davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-11-18

maintenance. | have, but now" ne
paused. 81 will respect my name for
you" He did not look ct Mildred
when he spoke, but something gave
the one word you" personal sig
niflcancc.
During the rest OF the voyage, as II
by accord, Celeda and Mildred kept
at opposite ends OF the boat. IL was
as If an electric wire marked the di-
yiding line that neither might cross.
Upon the Saturday night before
reaching New York Mildred found
that almost without her Will she had
strolled to the very nose of the boat
and that she was standing alone In
the breeze and the moonlight.
May return your scarf, Miss
Vaughn?' Herman Celeda stood be-
side her, holding the light scarf
which had blown on unheeded,
THANK you" She looked out
over the water. then back at aim.
you have avoided me-" she said
swiftly and not knowing why she
spoke. "and l don't see any reason
for IT,"
He did not speak: his hand tight
ened it's grip on his violin. Suddenly
Mildred felt desire to break this
mans control. In her youth the only
weapon which came TO her was the
power to hurt
"Plesse don't imagine Mind she
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-11-18

merchant He thinks | waste my
time on music and threatened to burn
my violin, the one which Fradler gave
me when he died and told me-
'Not Pau. Fradler." cried Vaughn.
"My dear friend Paul wrote often of
a boy-surely you are not that boy,
Herman Celeda?"
Yes, yes," exclaimed Celeda, with
quick emotion. "Fradler-he was so
good to me. He taught me all
know, and when he knew that the
end was coming he-he told me that
he would trust me to but one person
for the few more months OF study
require. | have his address here"
He drew forth a caid, and as Prof.
Vaughn took II he Smiled for the
name was his own, with minute de-
tail as to how to roach his studio.
1--WE will take oar first lesson this
afternoon, then" laughed Prof.
Vaughn. extending hand to Ce-
leda.
you Are began the boy.
Yes; | am-and this is my daugh-
ter" said the professor. drawing Mil
dred nearer.
The eyes OF the two met for brief
moment, then drew quickly apart
Celeda turned to the professor. II
intended filling any engagements |
might secure, restaurant or anything.
SO that might add 10 the small
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-11-18
stN ~ * = 81 = y IL IL
s-=I3~~-~6s~--->fs~r---> a>-~->Gs Ea~~-~a>>

con, and after some preliminary con-
versation he got around to say:
Deacon. you remember what we
were talking about a few days ago?
There's them as thinks 1t your duty"
II don't know but 1t is." was the
reply. but can't think Of nobody
around here I'd want"
That's Just It, Deacon Brown
that's just II. There really haln't no.
body. and you can't go hunting
aroand the country yourself like a
man wanting to buy cow"
But whatll / do?"
That's what I'm going to tell you
I'm going TO act for you in this Gaze.
I'm going TO find widow who Is
lonely who feels IL her duty 10 marry
again-who is a great hand to wesh.
bake, iron and make peach pickles
and soft soap. I'm going TO find her
and toll hcr Of you, and then it'll
he for You to so and see her and
plead your case.
That's dreadful kind OF you" said
tho widOwer as he extended his hand.
20. I'm allus willing to obleegc,
deacon allua willing, but was
thinking you'll have lots OF cider ap-
pies this fall II | could bring this
ere matter about | don't think YOU
are tho man to bcgrudge me eight
har'ls Of cider.
"Cidor viii re 81 4 bar'l at tho
mill this fall" replied Deacon Brown
az his commercial instincts were APP
pealcd 10.
Jest so, deacon, tut hain't smart
wifo worth s32 and lfctle more ?
Shc may bring you over $1,000
worth of property 10 .tart On"
After Offering six. and going up TO
rcycn and hanging there for half an
hour tho deacon finally made II
eight. and the ncXt day the match
maker rode over TO Strongsvilo.
Tho widow, whose address he had.
lived on a farm Just outside tho vii
age. and lie boldly made his way Ia
her house and presented his crrand.
Sho was prop rly shocked for a few
minutes. and then began to tall,
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-11-18
s siKo;s !: Aoas 3 s

