davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-10-09
By VERA SERKOFF.

"Ah me. I have sometimes-w wished but never mind that now Good-by. dar- ling. 1 must go, but III come again, for you're just the same as ever, just as | sweet and loving, just as true. You are always true"
 A hurried embrace and she was gone. Always true" repeated Dolly as the door closed behind her cousin. "Ah, Meg. if you only knew what 1t costs me to be true now!''
 She sank down on long chair before inc fire, so lost in thought that she did not hear the door open after time. and started violently as she felt d kiss on her check
 'Miles'' she cried. jumping up
 Miles Oakley was g. decidedly plain. and with Ho resemblance to a Greek god or young Apollo, but gentleman to his finger tips.
 Well, little sweetheart" he began, trying 10 take Dolly in his arms. but she gently rcpulscd him.
 Don't, Miles. I have something to tell you Five years ago you used to come )hore very much, and mother thought you wanted May and so did May herself But ] knew better. You wanted Meg.
 Wise little woman, I did.' They were both standing: Dolly looking pale and iesolute, Miles gazing at her thoroughly puzzled,
 "'rho night before May was married" Dolly went on, ''shc asked mo to hclu her turn her desk and burn old letters look ing thom over first. ! came upon one addressed 10 Miss M Coyngham. Gut be-
 aiming My Darling Meg It was from ynu, asking Meg to marry you. May told mo t was brought tn her by mistake, and cut of spite she kept 1t.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-10-09

Fate appears to be on my side with a grin at the forlorn object facing him.
 You are brute and I hate you-hate you" remarked Miss Durward vlciousy.
 He smiled.
 Hate away" he said But you will find 1t more satisfactory to change it to the other thing as l told you, if you want to get back in time for lunch. It's getting late
 T will never say anything of tho sort, If 1 have to stay here all day"
 "Wcll, of course, If you prefer to remain there you are quite welcome to do SO. | don't in tho least mind sitting here. I had breakfast very late, and fortunately my cigarette case Is wAtcr-tight and well filled"
 "I thought you were gentleman, any how. I wonder you like to make such a fool of yourself with all these people about
 There are no people about. and I am not making afqol of myself in the least" returned MT. Harrington chcerfully.
 A long silence cnsued, during which her tormcntor smoked two cigarettes whiIe hls victim sat motionless.
 "Wcll' he said at last as he flung away the end of the second, this Is getting mo- notonous. l suppose I had better come across and talk to you"
 He slipped off into the water again and came oyer to her. Holding on 10 the rock with one hand he looked up into the gray eyes above him, in which. in spite of her valiant efforts to keep up appearances there was a suspicious moisturc as they met his blue ones they suddenly dropped and faint pink flush crept up at the
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-10-09

T don't want to hear anything you nave to say and l will not listen to 1t.
 But. fortunately for nc. for once in your life, you have no choice in th" mat ter. Now are you going tp rro1isn?'
 How can I promise anything unless know what 1t is?"
 You will know if you have a little pa tience. You are to say Claude. l love you, and l will marry you one month from to-day"
 T shall do nothing of tho sort she retorted angrily. T hate you, and l will never speak to you again
 A wave larger than the rest rolled up and almost swept over her scat, She clutched the rock with both hands,
 Pity you didn't learn to swim. isn't it?' MT. Harrington remarked. After all the lessons you have had too how eVer., as 1t happens l. is rather fortunate for mo that you were not successful in your efforts"
 The girl made no reply and he con tinued placIdly;
 You see, you made a little mistake for once In your life. You thought l was just like all the rest of your train-to be played with as long as it amused you and then dropped when ynu were tired of me, and wanted a fresh amusement. Ilav- Ing kept mo dangling at your heels all the season you thought you had settled the whole affair when you cHmo to Dcv- enslitre just as I was beginning to get restive; but you overlooked the fact that two pe0Ere can sometimes play at tho same game. So I followed you. and hero l am, and here I mean 10 remain. and
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-10-09

