davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The San Francisco call., 1909-12-26

T is a curious fact that some of
our richest blessings come to us so
thoroughly disguised that half the
time we do not recognize them as
blessings at all and are frequently
more inclined TO view them as caIam-
ities
Take the matter of brothers and
sisters, for instance. How often
do they appear more in the light
Of instruments for the chastening
Of proud spirits than as hoons
for which to return thanks, and
yet the girl who has one or more
brothers to guide her in the path Of
wisdom and away from the broad road
OF 1oolishness is indeed blessed. She
Is only little less favored Of the gods
than are her brothers who possess a
sister able and willing to instruct them,
both by precept and example, in the
devious ways of the enchantress who
lies In wait for them.
Girls parents may know more than
they do-even more than those who
have just been graduated-but there is
much difficulty in convincing the young
ladies of that fact. 1t is so long since
father and mother were young. Marie
argues, that their ideas are antiquated
and they don't understand the rules of
the social game as it is now played.
But Jack and Jim are about Marie's
own age and belong to the same set
They know all about these things, and
Furthermore they have not the slight
est hesitation in gently informing
Marie that she is making a monumental
The San Francisco call., 1909-12-26
By Maude Heath Blank

evenings with every one who asks her.
He is always at hand, not only to
tell her what people will think of her
on all possible occasions, but also to
point out the various sins and short
comings of Willie Brown. whom she
adores
The possession of brothers, while not
always appreciated, is really an advan-
tage, as they are useful as escorts (if
they can be induced to act), and also
as a manual of department and COM
pendium of form. Their advice-if their
strenuous remarks can be recognized
by SO mild term-as to what doesn't t
look well' is of much real value to a
girl, even IL presented in allopathic
doses not relished by the patient Not
only that but on the principle that no
man is a hero to his valet the posses
sion of brothers aids a girl in classify
ing and appreciating other young men.
1t in a measure removes the halo that
is apt to encircle the head of every
young man who wears a high collar
and patent leather shoes in the eyes of
unbrothered young girls, and helps her
to differentiate between real man and
an animated sign for cigar store.
All this, however, is as naught COM
pared TO the joy that should (but
doesn't always) fill the soul of the
thrice blessed young man who owns a
sister She can-and wiil-tell him
when the girl he fancies is infatuated
with his charms is only using him to
make the real one" jealous. She knows
The San Francisco call., 1909-12-26

that Kitty has been engaged twice be-
fore. that MabeIs hair is bleached, that
Nancy pastes her beaus letters on the
walls of her den and puts her photos
on a screen, that Annabel spends more
for the gowns he thinks are $50 simple
than his whole salary. There is no end
to her knowledge which is all at his
disposal, and if he appreciates and ae-
cepts 1T in the proper spirit it is worth
a fortune to him.
And is it only about the women of
his own generation about which he
needs sisterly warning and advice
Nay, verify. For are there not design
ing mothers who are far more danger
Gus to young mans peace of mind.
and his pocketbook likewise, than the
most fascinating OF his coeducationat
comrades? Decidedly. When Elias
mother starts out to round up q de-
sirable young man she is as much more
formidable than Ella herself as is a
gatling gun compared to toy pistol.
She invites Jim to dinner and tells him
that Ella made the salad and that Ella
just loves to cook. She sends him with
Ella to the parlor to see the sofa pill
low that Ella embroidered and to hear
the new song that Ella has just learned.
She wa ylays him in the street to ask
him why he has not called for SO long.
and tells him that Ella is dying TO see
the new play.
Jim's least attention to Ella is con-
strued by her mother into declaration
of love- and she beams on thenf with a
bless you, my children" attitude that
makes Jim dizzy, and that young mans
days of single blessedness may be num-
The San Francisco call., 1909-12-26

seeing royalty at close range. / fairly
reveled in the glamour, although 1 had
to confess to myself reluctantly
enough, be it said) that noble blood
oftener than not begets stupidity.
Again 1 met celebrated men by the
score and their women friends Every
moment bubbled with excitement.
shone in my friends reflected glory and
shared in the fetes given in his honor.
This, of course, was fine enough for the
sake of the amusement 1 got out of it,
but it ranked within me that 1 could
not stand alone and claim some of the
public plaudits by virtue of my own
ability.
1t had been evident from the first
that 1 was barren of artistic tempera-
ment. l have never tried to deceive
myself, and l realized that rank favor
itism alone would be the only thing
that could ever keep me In leading
stage role. This was borne in on me
when the affairs of my friend and
got tangled. We were not running to-
gether as smoothly as we had been,
and though l was quite capable of hold
ing up my end of the frequent dis
agreement. had grown weary and my
frequent bad tempers were imposing a
The San Francisco call., 1909-12-26
A Pretty Picture