He put the cat gently Into her
arms. There was n surprieed. curl
ously gratihcd look on his face. as
II he had had expectations concern
ing her and she had not disappointed
them.
ole must have been coming into
my room, or perhaps. just leaving
it," he explained. when the window
came down and caught him on the
paw" u hurts pretty badly. but II
isn't broken. I've examined 1t. He'll
come out all right, so don't YOU worry
about him"
20, If you really think So" llse
said, looking up at him with tears
In her eyes.
Then suddenly she became con-
scious Of the fact that nc was most
porsonable ycurg man and the writ
or Of interesting notes and the hero
of her adventure and she blushed
scarlet and fed. trying to stammer
out something of thanks as she went
Deko was ccnvalcscent two whole
days and each dav John Keith left
package CT meal at the door for
him. Each day. too. he managed to.
moot Ilse in the hall and ask her,
about the condition OF tho cat
The second day he asked her TO go
to The sacred concert with him the.
next afternoon Sunday afternoon.
Use went with him. Between tho
numbers they became better ac-
uuainted
"Im going TO give up my room,'
] he announced at last.
/ "G--going away?" che gasped.
Just across the town. You see.
/ I've been studying shorthand by my
self and I've got job now which Is
so good that I'm going to give UP my
old one. IT'S in a place where ! can
| get raise If I'm worth 1t and mean
to be worth It. But shan't forget
you"
He paused She was looking down
and twisting her fingers confusedly.
But her face weE happy now. He laid
HIS hand over hers quickly.
I'm tired of going share with YOU
on Deko." he said. "You see I've
grown awfully attached to him and as
soon as | can afford II ! noon to
make a home for him--and YOU"
And Ilsc did not say him nay.
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-11-18

the window was opened less gently
and the chair showed roughly about
over the mating.
This disagreeable male person,
then, who had taken the liberty to
make friends with her cat perhaps
occupied that room.
AS for Deko. he had assuredly lost
both his head and his heart to this
new friend. The only way In which
to insure his companionship was to
keep the window down, and It was
getting so warm now that this was
not possible.
She felt grieved, almost angry. The
man had no right to her cat. After
all, she was very young and simple
hearted, and the thing was of vital
Importance to her.
One evening she decided not to
think any more, but to act. She
wrote note and tied It upon the
cats neck and sent him forth with 1t.
The note read
The bearer of this note is the only
friend | have in the whole world. He
has been my faithful companion until
lately when your influence seems to
be growing stronger than mine.
Won't you please stop making much
of him and let me have him just to
myself again?"
The moment she had taken her
hands from Deko he leapeG upon the
window sill and disappeared through
the open window. Ilse followed as
fast as she could and leaned far out
in the darkness, listening. Near at
hand deep, pleasant voice ex-
claimed:
80 you're back. old fellow was
wondering what had become OF you.
Great Scott, what's this on your
neck?" There was silence while the
note evidently was being read, then
the deep voice at her left made an
other exclamation. Whoever heard
the like Of this? Poor little old
maid! To Think I'd be mean enough
to steal her cat!"
Ilse's cheeks flushed hotly. Old
maid she! But how could the man
know when he had never seen her
She stole back to her chair, ex-
cited with the success Of her venture
The note had been safely delivered
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-11-18

sald nnally.
still Celeda remained silent, but he
leaned against the big ventilator,
which completely hid them from view,
and took out his violin. lie drew his
bow and played a gentle. delicate
melody. The girl listened with bat.
ed breath and rising tears, then sa nj,
In a hudGled heap on the deck with
shoulders trembling. .
Mildred Mildred" Ceieda nut
down his violin and dropped beside
her on the deck. II don't want To
tell you how much love you until /
am worthy Dear. have my fame TO
make before | can claim you"
But why am | crying?" she asked
tearfully.
You are crying because you Iowa
me. You didn't know what was the
matter with YOU, | knew that this
was coming, that first night, when
saw your eyes like stars, In the moon
light" lie looked into her smiling
eyes.
Homer said that Achilles was
taught music to moderate his emo
tions." He bent over and touched
her hand with his lips, '.Well--this
violin has to moderate my love for
You until such time as 4 can lift YOU
up to a Wonderful height. 70 viii
Gene then, won't your"
Yes" she said
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-11-18
A. CHARMER

dy?'
With that gift. child?"
Is his talent so great daddy?"
He Is one of the chocen rich
but come. it's time little girls We're
tucked In their berths." He turned
to his wife: isn't it, Molly?"
And we win see him tomorrow ?"
AS Mark Eldridge walked as far
as the oupanionway door with Mil
dred he felt strange depression
as If some dear treasure were slipping
from his grasp.
The next morning Mildred fol-
lowed her father down the long pas
sages which let them out on the
steerage deck. They found the boy
OF the violin standing at tie very
nose OF the boat, his head thrown
back TO the full force OF the wind.
Mildred Vaughn was scarcely 1S,
yet her temperament had given her
a sensitive Intuition and she felt
nothing so much as desire to run
away and hide before meeting this
boy musician. But Prof. Vaughn
was already In conversation with
him., and she listened while the
younger man spoke OF his life.
81 ran away from home from Aus
tria," he said, choosing his words
with the caution OF foreigner new
to the language. my parents want
me TO sell wine---my father is wine
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-11-18