"Well-I came because you are here" "lf that is the only reason you might l have stayed away" retorted the gir grossly
 As it happens. that is the sole and only reason; but I suppo-e you have not the only right and privilege of spending the summer in this retreat, even though you may be allowed to be as rude as you iike?"
 "I am not rude, and if I were have quiet, and not to be worried. and 1t seems that iR 10 be made Impossible However, will leave you to yourself"
 She turned around go sharply on the narrow ledge of slippery rock that she lost her balance. swayed for n moment. and then fell with a resounding splash into the deep water.
 An expression of unalloyed joy over spread the countenancc of tho young man.
 And she can't swim" he muttered glee- fully; then as he saw the dark head emerging from the sea. he pulled off his coat and jumped fin after her Tho sudden shock of immersion in cold water had completely deprived Mss Dur ward of speech or hearing and she was quite at his mercy For all her dignity she was really very small and slight. and her rcscuer found no difficulty in swim ming a little distance with his burden. Opposite to where she had been standing before her fall q large rock just showed its head out of the water which com pletely surrounded 1t. On this rock he placed the girl and then, saying in a cheerful, reassuring> tone: Hold on
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-10-09

after you But she was delicate and wanted great care. l had no nurse for her. no servant at all. Angus was in- dgnant when [ wautod one, yet he was quite well enough off to keep at least one servant He said what was good enough for his mother was good enough for me, and she had never wanted d ser want"
 Was ho uukiud to you?" whispered DoHy.
 He didn't mean to be. It was just what you said. a big mistake. IIc had falcied himself in love with me as I had fdncIcd myself in love with him, but he mad hoped for money with mo. and re- sented tho disappointment.
 Then. too we had nothing in com mon. and he was iealoas of my superior fly Over his people. IIo didn't like my iryinE to keep to my own refined habits, and bring the baby up to be like my self
 "lic was good man in his own way hut small minded and tyruuuiraL The child died in Infancy, and just a year ago Angus was drowned while fishing l took what little there was and came to London"
 Have you been ycar in London with out coming to me-" cried Dorothy
 "I wouldn't come tilI was doing wolI have q boarding house in Blooms bury, together with friend who is also q widow, and We are getting on Very well indeed. So l thought this afternoon ! might com" and see you
 m sn glad, and Meg, I shall comc and sec 4ou.'
 'dood, true little friend Do you re member Miles Oakley and how you al ways stuck up for him?
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-10-09
A~S~S

', was clothed from head to foot in snotless | white and presented a very different an. pearancc from the forlorn maiden in the l limp linen of the morning. She saw him coming and deliberately lowered her l parasol and turned her back reading | with great absorption. MT. Harrington | walked quietly round the other side of the barrier she had raised and flung him. self on the sand beside her. Miss Dur ward took no notice. Apparently young men had no place in her world at all at that moment. He endured it for a few , moments and then. as she continued to read, he quietly took the book out of her hand and threw 1t along the beach. "Cccilc," he said softly, "are you very angry with me? l want you to say again what you did this morning"
 Isn't once enough to humliate me?"
 she asked, without raising her eyes. "l lad 10 do it, dear. because you would
 not give me a chance to say what you
 know l wanted to; but I am sorry leased you, and I want you to say you forgive me and tell me over again, only of your own free will this time, what you did this morning. You know you meant to say 1t all tho time, only you were so proud and wilful you would not give in. Isn't that right?" he asked eagerly. Miss Durwards eyes wandered slowly round the horizon. away to the cliffs in the distance down to the little waves at
 her feet. and. finally. with an effort, 70 the face of the man beside her. Then her mouth curved and a smile broke all over her small. mutinous face.
 But 1t was a mean trick, all the same,"
 she said.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-10-09

