davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-10
Seeking an Excuse

Fortunately he got commission from the Pall Mall Gazette to act as their Paris correspondent and so managed to maintain himself while he courted Char lotte. af
 Soon 1t was an understood thing that Philip was to marry the daughter of the Baynes family, and the old general was delighted. Philip began to save money and went about shabbily dressed. He could not frequent the places to which the general and his family were invited. but he liked to read in the papers of the social success which Charlotte was making. l, Ills means. scanty as they were. were now further reduced by habit his father. the doctor, had got into of drawing upon nm Tor money. pr. Firmin was in New fork and, his letters to Philip were full of hope-and touches"
 Mrs Baynes, seeing how popular her daughter was and perceiving that a rich young attache of the British legation had fallen in love with her, now, determined to throw over Philip and marry Charlotte to the rich one. All she wanted was an excuse, and Philip in his rash and head strong way soon furnished it..
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-10
Gen. Raynes Returns

pr. FIrmin gave dinner in Old Par' street to meet General Baynes. who had just come back from the East Indies The general was one of Philips trustees. Tie other trustee, lawyer, had died long be- fore, leaving his affairs much tangled, and the general being abroad on duty had given power of attorney to pr. Firmin to manage Philips fortune.
 But now the general was returned and there was to be settlement.
 It was a most exquisite dinner that the doctor gave and his noble relative, Lord Ringwood, was one of the guests.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-10

eral had a large family and so little money, that, with his half pay. he had hard work to make both ends meet. In fact, it was his commanding officer, Mrs. General, who accomplished this feat-the general was no business man.
 And so Philip. knowing the circum- stances of the general and realizing that his own father and not the retired war ror was the swindler, never had a thought of putting the law in force to seize upon the scanty fortune of the Rayneses
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-10
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had studio on the top floor of the mod est dwelling in Thornhaugh street.
 Philip had not forgotten his nurse, nor she him, and the two became the warmest of friends. In fact, the Little Sister-by some twist of the brain left over after her fever-felt that Philip was that baby boy of hers who had died so young, and had now been restored to her.
 1 Otherwise the Little Sister was remark | ably sane, shrewd, active and energetic.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-10
Behind the Broken Panel

As the chariot fell panel of one of tho doors was split and a great gap was seen on the inside. A lad thrust his hand in and drew out paper which Woolcomb, who had been standing shrieking and swearing. grabbed from him and passed to his lawyer, saying. What is this?"
 In the old travelling carriage there used to be well, or sword case, in which trav- elers used to put their swords and pistols when such defenses were needed on tha road.
 Out of this sword case had been drawn not sword or a. pistol, but that will of the late Lord Ringwood's which the nobl 3 earl was supposed to have burned-the ona In which he had provided for Philipi
 Bless my soul!'' cried the lawyer, 'lt is the will I supposed he had burned"
 Turning to Philip. who you may be sure was in the thick of the scrimmage, he said: Sir, I congratulate you. Let us come to the Ringwood Arms and read 1t |"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-10
Only a Sham

"So you take that line, do you?" cried Hunt in astonishment at the doctors sud den show of courage.
 Philip, my dear continued the doc tor ''it is i'll for man to hide his head before his son. But if I am to speak--and speak I must some day-why not now?"
 why speak at all?'' exclaimed Hunt.
 why? Because am sick and tired of you. Mir. Tufton Hunt. Of you and your presence, because I will stand you no longer. In the last nine months, Philip, this man has had e900 of me and he will still want more.
 T will tell why he bleeds me. I was young. was hiding from my creditors at Margte under false name. I took lodg- ngs in an obscure family. There I found a girl whom I betrayed by means of a sham marriage"
 "A sham marriagel" cried Hunt, "a sham marrlagei" 2
 'Yes, a sham marriage" "A1r. 'Brummer Firmin," cried Hunt in a cold fury. you shall hear more of this.' And he was gone. -4
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-10
Why That Name?