you before. Don't you understand
that n woman has got to be humcred
a leetle, especially IL she's widow
and owns farm? Give way to her
new. and three months later you can
cad her around with rope. Go home
nonsense! You go right back and
'ell her she can have her way. Also,
Fl, on the love making. Let her see
tfw your heartstrings are CULVER
ilc."
Deacon Brown walked back to the
house with slow steps This time he
was absent little longer. but the
'Xcresslon on his face when he did
rorppear almost made tho otner dea-
~oa's hair curl.
Sixteen barrel Of cider for sure,
and perhaps a 18th, were trembling
I'm the balance. His chin iycred so
rat hc' couldn't say anything. bur
tho other solemnly remarked;
She says she's 70 keep her own
money, and must do the same. and IL
| borry any of her, must pay regular
interest, She also says I'm TO cut of
these whiskers, use hair-dyo and 20
to every circus that comes along
Then I've got to refurnish the house
and git her a hired gal
"Thundor!" exclaimed Deacon Haz-
lett for the first time In 20 years.
And she wants red parasol and
a hammock to swing in"
But she can't have EN-"
But she will, and she says nc
pitcher with broken nose will ever
bo seen on her table"
you must have got things all
mixed up, Deacoru Brown. Hcre-Ill
so to the house with YOU and
straighton them cut"
Side by side the two deacons pro-
ceeded to the house, Tut they did not
enter II. The widow came cut on the
steps and barred their way and said:
And | want the house and fence
painted, a piano in tho parlor, a
bookcase and books. lace curtains, an
fce box, front pew In church, q
bathtub, and"
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-11-18
!@sRs - ~ y pte egs =
GO 0------sEs-- 9s-----~l

Deacon Brown groancG and his
knees shook under him.
Deacon lIaziett snorted aud
mopped his perspiring forehead and
said:
But, my dear widow, how can you
cxpcct--?'
and a mirror reaching up to
the ceiling, and white spreads and
brass bedsteads. ard white shades
that roll up. and-and--"
You see-you heart" cxcIaims d
Deacon Brown In sepu!chral tones. as
he pointed his finger at the other.
II do, deacon---I do" answered the
other She's net for you. She's not
your ccoing dove. she's a-simply
tramping Oh your quivering heart
strings ard crushing your pa.?ltating
heart beneath her IRON heel. Widow.
wouldn't have thought It OF yor.
Lock into his face, and see how lie is
suffering"
But haven't ssked him to mar
ry me- she replied.
NO, but he GENES over here with
a heart ull Of love fer yJu. and you
have trokeD his speeri'. lie may be-
this. Won't yen talk IT, over aga.n
and sortcr give way?"
III was to talk 1t over again I'd
demand Dickel-plated cook stove
for the Kitchen. ! forget that. And
a real bagdad cover for the lounge,
and u pump with blue handle in
the WILL"
And about the cider, widow
could you say four barrels fer my good
intentions?"
mot one"
Then, Deacon Brown" he said.
as he turned to the downcast and de-
jected man. 1T only remains for us
70 make our way home wards. but be-
fore doing so want 10 raise my face
to heaven and spread on. my arms
ana observe that whom Providence
has put asunder. let no mand jine to-
| gether and be durned to 'cm!"
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-11-18

business.
She made many inquiries, and the
| interview finally terminated with her
/ saying that Deacon Brown might
come along and she would look him
over. After she had spoken thus her
caller said:
Now widow. I'm doing this to
make you both happy. I'm a great
hand to see that cooing doves get
chance TO coo around I'm also a
great hand for cider 1t jest fits my
system. Yo've got a big orchard,
cider mill and lots of apples. If this
thing comes Off and the doves COO.
reckon you'll feel like presenting me
with about eight bar'ls OF cider for
my reward. I'll furnish the barls,
Of course, and draw 'em away"
The widow thought six enough, be-
ing she had so many other chances to
get married. but finally they agreed
on eight. and Deacon Hazlett left for
home firmly believing that he had 16
/ harreis OF cider as good as bought
| and paid for.
That evening he spread his news
before Deacon Brown so vividly and
/ enthusiastically that the gocd man
never slept wink all night Moth
| ing was too good TO be said OF the
widow She was good looking she
was saving she wasn't ono to talk
back, and no chicken buyer or tin
pedler could get the best Of her in
! o trade
Next morning the two deacons got
/ into buggy and made the call. Dea-
ccn Brown was wearing the same
/ sGit--his best--that he had worn at
his w.fo's funeral, with the mourning
band left Off his hat, lie was agi-
/ tated, and he had spells Of being So
/ lcmn and gay solemn when he
/ thcught tho widow might turn him
/ down ON account OF his how legs and
lop shoulders, and gGy when he
\ thought OF her farm coming TO him.
II was a sort Of cross between GO
\ ing TO funeral and following
circus procc7sion, and tho conyorsa-
tica Ga route vas erratlc and nria-
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-11-18