The only guests at dinner were Dos mond Fancourt, Lord Madresleld 8 nephew and heir prcsumptlvc, and Leslie Atherton, distant connection of the family, Both were handsome, distin- guishcd, looking men. dark, tall and 30 years of age.
 Lady Madrcsfold retired to her room immediately. but was aroused early next morning hy the butler, Robson. who with face as Dale as sheet told her that hc had fcund his master dead In his room. His valet had discovered the body when he went to call Madresnold and he i'm med!airy summoned Desmond Fancourt, tho new Lord Madrcsncld, and q doctor. who had pronounced tho death to be due to poison, These two, Leslie Athcrton and Lady Madlcsfeld's brother. were now in the death chamber awaiting the arrival of the police.
 Pale and shivorng, Cherie crept bacl, to bed.
 'I feel sick and i'll, Robson" sho whis- pcted This Is fearful shock Leave mo to m}sclf, 1 am best alone. No; I Will have no brandy, no tea, nothing only leave me aleuo Don't disturb me 9utiI ring. l shall not be wanted The direction of af,d:s Is in other hands. My reign here ls o,cr,"
 Robson retired, weeping ostcntatlously, and speedily forgot all about ms mistress u the delicious excitement of tragedy in the household.
 The moment he was gone, CAcrie spraug out of bed once murc, and began .ractag the room In Fl storm of anguish. It WAS not grief for her rnsbaud that overwhelmed her he had bceu hard. mer,icss tylant to her aud, though thjs sudden death shocked and awcd her, she could not sorrow fer him.
 All her thoughts were for her brother. She never doubted that he had committed this terrible crime and her one idea was to save him from its consequence. But how?
 Married before her l7th birthday, doomed ever since to life of seclusion by a cross grained valetudinayian. Cherie Was. at 2,, as ignorant of the world, and as simple-miuded as child or l..
 It struck her that If she could draw suspicion on herself for d time, her brother would have an opportunity to es- cape, and, without forming any further plans. she resolved upon flight
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-10-09

tight. or youll fall in again." he returned to his former resting place and. sitting down awaited events
 With an effort Miss Durward- opened her eyes and looked about her in dazed manner Then the truth came to her with a flash and rage got the upper hand
 She carefully removed one hand from the slippery rock aud brushed away the dark hair which fell into her eyes and gIared wrathfuIly at the impenltent and dripping young man who sat opposite 10 her. en- deayoring to light cigarette with a damp mateh.
 She might almost as well have been In tho middle of the Atlantic Ocean instead of only q few yards from the shore, so utterly impossible was It for her to reach land without setting far out of her depth. when she would again be ignomi- nlously fshed out by the man whom at that moment she hated with deadly and vicious hatred.
 "I wonder you are not ashamed of your self playing such childish tricks" she said angrily "I insist upon your taking me off thls rock at once--at once" she repated with an attempt to be dlgnlhed which under the circumstances was a dis nal failure
 Nc" said Claude Harrington calmly Not yet Not until have said all that I want to say, which you have never yet allowed me to do-now that I have a chance l am going to mako the most of it-also you are going to make a prom ise before you get on shore again In fact, on second thought, If you will mako the promise first, will land you and talk afterward."
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-10-09

0X you did not expect to be found
 " out. No, you thought you had
 managed your theft too clever'y
 for that You young scoundrel, I'll give you into custody. though you are my wife's brother. Not word, Cherie; not word in his defense. What I've said, I'll do"
 Lord Madresheld glared at the two young creatures who covered before him. He was not much over 60. but he looked m old, old man, for his constitution had been shattered by dissipation in early life, and his health was wrctched
 Five years ago he had taken it into his head to marry, and had selected the daughter of an old friend. who, ruined in health and in pocket, had been glad to force his l7-year-old girl into a marriage with the wealthy peer by way Of provls- ion for her future.
 He had died shortly after the wedding. leaving his only other child. a lad Of 14, to Lord Madresnelds care. Graham Le Mesurier found a home with his sister and her husband but it was not a happy one.
 Lord Madreshelds fancy for his wife soon gave place to indifference. and he never liked the boy, SO he made their lives as miserable as he well could. Through Cherries devoted love for her brother he tortured her, and enjoyed her agony.
 "Yes," he resumed, after gioatins for a moment or two over the terror on the white faces before him, T have made up my mind I'm not going to be robbed with impunity If Harland my valet, had helped himself to my money l should send for the police I shall do the same with you"
 And with that he marched out of the room.
 "Ioo-do you think-he--ho means 1t. Graham?" faItered Cherie. after a pause. The boy nodded sIoomily
 "old brute" he said, with emphasis. T wish he were dead, l do. Why isn't he dead? He is always i'll and messing about with auaek medicines. I'd give him a dose if l dared, If only were sure not to be found out. I'd put something in his medicine that would cure him of all com plaints"
 'oh. don't talk so wildly" cried his sis- ter You don't mean it, know, but Don't l mean it, though? There are
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-10-09
Z
 ~ s>@>S~< ;A

