davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-02-22

box and took out her handkerchief: then
stuffed it resoIuteIy back. determined
70 shake the dust OF that neighborhood
from her feet. AS she started to open the
door there was a quick movement on
the other side. and TO her amazement.
the knob was seized and held fast before
she had hair turned it. She could not
move IL one way or the other
Walter. What are you trying TO dor
she exclaimed Indignantly. and then dis
covered that it was not the hall door
that sha was trying. but one that she
had supposed led into closet. A SILVER
Of deadly fear ran over her. and her
heart beat wildly. but she would not
run. Perhaps the door led into the next
room, and Walter had slipped in there.
though practical Jokes were not particu-
larly in his line. She stole out into the
hail and looked. trembling. into the next
room. but il lad no door on that side
Evidently. then. it was a closet. with
somebody il it, and she had a right to
be frightened. so she ran quickly down
the stairs and opened the front door.
Walter. meanwhile had slowly crossed
The street. Not even after the most
bachelor of suppers did he ever have
any trouble in mounting his own steps
and fitting his own latch key. but this
afternoon both took an abnormaIly long
time. lie was about TO give il up and
go in vixen he was rewarded by hear
ing low call OF Walter" from the
opposite house
What is it," he asked. hurrying over.
"Oh, Walter" she said, painting a lit
tie. there is some one upstairs in that
corner room closet l tried to open the
door, and I distinctly felt some one grab
the handle 1 couldn't move It. I'm
awfully frightened"
Are you sure it wasn't just stuck -
no asked. following her into the house.
Certain. Besides. I heard somebody
move. Walter grinned little. as men
will. and started 10 make some teasing
( remark. but stopped with uplifted head
and listened There was an unmistak-
able sound from the room above. the
whine OF a door slowly opening. They
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-02-22

not drinking when later events supplied
an explanation.
That was in February. II remember
rightly. and Teddy seemed to grow hap
pier with each succeeding hour. Miss
Schuyler was wearing a magnificent hoop
of diamonds on her finger, and he used
10 walk up and down the avenue with her
every day. his short legs twinkling along
and his round eyes beaming with joy.
Some time in May there was a cele-
bration in honor Of the dedication Of
the Washington arch. and the Seventh
parsded in all the glory Of full dress uni
form. II was a blistering hot day, and a
great swarm Of people banked up on
both sides Of the avenue to see the
troops. We swung along at a rafting
pace. with only momentary halt or
two. until about Seventeenth or Eigh-
teenth Street. when something blocked
the head OF the column. and we all came
to a standstill. and had chance to look
about us and cool off a bit
Teddy was the fourth man from the
left Of the second platoon-a position
assigned him as tribute 20 his small
stature. He was a prodigiousIy funny
spectacle at that moment. with his
round. red face beaded with perspiration
like the outside OF a tumbler of ICE
water. Most of the company were look
ing and laughing at him: md Joyous
TED relegated his discomfort 10 a second
airy place and gave free rein to his pow
erg OF repartee. Metaphoricsuy. he
bowled over one after another of his ad-
versaries. and the spectators were en-
Joying the exhibition immensely. Then
something strange happened
A hOarse voice from somew in
the throng on the sidewalk shouted
Edward Dwight" very distinctly. 1t
was so clearly and Enthusiastically in
tended for our comrade that the chatting
ceased instantly. every one turning TO
discover the speaker. I was standing
near Teddy. and had a quick intuition
that something was wrong when / saw
him vince and throw his hand. palm out
ward, before his eyes, as though avoiding;
blow.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-02-22

