davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-06
Little Oracle and Her "Granny"

exclaim. AN may I lay my hand on
that sofy?" she asked. admiring beau
tiful sofa in the reception hall.
Come. sit on 1t beside me- cried
Oracle, liking the pleasantfaced old lady.
Come. sit on 1t. It's very nice and soft.
And do you know any stories? love
stories, I do"
The old lady sat down beside Oracle,
smoothing her frayed frock with her
worl1worn hands, q smile of unexpected
pleasure Frightening her countenance.
Yes. dearie. know many, many stories.
but they are all of auld Ireland. All, an
there we had the foine times when was
a little one like yerself. sure. All, but
1t is nice to have a dear little one like
yer innocent self about. I pray the time
may come when bright little grandchil-
dren will be about me knee, a-beggin'
for stories"
"Oh, come, mother" laughed Bridget.
"But IL you're goin' to sit here on the
sofy like a foine lady I'll be goin' back to
in the oven" And Bridget hurried out
OF the room.
Then Oracle took hold of the old wrin-
killed. hands and looked tenderly into the
ny?' she asked in a soft whisper. Il
have grandmammas|wo of 'em. but I
have no real. sure-enough granny. You
are just the kind OF granny l want. VIII
you be miner
Tears gushed from the eyes OF the
dear, sympathetic old Irish woman, and
impulsively she stopped and embraced the
beautiful little lady-girl at her side. Ah,
you are an angel, darlint," she said.
But it's not fittin' fer the loikes of me
to be your granny. I'm too old and
plain
You're not" declared Oracle. when
YOU smile It looks just lovely. and you're
very, very good and kind And I want
YOU for my granny. Please do not say
no.
Then I'll be your granny, my little
one. II yer own dear mither will permit
such,' smiled the good old woman. "And
now shall tell you a story OF me own
childhood. when lived in dear auld Ire
land? Them was the foine days. me
darlint"
"Ah. yes, a story. a story cried
Oracle. "Ah. I knew you would be
sure-enough granny! Oh. I'm SO happy
to have found you! And I'll love you al
ways and always and I'll so to see you
in your home. and you'll come to see me
here, and while others may be my grand
mothers. only you shall ever be my gran
n.y."
And half an hour later Mrs. Donivan
crept softly to the reception hall to take
a peep at Oracle and her new-found
granny" who were still sitting. hand in
hand, on the sofa. the granny" relating
a most interesting story while Oracle lis
tened. "Bless them whispered Mrs.
Donivan, and silently stole away.
Oracle has at last found a granny.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-06

mamma Ball could never. never be real.
sure-enough granny, either, for real gran
MES don't look at your fngernails nor
your tangled hair. nor they don't mind
your mussing their work baskets, for they
are sort Of like children themselves
Nelie's granny .is-only she's very OLD
and sweet And when she smiles into
your face you think of taffy, she's 50 nice.
Oh. I'd love a granny like her.
well. my love, you will know some
day that old people cannot an be like
Nellie's granny, for when they have lived
so many years, suffered so many dtsap-
pointments. so much grief. 50 much SICK
ness. and ever so many such hard things
that come with time, they forget their
own childhood days, and, thus forgetting,
cannot understand the desires of the lit
tie folk growing up about them" So ex-
planned little Gracies mother to her.
But Oracle shook her head. saying: Il
don't know anything about what makes
grandmothers different to grannies. mann
ma, but l do know I want granny. l
want my grandmothers, too. for they are
very dear and good; but most OF all l
want a dear old granny that tells stories
and doesn't mind noise. dirty fingers and
tangled hair"
Then Bridget, the cook. knocked at the
door to ask permission to show her old
mother over the house. Sure, an Mrs.
Donivan, it's such a foine house that
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-06