That's what became of that letter. then? I've often wondered
 But don't you see what thIs means ?" asked Dorothy. Meg was piqued by your silence and rushed into this disas- trous marriage. But she is now a widow free. and lovelier than ever. I have just seen her, Miles. and I can give you her address. Go to her. Never mind me. Mako her happy and be happy yourself"
 You noble girl. you true woman" said Miles. deeply moved. He took both her hands in his. and drew her towards him. But you are utterly wrong. my darling. Listen. did admire Meg very much. and I did write that letter. No answer came, but, not being fellow in novel. wasn't going to take it for granted that silence meant refusal.
 T saw Meg, found she hadn't had my letter, and repeated my proposal. She refused me. She was very candid said sho was q passionate lover of the bcauti- ful and of the romantic, and that [ was too commonplace and too ugly for her l did think of trying again, but you went off to Scotland immediately. and then I heard of her romantic marriage. And then fell in love with you. dear"
 'Rut she is free now" faltered Dolly, and moro beautiful than ever"
 And If sho were q thousand times more beautiful than ever. what is thai to mc?' cried Miles with sudden fire, "Frec, is she? But I am not, and would not be for worlds, Dorothy my own. my darling, believe me" drawing her to his breast. all unrcsisting, believe me. sweet one, there are no birds in last year s nests, and all the love in my heart belongs to Dorothy and to Dorothy alone"
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-10-09

What have you done. woman? You have poisoned my poor, helpless old un- cle, and then. terrified at what you had done, you ran away"
 'l did not poison him." she forced from between her rigid lips Let me go. You have no rignl to keep me-"
 "I ought to give you into custody" hc replied stcrnly. DO yoG know that there is a warrant out for your arrest ?''
 But l am innocent" she said simply
 You'll find some difficulty in Trovihs i. But, for tho honor of tho family, Pm not going to give you into custody. I'm going 10 take your future into my own hands. Will you meet me here tomor- Tow night at midnight? You need not try to cvadc mo, for if YOU do, shall put the police on your track "
 'Ill comc,' she promised "But tell me. where Is my brnther?'
 Not far from here. He Is sharing Athcrton's chamber at present, l be- licve."
 'Where?"
 He told her, and. with another warning not to try to escape him, he turned away. Graham Io MesurIvr came swinging along toward home at a great pace, and WAS turning in at tho door of the Man siuns." where he lived. when he nearly ran against a flower girl standing thcro He gaye ono look Into her face, and drew her swiftly into the shelter of the porch.
 "Cherie, my poor little sister" lac hrcathcd Come upstairs quickly. dear, There's no one about. Here we are. Leslie I have found her, | have found Cherlc." Athcrton had started up in astonlsh- mcut.
 "Cherie! In this disguise na you know you are suspected of murdclinS your hus- hand?"
 Chorio sank woarily down on low char.
 Yes" snc replied faintly "I-l wanted them to suspect me"
 ~ ou wanted them to suspect ydu" re- p"atcd AtlfcIton in profound astnn'sh- Wou', Hut why? We never dorhted Nnd Graham and l. We know you arc lnhoe' tnt"
 shc iUllod her sweet brown eyes on her MotAers face. bat 1t only expressed th' trluerc~t sympathy,
 'Nhy ai4 >ou do 1t, dear?'' he asked gently,
 I thouaht you-oh, Graham, was afraid iaat you"-
 "Gurd healcuz, You thought was EahN *' hc interrupted, aghast, "Cherie how could you?"
 "N"u sald-oh, you said-about poison she iJltercd
 Ms poor little self-saerihcing sister }0u ought tu have known me better. did uot mean a word l said. My dear, now la!r you look. How You must have sui f.ued."
 lie got out wine and sandwiches, and She ate lavcunusly. while the two men watched her with anxious eyes
 haven't had much food today she
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-10-09
And May-.where is she?"

