davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-05-31

forget all about it; or at least remem-
Der it only-only as joke"
We'll, you see. that's the difficulty;
I'm afraid we can't forget all about it. -
Mr.. Dornton!"
I'm dreadfully sorry, Miss Rendle:
bue it's just a question of whether we
shall be brutal-and selfsh-and ali
that kind of thing-or whether we shall
study the feelings of other people"
please explain said the girl, in
faint voice.
Thank you: / will You see, poor old
Pitkin is one of the incest fellows
breathing. although I'm afraid he does
have a bad time of it. Now. it happens
that-it just shows what funny mis-
takes people make, doesn't it-having
seen us together once or twice, old Pit
we always call him Pit for short, be-
cause there isn't much of him, you see
old Pit has set his heart on-well-on
getting us married.
But. Mr. Dorpton. how perfectly alb
surdt"
Mad. call it. But people do ge,
such bees in their bonnets. However
If seems that poor DIV Pit has actually
teen scraping money together in order
tc-to give us n start, as no calls it
The girl made a movement toward
him, then stopped
But don't you see. Mr.. Dornton, what
terrible position you place mel mean
he places us-in?"
Perfectly horrible" said Frank
earnestly; and tried to keep his lips
still
Because. of course, such a thing
such an idea-never entered our minds. =
How could il? But then. you see
that's not the difficulty Poor Old Pit
doesn't have much pleasure in his life;
Mrs Pitkin-my esteemed aunt. you
know-isn't too kind to him. I'm afraid. >
But what has that TO do with it, Mr..
Dornton?" asked Deborah
Everything The poor old chap has
keen saving up for it-looking forward
to it; and now, in moment. we cut
the ground from under his feet. ant
show him that it's all blunder- More
than that, he's afraid he's offended us
Il don't quite see what we can do. Mr.
Iornton. You can only disabuse his
mind in regard 10 the mistake.
Frank sheok his head, Il must decline.
Miss. Rendle. to break the heart of any
confding man in that callous fashion. 1
feel that It would be impossible for me
TO go to poor old Pit in the kitchen,
and say to him, Look here, you old blum
derer. it's all wrong. and you've been
scraping 10 your $50 for nothing. No
Miss Rendle. ! can't do it
But. Mr.. Dornton. you must; there ;
no other way.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-05-31

Pitkin, he was of a romantic nature
himself, and was rather pleased than
Otherwise to find himself mixed up in
the affair
Such a very poor and ordinary affair
it was! 1t had happened. some. years. be-
fore that Mrs Pitkin had taken INTO her
establishment (as matter of charity,
she declared) a young girl to assist her
in regard TO ''Pitkin's Private Hotel, ;"
and had, from that time onward, got
little more out of her than she could
have got out of two average servants,
ana had been able to abuse her in q way
70 respecting servant would have
stood for ESe minutes Little Deborah
RendIe had stood It. for the sake of
bread and butter, for three years; had
seen the great world to which. under
happier circumstances, she might have
belonged slipping away from her; had
done everything for "Pitkin's from
the keeping of accounts to the making
Of beds on an emergency.
She was pretty girl. and, what is
letter. a nice girl. She was always
cheerful and bright and kind; she had
long ago subdued what spirit had been
lcf5 in her; she had long ago forgotten,
apparently. that there was any world
outside "Pitkin's."' And-strangest thing
OF all-she was lady-in thought anc
feeling and manner.
Suddenly into the midst Of her life
haG come that one element Of TOmance.
4 certain nephew of Mrs Pitkfn-one
Frank Do, nton-paid an unexpected
visit TO his aunt. He was a youngrjour-
naIist, struggling and fighting 10 plant
his little banner OF fame somewhere in
London; full of hope and buoyancy, and
bringing with him a breath from the
great world that was not Bounded by
bloomsbury and Tottenham Court Road.
And, OF course, in the very nature of
things. Frank Dornton fell in love with
little Deborah Rendle. He was poor,
and so was she; he was friendIess, and
she was nearly so; and both were
Young. So that it happened that he
came oftener TO ''Pitkin's" than his de-
sire for the society of Mrs. Pitkin
seemed 10 warraG<
Now, the mild and gentle Joseph Pit
kin had eyes to see matters Of which
( Mrs Pltkin would never have dreamed.
Perhaps. in some faraway corner Of a
heart which Mrs Pitkin had merely
dipped into. Mr.. Pitllin held a vague de-
sire 10 give some one better chance in
! Loves lottery than he had drawn him
SELF BE that as 1t may. he became vast
! IL interested in this little affair. sa W
/ possibilities IN II he had not grasped
himself. and determined 70 do what he
could 10 bring # 10 a 4eppy conclusion:
( OF course. he had a dreadful fear that
] Mrs. Pitkin would storm and rave aud
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-05-31