Philip. hearing the row, came down stairs. and Hunt cried out: Tt is the cub; I want the doctor"
 As Hunt tried to force his way into the house Philip threw him into the gutter. The irate and drunken man sat up and cried out, you shall pay for this-bas- tard!'
 why dld he call me that name?" asked Philip anxiously of the Little Sister "Why?'
 Cant you see that he was drunk: he did not know what he said,' returned Mrs. Brandon in great alarm.
 But Philip thought and thought, while early in the morning Mrs. Brandon hur- ried to old Parr street and had long talk with pr. Firmin.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-10
A Twist of the Brain

Philips noble relatives wondered why the boy did not frequent the society of the ''haut monde" to which he had by right of birth the .entree." But Philip rather preferred to browse around with . Bohemian lot-wrters. artists and such disreputable people.
 He had friend. J. J. Ridley, R. A. the came whose father had once been butler to my Lord Todmorden. and this Ridley
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-10
The Little sister's DelusIon

He and his wife, of course, asked Mrs. Brandon the Little Sister. to come and live with them; but she refused and kept her humble station in the little home in Thornbaugh street.
 Soon after Philips accession to fortune at which the Twysdens were naturally furious-there came to Philip a letter from his father saying that he had mar. ried rich woman from Virginia and was going to live upon her plantation.
 The Little Sister was dreadfully agitated when she heard of this marriage. His second: his third marriage" she cried. The villainl The villainv' The strange delusion that Philip was her own son grew upon her after this and she would come to him and cry that his father had forsaken them. Three months later Dr. Firrnin died of yellow fever upon his wife S plantation.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-10
Reiectine a Chance

pr. F'irmin wrote a most pathetic letter to Pendennis-with a postscript to Philip annexed-in which he deplored his own evil fortunes and declared that General Baynes had been most. culpable'' in not looking closer after Philips estate.
 In fact, he pointed out that Philip could sue the general and getsback so much of his lost fortune as the generals fortune would supply.
 Philip scorned the suggestion. The gen.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-10
BY WILLIAM MAKEPEACE THACKERAY.


sick and died on the road-the gout had gone to his stomach
 The new will which he had told his so- licitor he wanted to make after his furious interview with Philip was never drawn and neve@ signed. The one he had made before, in which he had richly provided for Philip, could not be found. His so licitor had no doubt butlthat in his wrath the earl had burned it.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-10
MissingWills

"poes she hope Tor money from your rep,ed Philip, "I never did"
 "Rv heavens. nor you shan't, If you don't give up this nonsenseS growled Lord Ringwood
 1T shan't give her up, and I shall Io without your money" said Philip quietly
 ..Go to Tartarus. roared his lordship.
 ..Seniores priores," said Philip: an,l. turning his back upon his noble relative he left the room and house.
 Lord Ringwood sent for his legal adviser and informed him that he wanted to make another will. few days later the Rt. Hon. Earl of Ringwood. going down 10 his house at whipam Market, was taken
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-10
Telling Old Stories

It was then that the Little Sister came to see Philip and his wife. very wild and flushed and dressed in deep mourning. She bade the servant say Mrs. Firmia was at the door'-to the astonishment of that menial, who knew her. She had even caused mourning card to be printed.
 Soon after she died and there was peace for that fevered brain and for that fond and faithful heart
 The mothers in Philips household and in the Pendennis household made q match between their children, and when they had a great gathering at the house of Mr. Give Newcomb at Rochampton the old folks sat ever SO long over their wine telling old stories while the young folks danced to piano music on the lawn.
 Dance on, young folks. while the eldsrs talk in the shade. What, the night if falling; 1t is time to go home. Good night Friends, old and young. The night wNi Hall, the stories must end.
 Next weeks one page classic win ba "Windsor Castle by Harrison Ainsworthl
 Copyright, 1912, by Irving King.)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-10
Congratulations

By the time they arrived at the Rines wood Arms the balloting was over and the poll stood Woocomb 216, Hornblow 92
 We are beaten" said MT. Hornblow, Captain Woolcomb, l congratulate you"
 70, l knew we should do it." replied .he captain. We had the votes in advance. you know You Bradgate," calling to his lawyer, what is this about the will7 It does not do that beggar any good, does it?" indicating Philip.
 And with cries of "Woolcomb forever. give us something to drink' the free elec- tors of the borough of Whipham Market rushed into the tavern
 But the will did do that beggar" some good and Philip had the will proved and lived in luxury upon the proceeds ever after. All was plain sailing for Philip now and his friends were relieved from a great responsibility.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-10
A. CLASSIC
 IN A P AGE