In those days I was counted slow of
speech. 1 affected it rather than make
mistakes, but no one could accuse me
of not having rapid fire wits. Before
the man had raised his glass and was
giving me a level look across its rim
plans and counterplans were marshal
ing through my brain. His reputation
for conquests among women had been
worthily won, his affairs of the heart
were common property. and I did not
count on an easy victory. Mind you,
I did not want the mani He and his
worn out emotions did not interest me.
1 wanted what he could give me-a
trip in an elevator was tired of
climbing steps.
He admitted afterward that 1 puz-
zled him by the contradiction of my
youthful looks and worldly air, but he
played his end of the game to perfec-
ton. and while / crossed swords with
him in a spirit of exhilaration knew
that if 1 grasped my opportunity 1
would pay the price.
But things worth having are worth
paying for 1 figured it out on that
basis, and when the company left San
Francisco al the end of the week 1 went
with it, and for a time played the role
Of leading lady.
The actor knew all the celebrated
The San Francisco call., 1909-12-26
SET TIED. IN FL L L

which we decided to repeat. The next
morning came before the game ehdeu,
and then it was brought to an aprupe
and unexpected finish. Bets ran hlsh
and two of the men lost into the thou-
sands. the rest of us lost more than we
won, while two Of the new men won
steadily. One of my friends withdrew
and was sitting by me as If half asleep,
when suddenly he drew a revolver ana
demanded that the two men lay down
was in a turmoil; there was scrim-
mage that brought stewards ana oH-
GERS, who compelled the men. who were
card sharps, to make restitution For
tunately for my matrimonial hopes, the
captain was a friend of mine and saw
to it that my name was kept out or the
row.
1 was fortunate enough to meet the
millionaire in a conventional way and
without apparent effort. We were both
guests at an after theater supper at the
Cecil. and / found that it was not SO
hard to interest him. as l reared IL
might be. We speedily became good
comrades, and he made me his guest az
many of his frequent entertainments
/ forgot TO be hard. shrewd or calcu-
lating in those days. 1t is easy for a
happy woman to enact the role of a
tender, loving one, and I won my vic
tory before I knew IL. One day. with
out preliminaries, we were married,
but the family absolutely refused its
sanction.
So much has been written about me
that at times do not recognize my
The San Francisco call., 1909-12-26

self. and I have become thoroughU
hardened to the efforts OF the space
writers. But there was one story that
hurt beyond measure, and l mention
n to illustrate how often thoughtless
actions are misjudged. Since / nave
haa wealth I have INDUCED in what
has been to me my greatest pleasure.
little holiday festival for the walIs
and strays OF the city. had no hoh-
davs In childhood and i appreciate
more fully than others can now lonely
a child is when shut out
True. have attained my goal,
wealth and luxury. but too late | IND
that they are not the treasure 1 had
thourht them. I have no home, no
husband, no children. and I know that
IN all the world there Is no one who
holds me in affectionate regard But
7 have not given up. Old age is
nitiful thing when dependent entirely
on things that money can buy, and Z
am trying to guard against that fate.
In the country I have little house.
and IL is filled with sick children who
are being skillfully restored 10 health.
when they are well there will be
others to take their places. Those lit
tie ones are a sOlace for the things
that have missed in life, and In look
ing after their welfare I am hoping
to find contentment at least In the
future.
The San Francisco call., 1909-12-26

bered by two figures-unless Jim has a
sister. In that case she tells him that
Mrs. Dash has tried the same tactics
Non many other young men, who have
escaped, or he may have seen his sis
ter's mother up to the same game.
In either case he has perhaps two
chances in 20 to select different moth
er in law. For it is a fact that when
the mother of one or more girls really
sets her mind upon marrying them off
it must be an extremely wise young
man who can circumvent her designs
en- his liberty The yearly augmented
crop of bachelor maids can only be at :
tributcd to their mothers Indifference
or active objection to their daughters
marrying.
These are by no means all of sis
ter's duties, varied and arduous though
they may be. She always knows the
most suitable girl for her brother to
marry, and is as sure of his misery If
he persists in marrying Adeline as he
is of her needing a divorce lawyer If she
weds Willie. To help him to distinguish
the nice girls. like herself, and the hor-
rid ones, who are different just as he
aids her in separating the sheep who
have steady jobs from the goats who
play the slot machines. If after all
this mutual advice and assistance they
persist in acting as foolishly as do those
unfortunates who are left to their own
devices, they can find no fault with
fate that furnished them such active
and capable mentors. Whatever be-
comes of them they have at least been
warned. and that should be a comfort
to them
The San Francisco call., 1909-12-26

