davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The San Francisco call., 1903-09-06

42saMH one" said Elsie, un-
needing.
In her own room she put the hat on
and studied herself intently in the mir
ror. Brown would have been more be-
coming, she decided. She was too pale
for gray now.
1t had been six years since she had
made that promise. 1t was just as she
bid him good-by You look like a pink
rose in that gray hat, daring" he had
said. II shall expect to see your dear
face under just such a hat when l come
home" So for six years, summer and
winter she had worn a gray hat six
years in which she had heard from him
but twice, and that shortly after he left.
But she believed in him, loved, excused
him. Aweary, sometimes. but never des-
pairing, she remained steadfast. He had
gone to Africa: that was so far away,
and offered so many opportunities for her
tender heart to find excuses. She feared
always for his safety, but never his con-
stancy.
1t was a pretty face the mirror held,
a sweet, womanly face, with a happy,
girlish smile She turned away with a
little sigh, and went lightly down the
and school-ts aching was serious work
with conscientious Elsie Wentworth. She
was glad of the rest. the day outdoors,
the sunshine and pure air.
Where are you going, Elsie?"
1t was a mans voice and a mans eyes
that gazed into hers, both telling their
love for the slender creature in the gray
hat.
A rich glow came to her pale cheeks.
So stalwart and determined. she felt
afraid Of him, afraid he would make her
love him, make her faithless to poor, alb
sent Dave.
I'm going to see Mrs. Young" she
faltered.
He laughed. TITS too bad, dear. Go
on to the woods, Elsie. l won't insist
on going l was on my way to your
place. 1 had hoped for this day with
you"
She laughed tremulously. IL wish you
wouldn't hope, Jack. I'd like to have
you-for-for a friend, If only"
I'D be content with that Well,
won't. / want you for my wife, want to
The San Francisco call., 1903-09-06

could just well have walked. She was
now TO learn that the heroine was a wom-
an of forty, who had been married and
divorced three or four times
There was no posing on his part as he
walked under the apple trees When he
was bitten by a mosquito Hattie expected
to hear him call out ''Zounds!' or
"S'deathr' but he didn't He called out
Thunder instead. When the hour grew
late and bedtime came he didn't bend over
her little brown hand and kick out one
foot, as in the play, but bade her
brusque goodnight and said it looked as
II there might be rain before morning.
The next morning brought hope to her
heart he was heard shouting, "Egadr'
and ''ThoA varleti' to himself in his room
before breakfast, and his manners were
courtly as he sat down to tackle the fried
pork and hard-boiled eggs. After the
breakfast things had been cleared away
the girl invited him to walk across the
field to the goOseberry bushes with her.
and 1t did her soul good to see him assume
his heroic stride as he walked beside her.
In her minds eye she was picturing the
scene where he slew three villains and
cried, Hal ha"' in triumph, when he
suddenly sprang from her side and drew
himself up Into an apple tree A yearling
calf was coming across the field on a run,
and the hero didn't mean to take any
chances. 1t took five minutes to assure
him that he was In no danger and to coax
him down, but the gooseberries were not
yet at hand when mother goose showed
a disposition to attack him and he climbed
a fence and left poor Hattie to save her
own life or perish by inches. The matter
did not end there. He had almost recov-
cred his equanimity and was seeking after
a pose when a bumblebee bobbed up and
did business. Colonel Bings was lifted
foot high. but instead Of coming down to
conquer or die he descended TO utter half
a dozen cuss words and reprove Hattie
for the grin on her face.
Most girls would have made up their
minds then and there that Colonel Bings
was no hero, but Hattie Saunders did
not want to do him injustice. She gave
him more rope. That evening, as she
swung in her hammock, she remarked
that she had always thought she would
make a great actress, and asked him for
honest opinion.
y ITS all bosh,' he replied, as he lodged
a wandering horsehy seeking a nights
lodgings. You haven't got the face nor
the form, and you'd make a dead failure
OF II In a week. Better stick right here
till you can marry some lusty fellow"
Miss Hattie closed her eyes for a mo-
ment to blush, and when she opened
them again her idol lay shattered on the
grass. She had admired and worshiped
ana was READY 10 love, Dut the veneer
had pealed of, and her mahogany hero
was only plain pine. He remained ten or
twelve days more, and there were days
when he stretched out his arm and cried
Back. you sons of Satan, or die" but
the girl could not recall her reverence
and enthusiasm. When his fortnight was
up be left, and Hattie queried of her
father:
Papa, do you think Colonel Bings is
hero2"
Il guess he is," replied the old man.
"He went away owing me for the last
weeks board"
The San Francisco call., 1903-09-06
ELSIE'S GRAY HAT
By Maravene Kennedy.

