davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1911-12-13

ways prided themselves on their hos
pitality, but of late years"
"Leighton!" interrupted Loring,
opening his overcoat. "Are you Miss
Anne Leighton?"
Miss Anne's round eyes opened wide.
"Yes-why do you ask?"
Loring took a letter case from an
inner pocket and searched carefully
in its depths. "You are a cousin to
Mr.. Josiah Leighton, of Boston? Yes?
Very well, my search is ended then.
l am Mr. Leighton's private secretary,
Robert Loring, and he sent me to seek
you out and present this letter. | be-
lieve it contains a Christmas gift as
well as an offer to make your future
home with him. By Jove, but it's the
merest chance that led me here. /
reached the station all right and hired
a man to drive me to your place. He
lost his way and we travelled half
day; tt he managed to upset me
into a SHOW bank and he made off,
leaving me to find my way back to
civilization as best / could. You see
fate led me here" He was looking at
Grace's downcast face rather than at
Miss Anne's excitedly bobbing figure.
"Grace Leighton-here we were
watching for the expressman, thinking
Cousin Josiah was going to send his
usual presents of silk waists-dnd
here is his letter and a check for $50
You wished us a joyful Christmas, Mr..
Loring; / guess it's going TO be one!"
81 have a feeling" said Loring, de-
liberately, that it is the beginning of
many happy Christmases for me-"
He was still thoughtfully regarding
the sweet profile of the young girl
bending over her bright silks.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1911-12-13

strongest resolution. sturdiest effort,
on trial in the maelstrom Of after
luncheon Christmas shopping. The
mad mob that at this time surges
through aisles, jostles and tramples
in elevators, bangs heavy doors on
weak ones struggling in the rear, this
mad mob might prove successful
serpent in that paradise of serenity
enveloping you.
making your purchases, of course it
may startle the girls behind the
counters, cause no little agitation, but
they'll recover and you'll have them
fairly hypnotized, can get out of them
almost anything you will. We tried
it yesterday ourselves with marked
success, got through a list Of much
length in miraculOusly short order.
The shopping proved quite a social
success, exchange of courtesies rath-
er than mere exchange and barter;
and, fooling aside, really not the dead
ly, deadening, nerve-racking, loath-
some, unholy, un-Christian fight
Christmas shopping has been with US
this many a day. And, fooling aside,
we really found quite lot of fairly
good things to be had at moderate
outlay, believe the things came to
view partly because we were not fus-
sing and tuning about the matter,
By the way, does not Bernard Shaw
declare that about the only folk that
have manners nowadays are the folk
that serve behind counters? To some
the manners may spell mere serYil-
| ity, bespeak inferiority on the part Of
the well-mannered; but there are
still left few people in this age Of
faling-down of every good old stand
ard that cling secretly to a liking for
courtesy and graciousness, are able
| to recognize it as the real thing
though apparently presenting itself as
something offered for sale, to be had
for money. And there is no finer
thing IN this season of strike and ill
will than the infinite patience and
heroic calm of the girl behind the
counter.
After you have hopefully and smil-
ingly made those hopeful purchases
1
your domicile, without delay, set to
work at doing them up; we beg &C you
for the success of the experiment
don't wait till the eleventh hour for
the sticking of the Christmas stickers,
the tying Of the everlasting Christ
mas ribbon, the endless addressing
and weighing and stamping. There
10 nothing 60 calculated IN make Won
hate this maddest, merriest season Of
Dickens fancy as having to hunt
around at the last moment for wrap
ping paper and string and appropriate
boxes and tissue paper and cards and
all the rest of the lumber essential to
getting things off, In gift-packing
at glad Christmas time numberIess
brittle tempers are broken, number
less resisting tempers cracked,
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1911-12-13

