davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-06-18
Clever Bessie, and the Secrets She Revealed
TO Helen
BY HELENA DAVIS.

Then she called 10 her parents and sister
to come up and see what her weeks work
had accomplished. They were more than
pleased and greatly astonished at the
sight of the pretty apartment Why,
I'll go into the interior decorating busi-
ness" declared Besses father, indui-
gently. 'Ill buy a few loads of old
broken furniture. some packing boxes,
few boards, Il key OF paint, some colored
cotton stuffs and turn them over to Bees
sic to use us her genius prompts. III
get rich out of the profits.
Guess I'll have something to say about
the pocket the profits roll into" laughed
Hetsie, pleased by her fathers evident
approval of her efforts
But Il was Jim who put the wreath of
laurel on top of Bessieis head. In the
evening of that day he came bounding
nIfstaiFs in response to Bessie's invitation
70 peep in on her after supper. When he
Htepped into the room bis eyes opened
and he fairly gqsped Why, Bess, you're
on my soul, you're a-briek9
no be a brick" In big college jim's
being Just an ordinary genius. She walked
about. the room with her head very high
az she showed off, the wonders of her
handiwork and introduced Jim to old
friends In new coats, as he expressed 1t,
when looking ut pieces of old furniture
made new by paint, cushions and covers.
Next morning Bessie drove round In
her phaeton and got her best friend,
,IIeieii whom she took home with her to
see her new room. Helen's pleasure and
surprise have been told in the beginning
of this story.
Now come, dear, and get better ae-
quanted with the occupants OF my room,
said Bessie, putting her arm round her
friends waist and leading her round the
room, stopping in front OF dainty
dimity -draped dressing table. Here Is
an old washstand with its interior gone
chat is to say Its drawers-and I've con-
yerted 1t into quite a neat piece, you see.
had our stableman saw off some boards
for me which I've put In as shelves. They
are convenient to fold the linens on. The
mirror came from the attic, where 1t lay
on account of a crippled frame. The
drapery and ribbon bow hides its infrm-
the uncovered window seat" and she
lifted the valance of cretonne from long,
rough wooden box. "a bit Of cloth, some
taeks, excelsior for padding and 10! I've
a nice window seat as well as place to
hide my shoes and slippers In
"But your writing desk--that is surely
brand new," exclaimed Helen. "And Isn't
1t beau-ti-ful!
NO, indeed; that writing desk belonged
TO Jlm-was here in his den. 1t was the
sorrlest sight you can Imagine Why, II
looked MS II 1t had had the smallpox. But
| did need a writing desk, and T thought
out a plan to fix 1t up presentable.
bought a quart can of white enamel paint
and set to work to cover the desks biem-
ishes After 1t was done-or, rather,
after was done painting it-there seemed
to be something lacking, just as an all
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-06-18

who was very erratic, though very tat
ented with brush and color. from Fran
cisco's studio Velasquez went TO that OF
francisco Pacheco, where he remained
pupil for five years, at the end of which
time he married Pachecos daughter, Jul
ana Miranda, who was about veasquez
own age. At the time Of bis marriage
Velasquez was only 10.
In 1923 veasquez had a letter from
Don Juan de Fonseca Figueroa inviting
him. at the request OF the powerful MIN
lister Oliyares, to present himself at
Madrid. sum sufficient to defray trav-
cling expenses accompanied the Invita-
ton, which was nothing less than a COM
mand to come to Madrid.
Velasquez's first order from the royal
palace at Madrid was TO paint the por-
trait of Don Ferdinand, brother TO the
young King Philip ~. This piece OF
portralture so pleased His Majesty the
King that he at once arranged to sit to
the young artist for a portrait of his
royal self, studio was straightway
found himself drawn into not only friend
ship with the King but the closest inti-
macy, which lasted for 40 years.
Besides the studio In the palace, city
were furnished the kings favorite paint
er. He was also paid handsomely for bis
pictures.
In 1880 velasquez visited Rome for the
first time. Here he was housed In the
Vatican; but he soon left this place of
residence for the villa Medicl. While
there he painted two landscapes OF the
beautiful surroundings. These pictures
may still be seen In the Prado, Madrid.
1t Is said OF velasquez that he dis
played the most exquisite taste In dress,
and bore himself with great dignity and
courtly grace.
about 10 days. the greatest Spanish paint
er of any time. yelasquez, passed from
life; but till Time shall have crumbled his
canvasses to dust he shall live In the
hearts of the generations that follow TO
look upon his handiwork with reverence
and wonder IL not the greatest portrait
painter, none have been greater than he.
An art critic has this to say OF his
genius: 1t Is impossible to estimate Ve-
iasquez without going to Madrid.
His portraits battle description and praise.
They must be seen; He. elevated that
branch TO the dignity of history. He
drew the minds of men. They live,
breathe and seem ready to walk out OF
their frames We look into
space; into a room; into the reflection OF
a mirror
picture of velasquez is shown here.
1t Is sketched from a reproduction OF
portrait painted by himself.
MARY GRAHAM.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-06-18