And so three years had passed away,
boy and dog becoming more and more at
tached to each other. Every summer dur
ing vacation Robert had his four-footed
chum with him hourly. going hunting In
the big woods and swimming in the pond.
And during the long school term Rover
always met his comrade master at the
corner on his return from school. and the
two would have a romp before going
about their evening chores.
/ say their chores. for Rover assisted
Robert with his work. Robert would run
to the grocery and meat market for his
mother and Rover would carry the basket
In which the purchases were to be put.
In this way the two chums got along adj
mirably helping each other.
One day after school Robert called to
Rover. saying: "Old fellow, let's go to
the pond and skate awhile. l think it's
all o. K. today. Yesterday the ice thaw-
ed some, but it froze again last night,
and I'm sure the skating will be fine
Rover understood what Robert said. and
knowing the condition of the ice, looked
undecided. for once he had seen two boys
on the pond when the ice was in it's pres
ent state and one OF them had gone
through to his death, and it required the
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-06

geSted Roy. I'VE might go and stay with
them for several days. And then, II w
home we could return. Mamma is SC
busy she would not miss us. And we q
seldom see our papa that he would never
know we were out of the house" Rachel
medtated seriously for a few minutes
II like that idea, Roy" she agreed. "And
we might go at once. while governess IL
gone. You know she went an hour ago te
do some shopping. and won't return be-
fore dark. It's now o'clock. I heard
the strokes in the hall just a minute
ago"
''WelI. let's start" said Roy, rising to
make ready "Shal we take anything
with us-any clothes?"
"Oh. no; only wear our cloaks," said
Rachel.
Then the dear. lonely, little twins. who
were anxious to leave q rich homo to
find simpler comforts, where close COM
partnership might be enjoyed, put on their
door which was used only by the upper
servants. In going out this way they
avoided the footnan In the front hall and
the under servants In the lower hall.
Thus they passed to the street without
being observed by any one.
Once on the pavement the children
turned toward the suburbs. They knew
that they would find simple homes in
automobiling with their mother about the
outskirts of the city, and had seen little
two-story houses with gardens in front
and children playing about in them. And
there they knew homely comfort must
reign.
Its cold" said Rachel. holding her
pretty ermine mum over her nose. 'But
l like it out in the cold: don't you. Roy3''
VERY much' replied Roy, smiling the
fresh, frosty air wish we could be out
in it every day.
After walking many blocks they reached
q little side street, into which they turned
They had seen groups of merry children
pla ying about in the snow which had not
yet been cleaned away in the better
streets. And here the houses were small
consisting of two and three low stories
Some were built of wood and had pretty
green shutters at the windows, and some
had roomy porches across the front.
Here are places where the people must
live like our governess family did wheI
she was little like u.s." said Rachel.
Yes, just see the children about in thu
yards playing SNOWFALL" said Roy
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-06

might stay longer. but when the good
mother explained that they must go homo
to save their parents any anxiety, they
agreed that she was right. So the three
door bell at the twins home. You may
believe the butler opened the door for
them very quickly. saying to an excited
footman: Go tell madame that Miss
Rachel and Master Roy have returned
"Oh has mamma come homer" Rachel
asked Of the old butler.
Yes. miss. and the whole household is
astir over your disappearance. Your
mother has phoned to your father and the
police. She thought you both had been
kidnapped. miss
Just at this minute the much-excited
mother of our twins appeared I'm the hall
and soon had her little ones folded to her
breast. Then, seeing the sweet-faced
woman with them. she turned to her and
said:
"Ah. know am Indebted to you for
the safe return Of my little ones. Come.
tell me where you found them l can
never repay you for your more than kind
ness to U.s."
And seated in the magnificent parIor the
mother of the twins and the good mother
from the little cottage-where Rachel and
Roy had tasted sweet domesticity for the
first time in their short lfves-had a real
heart-to-heart talk. and after an hours
close conversation Rachel and Roy-who
had been sent to their rooms-were called
10 luclT u1OtucF NY OdIilHSS, sic SUI
bed. pressing her cheek against the faces
of her children. your mother never real
lied the loneliness OF your precious lives
till this hour. But from this day on you
shall go to play each evening with the lit
tie children at whose home you supped
SO happily tonight. And more than that.
you shall always have luncheon with me
and dessert with both papa and mamma
at dinner time. I have learned a lesson
tonight which I shall never forget. and
the learning of 1t will be the means OF
drawing me closer to my children"
And we'll be so happy that we'll for
get we are rich, won't we mammal" cried
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-06