girls there was more refinement than
had been accustomed to-. You viii find
my prototype any night in the after
theater resorts. DOUBTLESS thinking, as
l did. that the world is pleasure
ground! Let us hope. though, that she
viii also do as 1 did and look to the
future. I have never lived day by day,
but have always kept ahead of the
game.
Never for moment did / think of
stopping in San Francisco. I was poised
for flight at the first opportune mo-
ment. Meanwhile 1 saw to it that no
dissipation robbed me of my beauty
sleep. I devoted much time to the
study of how to improve my speech,
manners, dress and looks. and / thrift
lily saw TO il that my purse always held
a tidy sum. 1 became known as the
queen of bohemia, as / had developed
into a handsome girl and dressed un
usually well for the class in which
mingled.
It was at this time that 1 met dis
tinguished actor. He was a celebrity
and his company one of the most pop
ular in the country. He was hand
some man, with prestige that was
absolutely unique. and when he came
into the Poodle Dog one night just at
the height of the gayety every eye
turned in his direction and his name
passed from lip to lip. His party took
the table next to mine, and as he sat
down. leisurely sweeping the room with
an amused glance, his eyes met mine
1t was only for the fraction of a sec
The San Francisco call., 1909-12-26

nervous strain did not care to en-
dure. Like all older men, he objected
to the attentions of those who were
nearer my own age. Objections
strengthened my liking for Others and
/ knew that l had come to the cross
roads. 1t was either to submit ir-
revocably to his will for once and all
or to go my own way I chose the
latter, and after a bitter quarrel We
separated.
I was by no means penniless, neither
was friendless. But I was not taking
any hasty steps. To be truthful, I was
very much infatuated with man of
title, and one who was prominent in
The San Francisco call., 1909-12-26

politics. This fact had much to do with
the intolerance of my old relations with
the actor. for I allowed my thoughts to
soar ambitiously in this mans direc-
tion. l determined to force his good
opinion and admiration and to marry
him. AS his wife the world would be
mine.
For once my judgment played me
false, for truly / reckoned without my
host-the gentleman would have none
Of me.
Not that did not draw on every re-
source born of my experience. I set
up a modest, well appointed establish
ment in London, where l announced I
was stopping for the purpose of study.
/ procured a titled widow who was i'm
poverished to live with me and in this
way got in a very good set. AS far
as I was concerned my past was dead
and buried and saw no reason for the
public to hold a post mortena.
l really got on very well. and though
the man of whom i was in pursuit
never evinced the slightest admiration
for me, he came to the house at inter
walls and once in a while / managed a
tete-a-tete so my efforts were not en-
tirely unrewarded. But one morning
found that he had departed for South
Africa on a mission for the govern
ment. AS he had never limited to me
of this intention, i felt that the Incl
dent was closed and looked about me
to find what next to do.
My funds were running low, besides
l had received a social rebuff through
an American woman, so I concluded to
leave London. AS the woman comes
into the story later. it is just as well
to chronicle the public snub that she
administered to me-.
American women always had fought
shy of me and / seldom met any OF
them. The occasion was an afternoon
tea given by well known artist who
was as absent minded as he was fa-
nous. / had just entered the studio,
and as he gave me greeting he turned
to a woman by his side, and in the
The San Francisco call., 1909-12-26
Winning Her Way

AS an actress l was not startling
success. but / wore my gowns we'll,
made an attractive stage picture and
in this fashion got over" After a
grand tour of this country we toured
Europe That trip was a wonderful
thing to me. Over and over | have
travelled the same path, but my first
impressions have always held 1t was
the thing l had dreamed of-this trav-
cling among the palaces of kings and
The San Francisco call., 1909-12-26
BY ONE. WHO II A 5

men in the country, and it was
delight to meet them, although
my role was more of human
photograph than anything else,
as my conversational powers
were limited and / was an eager
listener. The average man likes
nothing better in woman, and
the pet theories that were ex-
pounded to me in those days,
many of them entirely over my
head. would fill a book.
The men left their wives and sw,
hearts at home when l was inclu
in the entertainments. but I met m
women-celebrated actresses and OF
professional women-who believe a
mans private life is her own.
The San Francisco call., 1909-12-26

most cordial tone, said, Mrs.
Blank, here is a countrywoman
of yours" mentioning my name,
whom l a insure you will be
glad to meet AS l extended
my hand she stared at me delib-
erately and turned her back.
l was in London. on my way to
New York. when I ran across
Mrs. Blank again. I saw her In
the dining room of the hotel the
first night of my arrival, and /
could not blind myself to the in
science of the glance she bestowed
,,nnr r,a aS I nassed her able
The San Francisco call., 1909-12-26

