davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1912-04-13
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woman he could love.
AS he neared the turn in the stream
his odd imagining became almost real
to him. He could even see the gown
she would wear, blue, soft with per-
haps some white fluffy stuff on it
like clouds on June sky
A few more vigorous strokes and
the canoe swung dizzily around the
curve and glided into the unknown
part of the stream. The trees we're
FEWER here. There were flowers near
the banks. No one was in sight.
All was peaceful and deserted. A
deep disappointment came over him,
a feeling stronger than the cause
seemed to warrant. He tried to
laugh 1t off. Here / am incoming
like an idiot" he exclaimed disgust
edly. 81 imagine a thing and then
complain because II is not real.' But
the disappointment and the eager
longing persisted.
He steadied the canoe and booked
around once more. A white patch on
the left bank attracted his attention.
He could not see what it was, and
idly padded to the shore.
1t was a little white silk glove,
long and small in his hand, the fln-
gers still curled naturally as IL rosy
living fingers were within them. He
smoothed It out on his palm The
tips were soiled a trifle. Evidently
the wearer had been picking overs
near the waters edge.
"Tll find the owner for you little.
glove" he said, putting 1t into his
pocket.
Far up white road, to the left, he
caught side Of a moving patch of
blue-a blue dress, a white hat! I'm
mediately he ran up the bank and
started along the road.
He stopped with q jerk "Well.
Ralph Iurlbut, you idiot" he
sneered. This vacation has turned
your brain" Certainly he was not
acting like the practical business man
he had been only yesterday.
He took dozen steps in the direc-
tion OF his canoe. Then he turned
and started down the white road.
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1912-04-13

takes boarders every summer.
She started toward the house. nni
Ralph followed. Mrs. Thurston met
them at the door. She led the Young
man to room, supplied him with
water and clean towels IN grim 81
lence.
But as she was leaving she paused.
Gimme that coat" Ralph handed II
to her and she disappeared.
Presently she brought back the
coat. The long rip was neatly mend
ed. Guess this'1l do till you can
see a tailor. Dinner ready In half
an hour"
That dinner was a memorable
event II was n well cooked meal,
served In the long bay window. where
the ramblers climbed in over the SILL
Mrs. Thurston lost some of her grim
ness and even smiled once or twice.
Mrs. Farrand. the girls mother. was
very gracious.
And the girl herself? She sat by
the open window. not in the blue
dress he had pictured. but snowy
white. in her eyes were the lights
and shadows, tho expressions he had
seen IN the eyes of the Dream Girl
around the bend In the stream. His
wonderful vacation had indeed begun.
A'tcrward he saw her alone for n
moment on the porch. The glove Law
In his pocket. He was afraid to ask
her about It. Suppose It should not
be hers.
He drew IL out slowly The light
from the window shone upon It. The
girl reached up and took It from his
hand
why. you found my glove!'' she
exclaimed in surprise.
ut Is yours, them"
Yes. I'm so gladi Il is not very
pleasant for one not TO have a mate. Z"
I'm finding that out, too" he mur-
INJURED.
He moved a step nearer
Good night" He pressed the l.t.,,
soft hand I'm both his own fos :.
moment "I'll see you to-rnosr-w
morning" he said. Eve arfaiped
with Mrs. Thurs;on 10 come here "a
board"
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1912-04-13
SOaBILLY WENT

inquiring ear in his direction and
whined eagerly, Billy \gloomily dis
dained his invitation to- assist in ex-
cavating the mole. and with hands
thrust deeply in his pockets viewed
life darkly through disillusioned eyes.
Appeared presently around the
corner of the house Billy's big uncle
Jack, likewise engulfed in gloom,
with hands in pockets and unlighted
pipe despondently aslant who seated
himself beside Billy upon the steps
and watched Belshazzar's efforts de-
jectedly.
An Uncle Jack unsociable, untalk-
atiye and duwncast- of mien was so
distinctively new to Billyfs experience
that he viewed the phenomenon with
wonderment. Could 1t he possible
that the barbed shafts of jealousy had
likewise entered his soul PlWith chin
In hand, Billy pondered lupon the
problem In silence.
All! he had II. The causa,of Uncle
Jacks woe was plain to him. Around
the tickle, the inconstant Bessie re-
volved an attendant satellite yclept
Aunt Agatha, after whom Billy had
lately observed his Uncle Jack dang
ling quite disgracefully, though why
Billy could not understand, for GER
tainly she was not pretty-that is.
from Billy's andpoint-lacking the
adorable Bessie's pink cheeks and
infantile plumpness, likewise her be-
witching lisp.
Then, too, she blushed II fspoken to
suddenly, which Billy regarded as
foolish habit; and once in the early
stages of her acquaintance when he
had shown her a little green snake
no longer than that, she had shud-
dered with horror and begged him to
take the horrid thing away where
upon, he had stuffed the offending
reptile back into his pocket, together
with his handkerchief. three china
marbles. and stalked disdainfully
away.
Still, If Uncle Jack liked that sort
OF girl--all right. There was no
accounting for tastes.
Belshazzar, despairing at last of
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1912-04-13

