watching the stars to-
night, as those who love have done in
all ages. The steadfast quiet of the
stars, their constancy in the heavens
and their fidelity
"Oh. what nonsense!" she exclaimed
and then turned again to the letter,
whence she read a considerable passage
dealing with stars and love in a very
fanciful and pretty fashion.
she wasn't much of a girl to write
news" said Muriel. II don't see any
you. That is the point. And you gave
her the right to say these things to
you
How do you know that she said
them TO me?" he asked.
Now, Arthur, don't be silly" she re-
Joined. IF you could see your own face
2 [ this moment
You will observe" said he, speaking
with great restraint, that the name
has been cut from the envelope in each
case. There is nothing to show that
they were mine"
Now, to state the case truly, Muriel
had been inclined to doubt that the let
tiers were Graden's, although she had
found them in his desk. Indeed she
had hoped that they were not, for she
could have had all the advantage of
the display of jealousy just as well
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1902-01-18

MurieI received a fat letter from him
every day. as she took care that we all
should know.
When he came back, he was very
much occupied with business affairs.
and 1 think Muriel became worried be-
cause he was giving her less of his
time than formerly. In fact, he was
merely trying to make more money,
| because an unrecognized instinct bur-
led in his brain had told him that she
loved it.
Muriel during this period called quite
often at the office of the Graden estate,
where Arthur's room, which had a door
upon the street, had long been rem
devious for all of US, to the harm of
his pecuniary affairs sometimes, I've
no doubt.
One day when Muriel called there
Graden was out, and the girl remained
alone in the private room for half an
hour or more. When Graden entered.
she was seated before his desk, and her
handkerchief was pressed against her
eyes, which, as she turned them toward
him, he perceived to be Redeemed by
weeping.
''Murieli" he exclaimed. springing
forward. What is the natter"
She flung out her hands with a ges-
ture that means repulsion in any good
school of elocution. Then she shook
her head slowly and sadly, and, having
half risen, she sank back again into her
chair
II trusted you so completely" she
cried. Il was so sure OF you!"
Graden shook himself as If to drive
away a dream.
II don't understand" he said.
The yellow haired doll laid her hand
upon a very small packet OF letters
from which the cord was loosened.
Upon the top there seemed to be two
letters that were not in their envelopes.
and another was open on the table.
You have been reading those?" said
Graden in a peculiar, strained tone.
why did you do it?'
MurieI was somewhat alarmed; but.
having begun jealousy scene. she felt
that 1t must be played through.
Il was going to write a note to you"
she said, wiping an imaginary tear
from the corner of her large blue eye.
land these things were in the pigeon
hole with the envelopes. Arthur. 1
can't believe it,"
Graden took three hasty steps for
ward and bent over her shoulder. his
eyes upon the open letter. Then he
walked slowly to the other side of the
room and finally sat down upon the
arm OF a large chair. His face must
have been study of grief.
You read that?" he asked. "Well.
what did you think of it?'' IS
She is a silly girl" she said. but
she loves you, just as another silly girl
loves you, because she can't help it."
"She loves me?" repeated Graden.
'Why do you think sop
Muriel opened her eyes very wide.
why do think SOP" she demanded
Listen to this"
And she read from the letter:
~ do not remember faces readily,
and yet can see yours whenever shut
my eyes. 1t is loves best blessing that
when one loves one is never alone
again. Distance cannot rob me of you,
and 1 think that neither time nor eter-
nifty can do it. but that shall always
see your face while this world lasts,
and your soul with the eyes of mine
forever
II call that pretty sick" added Mu-
riel. Who was she? There's no name
signed"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1902-01-18

