davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-09-04

eXccutor and had the management oe her affairs, and he Was anxious to pIa an end to the suspense and uncertaintN regarding his future prospects. In his eagerneess he forgot the surprise his sud den appearance was likely to cause, and consequently felt rather abashed when the lawyer started back on seeing him.
 What, MT. Browne!" exclaimed the old gentleman, as soon as he could speak Why, l-I-and everybody else, thought You had died in Africa the other day"
 No. The fact is 1t was all a mistake" said Jack, ill shame-faced manner.
 oh! Then 1 suppose you never went there at all' said the lawyer. after a short pause, during which he fixed his sharp eyes on the young mans face.
 No, l did not" said Jack. overcome with confusion, Fl am very sorry"
 Well, so you ought to be. sir. for you Killed your aunt. An! you did indeed! I mean what l say" he added sharply. "Nhcn the news of your supposed death appeared in the papers she had a fit and never recovered from the shock. But if she had not cared for you more than you did for her she would be alive at this moment.
 She blamed herself for being the cause of your death. and that intensified the shock. Had she followed her own in- eltnation she would have made any pe- c.niary sacrifice to keep you out of dan- ger, But she thought, for your own sake, SeU had better do d little campaigning; and. besides, she was inclined to suspect tightly. as it now appcHrs-that you did not really intend to go."
 i'm glad. at all events. that she never found me out" said Jack wiping away the beads of precipitation that had gath cred on his forehead. "She did not sus- rect what brute l was in return for h"r kindness"
 No" said the lawyer, fixing his keen glance upon Jacks face again. "Unfor- tGuatcly for you, she never doubted you were dead"
 Why unfortunately inquired Jack. absenty.
 "Because she sent for me at the last moment and made q fresh will in which your name is not mentioned. Until then you were her rcsduIry legatoe."
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-09-04

I could raise q shilling would be by pawn ing my boots. and as they are not paid : for I might get Into difficulty over that, '
 said Jack. as he plunged his hands deeper into his pockets. Besides. I've no evi- dence that I'm named in her will i've an ideal" exclaimed his particular
 friend. Charlie Bashford. Why don't you
 volunteer for service in West Africa?" "Volunteer to catch cholera No. thanks" said Jack. making a grimace. 1 "Besides, there Is no fighting going on now. so what would he the use?" There Is a terrible deal more danger now than there was during the war;" re- marked Charlie sagely.
 "Yes. but no glory. + wanted to ex- change. l would go to India but the fact is I'm past that dodge. My creditors would be down on me directly If they heard I was on. They are down on me enough already" he added despondently.
 What l meant was that you might bamboozle the old lady. Hang 1t all. Jack! She must care for you. or she would have thrown you over long ago" |" said his friend, with charming candor
 Perhaps If she heard you had deter mined, in desperation, to go to Africa, at the risk of your life she might relent."
 "Well, there's something In that" said Jack. brightening up. "At all events she might give me check for an outfit. The worst of 1t Is. I don't want to go. "f know namesake of yours in the Seventy-e eighth, Jack, who is going out next month" interposed another. If the worst came to the worst, you might go by proxy"
 By love, I really think that might be managed" exclaimed Jack excitedly. Tt is just possible, as Charlie says. that the old girl would pay my debts to keep me in England. If she doesn't. seeing the other fellows name in the papers. she will inn aSine l have gone.
 You can easily keep up the joke by getting your namesake over there to post some letters for you,' chimcd in Charlie Bashford. If she doesn't beg you to re- turn after week or two you can pre- tend to be laid up with cholera. That VIII bring the old lady up to time. if anything will. but In case 1t doesn't, you can be ordered home, see?
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-09-04
BY HAL EVANS
 

