davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-12
Thinking of a Face

There was music and dancing and feast- ing in the brilliantly illuminated palace. All the beauty and chiyalry of Salerno had assembled to grace this nrst enter tainment on a large scale which the young prince had given since his return from his travels. The great rooms were filled with the perfumes of flowers and the strains of delicious music.
 Jewels shone everywhere, gold famed and silver flashed. Everyone Seemed to be at the height of enjoyment except the master of that splendid palace-the prince himself
 Alas" said he to himself, "it is in vain that l look in every face Though many are fair-many are beautiful-yet the bright sembance of my morning s vision presents not itself" You see, he was thinking of the face of Cinderella. which haunted him.
 The baron with his two naughty daugh- ters was in close attendance upon the prince and the prince thought with a sigh that, after all. he would be com pelled to marry one of them. Had not fate seemed to point that way?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-12
The Mate to the Slipper

70, father" cried Cinderella. can not go too?e She was thinking of those wonderful eyes of Felix--the mink
 et;o indeed!'' screamed the naughty sis- ters "A pretty looking thing you would be in the palace of a prince Stay home and mind the fire"
 It was in q great hall of the palace that tbe test of the little glass slipper was to be made, and many were the candi- dates who foclSed there with longing and hope Clorinda and Thisbe were among the first to arrive.
 Pedro at home begged, pleaded, com manded until at length soon after the baron had gone palaceward with his two daughters, he induced Cinderella to go also to the royal residence. She put the other glass slipper in her pocket and went.
 Pedro fairly stormed his way Into the palace with Cinderella under his escort. Thisbe was just trying to put on the glass slipper and her father was trying to force her foot into it.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-12
Pedro Demands q Hearing

70. I can't endure this pain cried out Thisbe, as the baron exerted all his force 10 cram her foot into the slipper.
 70, I knew how 1t would be- said Ciorinda sweetly. Let me try, sister dear" And she sat down and the baron tried to force her foot into the slipper and she also screamed out m pain.
 The prince felt relieved-the naughty sisters were furious. Felix turned and saw Pedro. Behind him, half concealed. was Cinderella.
 What would you with us, my friendl' asked Felix Pedro dropped upon his knees and made the most pathetic ap- peal
 Most wise. magnificent. extravagant and dreadful prince; whose countenance Ia shocking to your subjects and frightful to the whole world. You just hear wha, have to say and kick me out after-A wards"
 Pedro had used all the big words he could think of. The prince laughed good naturedly and then appeared Cinderella.
 That face That form!" murmured the prince, but in what garbY VIII l. please you to try the test of the little glass slipper, fair unknown?
 That's what she came here for" said honest Pedro.
 At the sight of Cinderella the naughty sisters went into mysteries and the baron became more portentiously asininely pom pous than ever.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-12
May whatPepe a Ruler

handed over to the prince the spear, the cloak and other signs of royalty, your royal highness can never carry off the part as well as 1 did. And so Dandini's greatness endsl I have descended into private life. We'll other princes-and great ones, too-have done that before me"
 Then came the sound of merry hunting horns and the royal cortege swept back to the palace where that night was to be held the grand ball.
 1, The prince was thoughtful and melan- choly He was superstitious enough to feel that fate had foreordained that he should marry one of the daughters of the Baron of Pompiino. He was sensible enough to know that pretty soon he must marry somebody and carry on the royal line.
 And he was indivdualst enough to know that he could never love one of those two self conscious. cold-hearted and ambitious beauties. Thisbe and Clorinda.
 So he went musing back home again.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-12
The Clew of the Slipper