old New York family. and accounted a
brilliant match. And yet here and there
there were dubious shakings of heads
and whispered words OF hope that she
would make him happy. with so strong
an emphasis on the hope as to convey
serious doubts of the desire ever coming
true
Frankly. Miss Schuyler was reported
to have no heart. She had broken three
engagements, sending one man to South
Africa, another 10 the dogs. and the third
into politics. without a symptom of re-
greet Now Teddy was all heart. and a
sensitive little chap. in spite of his care
less ways: and it made us miserable to
think what an effect such treatment
might produce upon him.
He had the most strikingly original
way of doing things. and the fashion in
which he elected to announce his en-
gagement was thoroughly characteristic
OF the man. The first sergeant had Just
dismissed the company. and we were all
turning 10 our lockers. when Teddy
stepped forward and remarked in loud
voice that he had a few words 10 say.
There was a general hush. in the midst
OF which Teddy stood looking about him
with a smile that seemed to meet behind
his ears.
Well" he said. I'm engaged to Miss
Winifred Schuyler, and l want TO mark
the event. There's some punch over at
my rooms and no end of tobacco, and
every man has 20 come over and cele-
brate:" and he burst into a mighty shout
OF laughter. in which we all Joined with
much cheering and Shaping OF his fat
shoulders.
The celebration was an immense sue
cess. Teddy sang all his latest songs
danced breakdowns, and enjoyed himself
hugely. Some of us noticed that in spite
OF his rapturous rejoicing he did not once
touch the punch, although he was very
liberal with #, as well as with his
cigars. which we're short and fat. and al
together had much the same appearance
as their owner. Charley Keene said that
during the past year Teddy had beea q
total abstainer. We puzzled over II
with a whoop, and we were whirled off tc
join In the chorus OF the next song. We
remembered the circumstances OF his
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-02-22

And a divan in the corner where we
could mean your sister,
Walter, I heard it again-that queer
little cough Listen," she had come
close to him. evidently startled. I'm
sure l heard something"
Wasn't it a mouse in the waII?~ he
asked. Offering the masculine solution
for all feminine tcr-ors.
No. il was a human sound. like a
choked Off sneeze- Il might have come
from the next room" Walter boldly led
the way. closely followed by Beth. who
was surreptitiously holding a corner Of
his coat. to his vast delight. All was
empty and silent.
You see. there isn't any one. - be said
This isn't bad room. II you want any
ideas about furnishing. why don't you
ask Miss Cragan? She is awfully good at
that sort OF thing Beth's face changed
indescribabIy. # she had been in another
walk OF life. you would have said that
she turned up her nose. I don't know
the polite equivalent.
Thanks. I'm afraid our ideas would
hardly harmonic she said. well. I'm
very glad to have seen you, Walter. but
you mustn't let me detain you" This in
the most society OF tones. as a mild
punishment for dragging in that Cragan
girl Walter. however. thought she was
giving him a hint. and Strengthened him
self up rather huffly.
Please remember me 10 your sister, -
be said. with an expressionless hand
shake Il hope you Will be successful in
your hunt Good afternoon"
Thank YOU Good-by." she said coolly.
so there nothing for him TO do but 20.
which he did with much dignity, shutting
/ the door behind him with exaggerated
careIessness. Well, he could go. il he
was so dying to. Nobody was going 10
call him back. Ask that Cragan girl.
/ indeed, Evidently he was epris in that
direction already. when just a month
ago-s girl who married him would have
/ nice time OF IL FfckIeness Is such a
horrid trait Beth congratulated herself
on being well out of it. and felt so re-
Iieved that she sat down on an empty
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-02-22
By GUY wETMoRE CARRYL.

= oRPoRAL TEDDY DWIGHT of
the Seventh Regiment was the
most popular man in his COM
pany. and deservedIy so. His hearty
laugh his amusing speeches. and his
faculty for picking up the newest songs
and singing them in good baritone
voice to a rafting piano accompaniment.
were all potent factors in insuring this
popularity; and the general impression
among his comrades was that the com
pany would be very Iifeless organiza-
ton were IL not for the abundant jocu-
Iarity Of Teddy Dwight.
In one way Teddy was a paradox-a
kind of happy family of earthly bless
ings. He had health and wealth in
abundance-two desiderata rarely found
together-and also a liberal allowance of
cleyeruess and good looks. qualities
that are usually regarded as deadly enc
mics. Laughing, light hearted, and TO
all appearances entirely care free, he
won for himself the arectionate appel
lation OF Joyous Ted" and was gener-
ally looked upon as among the blessed
OF the earth and the beloved OF the gods.
This was Teddy Dwight, as he appear
ed in the company room OF on the vart-
Gus festive occasions when the men
were gathered together. But there were
those who contended that In the seclu-
sion Of his trim bachelor quarters. with
his enormous cherry pipe eIouding the
air with fragrant wreaths OF smoke.
Teddy was not only melancholy, but alb
solutely morbid Charley Keene, who
knew hirl best. once conhded TO a few
Of US that on entering Teddy's room the
night before he had discovered our lit
tie comrade on his knees by the divan.
with his face in his hands. From this
and other stories OF a like nature arose
an impression that Teddy had some Sc
cret sorrow; and naturally this imbued
him with a peculiar interest. We all
admired his self-controI and wondered
what the hidden thorn could be. little
guessing in what dramatic manner We
were destined to witness its revelation.
/ distinctly remember the night when
Joyous Ted announced his engagement
10 Winifred Schuyler She was a re-
markedly beautiful girl, a member OF an
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-02-22
Love Story of Guardsnan and Girl, With Its Setting
Heart of New York