attended birthday party given by her
friend. Nellie Thompson. and there she
had seen Nellie's dear old grandmother
whom the Thompson children called
granny" And as the dear old granny
had told the children many interesting
stories during the party. it had occurred
to Oracle that 1t would be nice for her
to have granny" for the fact is Oracle
did not understand the exact relationship
OF a granny" She knew what grand
mothers and grandfathers were, but she
had never before met with granny.
So the question to her mother.
"Why, darling, a grandmother is often
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-06

called granny" explained Mrs. Doni-
van. 'Your own grandmothers are both
living, as you know, and they are your
grannies, dear"
But they are not real, sure-enough
grannies," declared Oracle. "My Grand
mamma Donivan is always So tall and
fine and talks so grand and wears a dia-
mond brooch and a black silk gown and
real lace. And she never romps with me
or tells me stories. She says I should
not ask questions when l begin to want
her to tell me about things. And she
says chiIdren's noise makes her nervous
No. mamma, my Grandmamma Donivan
could never be a real. sure-enough gran
ny. such as little Nellie's granny is. And
my Grandmamma Ball is so very Ill
much Of the time that she doesn't like
to have me around. and she says 1 muss
up her work basket, and that l don't
keep my fngernails clean, and that my
hair ought to be braided tightly instead
Of being eufled and tangled. So Grand
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-06
WINTER JOYS.

"1 ARK, HARk"' exclaimed the animals,
1.-The chilly breezes blow!
Jack Frost upon the mountain side has spread
cloak Of snow.
Be quick. oh. Mr.. Elephant! Look sharp, oh,
Mr.. Bear
Let's hurry to the mountain top and take eur
sledges there
Wen show you how the monkeys cried, for
why should girls and boys
Have all the fun land leave us none) that ever
en}oys?''
Then OF they went with might and main and
at the mountain top:
Get on'' cries Mr.. Elephant. There's little
time to stop.
And soon those clever monkeys, who were first
to leave the brow. 49,
Found gallant Mr.. Elephant could also show
them how"
But all were gay the fyelong day, In spite Of
fall bump.
From fretful little Porcupine to Camel with his
hump.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-06

not make her supremely happy. why.
you can do as you please, can't you. when
you are rich?' asked one Of the boys.
questioning Roy.
Roy shook his head sadly. NO" he
safd SISTER and l have only a few play
mates and they are just like ourselves.
They never run out in the SNOW and play
as you do. They have to behave very
nicely. for. like my sister and me. they
are always under the eyes of their gov
erness. Why, we eat at the table with
our teacher, and she has room right be-
tween ours and watches over us when we
sleep. We never have the fun you poorer
children have. Only in the summer when
we get away from our governess. And
even then servant must go with us
everywhere to take care Of us. And after
we are a bit older we shall be sent to a
boarding school, and 1t Will be the same
there as it is at home-no poor children to
UP all day long,
"Come. children, don't stay out in the
cold any longer" said a sweet. motherly
voice at the open door. and Rachel and
an smiling down at them. why. who
are the little strangers?" she asked of
her own boys and girls.
It took only few words from Rachel
and Roy to explain that they had run
away from their lonely but grand home
in the fashionable avenue a few blocks
away.
"Well, my dear little runaways. come in
and have some supper with us and we'll
talk over this matter said the dear
mother, who was so simple and sweet.
And what joy it was to sit at the table
with the family. the jolly father who told
stories to the children and the dear. gen.
tie mother who saw that all their wants
were attended to.
After the meal was over the good moth
er said to Rachel and Roy: Now I shall
go to your home with you, my dear little
ones, and explain to your mother where
you have been and your reason for run
ming away from home"
At first, Rachel and Roy wished they
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-06