other one for you or was the white
rooster especially fattened for the &C.
casion?" asked LOring.
Miss Anne hesitated and looked at
her niece. But the girl busted with
her bright silks did not lift her eyes;
faint color glowed in her cheeks
'There isn't another chicken about
the place." said Miss Anne bluntly. 81
may as we'll say, sir, that it was the
last of my flock; tEat's why it is dis.
appointment to me-"
Loring arose from his chair and
reached for his overcoat. "Then it's
my place to scour the countryside
for one to take it's place." he said
firmly. please don't tell me not to
it's Christmas eve, you know, and
there isn't soul that expects me to
do anything and I'd like to feel I was
of some use at such a time. I won't
return without bird of some sort if
l have to rob roOst myself"
Without waiting to hear their pro-
tests, Loring let himself out into the
star-lit night and plunged into the
crisp snow.
Two hours afterWari when he re-
turned heavily laden, the windows Of
the farmhouse glowed pleasantly and
seemed to offer a welcome. AS he
stamped the snow from his feet at the
side door he heard Miss Anne's voice
raised in warm approval.
well, now, Grace, believe the poor
foIIOvy will ho +ick1od RI doot f0 oct
that pin book; he said the didn't have
any folks-he seems honest enough
Loring stumbled into the warm
room and let his packages down on to
the round table. He held his cold fin
gers to the heat. 81 didn't find the
white rooster, but I did corral the
plumpest little white goose you ever
saw; it's such long time since I've
prepared for Christmas that once
started I couldn't stop, so I went
on through the village and bought al
the rest of the fixings-I hope you
won't object-oh, we'll, Miss Anne
shall just take my packages and have
| Christmas by myself in the woods
Miss Anne's sensitive pride had
uSI W wave d0lGS IuS
proffered edibles, but as Loring re
placed the packages in the basket she
watched him all unconscious of the
fact that her eyes were wistful. First
went the plump goose and following
it were turnips and potatoes, cranber
ries and onions and celery; a bag OF
white grapes; another Of nuts and q
large and tempting box of candy.
With his basket on his arm, Loring
turned to the door. 81 must thank yoU
for your Kindness" he said graVely
''You have taken me in and permitted
me to rest when I was cold and tired
and you have offered me the sweetest
hospitality. wish you and Miss
Grace the most joyful Christmas you
have ever known"
His hand was on the knob when
Miss Anne stopped him. Il don't like
to have you go like that, sir. You are
welcome to remain until you can re-
sumo your journey and to our fare
plain as it is-the Leightons have al
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1911-12-13

was very comfortable. A sewing ma
chine was drawn within the magic
circle and there was low rocking
chair and beside it huge work basket
overlooking with bright bits Of silk.
Anne pushed a big rocking chair
close to the stove and motioned Lor-
ing into it. "Sit close to the fire and
get thawed out. Grace will fetch you
a glass of currant wine-or maybe
you'd rather have a cup OF coffee?''
She beamed Hospitality at i'm over
steel-bowed spectacles that were the
color of her silvery hair.
81 would say coffee if it were not
so much trouble" hesitated Loring.
ct does seem an imposition for me
to drop in on you in this manner, but
as l was explaining
ct will be no trouble at all Grace
will be glad to make you a cup Of cot
fee
The fair-haired girl fastened to a
tiny cupboard and brought cut a small
canister and a coffee pct. Miss Anne,
excusing herself for q moment, TO e
and left the room. Loring watching
the young girls graceful movements
was suddenly impressed by painful
tact His hostesses were unmistak-
ably poor The girl had shaken the
last grains of coffee into the pot and
filling it with cold water placed it on
the top of the cylinder stove. Then
she stepped to and fro from cupboard
to table, laying a meal on a snowy
cloth There were fresh bread ard
butter, baked apples and so-e slices
of cold ham.
When she had invited him to st
down, Loring arose with many apollo
gies upon his lips. Just then the door
opened to admit Miss Anne muff1ed in
shawl and hood and trembling with
agitation. She seemed to forget Lor-
ing's presence and her words were ad-
dressed to her niece.
"Grace-what do you think has hap
pened? That-that-he's gone!" Her
thin hands flew to her face and the
tears trickled between her fingers.
"Oh, Aunt Anne!" The girl threw
her arm around the older woman's
shoulder. Are you sure? Why he
was there not a half hour ago because
looked at him. How do you suppose
he got away?"
q guess somebody has taken him
he was so fat, too, Grace" Miss Annie
sank down in a chair and slowly re
moved her wraps. ooh, dear, In
afraid your coffee will get cold. Sit
down and eat your supper, sir"
THANK you" said Loring, as he
obeyed. 81 hope you are not il
trouble, Miss Anne? Is there anything
that I can do to make things right? 2
Miss Anne surveyed him with ap
proving eyes. All at once her eyes
wrinkled pleasantly and she began tt
laugh. do you think you can dis
cover who stole the white rooster we
were going to have for our Christmas
dinner? l had him penned up safely
and just went out now to have a lool
at him and he is gone-the hen house
is empty"
That is too bad Can't I catch al
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1911-12-13
(Copyright.J