The indelicacy of the question was a
genuine revelation of the girls nature.
and in calmer moment she would
have known better than to ask it. Gra-
den stared at her. dazed.
Il believe they are!'' cried Muriel.
This writing seems familiar
Read more" said Graden hoarsely.
Read that one which is on the top of
the pile"
The affair was getting beyond Mu-
riePS depth, and she was scared
through and through. Yet she read the
letter because she couldn't think of
anything else to do. 1t consisted most
ly of a pretty and somewhat elaborate
picture of that phase of love in which
everything brings to the loving heart
some hint or memory of the one below
ed. so that there seems to be q new and
delicious meaning in the world and in
the people who walk in its ways and in
the heavens over ii.
While she was reading aloud MurieI
was thinking so hard that 1t seemed to
her as if her thoughts must be audible.
She was striving after a means of
breaking off the scene. Suddenly she
flung down the letter and arose, with
arms extended.
What do 1 care for this stuff?" she
exclaimed. Il know you love me. Why
do you keep her letters? Burn them,
and let us forget her"
why do you keep my letters?" asked
Graden.
why do 1 keep your letters?" cried
Muriel, opening her eyes until they
looked as big as blue china butter
plates. L should like to see any one
take them away from met 1 read
them over and over again before 1 go
to bed. and when the light is out and
lie there in the dark I say them to my
self softly until sleep carries me into
dreamland, but when 1 wake I am still
repeating them"
Il am glad to hear you say So said
Graden. Now let me tell you about
these letters. You are aware that Ar
thur Sargent died suddenly about ten
days ago. We were acquaintance, not
friends-I never liked him-and L was
surprised to learn that he left a re-
quest that 1 should take charge of his
affairs. 1t was almost the only intelli-
gible thing that he said after he was
more strongly moved to undertake the
task. / found those letters among his
papers, and, supposing from their posi-
ton that they must have some connec-
ton with his affairs, I ventured to
glance at one of them. My surprise
was considera BILE"
You knew the writing? I seem to
know II too. And. Arthur. 1 never
thought that they were written to you;
never, really, until you looked so guilty.
so grief stricken and contrite. You are
telling me the truth now, Arthur? You
swear it?"
II have no reason to do otherwise
said he. ST shall return the letters to
the writer"
But why are the addresses cut out
of the envelopes?" she asked.
"A device of the late Mr. Sargent,
who was not noted for constancy," re-
piled eiraden. There was a rich widow
whom he hoped to win. and she some
times waited in his office, just as you
were waiting in mine, Muriel."
And if she had found the letters
with no names on them" said Muriel
he could have told her that they were
not his, just as you have told me that
they are not yours. Arthur, 1 cannot
believe this story. think you ought to
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1902-01-18
A PACKET OF LOVE LETTERS
coPYRIeHr, 1so2, RY EREoERck 3. rooMns
BY WILLIS EMERY.

traveller. She knew all about him, how
ever. and she had marked him for her
own.
Muriel and her mother took q small
house on a good street and began to
spend more money than they could af-
ford. which is a bad sign In such affairs
1 am afraid the mother was cognizant
of her daughters plan. and she should
not be blamed, for doubtless she be-
lieved that Muriel was worthy of any
man. Yet the painful truth is that Mu-
riel was a hollow sham. For my own
part, 1 would rather have seen Graden
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1902-01-18
Caught Him Foul.

81 know a man dat
made a lot of money
following the horses"
What was he?"
"Bus driver, man.
You's easy."-Chicago
News.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1902-01-18

where little boys mother dropped 1t
when she came in from shopping a half
hour before there is no telling what it
will do next.
What funny namei Mine is Mink.
Much prettier-don't you think 500"
queried the collar. poking up the sharp
pointed nose on its fiat little head.
Johnny did not think so, but preserv-
ed discreet silence
Il think IT a shame that men should
set traps for us They say some minl1s
rob chicken houses, but I never did.
Why, there was not a chicken house
within miles of my home. Besides. the
pond on whose banks I lived w&a well
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1902-01-18

without a real cause. and she was posi-
lively alarmed when his manners con-
WINGED her that the letters really had
been addressed to him. The matter be-
gan to be serious, and she shivered
with anxiety. For the first time during
the interview and almost for the first
time during their acquaintance she was
sincere when she addressed him next:
Are these letters from Constance
Hamlin?"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1902-01-18
wrongAgaIns
Footinit =

Footinit =
Who. wasi that
impudent little
brat who came
into your room
and acted in
such an i'll bred
manner while
/ was calling
on you this
morning?
Mr.. Meekton
- Er-why, 20
tell the truth,
that is our
youngest son.
Ohio State
Journal.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1902-01-18

piled. But here she comes. and must
never let her think I can hop off the
bed. Please don't mention our chat"
And when the door opened Johnny's
anamma saw her little boy fast asleep
and the mink collar on the bed.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1902-01-18
Never SingIy.