Meantime at the palace another scene lad been enacted. When the fairy god- mother had changed Cinderella's rags Into finery she had bestowed upon her pair of little glass slippers.
 These glass slippers were the only things about Cinderella's wearing ap- parel which had not changed back when the clock struck 12.
 As she ran from the palace in her haste and terror, Cinderella had lost one OF these glass slippers.
 The prince had picked it up from the ball room floor as soon as he could re- cover from his astonishment. The mate to it he knew was upon the foot or the strange princess who had so suddenly be- come a ragged lady.
 The guards at the palace gate declared. when questioned, that they had seen no princess pass by, no coach with horses and lackeys. A serving man and girl, apparently a housemaid, had passed out on foot. they said.
 Break up the revels," cried the prince. Half my kingdom to him who shall tell me upon whose foot this little glass slip per belongs. Make proclamation that \ will wed with her who can wear it.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-12
The Vision in the Fountain

Just then he heard-or thought he |hear6-the sound of faint music like the |singing of fairy voices. Am I really on enchanted ground ?'' thought Felix, Tor is this the effect of
 lima agination? Perhaps my imagination is |excited-my blood fevered by the tu-
 mutt of the chase. But the cooling wat
 CT of wonder fountain will clear my
 brain.''
 Just as he stopped to lave his fore head in the waters he started back. For, rising from the midst of the pool
 he fancied that he beheld the form Of la most beautiful maiden. What art thou?" he cried. "beauteous
 |vision--mortal or something less or
 moro than mortal?"
 The vision disappeared. but between hi and the fountain he beheld another beautiful form-a form of stateliness and dignity, that of most lovely wom-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-12
The Fairy Coach

What, in these clothes?'' cried Pedro, who was becoming more and more inter ested
 70, no. will fix all that-but time presses-your father and your sisters, Cinderella. have already been some time at the princes palace. Now, then
 Before you could say Jack Robinson or John Smith. or any other short and ap- propriate name--the old woman took her own proper form of the fairy queen.
 She was radiantly beautiful and young, as fairies always are, no matter how long they have lived-which is d quality mortals must envy them In her right hand she held wand tipped with silver star. She waved the wand Cinderella stood forth in a most gorgeous costume-attired like a princess.
 She waved her wand again and Pedro's old clothes were transformed into the costume of a noble lord.
 "Open the mouse trap. Pedro,' said the fairy queen He did so-first taking it, obeying her motion--to the open door of the kitchen.
 The mice ran out, and at wave of the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-12
Making an Equipage

Pedro brought back the largest pumpkin he could find and laid it on the floor.
 Now go and see if there are any mice in the mouse-trap," commanded the dis guised fairy queen.
 Pedro obeyed and brought back trap from the cellar with six mice In It.
 'Now go and see if there is not rat in the rat trap"
 Pedro soon returned with trap in which was confined large, gray-whisk- cred rat.
 "He will make fine eoachman,' said the fairy queen.
 By this both Pedro and Cinderella had come to the conclusion that the old wom- an was crazy--but they humored her and asked if there was anything more she wished done.
 ''Yes," said the old woman, Ego into the garden, Pedro, and bring me two flower pots. In them you will find three lizards they will serve as footmen. As for you, you shall attend your lady as a lord in waiting"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-12
Back to the Cinders

And thinking of the vision he had seen Felix turned his horse and went back to the castle. As he entered he saw and heard the baron in an altercation with his youngest daughter.
 70, father" Cinderella was saying, T only wish that you would let me go for one hour to the princes ball.
 You? A pretty figure you would make" returned the baron. Get to your cinders. That's the place for you, miss.
 But the prince got another good look at Cinderella and was more smltten than ever.
 ''The prince. said Felix, commands you to attend him at once"
 Most gracious! Most royal!' said the baron, q hasten and delight to obey.
 When the baron had come to the ap- pointed spot where the cortege of the prince was waiting him the learned tutor of his majesty-the wise Alidino-ap- preached him.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-12
Dandini Plays His Part

By all our ancestors, cried Dandini, we have had noble sport. Baron you may kiss our hand. You see that we are not at all proud"
 The baron fell upon his knees and kissed the hand of the mock prince.
 'We are informed" continued Dan dini, that you are the father of fair daughters
 Fame has not belied me-" replied the baron, you see before you my daughter, the Lady Clornda; my daughter, the Lady Thisbe"
 May I be permitted the honor of a cIaste salute?'' returned Dandini. By my throne, my lord, fame has not belied you We congratulate you-they are in- oeed two charming Nenuses
 Saluting the ladies Clorinda and Thisbe with little more warmth than real prince would have done-at least upon state occasions-Dandini inquired If any refreshments had been prepared for him. self and his train.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-12

