davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-30

into his face. and Bert himself went
leapine out across the square.
Mr.. Bransomc was in fairly good
training. all things considered Now,
therefore, he set out at pretty hot
pace along the Kings road, while the
detectives followed
For hundred yards or so lie ran
like the wind 10 establish good
lead; then. coming 10 road on the
left he doubled down it, but pulled
UP sharp at the sight OF a ,i;ary
blue figure ahead
With an exclamation OF disgust he
rushed back into the main road JUS,
as the detectives came up. He hit
the first straight and hard, but before
he could resume his flight the second
man had him round the neck, and in
a moment they were both OF the
ground. Then, before he could grip
his assailant by the throat, the first
man was also upon him, and after
that the handouts were only mat
ter OF a few spasmodc moments.
lHey pore MN OH 10 the police sta.
ton in amiable triumph, compliment
ing him upon his many achievements
Of the past, and smiling placidly
when he assured them that he was
not Montey Farlil.
Although naturally somewhat
pleased by their compliments, Bert
could not help feeling rather annoyed
with tnem for disbelieving him. lie
SO seldom spoke the truth that it was
discouraging, this first attempt OF his.
But his moment of triumph arrived
at the police station, because it was
there they opened the bag.
Mr.. Montey Farkil's bag, which had
already cost Bert $50 for his frenu
fec, and about 90 cents in taXis, con.
tanned nothing more valuable than
few Jumps OF washing soda, neatly
wrapped up in tissue paper.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-30

What's the job connected with,
Mon?"
The Ennistrande emeralds," was
her reply.
The Ennistrande emeralds?' he
repeated, in an awed whisper. But
they're worth thousands and thou.
sands, Mol. And how in the world
could a fellow like me ever hope
TO get inside Lord Ennistrande's
house?"
Moll Millikin snorted contemptu,
ously
Il don't ask you to get inside the
house" she said. Some one else will
get the stones, and all want you TO
do is to take them away from him."
Bert looked more amazed than
ever.
who's going to lift those stones
from Park Lane?" he asked
WHO do you think but Montey
Farkil?" rctorted Mell sharply.
Well, I'm bowed" Bert eiacu.
lated That's something like an
idea Moil But" he went on pres.
entity. how is this going to be man.
aged?"
I'll tell YOU" returned Moll crisp
iy. There's one of these swaggcr
balls coming off at Ennistrande
House next Wednesday night. All
the nobs will be there, and Gentleman
Montey will be there also. It's not
difficult TO get into one of these big
affairs, where the hostess doesn't
know lots OF the people who turn up.
and we can trust Montey to do it.
When he comes out again he'll have
the emeralds, and what you've got TO
do is this"
She explained the position rapidly
and distinctly while Bert sat gazing
and listening in open-mouthed admi-
ration until she had finished.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-30

The inspectors face was worth see.
ing, but Bert rose nobly to the occa
sion
I've been telling these coves all
the way from Sloane Square TO he-e
that I'm not Nj. rarkil," he said,
with dignity. And now perhaps
they'll believe met
But we had your descrip. -cn
TO us" broke in one OF the detectives
y telephone message came through
Scotland Yard less than an hour ago
describing YOU exactly, and saving
that you'd be waiting outside Sloane
Square Station Montey Farkil was
the name given to us, and NJ +. were
the initials we were to look for OH
your bag. It's All extraordinary thing.
Can you explain it?'
Bert looked very pcnsvo
Was the message delivered in Il
lady's voice." he asked grimly.
1T was returned the detect.
Can you guess who gave it?'
Il can" said Bert. Shes the girl
WHO VIII DC MIS-, FafAl!, onG TINS Is
how she done lis brown tonight. Sac
got me to prig Montey5 bag at Vac.
toria, and substitute one OF my own
III its place. But that was q pa. vi
between them. Montey really lad
those jewels hidden In one OF his
pockets, and this washing soda WAS
put in the bag prigged specially for
my benefit, see? Then she rang you
up, and told. you TO come along and
keep her appointment with mc az
Sloane Square, see? Meanwhile, she
and Montey have done bolt, and
YOU make take it from me, cocky. that
neither you nor | nor any OF us will
ever see her or Montcy or the Ennis
trande emeralds tlds side OF doolHa
day"
And for the second time in his liF-
Bert Rranscms spoke the solid trute.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-30