ing. The winner would be here soon
enough: and she-his winnings-wouId
receive him. She did not think to re-
pudiate the bargain-indeed. were he a
man of will she knew it were well-nigh
impossible for her to do it, though the
law might give her power; but she could
make him think twice before he took
the bargain over. She smiled grimly as
she thought of the man of no condition
who would come gaily TO take over VIII
Gifford's eontract--to hang his hat be-
hind the DOOR we'd his chattel bride. and
master the farm Let him do it If he
would, let him come today if ne chose.
Doubtless he would come today, tomor-
row at the latest.
But he did not. That day passed and
the next, and the man of no condition
did not come. The girls talked
among themselves. wondering II,
indeed. the tale could be true,
since nothing had come of It.
Elizabeth said nothing. but looked more
severely to the ways of her household.
keeping the chattering maids we'll oc-
cupied, but in her heart there was black
anger. She had been angry when she
thought of the man who had won her at
play coming gaily post-haste to take
possession. without pause Tor deeorum
or by your leave. But she was more
angry stiIl when she thought OF him
tarryfng. as if the bargain were not
even worth coming 10 view
She was in this state OF mind when on
Sunday came Tobiah the Dissenter TO
the farm Elizabeth. in the pride Of her
heart and her desire to show the con-
gregation she was ashamed of nothing,
had walked TO the meeting-room in the
town; Tobiah. seeing her there, had
thought tit TO say he would dine at her
house that day. She could not refuse thu
honor; indeed she had no wish TO. and
the good man walked home with her
Tohiah had not thus invited himself be-
cause he had a great appreciation OF her
person or her dinner. though the enc
was more than tolerabie and the other
likely to equal IL. The reason was q de-
sire to find out the truth of the rumors
he had heard: for Elizabeth, though she
did not always attend meeting. was
member OF the flock, and. being young
and deprived of both parents. Tobiah
perceived plainly that It was his duty TO
see into this matter of hers. Accord
ingly he walked home with her and ask
ed the truth of the tale. She. after a
moments consideration. told him what
she knew.
The good man was very wroth; the
sin of gaming was great IN his eyes. and
money, lands. and gear won at cards he
held to be no better than stolen This
man has no power over you whatsoever
said he: ''he has no better right to yorr
body. soul. or land than L When he
comes here. thinking to take possession,
send to me and I viii come and speak
with him: it is matter in VIII the
spirit is likely 10 give me foreible ut
terance.'
Elizabeth seemed to agree. but did not
give any promise; she privately thcught
it was a matter in which he own spirit
would be able to give her utterance
without help from Tobiah. The Dissen-
ter was not entirely deceived by her
manner. and for that reason. and in case
she should forget to send for him, he
determined to come that way again when
the weather was fair.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-05-31
6lTF could only find something
that'd bring EN- together.

