davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-07-31

didn't care to leave the house for
walk after dinner but unless he had
more exercise he must soon fade
away. The loving wife would save
up money and buy him bike. If she
had consulted so different doctors
each one, she felt. would have recon-
mended this very thing.
The same day, after an extra good
and an extra expensive lunch, Paul
felt n bit conscience stricken, as he
thought Of the little wife at home try
ing to solve the cookery problem. She
deserved to be rewarded She should
be be rewarded. He would cut out
his lunches entirely, and when he had
accumulated a sufficient sum he
would buy her a diamond bracelet
On both sides this was al, right
and as 1t should be. but It led to sor-
row. Paul could stand the weird
cookery Of that book for breakfast
and dinner as long as he had "nll-
up" at noon. A week after he had
cut this custom out there was
change in him.
He was asked If he didn't love his
little earthly angel as much as ever,
and he certainly hesitated before re-
plying that he did. Then tears came
the first of their married life. He
was also slow about wiping them
away.
Also, after picking and pecking at
the dinner prepared he went out
walking by himself and stood in front
Of the windows OF a restaurant. and
a cheap one at that, for all OF half
an hour. Peace was patched up that
evening, but at breakfast he gurgled
down half cup OF coffee and depart
ed
The wife was left weeping at home,
but long before his return she had
appealed to her pride and outlined
her plan.
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-07-31

Those OF us who have been there
know how these things work. Those
who haven't are sure to get the ox-
perience sooner of later Each wants
to make up, but pride holds him back
to wait for an advance from the 9TH
er.
The wife went home but took good
care to return at an early hour. Paul
left the house that morning vowing
that he would return to lunches and
gorge himself like n hungry OK, but
when noon came he stiffened his back
bone against It.
The mother had come home with
the wife to help prepare dinner, and
It was really good but there was only
faint praise from the husband. lie
was not asked to tell what happened
during the day as usual. The quar-
rel was still on.
After the meal, without saying a
word to the wife, he walked out, and
when he returned he had book un-
der his arm.
He became deeply interested at
once in its contents, aud took care
that the wife should see that 1t was
work on toxicology.
On her part, while be was out, she
cut few feet from the cotton clothes
line and formed a slip-noose at one
end. He saw the grewsome sight on
stand when he returned. but asked
no questions
Not a word was spoken for two
long hours. There lay the hangman's 5
rope. and there was the book on toxi-
coogy. If shivers passed over hus-
band and wife as they took furtiye
glances they did their best to sup
press them.
At last, when move Of some sort
became inevitable, there came a ring
at the bell. Both usband and wife
sprang up to answer It, bit the hus-
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-07-31

"What Is the matter with the men
I'm Rosecliff?" Helen ruffled indig-
nantly. She had been born in that
suburb
"They are all married-if you'll
stop to think" laughed Cynthia.
dodging the pillow Mrs Blake tossed
at her.
The next morning Cynthia entered
the kitchen where Nora was washing
the breakfast dishes. Her face wore
an anxious expression.
81 don't know what we'rc going to
do about the cleaning, Nora" she
began; "Ive telephoned from one
end OF the village to the other and
everybody else is in the same fix.
even called up Dr. Lane and he says
Patrick may not be able to work for
several months. You say that you
are not strong enough to do the ex-
ira work even with double pay?"
Cynthia ratified her gold mesh bag
enticingly.
Nora's sturdy shoulder was lifted
In q shrug. 81 wouldn't be doing 1t
for no money, Miss: | hired to do the
cooking and general work. It was
understood tie cleaning and laundry
was TO he donc out"
Every well. Nora. Don't you know
Of any man. woman or child who
might he hired for love or money to
come and help with the houseclean-
ing at 81 a day?"
Nora pondered deliberately as she
piled a tray with clean china. Then
she shook her head doubtfully. T
don't be knowing anybody at all
uness-shure an you might get
him"
"Who is he?" demanded Cynthia
eagerly.
81 seen a young man a-working in
the yard Of that cottage around the
corner, miss. A strong. hearty fell
Ter he Is. too Look at him. now,
therc-beating rugs like the divvle-
excuse me, Miss Cynthia. A hard
working, honest looking young
chap"
Nora lifted the shade and pointed
a finger into an adjoining yard: there
was open admiration I'm her blue eyes.
Cynthia looked and saw I'm the
overgrown yard of a cottage that had
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-07-31