But ! guess ~ uncle Jack doe :
continued BllYi whurccf Btss.s's
aunt forgot 10 iaugn I'D blushsn
instead. And he don't know wh AT
you and him ouarre.cd ctcut," went
on Billy grsvely. "bu. les .orry an ~
way and II wasn't about gIr. Staff-
nope, because hc sSys Mr. tanhope
is a Notwithstanding :s.s J 10. (.
get, but II / was Uncle Tacl - punch
him said Billy, doubling uo is ns.s
beligerently. "Anywsy / ,nink Un-
Gle Jack is lots nicer tlnr NJ. Stan..
hope" he added
80 do l." admitted pesrIo', cunt
after thoughtful consideration And
ala you say he was sorry" ohe liked.
Billy nodded cmphaticaliy.
"Well-if he's sorry" liessiaS
aunt was yisibly impressed.
"Why-there's Uncle Jack nowr
announced Billy, pointing en- accus
ing finger Uncle Jack! Gacle
Jack!" he called shrllly.
Uncle Jack turned his head tut a
was not at Billy that he looked. IL
must have read forgiveness in IN
glance of Bessies aunt, and q 90
VI.
I'm afraid my small nephew L.
been disturbing you" he apologizc.,
picking up the book that Dess .c's
aunt had conveniently dropped, aud
carefully restoring 1t to her.
Not in the least" smiled Bes-
sizes aunt. We've been exchang.ar
condolences ono, lots of personal
matters" She hunted diligently scs
the place she had lost when she
dropped the book "He says you a.s
sorry"
Il am abjectly repentant." he as
sured her. gravely.
Appeared Bessie, pink-cheeked
adorably dimpled. demure. At sight
OF Billy she chewed refectlvely On
one chubby finger and smiled at his
ingenously.
"Leth go thee my white wabbits,
Billy" she cooed alluringly.
Billy went.
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1912-04-13

have many. And when she saw the
lady In the hour-glass chair dressed
like a princess 1t made her angry TO
see 80 much idleness and luxury
while her own poor little head was
a confusion of bells and numbers and
the voices of impatient persons.
No one whom Serene knew could
tell her anything about the lady. She
had come and there she was. That
was all.
One Sunday afternoon when Serene
went by she had Dave with her Dave
had been devoted to Serene all
through her school days and since.
He was a big, gentle fellow, all am
bition and vim and sound purpose,
who meant when he learned his
trade to make little home for Sc
rene.
Serene suspected this intention,
though he had not mentioned IT 20
her yet. She was very proud of him
and she cared great deal for him
In her glrlish way.
She wore a little ring with a red
stone which he had given her It was
the only pretty bit OF jewelryl she
had She was so happy that she for
got to feel angry toward the veranda
lady for just sitting there In her good
clothes.
Serene had on her best frock; Il
was white and becoming. She was
going out on the river In Dawes new
boat which he had made and paint
ed himself, Just 20 give her pleasure.
IL was beautiful day and the Joy
OF 1t fingered With Serene during the
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1912-04-13

since have been here" said the YER
anda lady In her slow, sweet, tired
way. Pm glad this rain came 90
that we could get acquainted. You
see, she smiled family. "Im Just
beginning to realize that it's lonely
sitting here day In and day out alone
I've been i'll, I've had a great sorrow" :"
The veranda lady's voice fell.
AT first l couldn't realize any
thing but that. BY and by. perhaps,
| shall forget It a little. Until then
can only count off the days. They're
such long days" She sighed. L
wish had the strength TO work. You
work, don't you?"
Serene told her how and where
she worked. And she told q great
deal more than her words conveyed,
for the lady was reading the mean
Ing OF her wan little face and mis-
cradle eyes.
II envy YOU" Serene ended in n
little outburst OF confidence.
20, dontl" said the veranda lady,
almost sharply. "I'm not to be en-
We'd. Let me tell you, dear, it's very
nice to be young, with all your
dreams undreamed and your future
In one beautiful big piece. When
you get my age you've mostly only
memories and some regrets. And a
whole lot OF your future is used up
to make past out Of. o. know
Some day you'll be marrying a
nice young fellow | saw YOU going
by with one Sunday. You did look so
radiant IL cheered me to see you.
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1912-04-13