4 NERE is the story of one woman's
life. told by her to another
woman. It is not a pretty
story, but it is set down in the
hope that it may have its saw
ing effect on some person who perhaps
may encounter a prospect similar TO
that which confronted the woman who
has revealed her hopes, ambitions,
fears and failures.
1t is a true story. The subject is
known far and wide. and many readers
will recognize her. She has told the
truth concerning herself, but in many
instances there has been change made
in the localities mentioned in her story.
This has been done solely to protect
other persons who otherwise might
suffer unjust criticism were their as
sociation with the subject of this story
10 become known.
The San Francisco call., 1909-12-26

ond, but 1 knew my opportunity had
come
Norwich bulletin., 1909-10-16
THOMPSON
Rev. C. |. Ramsey Sings The Light That Never FaAs-DeIegates to Baptist Convention.

Mrs. s. E. Truesdell has returned home after spending month with her son in West Somerville and friends in Boston.
 Mrs. l.. w. Lowe of South Wood- stock has returned to her home after spending a month with her father, Andrew Mills.
 MT. and Mrs. G. D. Brott of Hart ford spent Sunday with their friends in the old home.
 O. E. Mills of the New England Conseryatory of Music spends his Sundays with his father and sister.
 Mrs. Charles Strong, formerly of the Ream farm, has been visiting friends here.
 Miss Helen Cranska, Rev. and Mrs. c. I. Ramsey and Edward U. Brown were elected delegates to the Baptist convention in Mystic this week.
 MT and Mrs. E. S. Backus attended a church conference in Abingdon as delegates from this church Tuesday.
 o. E.. Mills sang a solo at the Con gregational church Sunday morning.
 Rev. c. l. Ramsey sang a solo. The Light That Never Fails, which is his latest composition. after his sermon, Sunday morning.
 Dr. and Mrs. R. c. Paine have re- turned from their vacation.
 Mrs. Lindberg died at her home here Sunday. She has been an invalid dur ing the four years of their residence here. Her husband and daughter sur- vive her.
 Arnold Van c. P. Huzinga was in New York last week.
Norwich bulletin., 1909-10-16
SOUTH KILLINGLY
Successful Ice Cream Social-Local Ball Team Defeats SterIing-W. E. Vaughn to Work in Norwich.

Many attended Mrs. Sweets auc-
 Wells are failing in this section.
 Mrs. Karjaherm reports safe journey to New York.
 A. M. Gray of Gales Ferry visited here Saturday.
 Everett Hall has been i'll for two weeks.
 The ice cream social was a great success.
 Mrs. George Phillips has been hay ing the grip.
 Felix Gendreau is to occupy the Spaulding house.
 Several went to the concert in Danielson Wednesday.
 Olney Knights mother is dead in Rhode Island.
 Henry Spaulding passed week in New York.
 For an apple year, they are not plenty.
 The baseball game last Saturday in Halls field was very exciting. The local team-the Never Sweats-de- feated the Checkerberry Chicks of Sterling, 23 to 8.
 The Willing Workers met on invi- tation Thursday at the residence of William Sherman in Danielson.
 MT. and Mrs. Amos B. Hall went to Putnam Saturday.
 The rain on Tuesday prevented the delegates from attending the Abingdon convention.
 The ladies' society of the Congre- gational church of Danielson is to ni- vite the w. w. society to hold a food sale in Danielson.
 MT. and Mrs. William E. Vaughn, formerly in the store here, will remove to Norwich at once. MT. Vaughn has entered the employ of A. T. Otis & Son. They will leave many warm friends hereabouts.
Norwich bulletin., 1909-10-16
DAYVILLE
Meeting of the ThimbIe club-Aeci-
 dent.

Friends and neighbors of Frank J. Sayles regret his return to Prov idence.
 Mrs. John Barnes of Ashton, R. l., spent the week with Dr. and Mrs. George Barnes.
 The Thimble club met on Wednes- day afternoon with Miss Deborah Russell.
 wayland Bennett spent Sunday in Valley Falls R. I.
 Mrs. Frank w. Bennett, Mrs. David Chase and friends spent Wednesday in Foster, R. l.
 MT. and Mrs. w. Lorne Grieg spent Sunday in Hanover, guests of Angus Park and family.
 Miss Smith and Mrs. Mowry of Middletown are spending the week with the Misses Law.
 Mrs. Jabez Bowen led the Christian ,Bndeavor meeting on Sunday eve ming.
 Mrs. w. F. LaBelle is spending the week in Bridgeport.
 Miss Mildred Haigh of Moosup was at Firth Rollinson's over Sunday.
 Miss Anna Thompson is spending several weeks in Providence.
 Miss Hattie Morfit is in Providence
 Mrs. A. F. Darling fell and injured her knee on Sunday, but was some what recovered from the effects of the fall
 Peter Gringrass is back at work in LaBelles store.
Norwich bulletin., 1909-10-16
WEST WOODSTOCK
Merry Husking Followed by Barn
 Danee--Surprise Party.