| sorry for it afterward. In fact. as far as the poor old lady was concerned. I've repented 1t ever since. However. there is no harm done asIfar as you are concern- ed." added Charlie Chcerfully. I'm not by any means sure of that" growled Jack. "G can't be lost forever. and the matter must come to my aunts ears. If you had written and hintcd that there might be a mistake you would have done me a good turn. As it Is. you've only made matters worse"
 I've thought you would be in a furious stew when you heard the news. and won dered at your keeping SO quiet" said Charlie. 'I came down out of pure char fly to ease your mind. You have had lucky escape.
 The poor old lady Is dead. so, as said before there is no harm done to your prospects"
 Under tho circumstances it Is perhaps excusable that Jacks first sensation was feeling of intense relief A moment ago he was fairly mortified at learning the awkward position in which he was placed by the death of his namesakc.
 Considering that his future prospects depended entirely upon his aunt's good will, 1t seemed as though ruin stared him In the face. Exposure of the trick he had played upon her was apparently inevitable and her forgiveness could scarcely have been hoped for
 Of course. he had known all along that he had run this risk, but he had never anticipated the sad event which upset all his calculations. and had considered him self tolerably secure from detection, whatever else happened.
 The grief and remorse which lurked in Jacks bosom in consequence of his aunt s death were therefore. at the moment ov"rshadowed by mingled relief and ex- citcment.
 The vital importance of the sad event as regarded his private affairs not urnAt- urally preoccupied his mind If. as h. not unreasonably believed, he was the old lady's heir he would be able to pay off his dehts and make a fresh start under favorable conditions
 He hurried up to town without a mo- ment's delay. and went straisht to inc office of his aunts legal adviser.
 He knew that this gentleman was her
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-09-04

Meanwhile, l shall have to keep quiet 1 and will go away on sick leave" added i Jack in q great state of excitement Here give me pen and paper. I'll fire off a letter at once"
 lmpulsiveness was one of Jacks fail. ings, and on the spur of the moment he sat down and wrote the following heart rending episte:
 My Dear Aunt-Your refusal to assist me further leaves me no alternative but to quit my native shores forever. l have volunteered for service in West Africa. where. as you know, the cholera Is rag Ing, l start on the second of next month per r. and 0. steamer Capau, and pro- cecd to Join the Seventy-eighth, which Is stationed in the center of the most in- fected district. It would be useless to at tempt to conceal the fact that 1 shall encounter terrible risks from the awful disease, but the desire to serve my coun- try at post of real danger is no less an inducement to me than the prospect of being released by the hand of death from my debts and endorsements. | can scarcely hope. from our recent cNrre- spondeuce, that my departure will he n source of concern to you, but. at all events. l will always gratefully remem- Der your many kindnesses. My outfit means a matter of G200, but whether you care to
 
 you alone can decide. Hoping your rheu- matism Is better. believe me,your affec- donate nephew. J. l.. BROWNE pathetic account of his friends departure, Jack. on his part. retired to a remote viii lage In North Wales, where he could so- lace himself with trout fishing while awaiting the issue of his equivocal man euvers.
 He was not without hope that his aunt would speedily recall him from Egypt with a promise to pay his debts.
 Ho had authorized his namesake to open the olG lady's letters. and to telegraph to him immediately in case his anticipations should be realized.
 Meanwhile, he had furnished his fellow conspirator with a number of letters to be All the company had a hand in pro- ducing this masterpiece of composition. which was universally admired.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-09-04