kLTF I could only find something
thatd bring EN- together, I
think I'd really face Mrs. Pit
kin. and put up with the consequences
In that remarkable sentence Mr.. Pit
kin summed up at once his ambitions.
his hopes, and his fears. If you had
known NIr. Joseph Pffkin, ana had also
been acquainted with Mrs. joseph Pit
kin. you would have been astonished at
the sheer audacity which prompted him
TO do anything which should onend' her.
For Mr.. Joseph Pitkin was email and
mild-one Of those long suffering in
dfviduals whose chief mission IN life Is
10 we'd large ladies', and thereafter 4
nav a. dreadfl price FOR that enc indis-
erection. Ana Mr. Pftkin was very
large lady indeed.
Mr.. Pitkin was small man, with
what can best be described as blown
about" appearance. He had weak gray
ish hair at the sides and back Of his
head, brushed back so strongly that -he
clways looked as though ne was facing
= heavy wind. and that the heavy wind
his hair of the top OF his head; to carry
the metaphor further. he spoke. in gasps,
as though battling with the wind. and
had watery blue eyes. as though that
same wind had been TOO much Tor him.
Mrs. Pitkin was of large and stern
aspect, ruling her household with n rod
OF iron. ana apparently despising Mr.
Pitkin. Mr.. Pitkin was the ostensible
proprietor Of "PItkins Private Hotel, q"
but Mrs. Pitkin could have told you an
other tale. 8Ir. Joseph Pitkin went out
In the morning. and was supposed 70
dabble in vast financial affairs. some
where east Of the Mansion House: he
came home at night without any direct
results In his pockets, and listened for
an hour or two afterward to long re-
cital Of Mrs. Pitkln's woes, and an eft
reiterated inquiry as to why she had
ever united herself to him.
At the time this faithful history be-
gins Mrs. Joseph Pitkin had gone on a
visit to a sister (reputed to be even
more firm and forbidding of aspect than
HERSELF. and Mr.. Joseph Pitkin was
free More than that. a diabolieal
scheme had matured in the brain OF Nj
Pitkin. and ne meant to carry II out.
lie trembled little when he thought Of
IL; but his resolve was taken. and lie
was not to be shaken from it.
TN bring EN- together" said Dir.
Pitkin. wondering a little ct his own
bCldness.
As matter OF fact. Mr. Pithn had
suddenly found himself involved in q
romantic episode OF course, he need
pot have touched it; but. despite Mrs
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-05-31
TO PLEASE Mr. PTKN A ROMANCE OF LOVE Blu TOM GALLO

this quaint little man stretched out his
hands toward them with great hunger
in his eyes-''this kind of thing never
happened TO me; sometimes 1 wish it
had. Now. if you and the lad here have
thought that you'd like-quite apart
from Mrs. P to set up together in a
small way, and If matter of $50 would
be OF any use
Deborah Rendle had closed the books
in a great hurry and was bending her
face over them. Frank Dornton had Mr..
Pitkin by the arm and was forcibly taxi
ing him out of the room. Outside, in the
hall. he first vigorously shook hands
with him and then asked him what the
devil he meant by II. And Mr.. Pitkin
chuckled and then. remembering him
self said 1t was a hard world. There
were whispers and mutterings and an
other shaking of hands; then Mr.. Pitkin
went off to the kitchen (his usual place
at night, for the sake of peaee). and
Frank Dornton went slowly back to the
little room and opened the door.
Deborah RendIe was not busy with the
books; on the contrary. the tired head
was down on her hands, and she did not
know that Frank had come in. When
the muttered exclamation on his part
called her to herself, she sprang up,
with white face. and drew back from
him
I'm dreadfully sorry, Miss Rendle,
he said; yet there was a twinkle in his
eyes. THAT old idiot had no right TO
talk like that -
"Oh, it isn't fair to call him names.
said Deborah, gently. Let us-let US
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-05-31