world except wire spring, extra-wide
cot The uprights that are at the four
corners to hold the canopy frame are plain
strips of pine nailed securely into place.
The stable man is pretty good carpenter,
and he helped me build my bed me
framework IS covered, you see, with plain
white muslin. Mamma gave me an old
sheet for the purpose. But the green ana
white striped scrim, which Is so cool and
launders SO nicely, hides all that frame
work"
Helen looked and looked; then she said;
"Bess, you're genius; you surely are
wonderful girl.
"Oh, it's only work. love of It,, you
know. Now, how do you like my hoorf
See | painted the border a dark walnut,
as that matches anything. Instead OF
rug I've stretched down for the summer
this center square Of green buriap. I'm
fond of white and green for summer.
Then my book shelyes-JiI''s old ones
have been made respondent with new
silkollne curtain. ] think the colors-rosee,
gold, green and brown-harfnonize well
with the wallpaper; don't your
But lust then the luncheon bell rang,
and as the two happy little girls ran down
to the dlning-ro room Bessie could be heard
unfolding further secrets concerning the
fixing OF new furniture for her dear
little room. all her very own.
ITS Just work, work, work. that VIII
accomplish anything, dear she said, 'es-
pecially II the hane that do the WORK
are willing hands"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-06-18

Sweet sixteen" Bob told him. That
q the way [ know her age.
Just as Bob told this In ran Hattie TO
get me from the sofa. where she had
muss. Really, | was In most pltlable
condition, with my skirt torn, my nose
dirty. my hair dsheveled and one slipper
gone. | felt dreadfully Inundated over
being seen In such n plight; but the fault
was not NINE Now, TO tell you now !
come to be so untidy and In the parlor,
! shall be obliged to Introduce two ami
mails Turner petsD into the story. one,
most idle, shiftless, light-brained fel-
low, good othing puppy by the
name OF Abraham Bismark, and the other
n fre-spitting, vicious tempered old tab
by cat, by the name of Tabetha Tenzle,
are the individuals guilty OF the misde-
meanor which brought me messed 70 FT,et now
pink frock, my feet shod In my party
slippers and big bow OF PINK ribbon
tying my curls, which were In the latest
wicker go-cart to be taken for morning
stroll by my companion, Hattie turner;
Just as we were about TO start Ethel
called to Hattie to run to a nelghbors on
an errand. Hattie left me in my cart on
fhe side porch, promising to return for
me as soon as she had performed her
errand.
mer morning air and feeling conscious
that all the little girls who passed on
the sidewalk looked upon me with admlra-
tion, there came round the corner OF the
porch old Tabetha Teazle, the pesky old
catl Now, she had formed the habit OF
getting into my go-cnrt and sleeping
Whenever she had the opportunity, but
she had had the good manners to walt
TIL | vacated 1t. On this morning,
though, contrary to custom, she sprang
right up Into my cart without even 40
much as with your permission, Miss
Myrtle" and proceeded to lie down on
me. She Is such huge creature that she
almost smothered me, and she crumpled
my pretty frock so that / felt ! should
cry Of vexation. And there she lay, blink
Ing In the sun and purring for all the
world like an old lady snoring. Just as
| was wishing from the depths of my
Akid-coyered heart that Hattie would
come to my rescue, here through the
gate came that horrid puppy, Abraham
Bsmnrk, making Decline for the porch:
Seeing Tabetha-who was bis natural
enemy-he sprang toward her and barked,
pretending TO be on the warpath. In very
truth, though, he was only pretending, for
he hadn't enough courage to engage In
real fight.
Old Tahetha rose up OF q sudden, her
tail slowly switching aud her back curry
ing, while her sharp claws buried them
selves IN my body. Again sprang Abra-
ham toward her, bow-wowing terribly and
plunging his paws into the go-eart One
quick blow from Tabetha's paw took aim
nnawares between the eyes, and. with his
feet caught in the wicker work of the
cart, he fell backwards. barking and
swapping with fear and anger. Over went
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-06-18

