davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-19
LETTER ENIGMA.

into beautiful and noble woman and be- come your queen"
 ''I wish for nothing more than that, said Bano, taking Minerva's little hand in his and kissing 1t with the air of knight
 And now. Fairy, lead me. I shall fol- low you"
 And if there's any fighting to do, I want to be in the front ranks" cried Sandy, rushing to the side of Bano.
 And you remain with your daughter" said the fairy to Sarah. Tomorrow you'll all breakfast in the palace with the re- instated king, who is to be led to vic tory by his young son, Prince Bano"
 Then, the fairy leading them, Sandy and Bano went from the house, while sarah and Minerva dropped on their knees to offer prayers for their safe re- turn.
 And throughout that realm the news spread before the sun had sunk: "Our beloved king is coming from his long exilel All hail our rightful king! Down with the usurpers,''
 And when Easter Sunday dawned there was joy in the land, for the cruel usurper and his wicked wife had been banished to distant island, where they should pass their lives in captivity, and once more good king ruled over the people, banishing poverty and bringing about happiness and plenty. And best be- loved in all that kingdom were the young Prince Bano and his little bride-to-be. Minerva, who had been made q princess by Prince Banos royal father.
 And so long as they lived never, never did Sandy. Sarah. Bano, Minerva and though poor and cracked, held the fairy of their hannier days
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-19
FRED'S EASTER LII HE'S.
BY MAUD WALKER.

sir?'' asked Fred, wishing to say a few friendly words to one situated like him. self, away from home and lonely. And the old mans age and feebeness touched him to sympathy
 "Ah, my young friend" said the aged man. turning his dim eyes on Fred. I've been away from -home-so long that sometimes l wonder if l ever had one Perhaps, the thing 1 call memory recollection, rather-of home Is but the Fancy of my feeble mind I've been Ill Tor sometime, my young mau, and ai.er one has reached my years md has sunefed hardships-aboye all. disappoint- ment-he has many foolish fancies in his oay dreams, as well as in his night dreams You see, I'm close upon 70 years or age, and the things that existed Ill my young days are now but mem orles-dreans."
 Yes, suppose 1t does seem so." agreed Fred, for, to tell the truth he had been trying very hard that day to make himself believe that he had not been away from home whole year. Facts in the case assured him that three weeks had hardly passed since he said good-by to his dear ones at the little raiIrood sto. tion preparatory 10 entering the train to be carried away from them. away to the city, where he was to become great
 Yes, 1t may all be fancy" the old man repeated, turning his gaze on the lilies in the window An those flow. @ CTS remind me of something I had ol. most succeeded in forgetting. For year, and years I've been turning my back on that memory. It hurts me so to recall 1t. But these lilies-ah, they re. mind me-. He paused and put his hands over his eyes. Fred's heart re- sponded to the old mans mood, and, step ping closer to him, for the passing throng 1ostled them apart and interfered with their conversation, he said: "I am only boy-not one-fourth of your age-but l think l can understand your feelings. l am away from home, nm among strangers in a strange city. and l am am-homesick." Ills voice was too un- certain 10 say more for minute, and the aged man, becoming Interested In the boy at his side, turned from the lilies and said
 Why are you away from home, my boy-if you have one? Is 1t quite neces-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-19

you-if you will grant mean old and worn-out musician-the privilege"
 Come home with me now" said Fred, eager to hear more of the old mans talk. And upon learning that he was musician-or had been one-his interest had increased. Come home with me now, and we can pass this Easter eve together''
 But l must buy bouquet of those Easter lilies first" the old man said, hs voice growing feeble again. During his excitement his voice had grown firm and vibrating) Here you are quicker in movement and with tongue than l, so will you please take this coin and go into the shop and get it's value in Easter lilies for me? It will not get many-but few blossoms will revive the fast-fading mem- ory for tonight"
 Fred thrust the coin back into the trem- bling hand, declaring that he wished to purchase a large bouquet of the lilies, and that since they were to spend the evening together the one bouquet would suffice for both adding: And when you take your leave of me tonight you may carry the lilies home with you"
 A few minutes later Fred. with great bunch of soft, fragrant lilies, done up in white paper and tucked under his arm, was leading the old man to his room in a street nearby. Together they mounted the steps, Fred assisting the frail form by lending his strong. right shoulder for him to lean upon.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-19