Expenses must be reduced, and there
was only one way TO do 1.-THE cook
must go. and the wife must get n
household cook book.
She had heard of such books. In
deed. she had friends who made con-
stant use Of them and got up such
glorious little dinners that their hus-
bands could hardly be driven from
the house Of an evening.
The great trouble would be TO get
the cook to quit. She had said that
she meant TO stay I'm the place for so
years. Just TO give her a little hint
that her services might not be re-
quired for more than 49 the young
wife went into the kitchen and re-
marked:
Bridget. can't you cook potatoes
without burning them?"
20, | burn the 'taters, 90 II" was
the answer.
You have almost every day,
and"
"And you can burn EN- yerself aft
er this!"
The great question was solved.
| Bridget spread her wings and head
ed for New Jersey, where all good
cooks bring up sooner or later. and
the young wife set out to borrow a
cook book.
OF course, the dinner was not
what It should have been that even
/ ing, but as from sS to $40 a week was
being saved they were not inclined 10
/ be too particular.
After a week there was more flg-
uring, though IT was private and
/ confidential this time. Poor Paul was
working hard for a small salary and
eating what was set before him and
doing no swearing aloud.
| As he rode to and fro on the car ne
/ got no exercise except hanging to a
strap and being flung around. He
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-07-31

gagged TO clean the cottage first."
IL have couple OF weeks to do
that In" replied the man, in busi-
nesslike tone. "I'll lock the cottage
and come right over"
Cynthia hurried into tho house
and enveoped her slender form in a
big apron and pinned towel over
her hair.
II was n housekeeping to be re-
membered for it's thoroughness.
The new man. who told Cynthia
his name was Grey, worked like
beaver. He beat rugs thoroughly,
yet with care of one who knows the
value OF the article he handles. lie
cleaned the floors and waxed and pol
ished them till they shonc like mir
rors. lie washed windows and he
cleaned the cellar and whitewashed
It and laid fire in the furnace from
which he emerged with the face Of a
coal HEAVIER. but temper as CHEEKY
as II had been every day.
Each night Cynthia had paid his
wages into his toil-hardened palm
and her gracious tharks had accom-
panied the payment.
She learned very little about Grey
He spoke like an educated man and
occasionally he dropped a hint that
led her to believe he might have seen
better days; however, he always COW
cred the hint with some openly igno-
rant remark that dlsarmed any sus-
plcion she might otherwise have had
concerning him.
Her brother fingered week in
tho mountains.
When the last bit OF work was done
and Grey had polished the brass and
irons and replaced them before the
library hearth Cynthia drew out her
purse and paid him.
'T really don't know what should
have done without you, Grey" she
was saying. when the door opened
quickly and her brother entered.
"Howdy, Cynthia. dear?" he said.
kissing her; then starting back he
stared at the GRIM figuro before him
For-the--loye Of Mike what are
you doing here. Frazer?" He made a
grab for the others hand and clung
to>it.
"Frazer?" repeated cynthia coldly.
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-07-31

This man told me his name was
Grey" She looked disapprovingly at
the shame-fsced young man before
her. II trusted him." she added
simply.
Grey Frazer It ls--you know his
pictures, sis admired 'em In the mag
azines no end of timesl How in the
dickens did you corral him here.--in
this gulse?"
Cynthia turned her back while
Grey Frazer explained to the amused
and shaking Dick that he had leased
the cottage around the corner and In
lieu Of the service OF Patrick Flynn,
whom he had desired, he had set
about to clean out the cottage him
self.
Then Cynthia had come 10 him for
help--and Mr. Frazer modestly at
rested that he had never failed a
maiden in distress. All the time his
eyes were watching Cynthias back
with deep trouble in their depths.
81 sincerely beg Miss Blake's par
don for the deceit" he said humblv.
MY only excuse is that she needed
help and II she had known Who
was she might not have accepted ry
assistance.
Cynthia turned and held oIt ;
hand. 81 am very grateful FOR cur
help, Mr. Frazer" she murmured de-
murely. ut Is an honor TO meet such
n distinguished artist-and yet An
indispensable handy man Is lost to
tho world"
Grey Frazer grinned happily
the CRIME on his face. believe I'll
go home and shed this disguise" he
said. "1've earned day off. My Ger
Is at a garage down the street-shall
we motor this afternoon?'
Nora heard the invitation ard
stared open-eyed.
Months afterward when Cynthia
announced to Helen and Dick that
she had decided to marry, after all.
her sister-m-law smiled.
I'm glad you're going TO marry
the man around the corner. dear. lie
can come In and do the cleaning ev-
cry year.N
"Thcse were the happiest days in
my life," asserted Gray Frazer
proudly.
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-07-31