He did not look up as the author Of
the interruption pushed his way through
the crowd and stood before him. but re-
NAMED with his head bent and his lips
drawn in till his mouth looked like a
thin red line.
The man who had spoken was as dis
reputable a specimen of humanity as
could well be imagined. His face was
bloated by the tellfaIe stamp of drink.
his clothes soiled and shabby to the
last degree his eyes mere red bIots be
meath shaggy 6rows. Standing with his
legs Ear apart he swayed to and fro. and
regarded Teddy with the veriest wreck
Of smile.
'E'ward." he said, 'doan' sher know
me? Why doan' sher speak TO me-"
Teddy's comrades had gathered close
about the two men. surveying their
faces curiously.
'DOan' sher know me-" repeated he
man. adding, damn yer" half to him
self.
Teddy appeared to gather himself to-
gethcr with an effort.
81 know you-yes." he answered.
What do you want here? Go back on
the sidewalk"
The others face showed that he did
not Immediately comprehend this. When
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-02-22
By JULIET w1LBoR THoMPKINS.
I T was nearly o'clock. and Beth
was tired enough 10 sit down on

1T was nearly > o'clock, and Beth
was tired enough 20 sit down on
the curbstonc and weep.
Not more than seven rooms. whether
it's house or fiat Ada had stipu-
lated And be sure that the servants
room isn't in the basement. FOR no wo-
man would sleep there. and I won't have
a Chinaman; they are just as likely TO
murder the whole family as not. The
baby has got to have sunny nursery.
and We must have 4 guest chamber. Of
course. Il would be nice IL there was
music room where l could practice with
out bothering Harvey. and little smok-
ing den out Of the drinking room would
be"
But, Ada" Beth interposed, that's
great deal more than seven rooms
rs IT, Oh. of course; l forgot the
kitchen. Well. leave out anything but
the nursery. AS long as the walls are
pretty and the house IS sunny-you'd
better get a corner house, Beth-yes.
dear, mothers coming, And mind.
Beth''--this from the stairs-"we can't
pay cent over forty dollars. and we'd
rather pay thirty-hve. BE sure it's a
nice Deighborhood. and hot and cold
----' But Beth had fed.
For three hours she had tramped mp
=,
hand. rushing in where anyone but a
mouse hunter would have feared to tread,
and getting gloriously snubbed in con-
sequence. She broke up tete-a-tetes, in
terrupted family rows. assisted at a
FIRE, and barely escaped a funeral. The
hunt became a nightmare OF glaring
pavements, and pIaearded windows that
enticed her in with their impudeut To
Let" and grinned maliciously when she
went away disappointed There had al
ways been a tradition to the effect that
Beth was q little shy. but after the
first half hour she found that she was
by nature brazen. 4 woman could not
walk down her own front steps without
Beth plunging after her to ask how
much rent she paid. and which was the
sunny side OF the street. Gradually she
began to feel a growing dislike for heI
sister-in-law. and a positive hatred fol-
the baby. That sunny nursery wal
like a ghost at her elbow, warning heI
away from every door.
There was Just one house left on the
list. Il was the most promising OF all
but she had avoided il before. WheI
you've told a man you never could care
for him IN that way. and parted from
him with something very like a quarrel
# ISN'T exactly nice to take a house foi
your sister-in-law directly across IN,
street from his home. when everybody
knows you spend more than half you
time with her. II would look as II yol
wanted-people are silly enough to sa!
anything. For herself. she didn't thinl
much OF a man who could ask you {,
marry him one month and 20 bicycIin,
all the time with that Cragan girl tn,
next.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-02-22