arm. he said: ''Ah, boy, I have been the slave of music all my life. And those Easter lilies in "-pointing through the show window-'recall my first step in her train. l cannot look upon an Easter lily without a faintness coming oyer me; the memories they bring are too dear-too tender. But-ypu are student of musicl An, make that di- vine goddess your slave; but allow her not to enslave you. She will separate you from your family first; you will grow accustomed to living without those to whom you are connected by ties of blood. Next she will come between you and your friends then take you from all the world. holding you to her in a clasp that will grow tighter and tighter as you grow older. If you marry and have children this same goddess, Music, will thrust herself between you and them, tearing their images from your heart and installing her own there. An, Mussc- Music-thou sorceress! To you I owe my loneliness. In my old age you aban- don me, you rob me of the touch, the power, to interpret youl'
 .You wrong music" said Fred, In low, feeling tones He could not bear to hear his adored art thus condemned. Music Is ennobling, elevating. One must know just how to use it, though"
 ''Ah, you are young, and the fires of life are In your heart and brain. Wait wait But where do you live, young man? I have a fancy to come and sec
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-19

sary for you to be away from those whom-you love. and who-love you?"
 Well that depends on the way one looks at it,'' said Fred, answering In low tones. Its the wish of my parents and myself that 1 become n great mu- sician. Music has been a passion with me from my infancy, and I have studied the piano since I was big enough to sit on the piuno stool. As our home is but a small country village my par ents have sent me here to continue my study, which was begun at home under the direction of n young lady who de-. clares that I now know more of music than she does. and that she can teach me no more. So l am here for the purpose of study. have a very fine musical in- structor, and I feel satisfied that l shall make great improvement. practice four hours every forenoon without rising from the piano, and two hours in the evening after supper. And I try, for my dear ones sake as well as for my own, not to get homesick for that would in- terfere with my work. But today-Eas- ter eve-has been hard to get through. Tomorrow will be the first time 1 have ever attended Easter services-alone. Fred gulped in spite of himself, the lump in his throat was so choking.
 "So it's music, musie!" And the old mans face lighted up as he spoke the magic word "Ah, Music, thou goddess! Where is thy adorer who can resist thy spell?" Then, laying hand on Fred's
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-19

cracked egg. Bano had just the sum he mentioned, so he took it from his pocket and soon had the cracked egg carefully wrapped in his neck-cloth and folded safely inside the breast of his work blouse. Then he ran to the old shanty, where he was lodged with several other laborers, and washed and dressed him self in his Sunday best, which was nothing more than a clean blouse-such as he worked in every day-and pair Of coarse trousers and shoes.
 When Bano entered Sandy's poor hut he found the family in grief. The little white rabbit had also been stolen. Some wicked boys had forced an entrance to the neighbours house where the little creature was kept and had carried it away. And now there remained nothing for Sandy and Sarah to give to their dear, delicate, little Minerva.
 Never mind, here's something for her" cried Bano, forgetting in his excitement that he had meant to give the egg to Sarah secretly. Here's something for Minerva's Easter Sunday" And he drew from his breast the cracked little egg. Placing it on the table, he stepped back to allow all to admire 1t, when, To, the crack In the shell opened and out stepped fairy, the most astonishing thing that any of those present had ever seen.
 Sandy rubbed hard his eyes, declaring that he was asleep. Sarah looked in amazement, too much overcome to speak. Minerva clapped her hands with joy, cry ing: 'I knew there were fairies. I did. And here is one of the dear little ones come to visit us. How do you do. you precious little fairyi'
 "Ah, and so you believe in me. my childr' And the fairy smiled. And you-do you believe in me. too?" She asked the question of Bano, who was standing open-eyed, his hands pressed against his heart to stop its pounding. ''Yes, oh Fairy, l do believe in you, and l believe you have come to bring good cheer to this poor family"
 And to you, too little prince-for that's what you are" replied the fairy. This very evening you shall see your father on his throne again, for you shall lead the victorious army which will reinstate him in hls own country. The time has arrived when this cruel king must be got rid of. The people are ready to help you. And you shall be your father's successor, and you'll be a good king and great one"
 "Ah, Fairy, if all that you say comes to pass the poor of this kingdom shall become rich. for there's enough-and to .spare-in this fine land to make all happy and prosperous. And this good man. his wife and daughter--"
 'The good man and his wife shall be cared for by you, Prince" said the fairy, flor their daughter, Minerva. will grow
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-19