poor. But III tell you one thing, as
soon as he knows I am going home
Cinderella, now the ball is over-I've
enjoyed my season, and I've hated il;
IL has been rapture and misery-and,
on dear. what fools we silly women
are,'
81 don't think YOU can say have
been exactly a fool" said Nluriel
smiling and blushing as she spoke,
because"--
Has Or. Burnett spoken to YOU"
asked Dorothy eagerly, forgetting for
the moment her own love troubles.
oh, Muriel, I'm glad, dear-at least
that much good has come out of it,
Muriel's face clouded over in spite
OF her happiness. 81 feel awfully sell
fish, Doll | ought not to have let you
DO it-but you do like my Frank,
don't your"
Like him. OF course, I like him
every one likes Dr. Burnett-does he
know? | mean about your move"
Muriel smiled and shook her head.
NO, haven't told him yet lie asked
me yesterday-to wait, he hopes to
set better practise soon--he wanted
TO specialize in throats, but could
never afford it."
How lovely sighed Dorothy, "and
now you will be able to give him
everything he wants. 1t will be Win
pole street or Harley street, / sup.
pose, and Sir Francis Burnett, whilst
I-all | can do is TO take away, not
give
I'm so sorry, Doll'--
80 you have already said. my dear,
said Dorothy dryly, "but | am afraid
il you say it hundred times it won't
make things any easier. Think how
shall feel; fancy having TO own I've
been masquerading as an hciress, and
really am a poverty stricken friend
-l-oh. it's sickening: it's all my
own fault Go in, dear" she added
gently; get ready to go out with
your Frank, and whilst you tell him
your good news, III burst my bubble
and sink back TO my oblivion" She
lduSutN 81 illN4t bibbSl - anu 'hIilC
away from Muriels wistful face and
murmured words OF useless regret,
Muriel went slowly and thought
fully up TO her room, and Dorothy
walked up and down the garden. Il
may as we'll let him speak and get it
over" she said, having come TO this
determination suddenly. Hell hate
me, because shall make him look a
fool, the poor man, who thinks he
really loves an heiress, for ! know
he thinks he loves me. but no poor
mans love stands strain like that"
She walked slowly through the rose
garden, past long grass paths and
snowy arches where the June roses
still fingered, and the second crop
was only in bud. The herbaceous
borders were a blaze OF beauty, and
Dorothy stopped and picked a few
sprays OF love-in-a-mist. fastened
them III her dress, and as she did so
crisp step came cruuching down a
grayelled sideway, and Captain Alex
ander came toward her. his hearts
wish in his eyes.
What is it?" he asked; such a
lovely blue, and yet half hidden in
that delicious green STUFF"
Its called love-in-a-mist,' said
Dorothy lightly; lit fades almost as
soon as you put it on. Its like hu.
man love: it won't stand any wear
and tear"
Human love must be very poor if
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-30

it won't stand any amount OF wear
and tear" said Captain Alexander
gravely. There was a moments ST
lcncc, and then he said: "NYnl you
como and sit here" he pointed to q
pergola seat which was oycrhung by
heavy clusters of delicately scented
roses, II want TO talk to you, Miss
Manstone'
You look very serious" she said
flippantly, but her heart was beating.
and she feared he would notice the
Slight tremor in her voice. II ne did,
he made no sign
Miss Manstone, Dorothy, I want
you to be my wife-l love YOU dearly.
Dorothy" he began, becoming sud.
denly eloquent Il love you. my darl-
ing, my love, you are SO beautiful,
and have never dared 10 tell you,
and yet I've meant to every day, but
somehow you always stopped me-"
He bent forward and imprisoned both
her hands. Dear. dear little girl
Will you marry me-
NO. don't you mustn't say it,"
Dorothy. white and then crimson,
half rose to her feet, but he pulled
her gently to the scat again.
What do you mean, dear? Don't
you care?"
She paled and did not answer
Dorothy, don't yol, care at all,
dear?"
Don't" she cried piteously, you're
only making it harder for me-"
Harder for YOU What do you
mean? What is harder?"
ii have something to tell YOU"
she said slowly, and she pulled her
hands away.
Yes" his voice grew suddenly
very grave.
Dorothy, is there any one elsc?"
She shook her head, and he laughed
With quick intense relief.
Go on, them" he said, Il can bear
anything else
It's something YOU can't bear
something couldn't let you bear
Oh, ! have behaved shamefully, but
couldn't help it, mean, it's been SO
difficult"
We'll, dear, 90 on he repeated
gently.
Il haven't any money" she said in
a very low voice, at least none 10
speak Off
you haven't any money" he
echoed in utter amazement-"then
this" he paused and looked wonder
ingly round the beautiful garden
1t all belongs to Nuricl," said
Dorothy miserably. 1--WE changed
places, at least she asked me TO pre-
tend because"--- she paused again
miserably aware that he was staring
at her in utter establishment, be
cause she got engaged to man who
only cared about her money, and she
wants 10 find some one who loves her
for herself" she finished up lamely,
feeling she was making the silliest
and most sentimental speech in the
world
Captain Alexander laughed, a
CHEEKY and genial laugh. is that
all?" he said, "and you can't marry
me, because Miss Anstey doesn't be.
lieve III men Eth. What?"
Don't be silly" said Dorothy,
flushing holly. mean I'm poor.
don't you understand, I am poor
Are you. darlinG?" as he took the
small resisting hands in firm, strong
clasp. Now you have made this
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-30