Beth honestly believed those were the
reasons she had left ,&at house till the
last If anyone had suggested that Wal
ter generally got home about FIVE. she
would have wanted to know what earthly
difference that made to her. and would
have been very angry indeed.
1t was n pretty little house as near
what Ada wanted as it was reasonable
to expect with sunny corner room fop
the nursery. and n clean odor or new
paint and paper.
1t is exactly what want" she decided.
looking around the nursery with deep
satisfaction. And it is all in such nice
order / wonder which way the house
fronts?" She went 10 the window. the
opened il with an unnecessary amount
OF noise and leaned out regardless of
the fresh varnish. \ young man passing
below planced up. then stopped short in
surprise. Oh. Beth BETH You who de-
spise the Cragan girl because she is not
above small maneuvers. you who never
walk past the club unless that is una
deniably your way. who pride yourself
on having no small motive for word or
deed. after all you are but a woman.
/ There was no harm in hinging up the
window. or even in knocking on it II you
had wanted to. but in that look OF gem
uine surprise as you heard your name.
] there was.
Beth said the young man. wonder
/ in..
How do you do. Walter she said
J in the grave. rebuking tone we use to
people whom We have vowed never to
speak to again as long as we live
What are you doing up there" he
asked. trying to be easy and natural
Have you set up housekeeping by your
self?"
I'm looking for a house for Ada.
she explained. This is the best have
found yet. though I don't altogether like
the neighbOrhood-"
Perhaps you would like it better Il
moved out OF it." he said meekly. Thi,
was exactly what she had meant; bu
she had not expected him 10 show tina
he understood. so she answered hastily
It's rather far from the cars. that's
all. Harvey has to 20 down town early
you know"
Il see he replied. Then he looked
up AT her with a sudden smile pleas,
can't I come up and shake hands Will
you?~ he asked. Beth had smiled bacl
before she realized what she was doing
SO up he came. several steps at a time
He found her standing in the hall look
ing rather frightened.
'Oh, Walter" she said in a low tone
Il just heard such a funny noise. al
though some one sneezed right behinc
me. I was in here''-going into the cor
ner room rather fearfully-"and /
seemed to come from that side. near tn
chimney"
You always hear spooky noises il
empty houses" he answered. STOPPING t.
look up the chimney. mo burglar coulr
get into that little fiue. 1t wouldn't evel
hold his Jimmy"
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-02-22

tiptoed upstairs. Walter signaling eau
ton and Beth ciutching up her skirt in
one hand. woman's first instinct in
time OF danger. The closet door was
gradually opening. and the top OF lit
tie baId head was being cautiously
thrust out
Good afternoon" remarked Walter.
DO you use Macassar on" The head
disappeared like flash. and the door
was slammed. Walter strobe across
the room.
Say. come out there,". be command
ed laying his hand on the knob.
Il beg your pardon. answered a cour-
tecus voice. 1T is all a mistake. I as
sure you.
What are you doing in there?" Wal
ser demanded. You'd better explain
yourself"
7 shall be glad to. sir. If you will
kindly leave the door shut"
Fire ahead said Walter. and Beth
came little nearer.
( Il happen to own this house. sir and
as the workmen neglected 10 varnish
tho window lodges in this room. my wife
suggested that I should come over and
Dc il myself. ! had just finished. and
/ was making a necessary change in my
toilet when the lady came in I live
across the bay, sir. and after doing such
work. IL was necessary-''
of course. said Beth nervously, I'm
so sorry"
In short. sir. I was changing
1T was a shame. - said Beth. IF you
/ rad only spoken
at was an awkward position. had
/ provided myself with a.
/ Yes. 10 be sure said Beth.
"A clean shirt. sir. and was about
10 put it on. II you Will kindly hand
m the garments that are behind thu
door
"Oh, well go away" said Beth 4
want TO look at the downstairs aay-
way" She left rather hastily. and wal
/ ter followed a minute later. shaking
with half suppressed laughter.
The poor duffer. in that stuny clos
/ ctr he chuckled.
NO wonder he sneezed. laughed Both
say Beth he went on a minuts
later. tell me. don't you like Miss era
gam You used to. 1 know. and she ad-
mires you tremendously. ] do want
you to like her. he added earnestly
Beth stood by the parlor window, pull
ing the shade down by its little brass
chain and letting it fly up again
"Oh. don't dislike her she said non
! chaIantly. "She just isn't my kind
that's all She's nice enough little
thing. IL you don't mind her affectation.
The curtain few up with a rattle. anC
was ierked down again. Walter looked
at her in surprise. then instinct whis
pered a word or two in his ear. and he
replied with an invisible wink OF com
/ prehensiOD.
I'm sorry you feel that way aboU
he's" he said gravely. FOR l wanted
20 tell you something. Did you knoS
chat she was engaged TO be married tC
! some one you know" Beth dropped the
chain and appeared absorbed by some
thing in the street
'Yes?' she said, in an odd little voice
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-02-22