lakes nor creeks no WOODS nor meadows,
no country lanes nor rambling farm
houses. But they knew all about the
beauties of the country. for every sum-
mer they went to the mountains, where it
was cool and open and lonely. And how
Rachel and Roy did love the country!
All day long they would run about on the
mountainside. gathering ferns from the
banks of the mountain brooks, sometimes
fishing in the lake. near which was their
summer home. and often climbing trees
that seemed of ordinary height until they
had reached the top.
: But during the winter Rachel and Roy
lived in the great city. where all was
hustle and confusion. Their father was
a business man and went from home very
early in the morning. Their mother was
society woman. and her social. church
and club duties kept her from home much
of the time. And Rachel and Roy were
kept in the schoolroom at the very back
and top of their big city house. all during
the forenoon and part of the afternoon.
They were too young to be sent to board
ing school. so had governess at home to
teach them till they should be Of an age
to be sent away.
Thus YOU will see that Rachel and Roy
were very much alone at times and when
not engaged with their governess would
read story books
One evening while 1t was showing with
ner of the nursery reading fairy story.
Roy. who the listener. interrupted
Rachefs reading: Say, sister, why do
not some of the fairies come to us here in
our nursery? I should love to see one
sure enough. wouldn't your
Yes il would be glorious declared
Rachel.
Then she began to think over all the
fairy stories she had ever read, and at
last said do you know. Roy, that not
one of the fairies / have read about ever
came to rich children? They come to
those who need them. And we are RICH
you know. So, there's no use In our ex-
pecting fairies to come to while we
live in such splendor. Why. Cousin Sally
said the other day that papa is one of
the richest men in the city and that
mamma is a pillar of the church and
social leader. l asked her how she came
to know much about our papa and
mamma. and she said she had heard their
servants saying all that. And / suppose
she is right. for we have such beautiful
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-06

you've got that I'd be afther showing ii
to me old mither what's come In to spend
the day with me. You know, she's from
the country-fifteen mile away-an' see
ing your foine house would rest her a bit,
I'm thinkin'. She's that tired, num-.
Certainly, Bridget. show your mother
over ne house. consented Mrs Donfvan.
glad to grant SO simple request from
her good hearted and worthy servant.
MAY | go with Bridget?" asked little
Oracle, eager for any variety In the home
life.
Certainly dear" smiled Mrs. Donivan.
and now l shall run across the street
to- chat a minute with Mrs. Brown. She s
been quite Ill of late. and I must go In
and help cheer her up
Then the house was left to Bridget. her
old mother and little Oracle. And as the
three walked about the rooms of the pre-
tentfous home Oracle watched with pleas
ure the happy expression on the old lady S
face. "Ah. how beautiful she would
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-06

said Rachel. IF they we're poorer. we'd
live in the same rooms with them. Gov
erness says when she was little girl she
and her five brothers and sisters lived In
a five-room cottage. and that they all ate
in the dining room together. There was
no nursery nor schoolroom in their house.
And the children lived right in the same
rooms with their papa and mamma.
Wasn't that lovely?"
Yes but what did they do for school
room?'' asked Roy. "They surely had to
have a geverness after they were big
enough to learn lessons. And before that
they had to have a nursery and a nurse"
Rachel shook her head. mo. governess
told me all about it. The children were
nursed by their own mamma-that is
governess said 1t this way: My mother
cared for all her own children and saw to
their wants herself. And every night
she tucked us in bed with her own loving
hands. And when we got old enough We
attended the public school, So. you see.
that was how they lived in her family"
"It must have been very NICE" said
Roy, his fancy leading him to pretty
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-06
THE SINGING LESSON.

EDWARD, Mabel Maud and Peter also Willie
- Wee,
If you want to sing quite nicely please attend to
All together, not too loudly, when I've counted
twice.
One for ready, two for starting: Three blind
mice"
Edward, you began too quickly. Nab was after
me.
Maud and Peter missed the measure, so did
Willie Wee.
Now, once more. Let's make it pretty. Singing
IL such fun.
One for ready. two for starting: "See how they
rum"
That was better. Now, once more. and in gen.
tie tone.
Listen to your neighbours singing more than to
your own
That will make the music pretty Oh We so
again.
There, that's all! But who would tell you leo
sons are IN vaina
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-06

combined efforts of man and Rover to
save the other boy. So Rover, remember
ing the past sad incident, sat still and
made no show of consent to his masters
suggestion.
Robert whistled and started off toward
the pond. Come on, old chum.' he call
ed. It'll be fine on the ice this evening.
and as we've done our chores we don't
have to be in hurry to come home"
But still Rover sat on the step leading
to the woodshed looking imploringly at
his master. as II to say: please. Robert.
do not go on the ice today. 1 fear an ac-
cident" But Robert, not able to read the
wish in the old doggie's heart. ran down
the hill toward the pond, his skates over
his shoulder
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-06