For you see, dear, I've learned that
the next best thing to being happy
oneself Is to see somebody else hap
py."
But I'm not happy" blurted out
serene I'm" And then she told
the veranda lady the whole story.
30 my dearl" said the older wom-
an. And she put up her white hand
and brushed back her hair. There
was gray in her hair. Serene saw.
And on her finger was a great red
stone like a bit OF fire. An engage
ment ring,
20, my dearl You were Jealous
Jealous! OF that dear boyl You see,
/ can tell he is dear boy And you
are dear little girl But you Will
wreck your life II you aren't careful.
It's very lucky for you that you can
still make up, And when you have
made up stay so. Else"
Splashlng through the rain, laden
with raincoat and umbrella came a
tall young figure, 1t was Dave aud
he was coming straight from her
house. Serene knew, looking for her.
She caught her breath.
why, there he Is nOw!" said the
veranda larry cheerfully. Coming
to bring you an umbrella. The dear
boyl Call to him--call to him,
quick!"
Serene called. And Dave heard
His face was very bright as he came
TO the veranda, and though the lady
In the hourglass chair was wonder
Iul to see, he had eyes only for Sc
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1912-04-13

turn Of mind was recognized and
reared on occasion by all the family.
uncle Jack shrugged his shoul-
ders. You can search me-" he an
swered eXpressively. 81 don't know
what about. The fact remains that
we did quarrel, and now she won't
speak to me, so | can't tell her I'm
sorry and ask her to make up"
Are you sorry?" demanded Billy.
20, yes, I'm sorry all right" ad-
mitted Uncle Jack with a rueful
laugh. However, that doesn't mend
matters any, so don't bother your
curly head about II. Billy boy. You'll
have troubles OF your own some day. "
Billy thought OF the lnconstant
Bessie and wisely remained silent.
Belshazzar, waking, stretched him
self lazily and wandered out of sight
around the corner of the house. Billy.
absorbed in thought followed. II
Uncle Jack really wanted TO make
up, surely Bessies aunt ought to be
Informed OF the fact.
IN go tell her" decided Billy
sagely.
Behold then presently Billy trudg-
ing sturdily up the street with Bel
N"1Sihb hhpPllg AT MS uctlSs
When he had turned the first cor
ner he spied Bessie's aunt, book in
hand, comfortably ensconced in
hammock in the shelter of a tiny
summer house. Making their way
directly across the lawn, Billy and
Belshazzar appeared before her with
disconcerting suddenness.
well, how do you do. Billy boy?"
said Bessie's aunt, a little uncertain
ly. 1t was hard to presage what
a visit from Billy might portend.
How do you do?" responded Billy
with .owl-llke gravity: then wrink-
ling his forehead thoughtfully, ne
regarded her with unwinking gaze
for an appreclable space Of time.
81 don't think you're pretty" he
stated at last judicially.
Bessies aunt laughed deliciously.
ITO tell you the truth, Billy" she
admitted confdentially, "I don't
think so either"
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1912-04-13

Wtths
Before another Sunday arrived a
new girl came into the office. She
was snowy, handsome girl, who al
ways had an answer or a pert little
laugh ready, Serene shrank from
association with her and the girl pes
ceived 1t.
Consequently when Dave came that
Saturday afternoon to wait for Sc
rene and to accompany her home,
having finished his days work before
she had finished hers, the new girl
tried to discomfit Serene by flirting
with him. She asked him to read the
numbers while she plugged" at her
switchboard. and Dave, unconscious
of any wrong-doing complied.
Serene was angry and went home
alone as fast as her feet would car,
ry her, very much disturbed little
girl. Next day when Dave called her
up she gave him over tho phone a
spirited reply and hung up the re-
ceiver. When he came to call she
would not see him.
Dave wrote to her and she would
not answer, and she would not speak
to him when she met him. III ne
wanted to go with that horrid Ethel
Slater he could. She would have
nothing more to do with him.
She was so miserable that on a
certain afternoon when rain men
aced she walked to work without her
umbrella. There was none at the
office she could borrow, 80 she had
TO walk back through the drizzle,
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1912-04-13