weekend visit. and the two girls had
dined early, and were walking slow
- up and down the darkening gar.
den.
Overhead the new young moon lit
the shadows family, and myriads of
stars added their own soft light. Here
and there bat flew silently by, and
now and again an owl gave its un-
cauny cry from out the wood. The
dewy air was family scented with
evening primroses, and here and
there the heavy perfume OF the to-
bacco plants added their own en-
chanting sweetness.
Dorothy suddenly broke the 81
lence:
You see, Muriel, knew it would
be failure; felt it. l had an in
stnct, anu now you have ruined two
lives without helping yourself, be-
cause 1--we learnt to care" she
added in very low voice.
"Oh, Doll, dear
It's quite true; it's no use mincing
matters. | had the greatest difficulty
in preventing him from speaking to-
day"
why shouldn't lie speall?'
'Iah, don't be silly; you know the
inevitable end. He is poor--a sol
dicr-for they never have any money,
and when | tell him / have nothing
mere nothing, $1,000 year and a
cottage. instead of $4,000 and un.
limited polo ponies and golf and
shooting. and all tho things men love,
TO offer him, what will he say? Ills
answer is obvious"
Il don't believe he will mind said
Muriel firmly. but in her heart she
knew he would mind.
Mind echoed Dorothy: "oi
course, he'll mind He'll either say
have grossly deceived him, or if he
has more tact he will say he loves
me lar too well to subject me to
poverty. In any case. my life is
ruined, for detest poverty, and now
you have taught me the pleasures of
wealth never mean TO be poor again.
| can't help it. know it's sordld and
horrid, but there il is"
oh, DOLL" said Muriel in horri-
fed tone, do YOU mean you're going
To marry for money!
NO, ! am going TO remain single
Until | love a rich man. If don't
shall keep single / shall be rich by
myself on my $1,000. compared to
what | should be married to him with
only that and his pay"
Il am sorry. dear, dear DOLL said
Muricl miserably.
Dorothy pressed her arm. 81 know,
dear, you didn't mean it. It's my
fault; saw it coming. ought to
lave stopped it. but couldn't"-she
stood "A moment and looked at the
starry depths above--''I can't help it,
Muriel love him, and II am
Wretchedly and utterly miserable
Hes coming today" said Dorothy
two days later. and wonder
whether | shall give him his congo or
he Will give me mine and she gave
q little bitter laugh.
ON Doll dear, he is such dear,
and he is so in love. know he won't
care about the money, at least feel
he won't Couldn't you accept him.
NO, answered Dorothy, Il can't
besides, he won't want me. VINO
wants girl who has been masque.
rading as an heiress? Now, if il were
only you, Muriel--he would be de
lighted 10 find YOU were rich instead OF
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-30