"Oen the rat trap" Pedro obeyed, and the large, whiskered rodent ran out to become, at another wave of the magic wand, great coachman dressed in livery
 Another wave and the pumpkin rolled out into the yard and became a splendid coach. Cinderella, accompanied by Lord Pedro, stepped in, the horses were hitched up, the lizards which had become smart footmen jumped up behind, the coachman took his seat upon the box.
 Now one last word" said the Fairy Queen "one last command. And in this obey me absolutely. Pedro, you also at tend well to what I am about to say, for you are now Cinderella's guardian knight.
 Before the hour of midnight strikes be sure you are returned here, as thou dost value my friendship in the future. am your fairy odmother-remember and obey me-
 The coachman cracked his whip and off drove Cinderella in state to the palace of the Prince of Salerno.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-12
The Third Daughter

How is this. my lord2 I have sent to Salerno even now for the records of your family. And here 1t is set down that you have three daughters. Observe-three daughtersi
 Now the prince has determined to be- stow his hand upon one of your daugh- ters. Before he does this l. as arch. chancellor, must have look at the third. Where is she? The name is set down as Angelina"
 "Angelinai" cried the baron; 70 yes, I believe I did have daughter named Angelina-but she is dead.
 Are you sure,
 70, yes. yes. quite sure.'
 My mind is all confusion and appre- hension.e said Dandini who still bore the role of his master T cannot restrain my feelings.
 ..Well. baron, we dismiss you until to- night, when you and your daughters will appear at our most negotiable revels. Coodby. baron. goodby. Our mind is heavy with affairs of state"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-12
Stolen Glimnses

To the best of his poor ability did the baron Pompolino entertain his guests. Their stay was but short.
 But in that short stay at the castle the eye of the prince had lighted upon Gin derella. And Cinderella had seen the prince.
 What a lovely creaturel" had thought the prince.
 What a wonderful mani had thought Cinderella
 So when the royal cortege went sweep ing down from the castle gates Prince Felix was thinking of the unknown maiden who had appeared in the barons service-and Cinderella was thinking of the wonderful-almost supernatural man who had appeared in the train of the mock prince.
 Did I not do my duty bravely?' asked Dandini of the prince when they were out of the castle.
 Out upon thee-thou hast lbeled gen tility most grossly, replied the prince. Why did you use such big words?"
 Why, because l myself was, for the time being, great, and I desired things to be in harmony.
 "Go you on." said the prince wait for me at the glen. I would have the baron in attendance"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-12

valet, you are fond of aping the man. ners of the great. For the time being you shall be the prince and I your sim pie attendant. Here, take my insignia. It is to these baubles and not to myself that the world pays honor"
 So the whole train arrived at the castle of the Baron of Monteheseo, the valet taking upon himself the part of prince with great ostentation-he fairly enjoyed 1t.
 Meantime strange things had been hap pening at the castle. Angelina was the daughter of the Baron of Montefiesco by his second marriage. By his first mar riage he had two daughters, Clorinda and Thisbe.
 When his second wife had died, as she did at the birth of Angelina, Clorinda and Thisbe had fairly taken charge of their pompous old father and had relegated their half sister to the position of a household drudge.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-12
Vague RecolIections

The Prince was bewildered. This sec ond vision said in musical tones:
 T am one who wishes you we'll You have seen the vision of the fountain. GO. if you prefer virtue to wealth, good ness and modesty to heartless grandeur; go seek the original of the vision. You may find her this day if you so choose. Bear her features in thy heart"
 Soon afterward the hunters of the train of the Prince found him asleep upon bank of flowers He awakened suddenly as his attendants entered the Glen and said to his tutor Alidora and friends, havxe l. dreamed? Did you seeeany one leaving this place as you entered it?'
 He vaguely remembered that the last vision he had seen had waved a wand over him before he sank into slumber.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-12
For Reasons of State