band was first out in the hall. Fe
conyersed with someone for ten min
utes, and when he returned his face
wore a broad smile. Nu
WAS II mother to see me?" stifay
asked the wife. N
mo, darling. II was Sheaves. OF
the bank. to see me. What do sou
suppose is going to happen tonor'
row."
20, Paul"
I'm to be moved up peg and rs
salary increased So per week. Ia
heard OF It and came around to brin;
me the news"
"P-Paul K-kiss met"
you beta hundred times oveis
Say, dear. | was going withors
lunches to buy you a diamond brace
let"
And | was skimming the milk anC
butter and things to buy you bike!"
you darling. you!"
you best Of all husbands!"
Lunches every day now!"
"And no more skimping!"
"And the cooking, dearl Sheaves
says there's penny restaurant only
two blocks away where we can get
gorgeous meals"
And when their transports had
somewhat subsided Paul looked
around at the rope. that had some-
how fallen to the floor, and asked:
"Were you going to hang yourself,
dear?"
'1f-if II didn't hurt too much.
You had a book on toxicology. Were
you going TO take poison?"
"If-if could find an easy one. A
step up=S8 week moreno more
no more cooking-hurra for us!'
The things were a long line COM
ing, but she has her bracelet and he
has his bike.
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-07-31

but | always called her cousin Nell
But on this point ! felt ! must be
hrm. IL was matter about which
had always held strong views and
could not allow Nell to act in oppo-
sltion TO those views without utter
ing a protest
Nell was dear girl and intended
hat one day she should be my wife
That was why | felt II TO be essen
,ial that she should share my opin-
ons. Lately / had some reason to
lear that she sympathized with those
misguided women who demanded the
franchise, and therefore ] wished her
dearly to understand Row much I
disapproyed of women meddling with
polltics,
Fancy bothering this little curly
head about the difficulties the gov
ernment has to face in Ireland, the
form the new education bill will take,
and dozen other such dry-as-dust
topics. wonder how much you
would understand and how / should
manage TO wake you up at the end OF
the nyening' | said playfully, % 1
pulled one OF her golden lockA
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-07-31

erous and give
Votes to women"
This time the voice came from the
middle Of the hall. The stewards
hastened there and seized hold OF an
elderly lady, which they as hastily
released, when they recognized in her
the chairman's wife Once more they
were Obliged to withdraw.
''Disgracefull" said voice in my
ear. II was the youth of the Inyer-
ness coat
"Shameful!" calculated.
What dunderheads the stewards
must be not to find out who they
arei"
Again Mr.. x. attempted to make
his speech, only to be Interrupted
again.
The stewards were no more sue
cessful on this occasion than they had
been hitherto. The voice appeared to
come from the reporters table. but II
was obviously absurd to suppose that
any OF the gentlemen seated there
had caused the interruption.
But the mystifyiDg part OF the bust
ness was that the voice, although APP
parently the same one, never came
twice from exactly the same quarter
Tho stewards were at their wits
end. They had tracked the fugitive
voice to all parts OF the room, only
TO be met with amused or angry as
surances that none there had spoken.
When tho voice came from the
platform from the very table at
which the chairman was seated, ey-
eryone felt that the climax had boon
reached
The chairman. a hot-tempered, ex-
plosiye little gentleman. sprang to his
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-07-31

THAT is the cause to some extent,
but / think the mistake chify lies I'm
their method OF treating women. II is
foolish to attempt to force a woman
into doing something she does not
want to do"
What wcald you advise then?''
inquired my companion In rather puz-
zled tones.
"Give her something else-some
little pleasure-to think about" /
said smiling as / remembered how
successful l had proved this plan to
be.
isn't that rather like inducing a
child to drop a knife by holding out
a sugar plum?"
hut grown-up children?"
Further conversation was prevent-
ID by the arrival OF the speakers, to
whom an enthusiastic welcome was
accorded.
Mr.. X, the cabinet minister, was
famed for his eloquence. and soon all
his hearers were following his words
with eager interest.
what England needs to-day"
rs votes for women" piped a
shrill voice from the back of the hall
The interruption was Immediately
followed by loud cries OF Turn her
out" Turn her out" This was not
an easy task, for there were only men
seated In the corner from which the
sound had come, and they ali indig-
nantly denied having uttered the
cry Not being able to discover the
offeuder, the stewards wero obliged
10 resume their seats, and the speech
Proceeded
LET US be Just before we are gen
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-07-31