"Of course. it's a secret yet" he went
on. watching her from the other side
Of the room. Beth had good blood in her
veins.
I'm glad to hear IL. she said quietly.
I've always thought you were Just made
for each other. and hoped you'd find IL
out for yourselves" Walter came across
the room. mentally calling himself
brute, but unrepentant.
oh. it isn't 10 me she's engaged. but
to my little brother. II is to be an
nouneed as soon as he gets back. I'm
still unconsoled-" she changed color
a little but stood bravely by her guns
I'm disappointed. she said. 1T was
one OF my favorite dreams" Walter
looked little disconnected.
Beth" he exclaimed. If you don't
take that back. I'll make you"
4 must be taking the car back. or
Ada will be Worried she answered. 4
hope we VIII run across each other
again some day" She started to bow
with a woman-of-the- world air that
should show him she was not an mex
perienced child, and that he did not see
through her as plainly as he thought
he did. but Strengthened up again vita
a very school girlish "Ouch,"
What is the natter" he asked anx-
iousIy. Did something hurt you?"
Not at all. Don't wait for me.
am not ready to go Just yet
Il won't go Till you tell me what Is
the matter he persisted. Are you
faint at aH2 You look dreadfully pale
Thank you. there is nothing the mat
ter"
Il know you want TO get rid OF me.
but I can't leave you alone. Let me
see you to you car. and then l won't
bother you AZ more"
Beth struggled a minute. then dropped
her dignity and began TO laugh.
Its only that nasty little curtain
chain" she said. 1T is all caught in
my hair
Let me see said Waller Il should
say il was, Every little link has
grabbed handful all across your water
fail. or whatever you call it, III undo
IL for you. II you'll take that back
Thanks. / can manage it myself"
with an impatient tug at the chain
You're only making il worse and
you're mussing your hair all up, besides.
Take IL back"
when you say things under eompul-
sion. they don't count. do they?
''Oh. certainly not
An right. then. I'll take back any
thing you like. If you'll only be quick"
/ "Absalom did il by his hair muir
INJURED Walter. disentangling the little
+ chain. Now YOU know how It feels
/ to be on somebody's string. There.
think let you of pretty easy I might
have made you promise all sorts Of
/ things
/ Beth looked up with udden mischief
J in her eyes.
Weren't you stupidt~ she said
BY the way" said voice from the
door. I've another house for rent just
I two blocks from here. six rooms and
/ bath. sanitary plumbing. Perhaps your
/ wife would prefer that
Walter glanced at Beth. then laughed
/ a little TO himself.
Thanks. Wen look at it," he said.
THE END.l
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-02-22

That was. Oh
Too lOng-too long ago,
Get from US utterly Ho, Summer
then
Shall spread her grasses where thy
SHOWS have been
And thy last icy footprint melt and
mold
In her first marigOld
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-02-22
90, WIN TER !
By JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY.

And ali the heartening fervencies there
OF,
II scarce hath heat enough to warm
our thin,
Pathetic yearnings in
So get thee from US, We are cold. God
wot
Even as thou art. We remember not
How blithe We hailed thy coming.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-02-22

= o. winter, Go thy ways: We want
r again
- The twitter of the bluebird and
the wren,
Leaves ever greener growing. and the
shine
OF summers sun-nOt thine
The sun, which mocks our need of
warmth and love
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-02-22
The Poets Soul

NHT THIN his soul are singing
wv birds,
And diamond thoughts and
golden words.
meadows. lowing herds.
Within his soul;
And joy and sorrow. darkness. light.
Sunshine and shadow, day and night.
Hatred of wrong and love of right;
And one eternal. constant prayer
a hunger and a thirst are there.
For deathless deeds to do. to dare
Within his soul.
Robert Loveman
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-02-22

Manageable Girls Adventure With Animated Ghost While
She Was Search OF Apartments for Her Sister, and the Landlords
When Awkward