dow and leaned far out, regardless
of the rain. trying to sec him.
She called him wildly. But he did
not come, and the wailing continued.
Suddenly a door at her right slammed
shut; then came the sounds Of quick
steps and an exclamation. The wall
ing ceased. Deko was there then in
Keith's room, and hurt.
All pale and wet as she was she
ran out, and in the hall encountered
Keith. who was iust emerging from
his own door with the cat In his
arms 1t was the frst time they had
ever met face to face, but Ilse did
not think OF that in her anxiety fol-
her little comrade.
whats the matter with him?'
she asked.
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-11-18

the pleasant>light and warmth van
ished and one afternoon Ilsc had to
make her wa home through a swift.
heavy, cold rain. accompanied by
thunder and lightning and wind. APP
prehensively she remembered that
that the rain might be beating into
ner little room.
IL was dim with the storm when
she entered It, wet of skirt and an
kle, but tplerably dry above because
OF the umbrella that had been loaned
her. The window was opc and tho
rain coming in.
And above the crash Of thunder she
heard the piteous wailing of a cat.
Deko? What had happened to him
Where was he? She ran to the win
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-11-18

She put the cat down, removed her
hat and coat and set about getting
her supper. When all was ready she
called Deko to her. but - left his
meal half consumed. He had then
already been fed. She felt almost
as IL she had been the victim Of a
thief-as If something precious had
been stolen from her.
The cat, Of course. kept the secret
Of his new acquaintance. But after
that. whenever Ilsc came home at
night, having left the window open.
she was sure to find him missing.
Even when she was there he some
times slipped away. but invariably
her call brought him swiftly to her,
showing her that he was within hear
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-11-18

his fur had an alien odor; certainly
he had been in contact with some
body who smoked good. strong, black
tobacco.
Now who could that somebody be?
The house was full of people. re-
spectacle and poor like herself but
as she was one of those who did not
appear In the dining room size knew
almost none of them Ilsc kept very
close to herself. She was shy
and retiring and. though hungry for
friendship, doubtful OF those who
proffercd IT, for she.,had learned i'm
her city experience that the people
who are easiest to know are even
the ones least worthy Of being
knOw1
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-11-18

But unlike herself, Doko had evil
IDENTIFY been seeking acquaintance
and had found them-m masculine
friendship at that! She remembered
now that he apparently spent a great
deal Of time on the roof. and often
disdaiued the food she provided, prov
ing that he had better elsewhere She
felt disturbed at the idea that some
body might be winning the affection
20 which she alone had the right.
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-11-18

NO GO

teresting. When the house was at
last reached Deacon Hazlett said:
Now, then, I'll take the hoss to
the barn and stay there, and you go
right in and introduce yourself to
the widow This Is case where you
don't want a third party around. II
was sitting around in there. she'd
be so bashful that you couldn't git
ten words out o. her. IL there's any
thing you wish to consult me about
come out to the barn"
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-11-18

long" was the reply. Deacon, don't
you know that you've allus got to
give in to a widder at the start ?
When you've been married six months
you'll be running that farm end boss
ing her and 1t TO boot oidy, lat
thought you knowcd widov'g,"
Deacon Brown returned 20 Il q
house, but with.h quarter os N
hour he was back again. he was look
ing more solemn than eve. He
picked up straw TO c,,cw n 2Gl
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-11-18