have home with you in it, want to have
you to go home to, want to work, plan,
save, spend for you. It's all you, Elsie.
Are you really going to Mrs. Youngs,
dear?"
Jack" she said firmly, ct don't love
you; will never marry you. This talk Of
yours makes me unhappy. Will you
please not repeat It."
mot till see you again" he said good
humoredy. Another gray hat, by Jove!
his eye catching its freshness. Il believe
those gray hats are my hoodoo. Some
thing is. You love me all right, darling
Get white hat Elsie; white trimmed
with blue corn flowers, just the color Of
your eyes l think you'd say yes then. !"
81 should-then" The strangeness OF
her voice held him. "Good-by,' she said
lightly, and hurried away.
Her eyes grew troubled, piteous. She
did so want to see Dave. 1t came over
her with a rush just how unhappy she
was, how lonesome Her heart ached al
attracted her. She turned toward Mrs.
Young's lstlessly.
You're all worn out said that lady
with concern. THAT gray hat takes the
color out of your face, too. Gray's not
becoming, Elsie; get blue one Eext
time"
cor a green one" said Elsie. irrftabiy
ed: why not green, red, purple, she
thought desperately.
wait" said her friend, as she was
leaving. "I got a picture yesterday Of
Frank and Annie and a friend of theirs
and her husband
She handed Elsie the picture. There,
sure enough. were Frank and Annie
Young, and-Elsie clutehed wildly at the
little cardboard-Dave Brady, with a
woman sitting archly on his knee. his
eyes gazing at her adoringly.
''They had them taken that way lust
for fun explained Mrs. Young Annie
and Emma were friends years ago, and
they came across each other last month
at Manila. They've both been married the
same length of time-three years-and
there's not a months difference in the
ages of the children. Emmas is a girl
though.
Elsie rushed blindly out of the house
Dazed. she made her way home, the pref
ty head sadly dropping under her faith
full gray hat She laid ii of and sat
down beside 1t and gave way to tears
tears that pride had held back till she
was away from prying eyes.
Three years. And she waiting, watch
ing, hoping loving. Wife and baby. home
love, everything to I'LL his life! And she
An orphan, living alone. no one to care
The San Francisco call., 1903-09-06

Exactly But possibly he wants to
keep out that class of people supposed to
be braver than angels, you know"
"Fools?' she questioned. Then they
both laughed again.
You're not very polite" she said.
How can you expect me to be sympa-
thetic when the bridge being locked has
given me this pleasure?"
"Oh" she exclaimed, with incredulous
eyes. Anyway, 1 forgive you. But II
I'd had my way 1 shouldn't have been
here at ALL"
Now, it's you who is impolite." he
said.
Eyes; and ungrateful," she admitted
frankly. It's simply lovely out here. It's
the only pleasant thing about the whole
trip. Goodness! If you oniy knew how
l hated to come. 1 wept day and night
for weeks But mother was adamant."
He looked at her appreciatively, won
dering how any human being could be
proof against eyes like those filled with
tears.
Mothers are inconsistent at times" he
said. Mine, for instance, has been sys-
tematically indulging and spelling me all
my life. and now has taken 1t into her
head that 1 must marry a girl she has
picked out for me whether / want to or
not"
"Why, that's just the question on which
She and his mother arranged 1t all yeGrs
ago. 1t seems, and he's unmanly enough
to keep her to her word, though he must
know 1 hate him. You wouldn't find a
girl doing a thing like that!"
Wouldn't you, though? This particular
young lady of whom 1 speak is of so
clinging a disposition that, according to
my mother, she will never know happt-
ness unless brace up and WOO. Why in
thunder she should he in love with a man
she hasn't seen since she was child is
more than 1 can conceived" He padded
angrily for a moment. Then once again
his eyes met hers and they laughed.
I'VE seem to be fguratively as well as
literally in the same boat" she remarked.
1.-The thought makes me quite fond of
you"
''Ah. if I could but believe you in ear
nest!" he sighed with exaggerated gall
lantry.
She darted him another look from under
her lashes.
Weren't you smoking when called to
your" she asked presently. why. there's
your pipe. Do let me fill it for you.
love to fuss with pipes
Its all l need to complete my happi-
ness" he assured her, as he handed her
his pipe. MY pouch is in the left-hand
pocket of my coat. Can you get it? It's
right behind you there"
She leaned back and secured the thin
serge coat, rummaged in his pocket, and
brought forth a channels pouch elaborate
ly embroidered with the initials u. G.
In crimson. She looked at the inscription
for moment, then at its owner.
He watched her she pressed the to-
bocco into the bowl with delicate thumb.
There" she said as she handed 1t to
him. Lean over and I'll light 1t for you.
The San Francisco call., 1903-09-06

