davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1911-02-08

ings you can't never understand, and
one of 'em is cussing husband"
That's SO. and l reckon can't
hardly sense your feelings in that
case. but if had a-married, and he had
a-felt cause fer cussing-There now,
she's done doze of with the sooth-
ing of the hot water! Open my bag
there and git me that old Linen hand
kerchief tored into strips. Don't take
on this rag tonight, and I'll fix it again
in the morning." Miss Selma Lue laid
the relaxed little figure on the bed
without causing a tremor of the white
eyelids.
Law, Miss Seliny Lue, It do seem
shame you amt got ten of your own,
you are that kinder hovering-like with
them. / shore am sorry for you"
said the grateful mother as she jabbed
in the dart of her sympathy with a
smile.
Well, / don't know but it's best as
it is" answered Miss Selma Lue with
spirit, 'fer you all are so good about
letting me help with yours. People
kinder grow along towards what they
think about; and as think baby tend
ing good part Of the day, come night
l feel like l was the mother of TWEEN
ty. Mind not to take off that rag until
| see 1t again"
In a few minutes Miss Selma Lue
departed and attempted to hasten
down the street. but was interrupted
at every turn, it seemed. On the cor
ner she met Mr.. Dobbs, whose steps
were faltering towards home.
Miss Seliny Lue." he said sheep
ishly, with his face turned away from
her. ''if it had a-been Ben, now, could
-er-done it; but the little un-I-I
-"
MIR. Dobbs. l respect you fer your
feelings fer l seen the thought ter
help were in your mind, but Ethel
Maud is slimsy little thing as would
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1911-02-08

not my son, Mr.. Lawrencei" Clara J.
explained; we haven't any chit
dren." she added nervously.
AS | said before. Dixie is the cham
pion bun builder Of my acquaintance
consequently his conversational out
bursts are never considered seriously
Shorty make such a shene. Mrs
john" old Doctor Benzine ratified
on. but mustn't have 'pology from
lifelong friend. Threw me dowa
hard--waiter, bring boil wine, quart
wine, two quarts wine. whole casa
wine--lesh have drink--musht havS
pologyl"
What's gone wrong. Dixie? WhG
owes you an Apology" / asked In al
endeavor TO calm him.
you do" he answered. trying &c
look me in the eye: wait TIL | gal
back I'll shplaln why demand pol
ogy." and then his lamps started e
follow the room as II went round and
round
Presently his gaze rested on ClaFa
j. and he continued, Mrs Johp,
your husbands gay Lothario-hsi
two dollars thash lasht time todsy
I'll be able to shay that word. Neykr
could shay word like that after shevsn
o'clock Mrs. John, you mush jcin
me demand 'pology from thish msn
Times come when friendship sheashas
and we mustn't shtand togezzer, sholAr
TO gho'ler. Mrs. John. and so muEh
your little son--T mean little brother
for love Of heaven please have Mti!s
son with you next time SO / can SHY
what ! want to, Lesh have drink"
What ala my husband DO to If.
fend you, Mir, Lawrencei" Clara ).
asked. encouragingly
Threw me down hard, cold nat!
Lifelong friend threw me down
shink III bust out cryingi" Dixie aa.
swered, on the verge Of tears.
Where did throw you down,
Dike?' | asked. smilingly
"Pershee shizzy!" he answered..
painfully.
Where did YOU say?" snapped.
perceiying quickly that Dixie and hts
souse promised to lead nae into the Ice
house with Clara J
"Jershee Shiny" Dixie repeated
doggedly.
Does your friend mean Jersey
Cib?" Clara J asked, throwing out q
chill that cooled the room.
"Jershee Shizzy ash what l she'd"
liquid began to flow slugglshly ov&r
the bosom Of his immaculate whse
shirt and was lost in the region Of his
equator. seeing which Dixie gave veAt
to yell that brought the walters On
the hot foot.
I'm stabbed stabbed" groaned
the startled iag-carpenter, clutching
wildly at his shirt front
IT'S my clam cocktail" whispered
Tacks to me; Il poured it in his wine
glass cause they was too much to-
bascum sauce In Il for moi"
"Rrave boy" l answered. 1T was
rladly deed. Come Oh, Clara J..
the woods for oursl"
Copyright, by C. w Dillingham; Cob
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1911-02-08