And May-.where Is she?" "Oh Mays married. She married a very rich man just six months aGo-tho conventional marriage yon always said she would make. But shc seems most happy. And you, dear? Are you happy
 How pretty it all is" she said draw ing a deep breath. "How lovely the flowers are. How delightful it is to sec q pretty drawing room after that odious little cottaG". An. Dolly you were right. my marriage was Il great mistake"
 Il haze suffered for my folly Angus thought I had money. l tod him my real position quite at nrst-that l was a poor relation and acted a4 your govcr- ness. but hc thought il Was all my TO- mantle nonsense, for hc could not believe l3dy, as he knew mo 10 he could bc pcnniless. When he foIud there was no money and realized that my relatives lHtd east me off, and he had a useless lady . wife on his hands, hc was furious.
 'f, got your letter my staunch littlo Dolly but had to toll you not to write again because Angus insisted that all my correspondence should pass through his hWds,
 Tt was an awful fate. had to fetch water from the well, to cook. light fires. Gn all the work, and Angus mother and sisters snccrcd al mo for a useless nuo lady who was lust q burden and cx- pense to the family. Then tho food was so coarse. In winter We lived on salt herring and potatoes almost entirely. 1hrn--the baby came"
 Mes paused and tears Y-= Into her eyes.
 'Uh Dolly, she was such q comfort. u wee, wee thing. fair as q lily and beau- tllnl as an angel l called her Dolly
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-10-09

R G IsS DURWARD stood on a rock fWV which ran out into the sea, VW watching the waves which
 splashed against it's slippery sides and which wotted her white canvas shoes with their spray. It was a blazing hot August day and scarcely a breath of wind ruffled her dark, curly hair. which was without any covering. in spite of the dangers of san stroke. Her big frilled hat lay further away on the shore where she had been sitting. Her scarlet linen dress made her conspicuous figure to anyone coming in that direction, and a tall man who came around the corner of The cliff which shut off her retreat from the rest of the world stopped for a mo- ment to take in the picture, Then he made his way rapidly over the rocks to her sifc. So quietly did he come that 1t was not until he stood beside her and said: "Good morning. Miss Durward.' = that the girl realized his presence She turned so suddenly that she almost lost her balance and, nearly fell into the water at her feet
 "You" she calculated in a tone of mingled astonlshment and annoyance,
 Myself and no less; you seem sur prised." he repeated cooliy,
 ''When did you come?" she asked ig- noring his remark
 Last night by the mall train," he re- turned
 And may I ask why? thought you were in London and too busy to get Rwa.? ?"
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-10-09

lots of chemicals about tho house--your photographic things, for instance-a dose l of which would soon put an end to him. and I'd have no compuuctions about get ting rid of him, if only for your sake. Hes a brute to you, Cherie." Never mind that dear Only tell me you did not take his money, did you?" The lad looked at her remorsefully.
 I'm sorry, Chcrie butt did It was only five pounds, and Desmond Fancourt put me up to it, l can't help fancyng he told the old man about it. for how else 1t was found out I cant think"
 Cherle broke into hcartrending sobs. and threw herself on a couch in an agony of grief. Graham knelt beside her kissing her, and trying 10 comfort her Don't cry, darling m not worth your tears. I'm sick of thls life. Cheric, and won't stay longer I've been betting and getting into mischief Desmond led mo into it-but I'm going to turn over q new leaf. Leslie Atherton has promised to help me to get into something, and tonlght-he is to dine and sleep here. I know-I'H ask him to do all he can 10 get me away from here at once"
 Chcric sat up. and fixed her sweet. mournful brown eyes on her brother
 'oh, Graham, if you will be guided by Leslie, and never listen to Desmond I shall hot fear for you. Now l am going to Madrcshed to plead for you, l know he will never prosecute my brother"
 If he does 1 swear I'll kill him." cried Graham.
 'h'ro was right. Lord Madresncld had never had any intant!on of prosecuting bis young hrothcrnaw. but it cost chcrie d hard battle to gain assurance of this Her husband poured out the vials of hls wrath upon her. and abused her quite irantcally.
 Ills loud, screaming voice raised to hys- terlcal pitch, Cherries sobs of fear and grief, drew the attention of the servants and two or three fingered round the door half inclined to interfere. especially when the sound of a heavy blow was heard, fol- lowed by low cry of pain.
 But after that all was quiet. and Cbaric appeared at dinner in the evening. very pale. but composed, and looking loyeIler than ever though there was a great bruise on her snowy shoulder, which had taxed her maids ingenuity to conceal under a cloud of chiffon