Of all his writings Thackeray liked Philip" the best, But Thaekerays read CTS do not share his opinion It has been said that true lover of ThacSeray would read even The Adventures of Philip and delight in 1t. But that is hard saying. The story is garrulous, discursiye and has very little apparent point. MT. rhackeray, apparently, had a lot of things on his mind which he had to say-and he said them through Philip
 The character of Philip Is not a lovable i one Into him Thackeray seemed to put all the angles and spurs of his own nature. II is almost inconceivabe that the man who made a hero out of Henry Esmond could make one out of Philip Firmin. But Thackeray was a genius-and to geniuses many things are to be allowed.
 Thackeray first published the adventures of Philip in the Cornhill Magazine in 1860. of which magazine he had just been made editor. Philip was the last of Thackeray's great novels
 He wrote "The Rose and the Ring that same year and then began his Dennis. iDuval." that novel which, had he lived to have completed It. would have put the crown upon his work. But as Dickens left his Mystery of Edwin Brood" unfinished, so Thackeray left his story of Dennis Duval.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-10

confusion hurried away. while the Little Sister kissed Philips hand and dropping tears upon it cried hysterically: Never, my dear, never, never!"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-10
London's Most Fashionable Physician


 pr. George Firmin was the most fash ionable physician in London. He lived in Old Parr street and had married a daughter of Col. Philip Ringwood, who, as everybody knows, was the own broth CT of that great nobleman, the Earl of Ringwood
 Colonel Philip fell gloriously in the cause of King and country upon the field of Busaco in the Napoeonic wars.
 Maria,s the colonel's daughter, and her sister, Louisa. had been brought up ny the noble earl after the death of their father-for the colonel left little or no money of his own, though the girls had a fair portion inherited from their mother, who had died before the gallant colonel. Marie eloped with Dr. Firmin, greatly to her uncles disgust, and Louisa married Talbot Twysden of the Powder and Poma- tum office-a government position which gave him enough money to keep up ap- pearances with by adding to his own his wife's income.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-10

Too Much for the General At the birthday reception of the Britisn
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-10
Ir;.n ;La Iadr

They could get Philips fortune without Philip and marry Agnes to some rich suitor to capture whom mama would
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-10
The Twysdens Learn a Secret

Hunt, after leaving pr. Firmin, sought out Talbot Twysden, Esq, and divulged to him secret
 Although he was not licensed when he performed the marriage beween George Brand Firmin and Catherine Gann-mak- ing them MT. and Mrs. Brandon-yet as man and wife they had travelled in Scot land on wedding tour and the law was that if Mrse Brandon had entered into the contract believing that the marriage was legal one she stood legally married to Dr. S-nmin, no matter what Firmin had intended or what might have been the disabilities of the officiating clergyman.
 Here was news for Twysden. If the first marriage was legal the second was illegal and Philip was illegitimate. There fore he could not inheritshis mothers for tune and that fortune would come to the Twysdens, who needed 1t badly.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-10
New Clouds Gathering

"r. can guess who that girl was said Philip after a pause" Yes" said his father, '1 was living under the name of Brandon"
 "What can the man do?" asked Philip. Was the first marriage a good mar riagef ififf lFl 'flf Absolutely void"
 Now that Philip had been admitted to the bar he had not begun the practice of his profession. Instead he had been dwad- ling about with the most unconventional people-writers and artists and such-and had fallen in love.
 The object of his affections was none other than his cousin. Agnes, daughter of Talbot Twysden, Esq. The Twysdens, in family conclave. con
 sidered the match would be good one.
 Philip had his mothers fortune and Dr.
 Firmin must be rich. Agnes, of course,
 like we'll brought up girl in society
 acquiesced in the decision of her elders.
 But now clouds gathered fast about the
 house of Firmin and grim care and the
 wolf began to haunt old Parr street.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-05-27
Personal Points