whether she came or went, was glad or
sorrowful. She sObbed on pitifully. All
night long she lay awake, going over,
year by year. the time between.
1t was almost morning before she could
believe that Dave was actually out OF her
life and-and-
She sat uD in bed and laughed and
cried all IN breath. 1t was most won
derful She climbed out OF bed. found
the little gray hat and. bit BY bit. tore
it into shreds. She laughed again. then
cried again. and, all flushed and rosy. lay
down and slept peacefully tin Ions past
sun up.
John Stewart sat IN his once listening
gravely to his patient recount his us.
He gave him prescription, smiled, asked
him about the children, bowed him out.
smiled again, and sat down 20 wait the
next patient They came oftener now,
a few years before they had been few and
far between.
The next one came IN slowly-a slender
graceful creature, with fair. hushed face
peering out shyly from under a soft white
hat covered with blue corn howers. the
color of her eyes.
jack
He turned quickly. gave one swift lock.
and caught her IN his arms.
ELSIE. my darling'
DIR. Stewart was certainly not slow
witted.
''When-hOWt ne VNoSQolcUs AiS8lnE
her ali in a breath.
She put her arms around his neck and
hugged him tightly
Ever since I knew you." she whis-
pered. ''rve wanted you-you-you, Oh.
Jack I can never love YOU enough to
make up for what I've missed"
He laughed puzzled but blissfuI.
Then Why" he asked
She answered his kiss first. smiling and
dimpled. then--a frightened look flashed
over the happy face. What-oh. what IL
Dave had been true had come backi She
hugged the doctor again frantically.
''It was the gray hat" she cried. EFT
was a hoodoo tore 1t up last night.
was never so happy as while pulling Il
to pieces"
The San Francisco call., 1903-09-06

"Oh, let the cur alone. Where has
every one disappeared to-"
Hoyts reply sounded as though his
teeth were closed on something, and Elise
could hear the noise of tearing cambria
When Jerold passed out of sight she
rose Hoyt had finished his banda ging
and, followed by the mongrel on three
legs, was ascending to the cliff path
above.
Look here, Tatters. old fellow" he ad-
monished. you'd better go home-if
you We got one to go to, which 1 very
the hotel you know
lie swerved at sharp cry from Elsie
One foot had become wedged between the
rocks Her body swayed uncertainty,
while her face grew white with the agony
of a sprained ankle
With a bound Hoyt was at her side
You'd better sit down while 1 go for
a carriage he said quickly.
suddenly ray of humor shot into her
eyes. 1atters stood before her. his ban
daged paw pathetically upifted in a ludi-
crous demand for sympathy.
"Oh, poor fellow! [ know how badly IL
hurts; there are two of usr' she exclaim-
ed, ruefully. Then she turned her face up
TO Hoyt. How good you are; how
goodw
Hoyt felt himself turning dizzy under
her look.
denly. II would like to keep him al
ways. If 1 may"
"Youi"
Hoyt stared in amazement from the girl
in her young beauty to the battered ami
mai at her feet. And yet, incongruous
1t seemed, he could not deny to himself
as he STROBE away that there had been
something something for HMM the
eyes OF both, which it meant madness to
tnlnK OF IN connection with Elise Cromp-
ton.
That evening she sat on the piazza in
a low steamer chair with Hoyt beside
her.
Tatters, who had protestingly been in
itiated into the ways of higher living
through soap and water lay curled up on
the end of her soft gown.
Is Jerold to be congra ratulated-yet? ?"
Hoyt turned to her suddenly.
She was looking off near the moon-lit
water and did not withdraw her gaze.
Mr. Jerold will never be congratulated
as far as l am concerned she answered
quietly
Hoyt's hand closed over the one which
rested on the arm of her chair. Elise
looked up and saw his face, white and
streaked in the moonlight She withdrew
her fingers and lightly touched his coat
sleeve.
''Why-don't you-say it?'' Her eyes
were smiling naively into his.
say it, never have been mad enough
to dream that it would be any use.
have loved you from the first moment
saw you-sweetheart!"
II ever Tatters needed four legs it was
then.
The San Francisco call., 1903-09-06