conductor on the 'Lectric;" and Jim,
Junior, was the youngest of ali; In
fact was of such youngness that he
was still blushing into fiery red with
modification over his very recent cit
izenship.
Don't you think he have growed?"
she demanded. He will be four weeks
old tomorrow and have promised Jim
to take him fer ride on the ten-forty
car. He wants to show him to Mr..
Hill, the motorman. Poor man. he
hasn't been married yet and we feel
so sorry fer him! Jim said last night.
when | let him hold the baby while
got supper, that he Jest couldn't helm
but wish that Mr.. Hill could have
something to live fer. And l told him
as that was jest TIE way | felt about
you, Miss Seliny LIE. 1t do seem that
if ever a woman Oh. please don't
hurry. l want you to see his feet how
they have growed. and think If you
could set down spell he might smile
like he did this morning."
Did he show any signs Of collie last
night, like them squirmings, and draw.
ing up OF his knees?"
"Oh, no, ma'am! put the flannel
band you sent over right on and Jim
said when he brought 1t that there new
er was such person as you for know
ing what to do with a pain In &. baby.
People might think you had half a
Oh. good-by good-by. IL you must gol
Look. he is kissing his hand to youl"
and Mrs. jim Peters vatched her guest
out Of the gate dreamily. MY! ! clean
forgot TO ask what was the matter
with the Dobbses," she woke up and
exclaimed to herself
On the other side Of the street. only
a few hundred yards away. the cool
door Of the grocery yawned and the
top branch Of the blackberry becknnsd
in a friendly little breeze. Miss sa-
lima Lue hurried her steYs and az she
walked she waved the turkey-tail IN
vigorous encouragement Of the tiny
zephyr. She was generous Ct propor.
ton was Miss Selma Lac. tall. broad
and strong. deep bosomed, and fash.
ing Of eye. though with a spirit Of such
genueness that one might almost read
as one ran.
CTo BE Continued
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1911-02-08

of peace had been signed with the
waiter
He has a right to be-" muttered.
painfully. as | thought OF my recent
swift ride down the mountain side on
d. Q. & N. had had profit Of
$1,000 in It and then it went down
and wiped me out.
He says that by following his d.
rectlons carefully you are seven
thousand richer today are you.
John?
Sure, Peaches!" I answered truth
fully, I'm seven TO the good"
For my late uncle had left me seven
horses. which had just been brought
to me from Kentucky by Murf Hig-
ginbottom, his old trainer.
neglected to add the word skates.
but, then. what's a little thing Ike
that amount to among friends2
Seven in one day she said. en-
Enthusiastically
Seven in one day-one Of them
with four white feet" said, like q
man In a dream.
What do you mean?" Clara J.
asked rs that Wall street ex-
pression?"
No" | answered hastily; Il was
only talking to myself and held the
phone too close 10 my mouth Let's
start this banquet with hot wave
waiter. clam cocktails for threei"
Uncle Peter, Aunt Martha and
had long talk today about your
prospects in Wall street" Clara !.
ratified on. oh John. you dont
know how happy It makes me feel to
think that you1l never, never go near
those awful race tracks again"
Ny thoughts ,ook the ferry for Jer-
sey City. and ! could hear Murf Hig
ginbottom saying, 40 Uncle owen
considered yo' all as big Casino on tho
eastern tracks. sub"
You'll make lot Of money with
the seven you got today. won't you.
DEAR" Peaches asked cncouragingly
Possibly" replied, nerYously:
"stili. you never can tell They may
get into the habit Of running back
wards-er, / mean. the market is very
uncertain - dchH, tdhs gbuT tuuJuD
out Of that butter"
Il was so sorry / couldn't get you
ON the phone early this afternoon"
Clara ]. informed me. Il called up
your brokers' Office down town. but
they couldn't find you"
Dixie put in III don't get 'pology
I'll bust out crying'"
When did you see me in Jersey
City? How dare you make such an
accusation against me?" / demanded.
John said Dixie, trying earnestly
70 look at me gravely. Il shaw you
IN Jershee Shiny zish aft'noon. Pen.
shionyania station, zisn aitnoon.
Spoke TO You politely-you threw me
down Followed you to demand pol
ogy-you gave me shake" Saving
this he grabbed a wine glass from the
table and held It close to~his heart in
order to illustrate the intensity Of his
feeling.
Tie next Instant thick reddish
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1911-02-08