1 keep 1t to himself Besides. I promised | I would remind you of him, and write how I you were getting on."
 l Playing the part of a spy, in short?" l said, savagely. Well, then, you can 1 write to Cyril tonight, and let him know 1 that I never wish to sec hiss face again; | that I dislike-no. hate-him, and that l am roing to marry the man I love best | in aIl the world. Do you hear me? l | added as she stood half crying at the 1 door. ''I hate him."
 l And then, the door having shut safely | behind her. I fell on my knees and cried l my very heart out-possibly because l | was about to marry the man loved best l in the worldi
 | cruising in the Mediterranean: so that, | had chosen, l could as easily have writ | ten as Maisie. But, as she had chosen 1 to interfere she must put up with the unpleasantness of breaking the intelli- gence to him. That, at least. was the excuse l gave my conscience for not send ing on the letter myself.
 Meanwhile the preparations for my wedding went on apace Sir John was an impetuous wooer. He had won me in the spring and was determined to wed me in the autumn.
 Not minute after September. sweet heart" he declared in his masterful fashion. Long enough to walt, l think there's still two months"
 Two months! And in one month Cyril Chester was expected home on leave, as had learnt from Maisie.
 I gazed at Sir John as he fingered fin the porch. He was taller, broader, bet ter looking in every way than my fair haired sailor laddie. and yet he could never make my heart beat in the same tumultuous fashion as did Cyril.
 In the soft twilight of the dying day l crept nearer to the tall, straight figure of my lover.
 "John." I said wistfully. do you really love me?'
 Love you. Why. child you cannot un- derstand how much. He crushed me in his arms. straining me closer to his heart. raining hot kisses on my hair, my lips. my throat
 Let me go? I panted. Let mo go.'
 With last kiss he dropped his arms, and left me standing in the porch. watched him striding down the path, and instinctively compared him once again with Cyril. Sir John was rich. Cyril was poor. With the one I felt i'll at ease, conscious of my defects; with the other was goddess, unable to do wrong. Last. but not least, my boyish sweetness was ever ready to give way to me Cyril would never have kissed me against my will. Cyril. alas. I must no
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-09-04

r ACN BROWNE and a select few
 of his brother officers sat in
 solemn conclave in the mess
 room one evening after their seriors had retired. discussing the desper. aie coEGit:oa "f his affairs.
 Jack was d foolish, eXtravagant young snbaitern in line regiment. who had contrived to get deeply into debt without the slightest chance of extricating him. self from his difficulties. His only rela- tive was a strong minded maiden aunt who not only refused 10 assist him, but even threatened to withdraw the allow ence she made him since he entered the army.
 He considered he was being very hardly treated. for the truth Is he did not proper ly appreciate what his aunt had already done for him.
 There was no doubt. however, that he was in an awkward predicament. for OF the one hand he could not possibly remain fin the regiment unless his debts were paid, and, on the other, his aunt declared that if he resigned his commission she would have nothing moro to do with him.
 Jack did not at all relish the prospect of being compelled to earn his living, espec- 2ally as he had no idea how to set about it. Moreover, he was extremely popular fin his regiment and was consequently ioath to leave it. His brother officers unfortunately, could only assist him by their sympathy. and by suggesting various expedients for raising money, none of which were practicable.
 'I should try the old lady again." urged one of his friends. make a clean breast of everything and work upon her feel ings."
 "She has none!" returned Jack rue fully. Her venerable heart Is insensitive to tender emotions" q suppose you haven't concealed what q serious fix you are in?" suggested an- other.
 No. At least put my position to her as plainly as l dare," said Jack; but it's no go."
 wont Isaacs raise the wind?" sug- gesIed somebody.
 My dear fellow the only possible way
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-09-04

heart, the lover who. to my inexperience eyes. had worn the guise of fairy prince.
 After all, what does fife hold of rapture quite like girls first lnyr? Where does one find such trust. such faith, such ut- l ter and complete belief as hers in him l turned toward him flushing, and my eyes said all the rest. | The rustling of woman's skirts re- called us to the present. "Cyril"' ] cried, norror-stricken; that | was Lady Mabel!' Cyril laughed little foolishy. l thought, and murmuIed something about | bad luck."
 l Cyril" said quietly, twill you explain 1 to my peoplc.-or shall I?" Explain? He stammered and looked 1 blank.
 Explain that have discovered my | mistake, and that, after all, l do not l care for John, but your" The mere fact that I was able tn ex- press myself in such plain, straightfor' ward language should have told me that if had made mistake in believing that I loved John, l was about to commit a
 greater one with regard to Cyril" "Beryl." My lovers face was expressive of many things. but the most fond and foolish damsel could not have read delight there in.
 "I don't think you understand me Pos sibly I did not make my meaning plain Don't you wlsh'- An awful fear seized hold of me. "Cyril,', screamed, '1 believe you arc | engaged already" 50 are you"' he retorted sullenly, and fell to kicking the grass I retained sufficient self-command to wat until l learnt the name of the girl who now possessed his heart. Then turned toward him, literally choking with rage
 Unfortunately he mistooli my move | ments for one of tenderness: otherwise 1 l don't think 1 should have acted as l did | he held out both his hands. as though to i clasp my own. I stepped back quickly
 and, in fury, boxed his ears, with all | my force.
 | Then I fled for dear life in the drec, l ton of the Lodge. l must have time tC l think-to decide. I made some excuse about having torn my dress. and the wife
 of the lodgekceper brought me needle and | thread. and, after a bit, left me to my
 self
 After while I grew little quieter ! and, leaning my head upon my arms l tried to think clearly. One course and l only one, lay before mel must tell Johr
 ' of everything. Of course. he would break
 with me, but perhaps some day he might
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-09-04