sB9zF=S-NH&1N HE red farmhouse was
!. !: !. !" !.
IzS5S =g4s5 set in the midst of a
2AG8N5lESt@ white eXpanse of snow
{#BAa gIl2Y The dropping elms
AsAES1 plBFA5 protected the roof with
SNN&tSG7lks8gT widespread arms cloth
-TzlS@8 ed in ermine and where
the crisp wind had
blown away the covering the limbs
were darkIy sketched against the
bright blue sky. A thin spiral of
smoke drifted up from the big chin
ney and shimmered away into moth
dngness.
Loring tramped YEARLY up the path
and turned the corner by the clump
OF lockwood where little side porch
jutted cut to the south. There was a
window here filled with red geraniums
and the brilliant color seemed to i'm
part warmth to his benumbed body.
The steps had been swept clear of
snow and he was careful to, scrape his
boots before he knocked at the door.
The whirring of a sewing machine
stopped suddenly and quick steps
came across the floor. The door flew
open and revealed two faces; that Of
Miss Anne, timidly expectant, and the
fair face Of the young girl, hopeful
and eager.
Obi" they cried in unison and their
voices betrayed bitter disappointment.
1--WE thought it might be the express
man." added Anne in explanation.
I'm sorry to disappoint YOU" said
Loring courteously as he barred his
head GAS matter of fact, came to
beg a nights lodging. I have rather
a bad knee and it's gone back on me
in the midst Of long tramp. l won
der
Come in interrupted Anne hos
pitably. cts bitter cold out to-day
and the drifts are awful. We haven't
as many fires as we used to keep, but
you're welcome to sit and get
thawed out"
Robert Loring entered the low
I ed sitting-room where a small cyl
In, ar stove gave forth welcome heat
In the center of the room. The cor
ners seemed chill and dusky, but in
the circle of warmth from the stove it
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1911-12-13

dened, dreaded period. In modern
life the gift load has increased along
with other complexities, has become
in the majority of cases almost too
weighty to be borne, hanging heavy
on the consciousness from midsum-
mer to December 25th. Desperation
drives us to seek solution Of the pain.
full riddle, and at least a glimmering
of light seems to come our way. In
desperation we resolve, seeing no
other help in this so urgent need, to
use little new thought, mental heal
ing, or whatever you call it that is
supposed to make hard things easy.
And this glimmering of light we
would have penetrate the darkness OF
others. Hence these lines.
Suppose you have list of half a
hundred expecting" from you. In
which case, we make bold to advise,
don't knit your brows over the dis
jointed combination of your fiat purse
and their expectations and give it all
up as hopeless or at least bungling;
just put on new thought, or mental
to yourself: 81 am not going to
worry, come what may; for the first
time in these many distraught years
I'm going to make a stagger at en-
joying Christmas, every bit of 1.-THE
survey of that army of expectants,
the survey of resources, the study of
fifty diverse tastes and wants, the
heroic endeavor to minister to these
wants with purse lean as shrunk
shanks of Shakespeare" Just force
a smile-mental healing, or new
thought-and drive ahead. Inwardly
affirm, and outwardly express, "All's
well, alls coming out right" then go
on down town for the test.
But, so the smile will not rub off,
the inward and outward serenity be
not roughened, we beg you go early;
it is most dangerous to put the
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1911-12-13

ERHAPS, first Of all,
hope is needed at
Christmas time and in
Christmas shopping. For
this season which tradi-
ton has builded up as
the gladdest, merriest
time of all the year, in
reality for the majority
is an anxious, overbur-
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-08-28
LOVES HYPOCRISY.