taste along with your work." said Helen.
'Well. | hatter myself that | have good
taste. too. for otherwise | could not ap-
preciate what you have done in this little
room. And ! am willing TO work. work,
work, also. II | can obtain the result that
You have obtained" And the enthusiastic
Helen again waved her hands about the
little room. which was such reycSe ton
to her.
Until vacation had come Bessie had
shared room with her older sister, who
had been one of the seasons high school
graduates, and who had stepped from the
graduating platform into society. Conse-
quently, as became n gay debutante who
must needs keep hours n trife later than
little school maiden like Bessie. 1t was
decided that she should have a room 10
herself, that her goings and comings
might not interfere with the early retr-
ings at night of Bessie.
Then Bessle's mother rnund herself con-
fronted by the problem Of no extra room
in the house except the guest chamber,
and that. of course, must be kept for
company. SO, where was she to stow
away her little 14-year-old Bess?
But Bess solved the problem by laying
hands on another's possession.
Give brother inns den TO me-" she
said. "Since he's gone away to college
he never uses i any more fr tar DARING En
golf, rowing or hunting and Is seldom
at home, except for occasional meals and
TO sleep. He has no Legal rights, as |
can see, to two rooms, while |. q member
of the family In good standing, have not
where to lay my head"
They all laughed at Bessie's way Of
making her claims, but all agreed that
she was right and Jim very. generously
relinqushed his old den to her, for he
and Bessie were the best OF comrades
always, aud Jim had fallen Into a pretty
habit of never refusing her anything
which 1t was in his power to grant.
1.-THE place is yours said Jim, hand
ing propretorship of the den over TO
BESSIE one morning Keep anything In
there that you can use-throw the rest
of Ii in the storeroom or out OF the win
dow IL IL suits your convenience better.
So Bessie went to work with Will
aud one week from the day on which she
took possession OF the former den she
rested from her labors and looked about
her with n feeling of genuine satisfaction
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-06-18
their significance. the school kindly snlck-

their significance, the school kindly snick-
cred.
Now. John Scott go to the blackboard
and write the word cheat 100 times. After
that take your seat and write your essay.
And--heed what | say-if you repeat an
adjective oftener than Is absolutely neces-
sary TO express yourself | shall attend to
your case after school. And it will re-
quire list of adiectives longer than you
now have to express what will take place
in such an event. Now, to the boardl''
And Teacher pointed a long, stiff, finger
toward the blackboard whittier Johnny
Boy went and began writing as high up
as his short arm would allow: 'Chete,
chete, chete"
What Teacher said when she noticed
Johnny's spelling of the word can be I'm
az ined.
At anyrate, Johnny was heard TO say
after school was out that essay writing
was not as easy as eating when one was
hungry. And Tim Sanders looked at him
and winked, saying: Them are my sen
fiments. too"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-06-18

Travis" He proved timely friend to
mel Just as he had begun to tell his
friend of Ethel in came Hattie to carry
poor me from the room. She nodded to
Mr.. Bob was introduced to his compan-
ion; then sne grabbed me and held me
behind her-hiding me, of course.
doll gasd Mr. B aaYs t Peep ga az y9o of
spirits, taking hold OF Hatties arm.
NO, no., said Hattie, shaking her
head; She's too dirty
What" asked Mr.. Bob in astonish-
ment rs she the dolly you got Christ
mas? Why, I'm afraid you're a careless
little mother to let her get so untidy."
"oh, il was Abe and Tab" confessed
Hattie, feeling ashamed of herself;
well, come-let's see her." insisted
Mr. Bob. 'She was the most beautiful
doll | ever saw when you got her. She
was an imported French lady, you know.
Too rad that n common pup and a
mousetrap should bring her to ruin"
Hattie Brought me round into view, and
Mr.. Bob said, gently hes good-hearted
fellow and ! hope Miss Ethel VIII marry
Lady Dolly. But she only needs Bit Of
attention. then she'll look like her old
beautiful self again. In the mean time,
tlog Abe and turn Tabetha from the
place
lust at this minute a step was heard In
the hall aud IN came Ethel looking like
fairy. Mr., Bob had eyes Cor me no
longeri Dut the deaf ielioW nau zone me
the greatest kindness. His words of
praise had relnstated me In my Hattie's
favor once more.
Oh, how tickle Is human nature
Taking me tenderly IN her arms, Hattie
ran up TO her playroom, where her two
friends awaited her.
Mr. Bob Travis says Myrtle is a
French important DOLL she cried en-
Enthusiastically. tShe got the word import
ed a bit mixed. you see.) .I'm going TO
put her white silk dress on her and COMB
her hair and take her to Margery's birth
day party this afternoon. She'll be the
pup, Abe, or that old eat, Tab. ever lay
claws on her again they're"
WhatT' asked one of the little friends.
They're gonersw answeredIIattie, gem
lily wiping the dust from nv French nose
and hugging me to her breast
HesAsel.Ae.A asxninl
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-06-18
Little Biographies of
Bic Masters.