come back to find a wiser. steadier. more iovable Beryl and then
 for myself. 'o @'i'
 A sound of voices coming toward the
 Lodge made me look up.
 It was Sir John and Lady Mabe, "po.. sInly' said he. "Beryl felt tired and has
 gone home. But, in any case. we'll in qulfe or Mrs. Long if she's seen her" htlnk can explain her absence" sha
 said softly. T should have told you be-
 Tore, only l can't bear to hurt you. John,
 Il am afraid" she went on more cairn- ly that Beryl is not q good girl-not worthy of you love. your trust. No. =
 as he turned fiercely upon her, wait a
 moment Let me finish before you speak.
 saw her this afternoon, the girl you are
 about to marry. with Cyril Chester"
 He told her how passonately he loved her. And shn'-l.ady Mabel paused-"she put her arms about him, John and kissed him many times"
 Sir John drew deep breath: then, with that charming smile of his he laid his hand nn Mabcls shoulder "Nill you promise mo something?" he
 asked; that no one else shall hear of this?"
 her now, shall you?'' Yes: if she will have me?"
 could see the anguish In her face, and
 somehow I felt I had no right to cause
 another woman--a better, far. than L. such suffering.
 l sprang to my feet and ran into the
 sunshine, out 10 the little garden, sweet with old-fashioned flowers. Tt is all true, John" I said. 'I am a
 mean, deceitful girl. promised to marry you because you were rich, but this after noon. when l saw Cyril. felt I could not go on with it, and then paused 1t Was awful to---
 With gesture, John stopped my con- fcssion.
 "One question Beryl." he said gravely. Answer me truly whatever has been, do you, can you, love me now?" If you let me show you!' I cried. 'It you will let me prove all that l think of you. l never cared for Cyril. John: I realized 1t for the first time thls after noon. l never cared for any man till now. ! noW.' I stretched out my hands, he caught them in his own and held me to him. And with a wonderful happiness in my heart. l raised my face to his. The county still have much to say con- corning me. but l never paid heed to gos- slp, and now 1t concerns me not at all. I gan afford to laugh. even when the vicar's wife desires, that in marrying Sir John
 l made d most mercernary match. But
 John and 1 know better!
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-09-04

I let me care for you, She seemed to be on the verge of tears.
 "Oh MT Treherne" she cried, "I am quite nlone! 1 had no idea 1t would be like this"
 Put how is this?" he cried. in aston Ishment. Surely MT Goldman included you in his party?" "IIe didn't mention me specially" she l said. flushing but aunt thought I was meant to be included, only Mabel said l ! had nothing smart enough to wear-eX- ] Cept for q country shuw.' Julie grew 1 scarlet at the remembrance of this sheer and added. and that gave me the idea i of coming in this way. for I have never seen d circus since Was a tiny child. 1 and did so want to-" l Trcherues resentment was kindled -agdiust Mabel doubly for her unkinducss I toward her cousin and her selfshness Miss Pcrrington." he said. If you will
 allow me to constitute myself your escort
 think I can conduct you not only to u l place of safety. but to a coign of vanta ge ! where We shall have a very good view" 1 Julie was all smiles now. l "Oh, how delightful" she cried. But 1 oh, how can I come? It will be robblnE
 some one of their place, won't it?"
 "I offered the seat to your cousin al | first" acknowledged Trcherne. but she
 has thrown me over for the Goldman | party"
 Perhaps she made some mistake abou | the day" said Julie. And Trehernt ! was
 There was no mistake" ho answered ! smiling.
 l Well. Miss Perrington, is my rejected
 seat worth your acceptance?'
 She smiled too.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-09-04