her mother didn't know IT. reckon
better call my children On this side
CT the street till see what happens"
Mis- Kinney. ma'am. please wait till
! tell you the straight OF It. Ethel
Maud sewed her thumb in the sewing
machine. and she amt hurried bad at
all. In day or two
We'll. Miss Seliny Lue. take 1t
hard indeed that you let me get so up
sot over the troubles of one of my
neighbors that amt anything at ali.
l never expected no such treatment
from you that | calls"
"Oh, Mis- Kinney. honey" pleaded
Miss Selma Lue, with an eager pat on
the heaving shoulder, 4 wouldn't hurt
your feelings fer worlds. Now, who
but you coulder been so kind and
thought up all them Affections fer the
Dobbeses?"
That's Jest IT," sobbed the friendly
one; Il takes more interest in my
friends doings than l do in my own.
and l don't believe they appreciate it
like they oughter, neither. Sometimes
they are so cold to me when I ask
questions jest outen sympathy"
Yes, they do, Mis- Kinney, honey,
and don't you go to doubling your
friends, which is a poor thing for any
body to do. When you want to SYM
pathize with me | am always glad to
git it and consider it a blessed thing
to have, whether / need it or not
Sympathy is jest the pure juice of the
heart squeezed out fer friepa"
That's like you, Miss Seliny Lue.
a-patching up peoples hurt feelings
and children with kind words and rags.
was a-saying to Mr. Kinney last
night. when he went and got that
cough medicine for Luella from you.
that it's plumb shame you amt got
a round dozen husbands and children
Of oh, must you go? Please.
maam, don't fergit to make me anoth.
er mess of that medicine; she do
cough so. come night"
The haven of her grocery door, her
neglected business, and the shade Of
her own blackberry tree which hung
over the front stoop of the store lay
in the sight of Miss Selma Lue, when
! another hail sounded from the other
side Of the street Mrs. Jim Peters
shining face nodded at the window as
she held up small white bundle and
beckoned by waving a tiny red hand.
You amt been in to see him fer two
days. Miss Seliny Lue. and we's both
gittin' downright hurt with you," she
said. Mrs. Jim Peters was very, very
/ young: Jim was also young and was
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1911-02-08

WOO her. the most popular girl in
Sneedville. She remembered herself
as she looked then-a mere wisp of
a girl, to be sure, but with that win
some prettiness that allowed her TO
pick and choose from the ranks of
the best and most popular men in the
city.
Blue eyes, and wonderful head of
wavy brown hair that was at once
the envy and delight of her girl
chuns. had been among the potent
gifts given her by the goddess OF
beauty. and she had most careful
taste in dress All these, and count
less other feminine attractions. had
won to her the young Bostonian who
was spending his summer vacation in
SneedVille.
He had proposed. but before she
would answer him she had sent him
away until she could compile a list
Of questions. These he was TO an
swer by mail. She did not wish him
70 plead his own cause.
Cornelia Dean sat for the greater
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1911-02-08

be hard for a man to handle. She is
asleep, and l expect Mis- Dobbs have
got your dinner ready by now"
Il thank you, Miss Seliny Lue,
ma'am, and do say as how you be the
master hand with the young uns.
was Jest a-teIling Miss Cynthie. who is
awaiting to see you. that it do seem
a pity"
Miss Selma Lue's progress down the
street was resumed before Mr. Dobbs
had exactly formulated the regrets he
wished to express. but whose nature
Miss Selma Lue inferred from expe-
rience.
But her hurried return to her own
affairs was not to be permitted by the
anxious neighbors along the path of
duty which she had trod so excitedly
with Bonnie Dobbs an hour before.
Mrs. Kinney had been sitting on the
hot stove OF curiosity, and her face
was determined and her voice was
compelling as she hailed from her
stoop.
wait a minute, Miss Seliny Lue,
can't you? Whatever was the matter
with the Dobbses? ?" she said, draping
herself over the picket-fence as If she
had come TO hear the news If # took
all morning and all the backbone she
possessed to extract It.
ut was a bad accident, but It might
or been worse If she had a-run it in
her eye. though that woulder been
hard for her to do unless 1t had been
something like a knittingneedle. A
thumb amt so much use except in
peeling potatoes and sich. as sorter
balance wheel for the rest OF the
hand" answered Miss Selma Lue, com
mencing in the dramatic part of the
tale without any unnecessary pream-
BILE.
Nov. amt that like Mary Ellen
Dobbs? never seen sich a person fer
keerlessness. It's a wonder she amt
did It before, Il viii be powerful awk.
ward &c be without a thumb when Il
comes to going to meeting in a genteel
way with gloves
1T was Ethel Maud, Mis- Kinney
-"
Ethel Maud? Who ever heard Of
a child iniuring her mother? Mics
Seliny Lue, she must have the rabies
Maybe she was bit By q mad dog when
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1911-02-08