TVHERE was a girl who curled up en-
the lawn
- And smelt rose and wrote little
note.
The tabsret was close beside her drawn,
With ceramels TO soothe her as she
wrote.
A soft breeze famed her alabaster brow,
And happily she scribbled on and on
20 darling. life 10 sad and dreary now,
And 1E'am, cofnfortiess when you are
goneI' 50 rg~,.f.,--. "A.
rhat letter. mailed. came to a nice young
man
Z AT eve, within b,s bachelor abode.
And while tiis valet rushed the festive can
He smoked and iounged and got lovely
load.
And as he ioafed and stewed and smoked
Z IL sofnehow
He wrote an answer to that note ere
sso'sweetheart, life Is cold and lonely now.
And I am comfortless when you are
90 gonei' u
Yes. you are liars all. and so are We
But otherwise how nasty life would bel
Cleveland Plain Dealer
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-08-28
Ho Was Too Particular.

Lord Talbot Demalhide was talking
in New York about the thoroughness
of the customs Investigations.
"The smuggler," he said. ''is bound
to be detected II he tries his little
game in your metropolis. The SNUG.
gler's precautions against detection at
this port are so vain and ludlcrous as
the precautions of the dreaming irish
man.
"An Irlshman. you know, once
dreamed that he was visiting the late
Queen Victoria.
"'will you have n drinkT the queen
said to him. y
"T WILL said the Irishmnn-'a drop
sof Irish. of course. hot by preference
your majesty ,.. r-.
! 80 the queen put on the kettle. bu,
when the water boiled the noise awok'
the dreamer
"'St Patrick said he. IN take 4
cold next time milwaukee, News.
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-08-28
sles are. of course. essential.
He-Oh, yes. of course.

sies are. of course. essential.
He-Oh. yes. of course.
Mrs. Especially on ths part of
newcomers like ourselves.
He-Yes. Of course. I'm aure Pm
that is-how does Lowmead strike your
It's small place. isn't It?
Mrs. B.-Thnt is exactly W nat was
saying to Matilda as we came along.
Lowmead. said, Is small place,
much smaller than marlborough,
where we have hitherto resIi!ed. and II
Is necessary to be careful. did not,
Matilda?
Miss H.-Yes; we both thought II
small place.
He-Yes; I'm afraid there's no doubt
about It 1t is small place
Mrs B.-Do you know Mantlebor.
ough. Mr.. Bromley?
Helm sorry to sny IdoL't. Charm.
ing place. isn't III
Mrs. B.-To some It may be, but We
had to leave It on accouns of the new
vicar.
He-Really? I'm awfully sorry. Bad
lot. was he?
Mrs. B.-No, not that. MIR. Bromley.
am thankful to say. but nigh. dread.
fully high.
He-Ah. they will be like that some
times. But you're safe ~ Lowmead.
Our mans rs sound as thvy mako 'em
In that way. o..
Mrs. B.-That is what really attract
ed us to Lowmead. S'H Ull,i
He-Won't you have some tea
Mrs. B.-1'hank you. Mr. Bromley,
but pray do not give YOURSELF the trou'
bic.
He-No trouble. I'm sure. IHC
rings.l
Parklns Opening the doop--Did you
ring. sir?
He tglaring)-Yes. Tea for three and
look sharp. Cro Mrs. b. Yes. ms you
say. Lowmead Is a small place. but
the wears low church. and that makes
up for lot.
Mrs. Blinded it does. left con.
versing. Afternoon passes. and Mrs.
Bromley does not return. Fancy
Bromley. l-l'unch.
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-08-28
In Dancer.