Felix. Prince of Salerno, had been on
 |his travels with his tutor. the wise and
 |gifted Alidoro, and a suitable suite of
 defendants and had now returned to
 |hls native estates. Soon after his return his wise coun-
 |cillors advised him that now the time
 had come when he must choose part ner for his throne. Felix was young
 lana rather opposed to entering the mar |riage conditions
 But the req asons of state which were to him by his councillors in- |duced him to promise that he would |soon seek bride. But in seeking her. he said, he must have a free hand.
 Each and every councillor had, of
 |course. some princess or the daughter
 Tor near relative of a reigning monarch. |with whom it would be policy for him Ito wed.
 Felix, however, would only promise
 Ito marry-and that soon-if he. him. |self, might be allowed to choose his bride
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-12
Reliuouishing His Role

The baron went back to the castle and Dandini with a sigh, said: Well. now hope you are satisfied with the way I have played your part. my lege. And hope you want your plumage back again. s;TIere. take your gilded nunting spear and the rest of the insignia. Neither for tune nor the will Of the people will ever. perhaps, bestow upon me the real prince ly title.
 ,But this much I must say. sire. that I find know how to carry off the honors better than some who hold them. But I envy not. nor reproach.'
 You are sauey and impudent knave 2 replied the prince. but you are as anus ing in your pomposity as that old baron wonder My faith, but you two were well matched.
 You made him kiss your hand. ha hal believe he would have cut off his own rather than have done it had he known that you were only a valet But to your station. Our frolic now must end.
 The Prince Is Thoughtful
 Well" said Dandini ruefully. as he
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-12
Poor Showing for a Baron

Scarcely had the naughty sisters, Thisbe and Clorinda got on their furbelows when the sounding of a horn at the castle gate announced the arrival of the Prince of Salerno.
 You may be sure that the baron re- ceived his prince with great pomposity. And as his retainers were few and far between, he got up the hired man from the garden and summoned Pedro and Cinderella to attend in the background as vassals of his banner.
 It was but poor showing for baron but the light was dim in the old hall and the baron himself and his two naughty daughters-both very beautiful girls, by the way-Mere so splendidly att tired that 1t took off much of the sor ddress which would have otherwise ap- pertained to the reception.
 Then strutted into the castle portal frst-not the prince, but the mock prince. the valet Dandni, the prince following him as an esquire.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-12
Love at First Sight

May I ask" said the prince, what people are so fortunate as to have you for their ruler, princess?'
 70. not now replied Cinderella. That Is little secret of mine. l am travelng. just now. incognto. And may ask who are those amiable ladies?"
 Saying this she turned with a gracious bow toward the naughty sisters.
 The naughty sisters were delighted at the graciousness of the princess and the baron expressed himself as charmed at the distinction bestowed upon his family.
 As in duty bound the prince walked apart with the visiting princess engaging her in conversation which, pretty soon. became right down love making on his part. The music played-they danced and feasted and the hours sped rapidly.
 Cinderella at one time went mp again to her sisters and begged that they would accept from her some slight tokens Of her esteem. She gave clorinda diamond ring and This9e pearl necklace.
 They were overcome with joy at the eifte-but still they did not Ike to see the prince so attentive 10 his royal guest.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-12
The Tutor Also Dreams

They all told him that they had seen no one leave the glen as they entered tbat he had fallen asleep and dreamed.
 He then told of all that he had Areamed-or seen-and declared that if he thought the earth held such a lovely heinz as the one he imagined he saw arise from the pool, he would seek through the world to find her.
 The old tutor thought a moment and then said: Tt is singular-but have -lso had a dream which furnishes re- aarkable coincidence with that which nas just passed through the sleeping brain of your majesty.
 When l had just returned from Pa dua. I dreamed one night that fairy form one similar to that which you describe as having waved her wand ca,ne to me and said that if valued the happiness of this realm should guide you to the castle of the Baron Monte fiesco. where virtue, worth and beauty awaited you.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-12
The Mysterious Princess