Sorry | had to give you the busy
ear, Peaches, but the fact is padded
away to the Office of Higginbottom &
Co, who wanted to put me wise to
some. er-that is. some new stock!"
Railroad stock?" she inquired
We'll. not exactly Twentieth Cen.
fury Limited or Royal Blue Flyers"
l answered. but think some of it
could win from a slow freight IL prop
erly coaxed.
''Watered stock, supposed"
laughed Clara j.
Yes, It was watered all right, but
not fed" replied. There wasn't
much doing in oats until led the way
TO the barn"
l had Peaches in the air by this
time. but she thought / was talking
the broker dialect. so she stayed on
the roof and watched the scenery go
by,
Just then | got flash of Dixie Law.
renee bearing down in our direction
under a full head of gasoline.
Dixie was leading three-days' jag
by the hand and talking to It like a
child.
A good old fellow, Dixie. but for
years he permitted a distillery to use
his thirst as a testing station and II
had put the dear boy away to the
conviv.
Dixie was n good lawyer when he
worked at 1t, rich, unmarried, and the
busiest buyer in the borough
"H'ar'ye, Mrs. John? Howdy, Johnl
How do do, little man! Scuze me for
int'rupting a family party, but l de.
mand 'pology!" he spluttered.
whats wrong, Dike?" inquired
Demand pology," Dixie continued
'Old friend life time threw me down
--lesh have drink! Your little son
growing shplendid boy, Mrs. joint"
This Is Tacks, my little brother.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1911-02-08

Il brought Tacks with me because
I had to do some shopping. and he's
so much company" Clara ]. explained,
when Joined them at the restaurant
by appointment
''Tacks is always pleasant COM
pany." | said, politely. but | deter
mined to keep watchful eye on my
youthful brother-in-law. nevertheless.
That kid was born with an abnor-
mai bump of mischief and by pains
taking endeavor he has won the
worlds championship as an organ
iser of impromptu riots.
"Oh, joint" said Clara j. when
began To make faces at the menu
card. II didn't notice until now how
pale you look. Have you had busy
day7"
Busy" | replied: well, rather.
i've been giving limitations of a bull
fight. Everybody I met was the bull
and l was the fight. Nominate your
eats! what1l 1t be. Tacks?"
Sponge cake" said Tacks promptly.
what else7' asked Clara j.
moit SpOuSt tdhts the gOuth ~
piled. and just then the smiling and
sympathetic waiter stopped down to
pick up a fork Tacks had dropped.
In his anxiety not TO miss any
thing. Tacks rubbered alphabetically,
with the result that he upset a glass
OF ice water down the walters neck.
and three seconds later the tray
trotter had issued an extra and was
saying things in French that would
sound scandalous If translated.
II cost me a dollar TO bring the dish
draggeT back to earth, and Tacks said
could break his bank open when we
got home and take all the money IL I'd
let him do II again
Uncle Peter is delighted beyond
measure with your business ability"
Clara J, informed me after the treaty
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1911-02-08
BEST OF WAYS TO GIVE HELP

amount most needed for some special
object that seemed almost unattain
able by eYon our best efforts.
She never by any means interested
herself in girls with extravagant
tastes, but they always were those
Of the set In which she moved, and
who really needed such help as she
gave. 10 exc out their own small
means. So that is how ny over
income is going.
The endowed and established char
tiles are before the world, and be.
quests to these come from all quar-
tiers, but 70 well-bred poverty without
rich relatives but little help is apt r.
drift Friends Of such persons cannot
assume that they are in need. and
few know how 70 send help as ny
friend proved IT could be sent IL
tend to emulate her example, as
think this form Of charity one w1ick
Is TOO much neglected by those of us
who could do Il without giving offensf
OF making those we are really fond o.
feel that they are objects Of pity.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1911-02-08
NWNISNNElNAlNgNArENNlWNNlNlSAlN1N
Her Tardy Coming
By STACY E. BAKER
cODgFishi. IsIl. By Associated Literary Press

Cornelia Dean suddenly received a
letter froLl John Oliver answering
pertinent questions that had been
asked of him twenty years before.
Cornella. still a spinster-anc a
most comedy one-was surprised. ne
yellowed pages, the faded ink. and
the date line told her that the letter
had been written on the day follow
ing her imperative demands. while
the postoffice stamp showed that the
letter had been mailed from Boston
but one day before
Romance had long been dead in
the heart of Cornelia Dean. She had
loved John Oliver nobly and faith
fully. and when he had passed out Of
her life as a lover. none other had
come in. A flush on her pretty
cheeks, the little lady carefully
opened the letter, and read. for the
fifth time, it's contents.
My dearest: have waited several
days-and impatiently-for the letter
you wanted me to read and answer
before coming for your answer to my
proposal--and now It is here.
II know, dear. that I am practically
a stranger to you and the good people
OF Sneedville, but in Boston, where.
as you know, my father owns a large
dry goods store. am well known.
My reputation in my own town will
stand the test of investigation,
Now. to answer your questions.
81. do not touch liquor. Have
never used intoxicants in my life
% No; If you consent to marry me
we cannot live in Sneedville, but
must make Boston our home, where
I will eventually go into business with
my father.
%. win give up smoking, If you
wish me to.
"a You know that will always
love you There is no need to ask
this. Ask. rather, your own heart.
Here in great, lonely Boston, am
waitiDr note bidding me to come
to you. GU will realize how lonesome
I am. and you will answer at once
am sure of this.
Always yours,
JOHN OLIVER"
The ancient screed fell to the lap
of the little lady, and tears glistened
in her eyes as her thoughts wandered
away in reminiscent reverie. John
Oliverl She could see him now. a
stalwart. manly youth He came to
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1911-02-08