long been untenanted tall young
man. blunt featured, with an unmis-
takably honest face-a face grimy
with the results Of honest toll. He
was clad In a rough suit of overalls
and blouse and on his feet was a dis
reputable pair of tennis shoes. He
was tugging a huge basket Of rub
bish from the back door Of the cot
tage
How luckyl" cried Cynthia. "Tll
speak to him Mt once. | didn't know
the cottage was taken. Nora"
"Nor did /, Miss, till l saw the
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-07-31
in DISGUISE

was seated next to a young fell
low whose face vaguely remembered
! had met him before. though | could
not recall where, nor under what cir
cumstances, lie was wearing long
Inverness coat which ! expected TO
SEQ him take or every moment. Ger
tainly IL was not my affair, but new
ertheless, found myself waiting i'm
patiently for him to remove II.
IL made me hot and uncomfortable
TO look at him, and / began to feel
almost annoyed as time passed and he
himself seemed so undisturbed. That
IS one OF the evils OF a highly sensi-
tive nature. Such temperament de-
mands ease and comfort, not only for
lts owner, but also for those about.
Apart from the matter OF the coat
which he persisted in wearing TO his
own discomfort and mine, my com
panion seemed an intelligent lad
There was a fair sprinkling OF ladies
among the audience. and he and
agreed that their presence was absurd
In the extreme.
II cannot think what their fathers
ana husbands are thinking of to al
low them to come" / said.
Perhaps they do not think II
necessary to consult their fathers and
husbands Women are getting such
strange ideas into their heads Of
late"
Ihat Is only too true. But you
know cannot help feeling that the
men are partially 10 blame for the
present deplorable state Of things"
do you mean that they do not suf-
hciently exercise the authority they
naturally possess over the weaker
eex2"
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-07-31

feet, upsettlng a glass OF water In his
excitement
Ladies' and gentlemen" he splut-
tered, this Is scandalous. have never
presided over such dlsgraceful meet
ing, nor been so grossly insulted Both
Mr.. X. and feel 1t is quite impossi-
bic to proceed with the business OF
the evening"
As | walked slowly homeward, I
congratulated myself again and again
that Nell had not been present. She
would have been quite demoralized;
she might even have found these too
successful interruptions amusing.
When next lNsaw Nell she was 80
sweetly sympathetic and acquiesced
so entirely In my condemnation OF the
suffragettes that once more | rejoiced
In my happy choice of wife.
Presently | suggested a stroll and
she ran away to dress.
In a few minutes the door re.
opened.
How quick - -
The words were frozen on my lips.
stared at Nell In petrifed aston
lshment.
There she stood, dressed in the In
yerness coat remembered so we'll.
with her pretty hair covered by a
hideous, black wig. For moment
there was silence. Then that shriil
voice began to resound from every
part OF the room In turn. with its
maddenlng demand. Votes for
Women"
Don't do II well. Bob?" inquired
Nell with u sRucy smile lighting up
her face. prof. Raglan s.ys I'm one
Of the finest yentriloquists he has ever
heard"
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-07-31

i've read quite a lot about all
these things. Why, the vicar tells
me all about his fears for the future
Of the village children. Poor little
doars! I'm often quite troubled my
self as to what may be In store for
them. But you'll be nice boy and
take me with you, because | can't
very well go alone?"
GO alone, | should think not, in
deed" / exclaimed. "And really
can't take you with me. but I'll tell
YOU what ! will do. I'm going to
London next Saturday. Suppose you
come, too, and Well go to see Peter
Pan"
Bob, you're a darling" cried Nell.
her brown eyes sparkling with de-
light. i've been longing to see that
for months"
Very well. That's settled" |
said, with a sigh of relief at having
succeeded so easily In turning Nells
thoughts into another direction.
What a charming, tractable, lit
tie wife, shall have some dayl" /
reflected as strolled slowly home
ward in the twilight.
Perhaps there was Just a touch OF
self-approya I'm my thoughts. which
was quite justihable under the, cir
cumsta res. Certainly posseNsed
tact. Many men would have bluSt-
cred and refused their consent. and
dlsagreeable scenes might have en-
sued, but ! had left Nell with. a
smiling, happy face.
And yet have heard men say
that It Is difficult 10 manage a wom-
an" said 10 myself.
The town hall OF Bram'ey was
crowde'' on the night OF February 4.
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-07-31
A HANDY MAN