L6alExs IN the run OF ne UleI-
ry party ahead. The tall, graceful girl,
who seemed the center of it. stopped sud-
denly. pushing her heavy hair back from
her forehead.
who said this wasn't summer, and
where is the lighthouse?" she demanded
"'Tis but a step, my lady fair"
The man who spoke was usually to be
found at Elise Crompton's side. He turn
ed as he answered her and flung light
coat back to Hoyt.
Here. Rad, you seem to be the gen.
eral burden bearer he drawled easily.
Mr.. Jerold! What a shame" Elise
laughed But she glanced rather con-
temptuously at Hoyt.
The coat struck the young fellows
shoulder and slipped to the ground. The
smile did not leave his face as he passed
on. In the grateful shade of the light
house he dropped his load amid mur-
mur Of thanks from the girls.
where's my coat?" Jerold examined
the pile Of wraps on the ground.
Where you threw it probably" Hoyt
picked up a stone and SHE'D It with easy
strength into the water.
"I threw it to your Herold's face
flushed with chagrin.
did you? Well, only fag for wom-
en-
Elise Crompton turned. and for the first
time in their acquaintance looked direct
ly at Hoyt.
"why he's a man." she thought won
deringly.
His eyes met and held hers steadily
for a moment. She looked quickly away,
annoyed to find herself blushing under
his gaze.
After that she felt like a ship swept
from its destined course by a strong
wind. Hitherto she had acquiesced in her
mothers wish that this outing might end
in her engagement to Jerold, though we'll
aware that wealth was his one recon-
mendation. But that look of Hoyt's had
been as a steady breeze on foggy day.
That afternoon she strolled down to the
rocks alone. Hardly had she seated her.
self when a mans voice reached her.
coming in admonitory jerks from around
the next promontory.
Elise leaned forward and saw Hoyt sit
ting quite near her. Between his knees
he held the shaggiest and most forlorn of
mongrels His hand was firmly closed
upon one of the dogs forepaws.
Here Jeroldi" the girl drew back
quickly-"help me. will you? The poor
beast has cut his paw almost in two on a
broken bottle"
The girl qulvered at the harshness of
the voice that answered.
The San Francisco call., 1903-09-06

one hand. On her forehead and around
her ears danced little truant wisps of
curly hair.
He helped her into the canoe and piled
the gay cushions at her back, then
stepped In after her.
Where are you going?" she asked, as
he pointed the canoe up stream un-
derstood you to say you would take me
across she added, with some stateliness.
That's such nasty place to land,' he
replied apologetically. "Its much better
a little farther up"
His dark eyes sought hers and they
both laughed. 1t was obvious to the most
casual observer that the sloping shore on
the other side was most admirably
adapted for Bleaching the canoe.
you seem well acquainted with the
river" she said demurely. DO you know
the Grahams?"
He did not answer Immediately.
"Yes charming woman, Mrs. Graham"
he admitted at last
"Oh, yes, lovely. It's a pity her son
doesn't take after her." Gladys replied
with high scorn.
Her companion grinned "It's evident
you know him." he said
well, l haven't seen him in years, but
when 1 saw him last he was absolutely
the most disagreeable, most conceited and
altogether most hateful boy 1 ever came
across" Gladys sat up straight among
her cushions with a sudden energy.
Poor Jack!' murmured her compan-
ion. "Still, If you haven't seen him for
years. it isn't impossible that he has i'm
proved
Improved! Well, I'm sure l hope so.
There certainly was room for improve
ment But 1 don't believe he has. The
idea of shutting people out by locking up
that bridge the way he has. It's just like
him. So afraid any one would get into
his domains. Just as though any one
with sense would want to-"
The San Francisco call., 1903-09-06