Mote to Children.-Cut out and paste
in a scrapbook the series of articles now
appearing In this department entitled
little Biographies Of Big Masters"
ture reference,)
Ii was at Seville, Spain. in the year
1EDG. sometime about the LIST OF june
that the subject of this sketch, Diego
Rodriguez de Silva Velasquez. was born
On his fathers side he sprang from the
Portuguese aud on his mothers side from
the Spanish, Both families ranked as
members Of the inferior nobility. The
came from his mothers people. This
was following out an old Andalusian GUS
tom. Velasquez studied first with the
eccentric master Francisco de Herrera.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-06-18

"Oh-me. oh-myr' cried weary little fly.
I'm so tired flying round
Guess I'll drop down on the ground"
But a table caught his sight,
On the table he did light:
jug of syrup standing near
Ely approached 1t without fear.
"oh-me. oh-myl' little fly began to cry.
SIN this jug of lovely sweet
am stuck with all my feetl'
But another fly few by.
Heard his comrade sadly cry:
Came he to the rescue quick,
Jerked him from the syrup thick.
"oh-me, oh-myr' Now I know that shall
die,
FOR my legs are left behind
And some others | can't lndl''
But his friend, a wise old guy
Said, you are a foolish fly!
You have wings both good and strong
They will take you right along.
You can go back to the sweet.
Take your stand on your old feet,
Eat your fill, then fly away
And live TO eat another day.
so you see, though without legs
Yon are still upon your pegs"
MAUD WALKER.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-06-18
ole Story Of the Bisque Doll.
BY WILLIAM WALLACE, JR.

I'm a bisque doll and am about six
months old, though, having lived through
a recent deal of trouble | fancy | look
much older than that. My life, up till
few days ago, seemed pleasant enough
land is pleasant enough now, for That
natter), but one. especially doll, never
may turn up.
l came to live in my present home on
a day called Christmas. Everything was
stir and hustle, excitement and celebra-
ton then. Later things became more
settled, and ! found out that / was In.
tended to be the friend and playmate of
Hattie Turner. There's another Turner
girl Ethel-owho is sweet sixteen. The
way l came to know her age was through
her young beau, Mr. Bob Travis, who
brought a college chum of his to meet
Ethel the other day. While they were
whiting IN the parlor for Ethel to come
down Mr.. Bob took a little picture of
Ethel out of his pocket aud showed it to
his friend. "Uh! she's downright pref.
ty" his friend said. How old is she p
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-06-18

the house by one hand and tossing me
ON the sofa. But not n word of pity for
me-not one. felt my heart snap with
the pain of her codnessher indiffer
enee Il can't take Myrtle now-she's
such a sightv' were her next words. I'm
run up stairs and get Jenny May; she's
clean, and | hayn't had her out for u
long. long time
Another shaft went through my heart
Jenny May was my riya-a doll who
had been Hattle's companion before
came. She had never liked me for the
simple reason that ! had snpplanted her
In Hattie's good favors
SO there | was left-torn, heartbroken
and dirty nosed.on the sofa In the par
lor, while Hattie ran off to get my rival
to take my place And there was an
bringing his ehum to meet Ethel land
from my heart ! say Long live Mr. Bob
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-06-18

the cart, with me In the midst of fierce
conflict, for Tabetha laid into Abraham
then over, tossed hitler and yon by the
two combatants, and when at last Abra-
ham got gu all fours and scudded round
the corner of the porch, with tail tucked,
aud old Tabetha ut his heels, | lay like
a wounded soldier on the battlefield. And
there, with eyes staring toward the sky
and the sun bistering my face, Hattie
found me a little later. She came with
two friends, who were to accompany her
on her morning walk.
"Merey mel locke at Myrtle!' cried
Hattie. Oily name Is Myrtle)
well, she looks as II a cyclone had
struck her" remarked one Of the friends
In cold-blooded manner.
Its the work Of old Tab and Abe, :"
declared Hattie, grabbing me up by one
arm. Oh, heartlessness, cruelty! She didn't
seem to care II were demolished. Some
things got to be done with that pair
that pup and Gator they'll kill each
other" she went on, dragging me into
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-06-18
CLAD AS A GAME.