will understand that it's not our fault that her Easter must pass without her usual good cheer. So,. come, Sandy. man. and do not bow down to the disappoint- ment of such small loss.
 My dear wife do you call that sum small loss? "a sum which it has taken us months hard stinting to save? Oh, It isn't much. I'll grant when one considers what it would buy: but it's a tremendous sum when one considers how much we have had to deny ourselves that we might get it together No. the loss Is too great, Sarah. to think of lightly" And poor Sandy bent his head on his tol-hardened arm and wept.
 Now, beside him worked q little boy scarcely in his teens-who had heard every word which passed between Sandy and his wife. This lads name was Bano, and he was delicate, handsome fellow, who had been put to work in the shop by mean, but rich, old uncle. The story of Banos life was strange one. and people whispered 1t to one another, fearing to speak aloud of It as the mere mention of the childs name might bring one to grief. But here is the story that was whispered about Bano Many years before the opehing of this story very good king ruled over the country. He had son and daughter The son was the rightful heir to the throne. After the good kings death the son ascended to the throne. But his sister-Princess Anne, as she was named-had married a powerful prince of another country. and this same prince was determined upon having his royal brotler-in-law' throne for himself. So he raised q great army in his own country Nand lay siege to the throne which he coveted. His wife, a cruel woman. and dishonesty ambitious, assisted her husband in his wicked scheme. and soon the good young kings army was defeated and he was driven into exile. He had good and virtuous wife and . little son. the child called Bano. The former died of broken heart and the latter was put into the custody of the wicked usurper's brother. This brother was known as Bano's uncle, the Prince Charlo.
 And so Bano had worked for several years ;n the shop beside Sandy, and they became great friends. Each Easter Sandy had carried to the lad an Easter egg and some bits of other dainties they had for the occasion. and in return Bano would spend his f-holday-which was on Easter eve-gathering what wild flowers he might find for good old Sandy, his wife and daughter Bano knew Minerva very we'll and admired her faxen curs and blue eyes. And in thinking of her he would say to himsef: "She speaks in the voice of n little princess, and has such dainty feet ana hands. Surely. It
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-19

a florists shop, in the window of which were displayed the most beautiful Easter lilies I have ever seen l went In and bought bouquet of them, taking them to the girl who had promised to be my bride. She met me with smiles of love and trust, for she was a creature of purest innocence, unsuspecting as child. didn't know her so well then as I have grown to know her during all the years that have followed. Well. when l saw such trust in her eyes. saw the love she gave me, l couldn't say what l had gone to say. Write it to her whispered a wicked, cowardly voice. And l asked her for a sheet of paper, telling her that 1 had something to say to her which could be the better said on paper. She, laughing at what she thought little love joke, ran and brought the paper Then she left me alone, and l wrote the words which broke her heart. Deep in the heart of the bouquet of lilies l hid the note, and took my leave. What she did when she read 1t shall never know. Not one word did she send me. Daily l trembled like coward that I was, fearing her upbraldings. But she remained as silent as the grave. Then 1 heard that she had gone away for her health One year to a day later-on Easter-eve-I received news of-her death. l had bought some Easter lilies. intending to send them to her with a note hidden in their heart, asking for her forgiveness, and begging to sec her once more, for she occupied my thoughts so much that I could not work. Music, that terrible mistress, was ever saying: I have rival. Either take her or me. You cannot have us both' l was almost mad with remorse over the way. But why do l talk of 1t? It is of no conse. qnence to you, boy, a boy with life. music, love, all in store for him. Be- sides, l feel too feeble to talk tonight. The playing has exhausted me. l think must be going. And did you say [
 might have the lilies to carry home with me? Somehow, they make me know that the thing really happened. that It l Is not mere fancy of old age. And somehow, they make me know that she forgaye me-that she understood. And now I shall go, my boy. May you have a happy Easter Sunday with your friends. You are too young for memories" |" In another minute the old man was gone, holding the Easter lilies against his breast. And Fred was tumbling to- gether few clothes, preparatory to catching late train to his home. "I must spend Easter Sunday with my loved ones," he said. II love music: but 1t shall never master me. 1 shall master It and use 1t to glorify my life. not to wreck 1t.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-19