VT was only yesterday since he had
 seen her. and he was fully sutci-
 pating seeing her tomorrow,
 when a double knock of the per emptory postman order sounded and the servant ertorcd with an oTange-coIored envelope in her hand.
 "A telegram for yOus sir. The boy Is wait!rg.
 Dcl, Treherne tore open the message, and having hastily read it, tossed it. q cr'GnUld hall, into the grate.
 NO answer" he said curtly. For 1t ran thue.
 "@nevoldqhly prevented tomorrow Will e. .'ulu late.
 M >RFL ERANCEPETH" frcherne had halt expected something of this sort. Yesterday, when he had talked softly to he" of the long afternoon he honcd to spend in her company she had said somewhat duhiouSly:
 After all. Dick, I don't know whether l ought to have promised to so to the circus with you. You see. MT Goldman sent round his morninc Co say he had got a box at the hippodIume and he would take us up 10 LCndUu and would we all come. IL would be much nicer than d country show, wouldn't 1t? Much safer, mean. of course ! should like to go with you awfully, but you know what a travelling circus Is and how nervous I am fin a crowd"
 Dick had felt distressed at her speech then, for he had taken the best seats he could afford and even stretched a point at that, but he was madIy in love with her and tried to laugh away her fears. promising to take splendid care of her, and genuinely believing she meant them seriously. BSA1nk message of hers at the
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-09-04

uncle beaming with satisfaction-coulC you have seen me creeping to my room my lace white as ghosts, my eyes heavy with unshed tears you would have forgiven me-have been sorry for me yes, even for me. the girl who'd played you false!
 And now I was back again in my old country home. surrounded by my people eager to hear of my success. petted and made much of by this one and that, until l felt myself to be monster of iniquity in that I could not feel as happy as tried to appear The. only one of my relatives who did not congratulate me was my youngest sister, Maisie I spoke to her one evening on the subject
 Aren't you pleased that I'm going to be milady?ss asked. admiring myself in the toilet glass.
 "Pleased!" My sisters tone was ex- pressive of the utmost scorn. If you want my opinion, Beryl, you shall have 1t. I think you've behaved like cad, nothing more or less"
 1 stared in amaZement at Marsie. Real ly. my dear" I remarked carelessly, your manners are rather bucolic. Pray, what fault have you to find with me? Sir John, assure you, is extremely fasti- dious; where he sees nothing to complain of it's difficult to believe that you can"
 Sir John Is in love with your face, Beryl. Like poor Cyril Chester, l sup pose, he can see nothing but perfection in a straight nose, large eyes. and a small mouth.
 And a passable complexion, golden hair"-
 Marsie interrupted mo with little stamp.
 'I believe you have grown quite heart less, Beryl." she cried. Haven't you any pity for poor Cyril? Just think of the day in the spring when he brought you that great bunch of violets. You let him make love to you by the hour I believe'-my sisters eyes giew round. and she caught her breath-"you let him kiss you!" -"I did," I returned calmly: several times"
 And you never meant itf Never in- tended to keep the promise you made him?"
 What promise?" I stammered fairly startled out of my self-control. Why, Maisie, is it possible that you were list cnlng outside the summerhouse?"
 "No," she sSid shortly; "l was not"
 '"rhen, what possible knowledge can you have as to what I have said to Cyril or he to me?"
 My sister hesitated a little. and tried to avoid my gaze.
 'Well," said. sterny.
 Cyril told me-" replied Maisie. shame. facedly. He was so happy. he could not