There is Joy and sport in this world Of
ours,
And. over the graves grow the beautiful
flowers.
II our hearts were but open to good and
the bright,
And closed to the III as we close them At
night
Then life might be glad as the game OF
child,
And with gladness the world would pot
so be defiled- G. 1. PHlr9n-
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-06-18

"oh, ohp' cried Helen, standing In the
center of Bessie's pretty room and look
Ing about her with admiration and sur
prise.
Her admiration was for the dear,
sweet little room-a perfect darlng!" =
and her surprise was over the fact that
Bessie had arranged the room herself,
furnishing ii with odds aud ends of any
old household junk" that her mother had
no nse for.
"How did you do TT" Helen asked. wav-
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-06-18

white dress needs bit of gay ribbon to
kill Its stare Well, sisters oil paints
and brushes were handy. | conceived the
idea of violets scattered over the white
surface. You see the result"
Wonderful Perfectly wonderful?" ex-
claimed Helen, amazed that Bessie could
do so artistic bit of work.
"And the chair, you see, is done to
match" went on Bessie. I'm fact. all
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-06-18

the chairs Ct my room are old things
picked out of the attic. but they look
quite respectable In their white paint,
cushions and headrests and some with
clean dresses of white lin n"
:" nd your bed-what Is lt2 I'm curious
to know. 1t is lovely, yet | never saw
one arranged just like 1t before" said
Helen, going to the bed, which stood
across one corner of the room.
THAT is my pet piece of furniture"
answered Bessie ''ft is nothing In the
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-06-18

mont Tell me, for ! want to take
lesson In the sort of economy that allows
one to make a fine show GU. of nothing.
"Well, doarie,' laughed Bessie, I'm
sure that after you've heard the secret
you'll change your mind about accomplish
Ing anything ont of nothing. To be sure.
/ didn't spend any mOney--except a few
dolars-bnt | spent lots of time In work,
work. work ~
"And you utilized ingenuity and good
Fitzgerald enterprise. (Fitzgerald, Ga.) 1895-1912, 1905-04-06
LOCAL NEWS.
a0.MnMMM a,1N1A Q d.te.ANa mMMN zoo

High grade fertilizers.- Phenix
Warehouse Company.
DR.. w. r. Googe, of Abbeville,
was in the city yesterday.
Mrs. Mcdaniel and Mrs. c..
w. Donaldson, of Abbevllle, were
ia the city Wednesday.
Torrence-Story Shoe Co. has
just received a very pretty line
of Ladies', Misses and Chlldrens
shoes.
Miss Mclaughlin, of Wray,
visited the family of Rev. J. l.
Oxford last Tuesday and We'd
nesday.
A new line of white shoes for
men, women and children, just
received.
ToRRENcE-SToRy SHOE Co.
For Sale A slab conveyor or
board elevator. Address
DICKSON & MEADOWS.
1t per w If Osierheld, ga
Mr.. VIM. Goebler has moved
to 221 east Pine street where he
is prepared to do cleaning, re.
pairing and dyeing. All work
guaranteed to be frst-class. tt
Fitzgerald enterprise. (Fitzgerald, Ga.) 1895-1912, 1905-04-06
CAPT. JOHN WHITCHARD DEAD.
One of Dawson's Oldest and Most Re-.
spected Citizens Victim
of Pneumonia.
From the Dawson News.

From the Dawson News.
The death of Captain Johr
Whitchard on last Tuesday nigh
caused profound sorrow through
out the town and county. He
had been in feeble health for
some time. though the immediate
cause of his death was pneu-
monia, attended by several com.
plications.
Impressive funeral services
were conducted Wednesday al"
ternoon at the Baptist church by
Rev. J. M. Long, assisted by
Revs. ]. A. Ivey and M. B. L.
Binion, at the conclusion of which
the remains were Inferred in
Cedar Hill cemetery. Every, bu-
siness house in Dawson was
closed as fitting tribute to the
memory of the deceased.
Captain Whitchard was eighty
two years old at the time Of his
death. He served with valor
through the civil war, and was a
loyal son of the south. He NOV
ed to Terrell county in 1876, and
to Dawson in 1889, and for many
years was identified with the
best interests of the town and
county, though he never sought
nor held political Office. He was
a member and deacon of the Bap-
fist church, and his life was one
of faithful service and christian
INTEGRITY.
He is survived by his wife and
six children, who have the sim
cere sympathy of m4ny friends
ia their sad bereavement.