will be cruel for her to be put to hard. coarse work within a few years. But that must be her fate, poor lass"
 On this day of which 1 write Bano had been planning upon buying a few Easter dainties for his friends and when he heard of Sandy's and Sarah's loss he felt glad that he might come to their assistance. As soon as Sarah had de- parted from the shop he turned to Sandy, who had resumed work, saying My good friend, let me loan you few coins which l have saved for the purpose of buying an Easter gift for you and your family. But 1t would greatly please me for you to accept the money as little loan, so that you may not disappoint Minerva"
 But Sandy shook his head. thanking Bano warmly for his generous offer. T couldn take your earnings" he said. No, my young friend, go and get something for yourself with that money. You are half starved, and your feet have quite worn through your shoes. I would be worse than thief to touch your earnings"
 And no amount of urging on Bano's part could induce Sandy to change his mind and accept the preferred loan.
 When the Saturday before Easter ar- rived Bano took his little savings and visited the shops where Easter goods were displayed TOT Saie- lie iooheu iohs ingly at some fine Easter eggs, enormous ones which were gsily painted on the outside and as full of meat on the h. side as an egg can be. But they were all too dear in price for him to buy. At last his eye fell upon a little cracked egg-one with q mere tint of blue over it's surface-which lay in the corner of a box that was filled with odds and ends of every sort How much Is that dam aged egg?' asked Bano, pointing to the cracked one.
 The dealer took 1t up. looked 1t over, and named price twice too large for Il
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-19

It was the evening before Easter Sun day, a chill, cold Saturday evening. with clouds which threatened to let fall a' deluge at every minute. Low thunder joined its rumbling with the many street noises of the little inland city of Dash. People were rushing to and fro, bent on their Saturday evening errands, all In a hurry to reach their homes before the storm should break.
 Before a florists window Fred Griffith paused to look at a fine display of lilies which were there for sale. Fred was stranger in the town, having just arrived there a few weeks before. He had come to further his musical studies and knew very few people in Dash. In fact, his musical instructor q few of his fellow students and his landlady were the only speaking acquaintances he had. Friends, in the full meaning of the word. he had yet to make. So on this gloomy Easter eve Fred felt very lonely. As the dark ness settled down he had become restless and a bit homesick, and could not prac- tlce his Mondays lesson after the gas was lighted. Somehow, thoughts of his des. ones at home, remembrances of the old Easter-eves with his father, mother and little sisters came over him so strong y that he could not follow his notes. So, closing the plano and banishing thought of his adored music, he hurried from his room into the street to lose him self in the eager crowd that seemed. bent on going everywhere and in every di- rection at once.
 But the sight of the fresh, beautiful lilies in the florists window caught his eye, and he drew away from the hurry ing crowd to stop and look at the dis play. .'They look just like home," he sighed aloud, though he was not aware thst he spoke over his breath.
 Like home," came a faint voice, echo ing his words, and Fred turned to see standing beside him an old man In shab- by coat and much-worn hat. His face was wan and bore the marks of i'll health and want. He held his trembling hands together. as if for warmth. He, too, looked at the Easter lilies In the window and sighed. Like home," he repeated, apparently obliyious of Freds presence and attention.
 ''Then you are far from home, also.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-19