yellow coating
AS he noted each new phase of The
catastrophe he burst into another
roar of laughter. His companion sat
IN the road and regarded him stonily.
FINALLY Ralph saw that her face was
growing worry pale, and at the idea
that she might really be heart his
laughter subsided.
He gently tried to help her IN.
She struck at him awkwardly. her
eyes flashing. but said nothing. Ralph
was really alarmed, for by this time
her face was very white.
Are you hurt, madam? ?" he asked
anxiously.
No answer. lie began to talk.
hoping that she would break her
angry silence.
81 hope you will forgive me for
laughing. You see, I thought you
were-er, someone else. And I was
so surprised I could not help laugh
ing. Tell me whether you are hurt.
Let mo help you"
We'll, the least you can do is 20
help me home" she said gruffly. 'I'm
all shook up"
She evidently blamed him for her
A'AAs AAt iNANtu Htl up ana kIle
leaned on him, grunting and groan-
Ing. AS they hobblcd down the road
Ralph restrained his mirth with diff
hculty at this contrast to his dreams
his torn and spattered coat. his
yellow shoes and the woman leaning
heavily on his arm.
He glanced at her from time to
time, and saw that her normal color
had returned and that the fall
seemed to have done her very little
harm. t.
They walked on. she said nothing.
Finally he began to be unpleasantly
aware of her weight. His arm
seemed almost paralyzed and drops of
perspiration came out on his fore
head.
Would you mind changing to the
other side? ] could support you with
my right arm. This one is getting a
little tired"
The long lips set into a grim line.
Cant" responded the woman. INV
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1912-04-13

rene, whom he helped very proudly
Into the raincoat. A very contrite,
humble little Serene she was, too.
you must come and see me to-
gether some evening"" said the YER
anda lady, as they were going away.
81 want to know you both better. I'll
make you something nice in the chat
ing dish and sing for you some songs
| know you'll like" 7t
20, we'll come" cried Serene,
And thank you a million timesi'
Next day as Serene was passing she
ran up 10 the yeranda railing to speak
to her new friend.
We've made up" she said rsdi-
anly. And I'm never going to be
bit jealous of him again as long az
| live. He didn't care for that DtheI
Slater. should have known. n
was horrled OF me not to trust him
And you did II all. you dear, sweet
beautiful thing, you!" She picked up
lady's hand and kissed Il.
There were tears in the yerauda
lady's eyes. She smiled, but 30 sadly.
that Serene felt she would rather
have seen her cry.
I'm so glad YOU made up" she,
said I'VE didn't, you see--he and /.
] was Jealous, too. And when I came
TO my senses It was too Late" she
looked away.
HE had got over oaring2" breathsd
Serene, traglcally.
20, nol' The verandH lady caught
her breath. He Just died." she
whispered, miserably.
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1912-04-13

watch a circus parade. The somber
black pail of utter desolatlon had
settled over him and life, which once
Rad seemed so fair, mocked him with
Its uselessness.
For Billy was in love, and his love
was scorned, Haunted derlded and
refused. The iron had struck deep
INTO his soul and broken of, and the
lbarbs still ranked.
That he had reached the epochal
age of 10 before attaining the grand
passion shows at least that he did
not wear his heart upon his sleeve.
Previously he had sauntered idly
along the primrose path of dalliance,
indulglng in tentative flirtatons with
mis- nurse his kindergarten teacher
and the pink-cheeked fairy with the
haxen curls who waved him generous
kisses with her chubby hands from
the adjoining lawn.
Once, across the Intervening hedge,
he had shared with her a stick of
exceedingly sticky candy; at another
time he had graciously allowed her
to inspect the burned finger that Wis
. :bly attested his patriotic observance
of the glorious Fourth--inwardly
elated by her gasp OF feminine horror
when he undid the wrappings OF the
injured member.
Then had intervened a period dur
ing which he viewed the advances of
. the gentler sex with calm dlsdaln,
merging at times on distinct disfavor
5,--as, for instance. when effuslve Wis
itors OF uncertain age, alluding to
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1912-04-13
I'D PUNCH HIM." REFLECTED BILLY ALOUD

steps, staring gloomily at nothing.
For this state of affairs there could
be but one plausible explanation.
Bessie's aunt had deceived Uncle Jack
even as Bessie had deceived him. Girls
were all alike.
Then suddenly he remembered hav-
ing seen her whizzing down the ave-
nue. earlier in the day in Mr.. Stan
hopes auto with Mr.. Stanhope at the
steering wheel. That luckless indl-
vidual had once patronizingly ad-
dressed him as my little man" and
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1912-04-13