YES, do you send me book q.
not a bargain book bought from
haberdasher. but a beautiful book.
book to aress--peculiar. distinctive,
individual; a book that hath hrst
caught Your eye and then pleased your
fancy written by an author with
tender within. all right out Of his heart
We will read II together in the gloam-
ing. and when the gathering dusk doth
blur the page, and sit with hearts too
full for speech and think It over
Dorothy Wordsworth IN Coleridge.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1911-02-08

part OF an hour dreaming. When she
was again mistress of her thoughts,
a great resolve had been made within
her Cornelia had decided to go to
Bostonl She had not been out OF
town since the death OF her parents,
some ten years before.
"But-what shall I wear?" asked
Cornelia, speaking. as was her wont,
to herself Surely Tiff find him
must look as nearly as possible like
the girl he knew. Nothing that
have now will do. | must be more
more up-to-date; more like the girls
of today. ! am not $3.50 old, any
way. even II | do dress plainly.
haven't a gray hair In my head"
At last the day of her departure
came, and the little cottage was
safely locked. the key hidden in
plant rack on the porch. and the
more than pretty little lady on her
way to the station.
The trip was a frightful one to the
unsophisticated Cornelia, and a sigh
| of relief came 70 her lips when she
! found herself safely arrived Boston
was a larger city than she had imag-
ined. She began to realize the hope
lessness of her quest.
The address of his-John's--old
home was burned indelibly on her
brain. She called there after depos-
iting her little baggage at a modest
hotel. She found herself in front of
a roofless domicile. the clapboards of
which were being rapidly stripped
from the scantlings. In CONSERVATION
she stood an idle second watching
the workers reduce the building.
as there anything can do for
your"
Unconsciously she had entered the
gate shutting the lot of this building
| from the street A man in the garb
Of a carpenter stood before her
II Corne ia hesitated. 81 was
hunting for the residence OF the or
vers They used to live here. I be
lieve?"
Moved" elucidated the man briefly.
This is the site OF a skyscraper that
the divers are having erected. This
plot is too valuable for a residence to
occupy It's right In the heart OF
things. as you might say"
But can you tell me where the
where John Oliver lives?"
with his parents. | believe; but as
TO tha:. don't know. | don't even
know where they have moved to
Young Mr. Oliver is hero almost every
day to see how the work progresses
Can give him some messenger"
! Tell him that Cornella Dean was
here"
"Cornelia Dean" repeated the man
"o--then you're the lady to whom the
letter vent"
What What letter." asked the
puzzled Cornelia.
Zone OF my men found an old let
ter. sealed and addressed to you, un
der the tin roof of this house. Some
one. while inspecting the timber
probably after the shingles were on
had dropped II. and tho tin filters
covered 1t up without noticing.
mailed t."
90" gasped Cornelia.
Here comes Mr.. John Oliver now,
The carpenter failed to notice the
woman's embarrassment. A well-built
man of about forty years OF age ap
preached. As he came nearer a puz
zled look crept into his eyes. and
then suddenly his pace quickened and
he advanced, both hands outstretched
YOU" cried John Oliver the trem
bling fingers Of the woman pressed
closed in his; and there, before the
wondering eyes Of the men, he kissed
her. II have waited centuries TOT
you" he said
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1911-02-08

The two swiftest runners Of the ant
NAL creation are the kangaroo ana the
ostrich.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1911-02-08
CHAPTER I.
Ethel Maud sews Her Thumb.

''If grown-ups would Jest chaw one
another's good luck, they could get a
heap OF satisfaction from IT."
Miss Selma Lue
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1911-02-08

Well, Miss Seliny Lue. take 1t
hard indeed that you let me get so up
sot over the troubles of one Of my
neighbors that amt anything at all
l never expected no such treatment
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1911-02-08

Miss Seliny Luel Oh-Oh-o-
no. Miss Seliny Lue! Boo-hoo-hoo