II soon transpired that there was
something. After about 20 minutes
Deacon Brown came out looking very
grave and proceeded to say:
WAL, B.. kinder ike her looks, and
she kindor likes mine, but she says
that u We 81; married she's going TO
ketp this farm IN her own Eame and
have TIE bcsslng OF &. caa't
stand ',at. ycr know"
"iIut you wra't have 20. aoL fos
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-11-18

observed:
She says I'll have to hire the
washing done and buy ali the soft
soap we use. Sho also says that she
won't git up and build no fres on
winter mornings Further. that I've
got to git wire screens for all tho
winders ald doors. We might as
we'll 20 home"
We ;@ight as We'll do nothing of
the KIND. never saw man like
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-11-18


r7nion and room mate, and looked
about inquiringly
The window was raised. for it was
warm sDring afternoon and when
q lives in a small room under one
.rNaf, with another. little lower
Just without, to tempt additional run
fH'S. ono needs all the air It is pos
iih'c 20 get In winter the cosy
teseness Of Narrow quarters is COM
Irritable but In sumner the same
conditions are sitting
Uses room had mating on the
floor and he'd a bed combination
washstand and bureau which her
,landlady had provided for hcr. and
also small table. q shirfwais, box
and tiny curtained bookcase held
mainly few dishes and utensils. FOR
llse earned Sc a week and cooked
most Of her own meals with tho aid
of the gas iet. ft was wonderful how
mnch sho ACCOMPLISHED with her
small means. but she was resolved to
he at once comfortable and econom-
ical
To llse that room meant homo and
freedom and the hest comfort she
had ever known. It also meant tho
place of association with the only
thing living which sac felt truly
loved her. Where was her faithful
little comrade? Nowhere In sight.
for he would already have hecn rub
bing about her angles. purring for a
responsive caress Shc went to the
window and called softly and anx-
,iously; "Deko! Here Deko."
There was the soft scnmpering of
padded feet ard a big black cat
jumped upon the windcw sill. Use
picked IL up. 1t came to her that
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-11-18

ing distance. And always he smelled
OF tobacco.
She wondered n good deal. The
room on her right wes occupied by
two wcmen she knew and the room
on her left had also been occupied by
a woman. II came to her now that
sounds which she had sometimes mo-
ticed of late beyond the left-hand
wall were not such as woman would
make--the footsteps were heavier,
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-11-18

end of year or moro, when he dared
drop hint that his brother deacon
ought 10 marry again.
lie pointed ont that Deacon Brown
was q lone man---a man who had TO
make his own led and cook his own
.meaIs--a man who had 10 st by him
sci Of evcniaes and thinr sad
thoughts and sigh sad slgEs.
Deacon Brown bashfully agreed
with him. Yes, he was tired Of pots
and pans ard kettles. 10 was tired
cf the rusty old wasaboaru and the
ono brokeu-hand cd Gntiron. lie
wanted someone 10 hep feed the pigs,
wind up the clocl, and prepare the
lampblack and tal,ow 70" greasing
his boots
Deacon Hazlo,t diaa't press mat
'icps too far. He sowed toe seed and
tier turned 10 potato bugs, and wait
.ed for q lghtning-rod man - come
slonc. He had TO wait for n couple OF
weeks before one appeared. but he
fe!t well repaid for the dc,ay.
DO knew Of a widcw that would
marry again If sho had good
ohancc?" repeated tho ma. OF thun-
der and lightning, as he winkcd q
wicked wirk ot the deacon "Oi
course ! do There's widow l;inP
over at Strongville that Is 4 splendid
catch FOR any nan, and there's hpli
dozen wiGowers after her You'd
Lest hustle IL yru want hcr"
After supper that evening, tho dea-
con climbed tho feucc between hi:
garden and that OF his brcther dea-
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-11-18

railing and peering at the rlpples
scrambling at the boats sides. looked
up at her companion
II should certainly call 1t So" re-
piled the man, meeting the glance in
her eyes.
Suddenly Mildred Vaughn started,
whats that" She darted off and
stood few yards distant, listening
to the strains OF a violin which crept
up from below. She ran back and
took the man by the hand. "Come."
she cried breathlessly somebody
wonderful Is on this boat and | want
TO sec who II Isl"
Mark EIdridge followed her TO the
stern OF the boat. where she came TO
an abrupt stop. instinctively hushed
by the picture before her. Perhaps
every passenger . on board was a
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-11-18
RY JAMES PURMoRT.

T. Marion plowed her
way silently through
tho moonlit sea.
There was scarcely q
ripple stirring TO
break the perfect
calm.
"lt seemc almost
superhuman - this
wonderful night
doesn't it?" A girl
lpaning far over the
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-11-18
DY ELSIE ENDICoTT.

2 A CO y PROSPER
BROWN and Deacon
FaTwcll iiazlett liV-
cd in the same viii
ls ge, and were neigh
tors and gCod men.
Wien the former
lest MS wife by
death the latter vas
cffusivc in his con-
dolences. The day
finally came, at the