nd there isn't soul to help with
the cleaning and IL must be done
this week. Can you wash windows
and beat rugs?"
Yes. ma'am,' he said.
And clean the cellar and start
the furnace and all those things7"
For an instant he hesitated and
then he said: "Yes, ma'am; It isn't
exactly in my line, but I'm willing
to help you out"
you are very good, indeed" said
Cynthia. We've always paid Pat
rick So day, but II you can come at
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-07-31

She was a refreshing picture on this
crisp autumn morning fair
face tingcd with rose color and her
mist OF black hair pinned into some
semblance OF order.
The man in the next yard turned
his basket into the ash bin and for
the moment went into the obscurity
OF the rising cloud of dust. When he
emerged It was Cynthia's gentle little
sneeze that attracted his attention.
He turned and whipped off a bat
tered cap.
young man." began Cynthia rath-
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-07-31

"You-you never loved met"
81 never thought I'd have to stand
this!"
"You want a divorce and you shall
have one. I'll go home tomorrow. to-
morrow"
"And learn how to cook!"
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-07-31


love right here had they not sat down
and igured up that his salary would
enable them 20 keen a girl for house
work That was the only confession
either had to make, and at being
out Of the way, they went on being
happy.
Indeed, except for the little con
fessions referred to above, and over
which there was much hilarity, the
subject Of cookery was not touched
on at all. A mother and a mother-in-
law shook their heads and sighed, but
realized that one who set cut TO
change Cupid's ways r-ust make a
dire failure OF II.
Bridget had been duly installed in
the kitchen when the newlyweds re-
turned from their bridal tour. Her
first meal was passable; all that came
after were failures.
The happy couple did not let such
things trouble them for at least a
month. Then Paul sat down by him
self at the bank one day after lunch
and figured up that the cook and BAN
quoting were costing him fully SS a
week, and that his salary wouldn't
stand II. On the same y the wife
figured out that with the waste the
sum was nearer $40.
They lad started off too boldly.
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-07-31
TWO WISHES

She did not preciptate herself in
to his arms when he appeared at the
usual hour. lie mad gone hungry all
day, and he did not hold them out to
her. They just acted like old mar
ried folks
The dinner was noimprovement on
the last, but the wife made no ex-
cuses. He had to eat 1t or go hungry.
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-07-31


eral lamentation in the village, for
there was no other man to takc his
place, and working women were
equally scarce
II don't know what you are going
to do. Cynthia" sighed her sister-in-
law as Cynthia helped her pack a
trunk for short trip to the noun
tains.
Patrick promised to come on Mon
day and help with the cleaning. You
know Nora refuses TO do anything
except the regular work and although
! have offered to give her extra wages
FOR the cleaning she doesn't want to
touch II. It's dreadful-all the fall
cleaning to do and the Wimbletons
coming for Thanksgiving, just as I've
broken down."
Helen Blake!" cried Cynthia. sit
ting down on the floor and putting
her fingers into here pretty ears.
stop this wailing and gnashi1g of
teeth or | shall run away myself.
Leave the cleaning to me--I'll find
somebody II have to import n spe-
cialist from town, When you come
back from the lakes YOU will find a
spctlcss house and don't you dare
worry an instant. shall love the
tot I'm a born boss anyway. you
know, only never had much chance
TO exercise my ability"
Mrs Blake smiled gratefully. "T
don't know what we'd do without
you, Cynthia. dear You are the
greatest comfort. Dick and are
sflfish enough to wish that you won't
set married very soon"
Perhaps not at ALL" said Cynthia.
cleerfully. Don't worry about such
remote possibility as my falling in
love with anybody I'm Roseclin."
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-07-31

There was no quarrel, but after the
meal had been cleared away, they sat
down and did a great deal of think
ing and very little talking. 1t was
uncomfortable for both OF them, but
each rather gloried in It.
Three days later. and then human
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-07-31

The wife had taken extra pains with
the dinner, but the potatoes were
underdone the meat overdone. AS
Paul looked the table over and heaved
a sigh the wife said
'If you do not like my cooking you
must find yourself boarding house. ="
81 certainly shall!" he replied.