And also had Sarah planned upon a pretty yellow chick-a real live one, also, which was still nt the dealers shop. And thus much happy anticipation was in- dulged in by Sandy and Sarah, for they loved to give their child what little simple pleasures lay in their power.
 But few days before Easter Sarah. thinking 1t time to make her purchases, went to the hiding place where the saw ings were kept to get them out. To her dismay the little brass bowl which had served as q savings vessel. and which had been put under the rafter in the attic, where no prying eye could possibly make 1t out, was empty. Every coin, no matter how small. had been stolen! Sarah's heart was very heavy indeed, and she hurried to where her good man was at work in a shop to tell him of their loss. Upon learning that their few hard earned savings were gone. and that their little daughter must now needs pass a giftess Easter-eye and Sunday. the poor man gave way to tears.
 "Oh, be brave, dear Sandy" said Sarah. herself winking back tears that were threatening to fall. ''We must explain it all to Minerva, and she, poor child,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-19

Once inside Fred's room the old mans age seemed to slip from him as suddenly as did his aged coat and hat. He almost leaped toward the piano.. his eyes alight and his hands trembling with excitement. He sat down and ran his long. slender fingers over the keyboard. The instru- ment seemed to thrill and vibrate beneath his touch First the strains were low and plaintive then they swelled grandly, melo- diously. till the room seemed bursting with the volume of sound. Fred stood beside the performer, transhxed. Never had he heard such music. His soul scared as did that of the aged players.
 Suddenly the music stopped; the aged mans head fell upon his breast and his eyes closed of weariness. Lead me away, away" he murmured. "I am not strong enough to endure the ecstasy of It."
 Fred led the old man to an armchair and placed the Easter blossoms in a water pitcher, which he set on a table close to his strange visitors chair. As the old mans eyes fell upon them he smiled. say ing:
 Boy. so full of life and hope hear my story-tbe story of the Easter lilies and of their effect upon me- the story of dying man." He motioned Fred to chair beside him, then began:
 "When l was young~I was a devotee of music, just as you are now. It was my ll1e-my all. l gave up my 1amliy- my home-that I might pursue It unin- terruptedly My family had certain claims upon me. for they were very poor I knew that to remain with them would ruin my career so I left them, keeping my place of residence a secret from them. We'll, when conscience talked too loudly for my comfort would throw myself deeper and deeper into my music, starving, forgetting to sleep, and working day and night to accomplish two things-to become a mas ter in my chosen profession, and to forget those who might in any way retard my progress.
 And then, when I was about 21-the foolish age I call it-there came another goddess into my life. She was q fair haired girl who was also studying music. But she had no talents in that line: it was a mere pastime with her. But I fell in love with her, won her love and her promise to be my wife. Then. one morning. awoke to realize the dangerous ground I was treading upon. It was Easter-eve, and I sat at my piano. re- hecting upon my own foolishness. knew that marriage would ruin my fu- ture. Why should I, at the very ladder to fame, do that which would mean my ultimate destruction? rushed from my studio, intending to go to the young lady and tell her all, and beg for my release. But on the way thither l passed
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-19
When the Easter Egg Held Fairy
BY HELENA DAVIS.

In the long, long ago there lived in a strange country over the seas a people governed by a king Now In this kingdom there were many poor people who could scarcely get enough food to keep them from starvation, and they dwet in novels not fit for the lower animals But these poor people could not better their con- dition, for they were held in subjection by those of superior position. Now, among these poor people there was one named Sandy who had a wife, Sarah. and a lit tie daughter, Minerva.
 Always a month before Easter-t time Sandy and his good wife, Sarah, began laying away a few coins towards the purchasing of some Easter eggs to glad den their little daughters heart. And for this Easter-time they were making some great plans, for not only would they have enough spare money saved to buy at least half a dozen eggs-to be gaily colored by Sarah-for Minerya's Easter morning breakfast, but would be able to afford some other Easter novelties as we'll The good wife had bought little white rabbit-a real. live one-and had It hidden away in the house of a neigh Dor who had no children of her own.