Never SingIy.
"Ah, old man.
1 hear you've
had an addition
to your fami-
ly."
Eyes, two"
mot twinsY
"Oh, no-the
baby and my
wife's motherp
Town Topics.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1902-01-18

When you are stitching on a machine
any material which contains stiffening.
rub a piece of candle on the material
where the needle has to run. This will
keep the thread from snarling or knot
ting and make the material far easier
to sew.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1902-01-18

a snap of steel. and then knew no
more. Now 1 am nothing but a ladys
collar"
Yes" said Johnny. but my mamma
is a very nice lady to be a collar for
"Oh, agree with that" the collar re-
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1902-01-18
Expert.

Expert
could you do
the landlord in
the Lady of
Lyons?'" asked
the manager Of
a seedy actor.
"Well, 1 guess
1 might. 1 have
done n good
m a ny land
lords"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1902-01-18
The intelligence of Ants.

Ants are said to stand higher than
any other insects in intelligence. In
sects in general have more of this fac
ulty. called instinct. developed than
have any other creatures.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1902-01-18
A Task.

A Task.
"What is the
matter?" asked
[ h e literary
mans friend.
Il don't know
what 1 am go
ing to do about
this week
work.
what is the
trouble?"
| 81 can't think
of any interest
! ing questions to
ask myself in
my Answers to
| Correspondents
icolu m ~
W Il s hin gton
Star.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1902-01-18

"NHE fur collar on the bed gave a
jump, or at least Johnny, who
was watching it with unwink-
ing eyes. thought il did.
With a little squeak it slid
down from the coverIet and
yawned ostentatiousIy, showing two
rows of sharp pointed teeth in a TRAN
gular mouth.
What's your name, boy?" demanded
the collar.
Johnny Jenkins" the child replied.
with a good deal of trepidation, for
when a fur collar can hop from the bed
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1902-01-18
TaNofhing Dofng~3E

Kid In Background
I'D kidnap him if L
thought dere wuZ any,
ting in it.-New York.
Journal.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1902-01-18

Solutions of Puzzles

Solutions of Puzzles.
Hidden Proverb Fable.-"Birds of a
feather flock together
Who Is This Emperor ?"-William II.
of Germany.
What's in a name? Four letters.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-07-04
DOGS, CATS, ETC.

BELGIAN HABES AND GUINEA PIGS 81 PAIR
upwards. Just the stock for boys to breed during
the vacation: have also white mice and pig
cons. SCHMID'S BIRD STORE, 7l2 18th ST. NV
my20-tf
FOURTEENTH STREET HOSPITAL FOR Dogs
Surgical and medical diseases Of dogs and cats
Animals boarded beg cemetery. Theme main
1Il-2. HOSPITAL. 2lls l4th 81. NV. my17-u
DIR CECIL FRENCH. EXPERT SPECIALIST
Diseases and SJ,geTy Of the Dog and Cat.
Infirmary and Boarding Kennels klingle road
City Office, us 18th St NV. Tel (Schmids 24ql q
Ylatoiyhinc-i
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-07-04
POTOMAC RIVER BOATS.

(. S. RANDALL POTOMAC RIVER LINE co.
DAILY STEAMERS FOR RIVER LANDINGS,
STEAMER HARRY RANDALL-Monday and Wed
nesday at pm for Colonial Beach. Colion's ara
intermediate Landings, and landings In wicomlco
river and Nomini and Lswer AachoJoc creeks, Va.
Saturdays at 4 an for Colonial Beach and inter-
mediate landings, and Busbwood, Rock Point Col
tons. Curriuman and landings In Nomini creek.
STEAMER NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS., Tuesday and
Thursday at am for landings to Colonial Beach
and Maddox creek.
UNITED STATES MAIL ROUTE
WASHINGTON. ID. C. TO GLYMONT. MD,
and intermediate landings.
The STEAMER ESrEI.LE RANDALI@-raily, ex-
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passenger accommodations hrst-class. Freight re-
cetyed until within u half hour Of sailing.
E s. RANDALL. Manager. phone lT65. GEO.
o. CARPENTER General Agent, Washington.
phone IT65. WA NJ. REARDoN Agent. Alex
andria. phone 50. fe2su-2o
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-07-04
FOR RENT-BY wEscoTT WILCOX.

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