Mrs. Kinney Mack of Paducah, Ky,
arrived in the city last evening for 4
visit.
J. D. Blake left this morning for a
two weeks trip to Peoria, Canton and
ST Louis.
A. NJ. Bruner has returned TO the
city from a business trip TO Terre
Haute, Ind.
Charles Boag departs tonight for
Kansas City, which place he expects to
make his future home.
Miss Gertrude Wingmuth who under
went a serious operation at ST. An
thongs hospital a week ago, is report
cd as ioing nicely.
Mrs. R Rathburn departed for Wat
erloO, Iowa, yesterday, where she eX-
poets to remain for several days visit
ing with friends and relatives.
Miss Hattie Nelson, who has been
confined to her home by illness for
some time, was able TO resume her dut-
les in the city clerks Office this morn
ing.
Miss Charlotte, Truesdale, daughter
of c. c. Truesdale, formerly of this
city, now of Buffalo, y. Y, is the guest
OF Miss Dorothy Chamberlin, 535
Twenty-third street
Chauncey Day of Chicago arrived in
the city last night, called here by
the serious illness of his sister, Miss
Grace F. Day, 723 Fifteenth street,
whose condition is so critical that she
will be taken TO st. Luke's hospital,
Davenport.
James d. Lghtbody, the former
celebrated distance runner OF the
University OF Chicago, is registered at
the New Harper and is visiting col
lege friends in the city. He has spent
the last few years in travel and study
abroad, and incidentally attended the
various athletic contests In Europe.
Mr.. and Mrs ". E. Hill returned
last evening from a meeting of the
stationary engineers at Decatur. Mr..
Hill was elected state treasurer and
secretary for the fifth consecutive
year. From Decatur they went TO
Urbana and then to Springfield. The
next meeting of the stationary engin-
GERS will be held in Rockford.
The following delegates will leave
tomorrow morning TO attend the
state Sunday school convention at Ell
gin: Rev. Marion Humphreys, Miss
Ada Hemenway. Miss Della VI. Cook.
Miss Annie Montgomery from Central
Presbyterian church; Miss Claire Van
Calder and Mrs. T. E. Newland from
the First Methodist church; Mr.. and
Mrs. J. H. Hsuberg, Mrs. W. H. Mar
shall and Miss Mary Bailey from
Broadway Presbyterian church.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-05-27

marks OF violence were also found on
his body and head.
He steadfastly refused to tell who
assaulted him and even the physicians
who attended him were unable to get
him to disclose the identity of his as
sailant 1t is the belief that the son,
coming home intoxicated, became en-
ragged at his father and attacked
him. The father was very feeble and
the son. who is rather strong man,
50 or 40 years of age must have beat
en- and kicked him savagely from the
condition in which he was found.
AT ALMSHOUSE.
The deceased has been at the county
aims house, but the son brought him
home short time ago. 1t is rumored
that the son feared that the county
authorities would seek to get posses
sion and title to the home where the
assault occurred for the care of the old
man at the aims house and that he
brought him home on this account.
The son, il is said, has been employed
III Peoria for some time. The case IL
shrouded in considerable mystery, the
refusal of the father to talk handicap
ping the officers badly.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-05-27

monumental association fund. An inter
ing account of the national meeting OF
the d. A. X. held at Washington, d.
c. in April, was given by Miss Gather
ine Hayes, a delegate from the local
society. The state meeting OF the d.
A. r. will be held at Rockford in the
fan and the delegates who will attend
from Fort Armstrong chapter are Mrs.
{. {. Carter. Mrs. W. J. Sweeney. and
the aiternates are Mrs. l.. NJ. Copp,
Mrs. ~ II. McCandless, Mrs. G. II.
Sherwood and Miss Whitman. Meet
ings have been discontinued during
the summer months.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-05-27
o. A. r. CLOSE SEASON.