 Mrs. F. l.. Morse returned Friday from a short stay with her sister, Mrs. w. o. Smith, at East BriInfield, Mass.
 A birthday surprise party was given Mir. and Mrs. Wendell on Friday even ing, Oct. 8, 1909. There were over for ty present.
 Miss Lnea Austin of Providence is visiting in town.
 Miss Adeline Summers returned home on Friday, after stay in Put nam.
 Mrs. E. T. Morse is visiting rela- tives in Putnam and West Glocester.
 Mrs. Edwin T. Perrin is spending a short time in Webster, Mass.
 Miss Maud Simpson is at Long meadow farm for a short time.
 Red Ears Scarce.
 A husking was given at Longmead- ow farm on Saturday evening, Oct. 9. There was a good supply of corn to refreshments were served, after which dancing in the barn was enjoyed. Mowry Ross, Albert Hubbard and Mar shal' Perrin furnished very good music.
 Clarence SMyers, Stewart Ditchfield, and Miss Marion Litchfield were guests of MT. and Mrs. John Shepard on Sun day.
 Rev. MT. Truman of East Woodstock preached an excellent sermon here on Sunday morning.
 MT. and Mrs. Francis N. Harris were elected delegates for the Abingdon con- vention on Tuesday.
 Irving Frost of Brooklyn, N. r., is with his folks in town.
Norwich bulletin., 1909-10-16
SOUTH CANTERBURY.
Visitors of the Week.

Mrs. Carrie E. Clark returned home last week after two weeks visit with her daughter, Mrs. Frank R. Burdick, at Norwich.
 James R. Warner of Hadlyme was the guest of Levi Clark the fore part of the week.
 First frost Oct 14th.
 H. J. Larkham and daughter Dorothy and Mrs. H. E. Larkham of Plain Hill. Norwich, and Mrs. Jane Campbell of Voluntown spent the day Sunday with MT. and Mrs. Levi N. Clark.
 MT. Mclaughlin of Norwich called on Thomas Conlon Sunday.
 Charles H. Phillips of Plainfield was a caller in this vicinity Sunday.
 Harry Remmert of Scotland called on Frank Brown Sunday.
 Dr. George Thompson of Taftville called on Theodore Warrington Sun day.
 w. c. T. U. Begins Active Year.
 The w. c. T. U. regular meeting was held at the church on the plain. It was the beginning of the w. C. T. U. year. The president. Miss Olney, was reelected by unanimous vote.
 The union voted to change its name from Westminster to Buell. union of Canterbury. Three visitors were present.
 Misses Bessie and Charlotte Neff from Waterford are guests of Arthur Neff on Myrtle Hill
Norwich bulletin., 1909-10-16
EAST WOODSTOCK.
Opening Season for Missionary Society
 Hospital Board Entertained.

NIT. and Mrs. Clarence Weaver and son of Mexico have been spending two weeks with MT. Weaver's mother, Mrs. Sarah Weaver, and other relatives at the Weaver home. 1t is MT. Weayer's s first visit home for ten years.
 Mrs. Emily Hoyt returned to Brook lyn, N. r.. Monday, visiting her daugh- ter in New London en route.
 MT. and Mrs. Charles N. May of Worcester spent Sunday at Fruit Hill farm.
 Miss Edith Burns of Greenfield was a recent guest of her mother, Mrs. Anne Burns.
 Missionary Meeting.
 The first missionary meeting of the season was held Wednesday afternoon with Mrs. Frank Jordan, over thirty ladies being present. Mrs. J. M. Paine had charge of the programme. which was The Gospel in Italy. Selections were read by Mrs Granville Perry, Mrs. E. E. May and Mrs J. s. May and a poem by Miss N. Pratt. A col lection was taken. Mrs. Jordan served the social hour
 woman's board of the Day-Kimball hospital last week Wednesday, sixty ladies being present. Four from Put nam who. spoke of their work in con- nection with the hospital. The officers were reelected: President, Mrs. c. c. Gildersleeve; secretary and treasurer, Miss Mary F. Potter. Mrs Potter served tea, waters, cake and fruit.