"In my school days" said n travel
ing man who was trying to illustrate
athe nbsurdity and futility OF unfound-
ed fears. 1--WE used 10 have n lecture
every Friday afternoon. One day the
lecturer was geologist, and he chose
Niagara for his topic. He told us all
about the geological formation OF the
falls. described the different periods to
be traced In the gorge and then went
on 10 say that the falls We're slowly
wearing back toward Buffalo and that
in the course of some 100000 years
they would have worn back to Erie.
Pa, leaving that town high and dry.
suddenly one of the girls In my
class began to cry hysterically.
"'What is the matterr asked the
teacher in alarm ft syysy. ir,,a,e
"'Well.' walled the girl. my sister
lives IN Erie. and don't want any
Thing to happen to her like that'"-
Chicago News.
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-08-28

Cleveland, Aug. 2s.-Hogs-2, 900;
firm to sc higher; heavies 7.5O: mix
ed 1856; yorkers 40; pigs 1925.
Cattle-20 cars; weak 10 10c lower.
Sheep and lambs--10 cars; G.25 top.
Calves-400; . top.
Toledo. o., Aug. 2s.-Wheat--Cas
92 Ia; September 92 "a; December
96 IA; May l.01 3-4.
Corn-Cash and September 67; De
cember 6S is; May 90 rs.
Oats-Cash AZ; September A; De-
cember "A 1-2; May 40 3-S.
Rye--Cash, IS; September 80.
Cloverseed- and October ~. 40
December and March 1880: No. 2
1910; No. 3 11.75; rejected 1850.
Alsdke-Prime and August 1O.45;
December 1850; March 1850.
Timothy-Prime and August 7.05;
September GS7 l-2; March 6.97 1-2.
Butter, eggs and hay-Unchange
Chicago, Aug, 2s.-Wheat-Se
tomber. open 90 l-2, close 80 1-2; De-
cember, open 95 S-S, close 95 IA,
Corn--September open 65, close
62 sS4; December open e2 Ia, close
62 3-4.
oats-September open AZ 3-s, close
AZ s-4; December, open 4b, close 40
liz.
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-08-28

FOR SALE-S4 acres of land on a
pike, running water at the barn and
In the pasture, IA mile TO school,,
mile to church; land a little roll
ingl gravel soil; adapted to raising
potatoes and all kinds of grain;
new six-room mouse. cellar, barn
30-5O, sheds adjoining, granery
14x2O. new poultry house and other
buildings; new pike tax paid; about
75 fruit trees, some grapes, ETC.;
owners going into other business.
Also l12 acres on pike road, IL
mile from school and church, 100
acres OF which is under cultivation,
~ acre wood lot, about 300 rods
of tillng, o4tlet paid for, so acres
In black land. balance gravel and
yellow clay; 7-room house. cellar,
barn 35x50; two adjoining sheds,
corn crib 2Ox24, COW barn 1ON2O,
5-ton scale, living springs In
pasture. good wells and cistern,
plenty of fruit, good market Also
other farms of 1G acres UP. For
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-08-28

fame the political religion of the Uni
ted States he said what was not
true. The solemn fact is that in its
whole history the government of tho
United states is entirely on the prin-
ciple of delegated power 81 wonder"
FOX continued, WHO Exile Is and
whom he represented. He found his
level. For twenty years I have talk.
en- part In political controversies in
England, and / have sat in the visit
ors" gallery in the House of Com
mons hundreds of times and l can
honestly say that in its methods, par
lIamentary and electioneering, the
Tory party is the rottenest political
organization in the world, not barring
Tammany.
1.-The cheering phase OF the fight is
the change that has come over the
people. have watched them many
years, and 1 know that the English
workingmIan Is not the untninking
ciod who tried my patience nearly a
Lquarter of century ago. He Is the
most up-to-date workingman on earth
and in spite of the wiles and misrep-
reservations of the 'gentlemanly
party he has a very concrete Idea
of the sort of government he wants
and the best way of going to work
TO get It,"
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-08-28
HOW HE WAS TRAPPED.
Fidoety Hueband Gets Worse Than Ills
Wife's Garrulity.