game, and the stakes at the end were
high-too high for a man who plays to
win"
The silly youth laughed here. but the
farmer kept grave; he knew they were
near the edge of things. Clifford sat
down in his chair again. Put that
back he commanded, pointing to the
money that the other was beginning 10
sort. Put it all back, and, by the
power OF Godi we will play one game
more. worthy game it shall be. We
winner takes all. You shall put all
you've won upon it, and 1 will put Eliz
abeth Fotbergill. her house, and dover. "
The swarthy man went on dividing the
moneys. Il do not know that l have
any use for Elizabeth Fothergtll, her
house and DOVER he said.
The landlord had twice come to them
as they sat over their cards, and twice
he had been sent about his business.
The last time he had gone no farther
than the stove. where he had sat down,
fearful lest some quarrel should ari!
Now he rose hastily. 'iSirs, sirs," said
he. Surely this has gone far enough"
But the youth cried out that he was
a spoil-sport, and Clifford, after he had,
with an oath, babe him hold his tongue,
turned back to his opponent.
You are not married man." he
asked. well, then, know that the
but to hang his hat behind the door and
do nothing for the rest of his life. She
is a decent figure of a woman, too, and
almost as much bound to me by her g.
father as if the wedding ring were al
ready on. She is mine to dispose
and, by heaveni I'll put her upon the
game."
Dear sirs." the landlord again en-
treated.
But Clifford disregarded him. 81 will
set her in writing" he sneered, "and
put her on the table, since 1t seems you
know so little of honesty."
az know so much of dishonesty" the
other answered. that I would sooner
have it So"
Clifford called for pen and paper and
the landlord fetched them. Then the
document was drawn up and witnessed
by mine host protesting, and the youth
eagerly, the farmer insisting on adding
his scrawl too. Then it was put on
the table, the candles snuffed afresh,
and the cards dealt.
From the very first it was plain t.
the farmer, who had watched the play
SO long, that the swarthy man would
win again Fortune had not favored him
particularly in the disposal of the cards,
nevertheless the watcher felt sure Gift
| ford would not keep Elizabeth Fotner-
gill and the rules of fair play likewise.
| So, since he doubted his readiness TO
| lose the one, he set himself to see that
he kept the other; for, though but a
yeoman, he loved fair play, and meant
TO see 1t. The youth pressed eagerly to
the table TOO: the landlord also no
vered near, but that from fear of some
mischief done, not from any interest in
the affair. So they three looked on
while the pair played the longest game
that yet had been. 1t was slow, for
the swarthy man did not win easily
with one coup, as it is likely he could.
Rather point by point. each time bet
ting Clifford little, till. from exulta-
ton and confidence in his victory. the
poor wretch came gradually to feel
ing as of a net cast about him-an es-
cape which seemed possible, but was
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-05-31
THE WINNING OF ELIZABETH E)Tf1ER( 11I .
Blu u. [. SILBERRAD

weary way and the roads are bad"
Then as If to spite them the door was
shut between and they heard no more
Nan had pumped herself down in the
elbow chair-"oh. my poor deariei" she
said. Its a sad, sad worid!''
Then the tale is true?" Elizabeth
asked.
The old nurse nodded her head. In
part she said. then she broke out into
EXPLANATIONS. "Oh. the good-for-noth-
ing mani The heather, heartless
knave!" ard so forth.
Elizabeth gave but little heed; at
least. however. she asked, Who is the
man.
But that was more than Nan could
say and Thomas of the Long Farm
could not tell either" said she. though
he was there and saw the whole. He
says the fellow was of TO condition, but
master with the cards and wondrous
strong in the arm, as was shown when
they came to settle things after
Elizabeth's eyes glittered as she
looked at the fire. $50 they fought for
me in their cups as well as played for
my farm" she said.
The old woman shook her head
dreariIy cts a rare bad world" sigh.
ed she.
But she had picked up more gossip
from Thomas, who had been witness last
night, and it was not likely che could
keep it all TO herself. The stranger
man was of a gypsy sort, Thomas
thought, hut he was off betimes in the
morning. and Thomas did not know
which way he went He was black to
look at. and strange in his ways, drink
ing but water and playing some for
tune-teller's game by himself with
heathenish cards OF his own providing"
She paused; but this account of her hus-
band that was TO be brought forth no
remark from Elizabeth; so after little
the old woman fell to shaking her head
again IT'S a bad business" said she,
with sorrowful relish, and bad hus-
band you'll have. too, fear me- He's
a spendthrift, that's clear; though he
won a deal from VIII Clifford he gave
the most part to a young gentleman in
the house that same night-there's for
youl Lightly come, lightly go-'tis al
wavs So
'why did he do it?' Elizabeth asked
"Wiil had earlier won il from the
young gentleman" Nan told her.
Thomas said the play was not fair. /
know nausht of such pothers. but Thorn
as was clean against your man for Civ
ing the money; he says what's the world
comm to if we are to ask how folks get
the money we earn? If we earn it fair
It's all we've got TO do-and enough, too.
for most. I fear. dearie, your mans but
a fool"
AND VIII. it is clear. was a knave, ;"
SO Elizabeth answered. Then, after a
moment. she said. See now, all the
countryside will be talking of this; let
them talk, and set them right on moth
ing. 1 doubt not we shall have the win
ner here soon enough. Till then-ay.
and afterward-we will tell our neigh
bo-s nothing"
Nan agreed, though it did not please
her over we'll except that at that rheu-
matte season of the year Ii
was not so easy to get about.
Soon after the old woman tod
died away. and for a moment Eliza
beth stood alone, looking into the fire,
her mouth shut hard and her eyes shin
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-05-31
THE NIGHT EDITORS CRITICISM.
By ALFRED GwYNNE oDoNNELL.