For a moment Rover watched his young
master. Then feeling that he must stand
by him in anything he might do the old
doggie trotted off after him. Together
they reached the pond. a small, but very
deep, body of water, with shining sur
face of ice
"Ah, amt she as smooth as glass, old
fellow?' cried Robert. We'll, just let's
have turn
Hereupon. Robert sat down and fas-
tened on his skates. Then he went boldly
on the ice, Rover remaining on the bank,
whining after him in a pleading way.
Say, what's the matter with you, old
doggie?' asked Robert. turning around to
speak to Rover. You don't seem happy
this evening. Are you cold-or hungry?
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-06

attend the public school. Wouldn't that
be great sport? Oh what games we'd
play with all the other children. I wish
we weren't quite SO rich And Rachel
sighed YEARLY. "Why, to be a bit poorer
would make us quite as happy as being
out in the country. for we'd be as free
as then
"Why not try to find a place where the
papa and mamma are not SO rich?' Sug-
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-06
When the Twins Ran Away.

home. and papa is always at business and
mamma is always attending to her church
or club. or going to parties"
And giving parties" said Roy. My
oh! she gives some swell ones, too. doesn't
she? Do you remember nurse let us peep
over the banister one time when mamma
was having a big party?'
Yes, and that's why our papa and
mamma have no time to be with us, -
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-06

HEN Robert was
six years old his
papa gave him a
fine big Nefound-
land puppy. And
the puppy was call
ed Rover. the name
going well with
Robert. And from
the day of his ar
rival Rover was
m a d e Roberts
chum.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-06

ACHEL and Roy
were twin sister
and brother. Rach-
Ell was eight years
old. And, of course,
you all know how
old Roy was. since
I have told you he
was Rachel's twin.
They lived in a
great city where
there were no trees
nor flowers, no
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-06

family scene, where parents and children
were together.
Yes, I think having too much money
is not so NICE" declared Rachel eff papa
were not very wealthy man and we
had to live in a five-room cottage, we'd
all be together much of the time And
we'd have no room for so many servants,
and mamma would have to stay at home
to look after U.S. And maybe we'd get to
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-06

AY. mamma. why
can't 1 have a
granny"
The question was
asked by little
Oracle Donivan OF
her mother.
The two were sit
ting beside the
cheerful CRATE fire
d 1 S C u s s i ng the
events of the aft
ernoon. Oracle had
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-06
Beheadings.

III Behcad certain style of writing and les W
flower. - Douhly behead n beautiful bios
and leave a part of the human mouth. %
Behead piece OF dainty trimming used la
dies gowns and leave a playing card.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-06
Curtailing.

CD Tripiy curtail fierce conflict between men
and leave a small winged mammal. (2l Tripy
curtail haby's plsything ard leave small
animal. Is, Triply curtail horde Of animals
md leave house pet.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-06
Hidden Play Puzzle.

The title of one Of Shakespeare's plays is hid
den in the following sentences. each sentence
containing but word Of the title:
A man should do his conscience dictates.
You cannot always tell friend from foe
Some people Ike TO boast of their burdens.
n is not justice that rules the world, but
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-06
Letter Enigma.

My first is in woman. but not in man;
Ny second Is in tin. but not in pan:
My third Is I'm narrow. but not In long;
My fourth is in tune, but not in song;
My fifth Is in mouse, but not In trap;
My sixth Is in rest. but not in nap;
Ny whole IL q season.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-06
Answers to Puzzles.

Letter enigma-Bright
Hidden name puzzle-RuskD.
Beheadings-u Drink, rink. (2l Flowing, lew
ing. t3 Bridge. ridge.
Curtailngs-W Fortune. fort. % Bellows
bell. 49, Sing, sim
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-06
C0nundrums.

When is cigar like dried beef; Ans.-Whes
smoked.
Why does horse eat in very odd way:
Ans.-Because he eats best when he has not
bit in his mouth.
II tough beefsteak could speak. what English
poet would IL mention? Ans.-Chaucer (chaw
sir.