Ftdgety hucbanc Gets WORSE IMAM ftin
Wife's Garrulity.
q GENE Drawing room. He Is writ.
~ ing with his back TO her. She Is
In an armchair working ut a
piece OF embroidery.
He-What awful pens! This Is the
third I've tried. and It's the scratchlest
OF the lot. .,,., ..... .....
She-1hey suit me well enough.
He-But they don't suit me.
She-They're not meant to. They're
my pens. and that's my table too.
He-Yes. and it's the waggliest lit
tie humbug Of writing table l ever
sat at.
She Don't you dare TO say another
word against my pet table. II wasn't
meant for your great sprawly hand.
writing. Besides, any self respecting
writing table would object to man
who wears hobnailed boots on his
feet.
He-You don't want me to wear
them on my hands. do you?
She-Charles. this is getting serious.
Your must check this fatal tendency
20 be humorous. tn wreck
He-Do. for heavens sake. give me
one minute of complete silence. How
do you expect me to finish this letter
if you keep on talking all the timer
She--Bless you. don't mind wheth
er you finish 1t or not Anyhow. I'm
going. I've got to see Lady Lampeter
at half past 8. and it's nearly that al.
ready.
He-Does Parkins know you're going
out?
She-Ye-es: at least told Polly to
tell him. But then this is Parkins' sa'
cred time He always locks himself
up In the pantry for an hour every
afternoon and goes 10 sleep, and there's
dreadful trouble II he's disturbed.
He-Well. hope he won't let any
body IN on me.
Bhe-You've only got to go into your
library and you'll be quite safe
Helm going TO finish this letter
here whatever happens. Besides. he'd
track me into the library just tbs
same.
she-well. I'm off. Be good ant
write prettily.
Exit she. He heaves n sigh of RELIEF
and continues writing.
Inrkins Uhrowing open the door,
Mrs. Boxer and Miss Hepplethwag!
| He glnres balefully at Parkins ant
| then with a swift change composes hil
face into cheerful welcome as TIVE
ladies of mature age and OF au aspec
both genial and severe are usherei
into the room.
He-How do you do, Mrs Boxer
How do you do. Miss HepplewingY
Mrs. Boxer Hepplethwait My sis
ter. Miss Hepplethwaite.
Hc-Ah. yes. OF course. How do yol
40, Miss Hepplethwalte? lm so sorry
but my wife has only this momen
gone out.
Mrs. B.--We're very sorry. I'm sure
He-She can't have got to the bot
tom OF the garden yet Perhaps II
were to run after her could cate
her.
Mrs. B.-Pray. pray. Mr., Bromley
do not give yourself the trouble. w
couldn't dream of 1t.
Hell could do 1t easily. you know.
Mrs. Ron. dear. no. We shall n
doubt have further opportunities O
seeing Mrs. Bromley.
He-Of course. Of course. Won't 20
sit DOWN.
| Mrs. Il, and Miss H.-oh. thank 20,
(They Slt)
Helm sure it's very good OF yo
10 call
Mrs, -B,-These little. retupn court
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1911-08-28
CHICAGO LIVESTOCK.

Chicago, Aug 2S,-Receipts 80 1000;
market steady TO lower; mixed and
butchers 7,05@7.75; good heavy 40
M7G5i rough heavy 6.9Om7.1O; light
1850 $50; pigs 4.S5@7.6O
Cattle Receipts $4,000; market is
steady 10 shade lower; beeves 5.lO@
s.; cows and heifers 2.25@ $50; stock
ers and feeders S.1O@5.5O; Texans
4,40Q64O; calves 60S.75.
Sheep'-Receipts 10000; market is
weak to lower; native ais QS.7O;