Suddenly a page announced that beau tiful princess who refused to give her name had just driven np in state to the palace doors and craved admittance.
 With all the state and pomp customary upon such occasions the Princess Gin derella was ushered into the presence of the prince.
 She was attended by Pedro-who made, by the way, very excellent lord in wait ing. Such things. after all, are somewhat a matter of clothes. She wore'a veil over her face.
 The prince at once engaged his visitor in a lively conversation and begged that she would remove her veil. After some hesitation she did so.
 The naughty sisters, who were watch irg with sharp eyes, said to each other: What resemblance, If it were not inn possible-which, of course. it is-I should say that the unknown princess looks like our Cinderella"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-12
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and then said; Cinderella, take a great interest in you"
 And why, good woman?" asked Cin- derella
 Because I was your godmother," an swered the stranger mendicant.
 Then came a cry from the naughty sisters. Pedro. Pedrol where are you? Come here. Have you executed our com mands2"
 Pedro ran to his mattresses and give them all the finery which they had sent out to buy in the neighboring town-on credit of the baron, which was not very good. but sufficed for this time, with some grumbling of the shopkeepers.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-12
And Lived Happy Ever After

But before they could get words to ex- press themselves as to their deep feelings Cinderella seated herself upon the trial ebair-and slipped on easily the little glass slipper Then out of her pocket she toob the other slipper and Pedro put that oA her foot
 Then at once that good fairy godmotheD who had, it must be allowed. been lie tie .huffy" with Cinderella for not re- membering to come home early"-rao out from behind a pedestal. waved her wand and the dress of Cinderella was changed to that which she had worn at the ball.
 There is no more to tell. Cinderella and the prince were married, of course
 IL is rumored that the naughty sisters found husbands some time later and led those same husbands quite variegated life.
 i.at the principalty never before. nor ever since. was so happy and proserous as under the rule of the Prince and Princess Felix.
 Next weeks one-page classic will be ''Barchester Towers by Anthony Troi- iope.
 Copyright. 1912, by Irving KingJ
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-12
Candidates

The dawn was just breaking as the baron and his two naughty daughters came home to the castle. They were none of them in good temper, and soundly did they berate Pedro and Cinderella, who were still talking by the kitchen ire
 That afternoon the proclamation or Prince Felix declaring that he would marry the one who could wear the little glass slipper was sent broadcast through the prIneipality Pedro got copy and came rushing in with it-Cinderella was all of a futter and so were fftss .stsaarA
 Let us go to the palace at once, cried Clorinda. 'it will be a very small slip- per indeed that cannot get on.
 .eyour foot is larger than mine. niss.' cried Thisbe T should have the first try. anyway
 stop your uuarreling. {" cried the baron. land let us get to the palace as soon as possible"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-12

took any account of the heeting of time. Suddenly Pedro looked at a clock and saw that the hour of midnight was ap- preaching.
 II remembered the warning of the fairy godmother all at once and ran in to look for Cinderella. But Cinderella was just then engaged in dance, the prince being her partner.
 Pedro tried to get her eye. but the girl was too much occupied with the pleasures Of the dance to heed him.
 In the very midst of the dance the pal- ace clock upon the great tower sent it's booming challenge out upon the air. It was striking midnight. Pedro heard 1t; Cinderella heard and all al once remen- bered
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-12
All He Demanded

''Yes. they are papa all over' said Dandini. after his chaste salutes to the two daughters.
 u. pilnce. O. sire" cried the daueh- ters in succession. Aside the baron said 10 himself: He is not the descendant of Peter the Foolish for nothng-he is fair ly caught. Which one will it be2" And then ne began to build his air castles
 q am most tired of this worlds pleas ures'' said Dandini. almost as pompous as the baron himself. T intend to marry at once. Our council so advises" majesty have in wife?'' asked the baron simperins.