waves gave her no reply, and. pulling a
letter out Of the front Of her blouse, she
read il for the third or fourth time that
day. 1t seemed to restore her self-confi-
dence. She laughed to herself wickedly'
Hum! Mrs. Graham is a dear, but
fancy I've fooled that conceited Jack OF
hers. No, thank you! No four-mile drive
l won't speak two words to him all the
time I stay If 1 can help it.! So! Oh,
dear! 1 wish 1 had a boat!'
As If in answer to her desire, a red
canoe shot out from beyond the bend and
came noiselessly down the river. A man
sat in the stern welding the paddle with
a swift grace. Gladys arose among the
long grass and the daisies. Her mind
was made up.
81 beg pardon" she called as he came
abreast of her. "Can you tell me If there
is a way of getting to Mr.. Graham's es-
tate except by this bridge? 1t seems to
be closed
The man in the canoe rested his paddle
across his knees and gazed at her admir-
ingly.
why, l." he began, then stopped.
There is an approach by the road" he
said, but it is quite two miles to the
other side.
"Oh," she said, 'I know! But I've
walked so far already" She glanced rue
fully down at her dusty patent leather
ties.
Would you allow me?" he asked eager
ly. "I could take you across in my ca
noe"
She blushed charmingly. 81 hate to
trouble you"
II assure you 1t would give me the
greatest pleasure" he said, with another
admiring glance
With a dexterous stroke or two he
brought the graceful little craft up to the
bank and landed. He was tall and brown
and broad-shouldered, and as he stood
looking down at her he saw a little slen-
der girl with the longest eyelashes that
ever dropped over a pair of gray eyes, in
q dark blue foulard, bareheaded in the
golden sunlight, a big, black hat held in
The San Francisco call., 1903-09-06
SMASHING AN IDOL
By Cyrus Derickson.

ISS HATTIE SAUN-
DERS. daughter Of
Farmer Saunders of
Redheld County, while
visiting her aunt in
the city in the late
spring attended the
theater several times.
The San Francisco call., 1903-09-06
''TAT TIERS %
By NJ. Louise Cufnmins.

AFFORD HOYT tofled
along the cliff path, a
moving mass of cloaks
and cameras.
His genial face, hot
ly flushed, smiled as
though he was right
in the fun Of the mer-
The San Francisco call., 1903-09-06

HE gray hats aren't a
very pretty shade this
year." said the sales
lady. Brown would
look we'll with your
hair: here's a beauty"
I'll take this gray
one" said Elsie, un-
The San Francisco call., 1903-09-06

ELL, / never." Gladys
sat down on the bank
OF the little stream and
gazed despairingly at
the rustic bridge above
her. IF that isn't just
like him. No thor
oughfare, and the gate
The San Francisco call., 1903-09-06

An hour later
Mrs.Graham came
to meet them
down the long
avenue bordered
with oaks.
MY dear chill
drenr" she cried
joyfully. IT see
it Is all right I
knew that ride
from the station
would be just the
thing"
The San Francisco call., 1903-09-06

She shaded the sputtering
match with her hand and ap-
piled the flame to the tobacco.
Her face was very near his,
and il was a face to set man
longing.
She settled herself once more
among the cushions. isn't
this comfy?' she sighed with
satisfaction. "When 1 remem-
Der that walk from Digby In
all the dust / can't realize It's
me-"
"Great Scott! Did you walk
from Digby?"
"Yes. You see they wrote
that a certain person would
meet me at Grahamsford, so
got out at Digby and walked.
Anything was better than a
four-mile ride with-the person
who was coming to meet me.
That's why 1 am here"
What a coincidence" he ex-
claimed as he knocked the
ashes from his pipe. "At
this moment 1 am supposed to
hamsford with a young lady
whom 1 didn't want to meet.
That's why I'm hereP
She was busy watching the rippl
followed the canoe.
"It appears to me our mothers
been fibbing," she said musingly.
''BIess their hearts, he exclaim
vently. "I forgive them, don't yor
sides, am just discovering tha
mother. at least, spoke the truth
I mean to be obedient In all thing
this time forth forevermOre," he
boldly.
Amen" she said with mock sole
"But how self-sacrificing!" Then
look that set his heart beating, '
will not be outdone in filial dev
Her lashes fickered against her T
ing cheek. With one stroke he b
the canoe among the shadows
trees.
T.,
The San Francisco call., 1903-09-06

Copyright, 1903. by T. C. McClure)
The San Francisco call., 1903-09-06

locked and too high TO climb. Now, what
on earth am I to do. anyway"
The whispering wind and the tapping