THE CLOSING MEETING OF THE
season of the Daughters OF the Amer
lean Revolution was held Saturday aft
eruoon at the Watch Tower inn, Mrs. L.
W. Hurst acting as hostess Luncheon
was served at o'clock with covers
laid for - ladies'. The table had as
CCutcrpicCes. bowls OF carnations and
Eludio.us. After the serving OF the
dinner much much important business
was taken up and transacted, principal
among which was the appointment Of
committee TO confer with the mayor
on the sane celebration of the Fourth
OF July 4 letter was read from the
secretary Dt the national society on
the welfare OF women and children,
asking that the daughters cooperate in
the sane celebration OF that national
holiday A committee composed of
Mrs. O.. II. Sherwood. Mrs F. W. Balm
sen, Mrs. Bernard Connolly, Mrs. W. J.
Sweeney, Mrs. J. z. Comegys, Mrs. G.
{. Biukslcc and Mrs G. c. Carter was
appointed by the regent aud these lad
les will confer with the local authori.
ties for the proper observance Of the
day
Discussion was also made of the
suppression Of the manufacture of
matches with phosphorus, the plea
having been made that there are safer
ways for the manufacture of matches
tLan with the deadly phosphorus. The
society drew up resolutions promising
aid in the suppression of the manufac.
turc Of the matches.
Resolutions We're also adopted on
the death of Miss Ellen Andrews, one
OF the members OF the ID. A. r. who
died during the past month. The soci.
ETY. voted $25 as its share towards the
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-05-27

enough to be your grandmother"
After the girls had gone and she
had PINNED the pattern upon the pink
lawn and was beginning TO cut it she
stood motionleSS, shears in hand,
looking down at il and thinking.
1t was a long time since she had
handled anything in dress materials
other than prints and ginghams, for
her customers common wear. and her
eyes were fairly dazZled by the sheer,
rosy. stuff
"Tcould have a cheaper one for my
self - the five-cent quality" she
thought.
1t would make up just as pretty.
And | could wear it in where nobody
need see it TO comment upon it. And
-and-O, | know I'm a fool, but l do
want that pink dress.
That afternoon Miss Otis ran away
from her work for half an hour. She
went down town and when she came
back she had a parcel under her arm
and a gay color in her cheeks.
For several davs she had fits OF
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-05-27

looking pretty. This is your coming
out party.syou know"
During the furry which followed
Grace's rather awkward management
of the unruly chatting dish, which did
Its best TO burn p. not only itself.
but everything within contact, a mas
culine knock was heard at the door.
Helen ran to answer 1t.
Here are tho things you sent for"
said pleasant voice. II brought them
| myself to see that they were safely
delivered. What's going on here? a
party?"
Yes, a comir g-out party And Les
ta's the debutante. Come in and be
introduced to her. Mr.. story"
Helen drew him into the room from
which Lesta had turned to fly Just a
moment too late. for Grace had
caught and held her. Her face was as
! pink as her dress, as she beheld her
old lover for she half suspected that
the girls had hand IN his coming.
Good evening. Lesta," he said,
! cheerily. And he shook hands with
her, looking at her as IL he had never
seen her before.
The girls made him sit down and
wait till the fudge boiled. Now that
| NC WIS lHeTe ne might as Wei stay
Lesta had TO preside at the chatting
dish, though her hand trembled SO
that she could hardly hold the spoon.
In little while Mr.. Story had them
all laughing over some funny stories.
Then the fudge was ready. the olives
and crackers were set forth. and the
four gathered around tho little table
from which Mis- Otis dispensed hos
pitality and some of her finest pickles
and sponge cake.
Mr.. Story stayed as long as he
could. and when finally he took re-
luctant leave promised to come the
next evening with his black horses
and take them all for a drive.
After he had gone the girls fell to
hugging Miss Otis ecstatically.
You'll let us be your bridesmaids,
won't your" they demanded.
Miss Otis was sobbing and laugh
ing at once with sudden great. wild.
new JOY and establishment at herself
and life in general.
"All you've Sot TO do is 70 say the
word. That pink dress did the trick, y
declared Helen.
That night Miss Otis was long in
falling asleep. There were tears on
> her pillow, but they were tears OF
, happiness. And through her dreams
r tangled the c.imes OF wedding bells
in warning of those that were to rims
for her at no distant day.