The poet writes: 81 sat upon the shore
And watched the long green combers Of the
Come swiftly in and break upon the lea"
There's something that would interest me
Now, if he'd upon the raging sea
And watch the great big combers of dry land
Come splashing DER the water near at hand,
That would have been worth while, it seems to me-
But writing of thing commonplace
Is such wicked waste of ink and space.
He also writes: II sat beneath tree,
And. with book in hand watched a tird
Fitting from bough to bough, his song heard"
This beats that wretched droo about the sea
II but the bird had sat beneath the tree
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-05-31

time. And then 1t was that Joseph Pit
kin. with fiuttering heart knocked out
the ashes from his pipe. put the pipe in
his pocket. and went into "Pitkin's"
with stealthy step.
He waited FIVE minutes, and then he
went along the hall. and opened the door
of the little room az the end. Deborah
Rendle sat making up accounts at a
little table; Frank Dornton was looking
at her, as though making up his mind
to say something. Mr.. Pitkin thrust
back that ''bIown-abo hair of his a
little more, and smiled, and addressed
them.
When 1 married Mrs. P" was his
first surprising remark, Mrs. P. gave
me TO time to reflect; I had chance
to do that afterward. In confidence, l
might almost say that Mrs. P. rushed
me into it II I had reGected'-he
but that's another story. Now, my
dears. you've had time enough TO reflect;
and it seems to me-
Deborah looked up suddenly from those
eternal accounts and caught her breath;
the boyish face of Frank Dornton flush
ed, and he looked at Mr.. Pitkin.
Il don't understand" began Frank.
No, OF course, you don't understand, -
said Mr.. PItkin. with a new note in his
voice. You don't understand that there
may be such a thing as waiting too long;
waiting. in fact. until the brightness has
gone out of young eyes and the Softn@ss
and tenderness out of young voices !;
waiting till the might-have- been is all
there is left 10 sigh over. My dears
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-05-31

make his life a misery afterward, hut
that didn't matter.
Watching with wistful eyes. MIR. Pit
kin saw many things. He saw that the
patient girl-conscious only that she
resolutely thrust away from her any
hope that the young man cared for her;
he saw, on the other hand, that Frank
Dornton, for his part, was shy and diff
dent about saying anything TO the girl.
Mr.. Notwithstanding at the idea of
that dreadful scheme of his-yet de-
termined to put it in operation.
The absence of Mrs Pitkin on the
visit to her formidable sister gave him
an opportunity. Rules were relaxed at
"Pitkin's" at that time: Mr.. Joseph Pit
kin took a turn up and down the street,
and smoked a pipe in comfort, the while
he thought about his young friends. AID
there coming toward him, was Frank
Dornton.
Frank waited at the door until the
sroIling Mr.. Pitkin should return; then
he asked, casually, for his aunt.
Gone away for day or two" said
Mr. Pitkin.
you must miss her. sir" ventured
Frank
Things are-quieter," said Mr.. Pitkin,
with a sigh. And then he added, with a
careless, casual glance at the sky above
"Pitkin's,' - Deborah is inside; you'n
find her In the little room at the end OF
the hall"
II Is quite surprising how soon you
can get along hall if you are in hur-
~; Frank Dornton did it in record
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-05-31

Ard with book in hand, watched the
Amid those branches do a wild can-can.
That would have been worth writing-yes-sr-ee
But when the bird and were each In place.
To write it up seems almost disgrace
Again: II held trimming glass in hand,
l drank its sparkling burden at draught-
Ny soul was lifted even while quaned."
Some more rank twaddle of that same old brand,
Now had he held the liquor in his hand,
And quaffed the glass-there were story, sure
For no physician could that poet cure
When once that tumbler in his miist should land
In half an hour the poor fool would be dead
That story would be worth double head!