Though that isn't the root OF the
difficulty. Billy, boy. Mr.. Stanhope
Is merely an accessory after the fact
non particeps, criminis, as it
were"
This being too deep for Billy's COM
prehension, he ignored 1t and opened
up new line of investigation.
What Is the matter. Them" he de-
manded calmly
I'VE quarreled," confessed Uncle
Jack.
"What about7" Billy's inqulsitorIal
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1912-04-13

that she was the loveliest woman she
had ever seem fer next that she was
the Notwithstanding Every line OF
her long, slim figure and the loose
knot of her clasped hands indicated
supreme inertia and Indifference.
Her eyes appeared always to be
staring at nothing and her mouth fell
at the corners In little, sad, de-
spairing droop that seemed meaning
full OF some serious soul disorder. She
was always tastefully dressed.
Serene was very young. 1t was
hot in the central telephone office
where she worked and the hours were
long and the pay meagre. Serene had
worked there since she left school.
She lived with an old aunt who
did dressmaking and had always act
ed the part OF mother to her. Their
home-making was carried on In four
small upstairs rooms, more comfovt-
able In winter than In summer.
Serene loved pretty things as much
as any girl could, but she did not
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1912-04-13

I The woman came almost up to
lhim and was about to say something
in no gentletone-to Judge by her
iexpression-w when she suddenly trip
iped on a stone and, catching at Ralpn
support. let her heavy basket fall on
phis feet His coat was torn with a
bong rendhng sound and the woman
s1t down heayilyhn a crumpled heap
The cream In a iglass bottle I'm the
basket splashed Nightly over Ralph
and eggs covered his shoes with a
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1912-04-13

The blue dress evidently had deter
mined owner. Ralph thought she
would never cease knocking
He had his first misgivfpg when
she shook the door. Finally, when
she began to kick strenuously at the
panels, he began to see that Faite had,
perhaps, been misleading him,
At this moment the womanl made
up her mind that no one was at home.
She turned away and came down the
path toward Ralph, walking with inn
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1912-04-13

"Oh, we'll I'd better return he glove
to her. anyway" Me decided. a little
shamefaced. He walked rapi tlly. his
eyes on the patch o. blue.
Before he could reach her the
wearer of the blue dr@rs turned into Il
narrow path leading to the only
house in sight. When Slalph arrived
at the path he could see l,er knocking
at a side door. Her baclA was turned
to him as she pounded vigorously.
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1912-04-13
/ ! 1,zEzElkE e !

Billy detested him accordingly.
"Td punch him." reflected Billy
aloud, vindictively.
"Who-what?" asked Uncle Jack,
startled.
Mr.. Stanhope," explained Billy.
IL saw Bessie's aunt out riding with
him in his auto"
Uncle Jack stared. Then he laugh
ed n
well. you arc an observant, little
beggar," he conceded admiringly.
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1912-04-13

capturing the mole, cooked ian ear
inqulringly\at each OF his audience in
turn, and. ,neither Offering further
diversement. cuIled himself 'up COM
fortably betweentBilly's feet and went
to sleep.
Billy cogftated further. Uncle Jack
had opely evinced a pronounced fond
ness for the society OF Bessles aunt.
and now when by all precedent he
should have tbeen playing golf with
her, he wasN sitting on the garden
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1912-04-13

patiet,t strides. A basket hung on
her arm.
She looked about so wears old. Sex
tremd y .gaunt and remarkably bad-l
tempe cd one glance. and the fact
that ne had fcflowed this person n
Toma ntlc mood, carrying her glove
over ms hear's moved Ralph to ct
laugnter. NMle she walked toward
nlm' su'Ilng ongrily.I he rocked ITO
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1912-04-13
TOO

which suddenly became downpcur,
just as she reached the veranda ladys
house.
She had started to run in dismay
at getting drenohed, when voice
called coolly commandingly: "Come
here, ! want to see you"
The Yeranda lady had come to
The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1912-04-13

life and had spoken, Serene ran
with all her might to the proffered
shelter and sank into chair. The
veranda lady picked up an afghan
and tossed 1t over her shoulders.
80 that you won't get cold" she
said. "You are damp"
They sat moment Watching the
rain.
II have seen You 20 by every day