in 10 dinner" she said one day to her
companion, land the Roystons and
Mrs. Darlington and Major Allister
and Dr.. Burnett"
She was beginning to be amused
at her friends mystiiication at her
sudden accession of wealth, and she
entertained good deal in small
way, and no one ventured 10 ques'
ton her exactly as TO when she had
acquired London house, nor in
what relation she stood 10 Miss An
stcy. They seemed very good friends.
for Dorothy never treated Muriel as
paid companion is so often treated,
nor had Muriel in any way acquired
their sometimes sadly dependent and
conciliatory manner.
Il like Captain Alexander" said
Muriel, and he seems very eprls in
your direction"
"Ah. I'm an heiress." laughed
Dofothy gayly. You see, Muriel, |
am growing cynical like yourself"
Il don't think he is that sort OF a
man. said Muriel quietly; no man
could help falling in love with you,
Doll"
Il sincerely hope ne won't" said
Dorothy; II am not in love with him.
The dinner party Was a great sue
cess. Dorothy had seldom looked
lovelier, and Captain Alexander was
most obviously in love, and DR. Bur
nett seldom left Muric.'s side.
What charming gill Miss Anstey
is said Mrs. Darlington significantly
to Dorothy, glancing across al Murel
and the doctor, whose grave face was
fell OF absorbed interest IN what she
was saying.
Yes, isn't she dear, ana she is
90 clever"
Has she been with you long?"
We'll. it depends upon what you
call long answered Dorothy dc,
murely. we all reckon time differ,
emily; YOU see ! have known people
who turned an hour into eternity,
and have known an hour to pass in
two minutes. Come. along, Captain
Alexander she added as Captain
Alexander came up TO her am go
ing TO ask you riddle. When does
time become only ragtime? Mrs
Darlington wants TO know
AT all odd moments lie replied
quickly, as he TOOK the seat beside
her
Now YOU arc both raging me,
said Mrs. Darlington archly. Il shall
punish you by leaving YOU to talk 10
one another and she sauntered
away from her hostess side.
Il hear YOU are going down to tho
country on Friday, Miss Manstonc "
Yes said Dorothy.
May motor down for the day on
Sunday" he asked. and bring Bur.
nett with me?" he added with smile
in Muriel's direction.
You can both come for the week
end if you care TO-" said Dorothy.
II should love it,
We shall be siad 10 have some
one 10 punt us about; although we
can punt ourselves. we do not wan:
TO in This weather"
u don't mind the heat" he said
eagerly Its nothing after India, be
sides"--he paused eloquently.
Very we'll. them said Dorothy
hurriedly, you will come on Satur-
day in time for luncheon
1t was "A sultry evening in early
August. Captain Alexander and Or.
Burnett had left after their third
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-30
4 FAIR EXCHANGE.

lorothy rose suddenly. Go avn,
dear, and come back after luncheon.
Go home in your ear, and | will think
Il over and see If care 70 call it my
car instead"
Dorothy sat very still after Muriel
Anstey had LETT her. She did not like
the idea of leaving for two or three
OF the best Summer months the gar
den in which she had lived and
worked so happily with her father
until he died, and where she lived so
contentedly now. She felt she did
not want the spending of some one
else's money. She did not like the
responsibility; it would be worry.
and it might end in disaster. Sup
posing they did not get on-well, she
could leave and she felt she could
not refuse-besides, it would teach
Muricl- who was a really pretty girl,
even if lacking in some of the finer
degrees OF charm 1t would teach her
that, even poor, there would be men
who would love her. Dorothy sat
thinking deeply. torn first one way
and then the other. and overhead a
thrush sang Justify of love and praise.
and a wood dove cooed In amorous
contentment.
Dorothy's garden was small, and
yet large enough, because she was en-
tirely satisfied with It's size.
The lawn was not kept like Muriel's
stately velvet turf. Dorothy's lawn
was cut once week By the job gar
dener, and apple trees on which small
green apples were daily forming
stood buried in the beds of violas
above their roots. while a standard
rose tree stood in deep blue lobelia.
and up the sides Or plum Tree crept
a Maynard rambling rose. Next
month its deep pink blossoms would
hang in clusters among the little
plums. mis- was not scientific gar
dening, but continual happiness. Dor
othy never felt alone in her garden,
Tor ii she had passing moment OF
boredom or irritation, there was al
ways something to do that the job.
bling gardener had left undone.
What shall do?" she said to her.
self, as she listened 10 the hooking
note Of the cuckoo and stopped TO
trrn = clumsy beetle that had fallen
on its back.
The earth beneath and the woods
eyond.-sordid wealth, and ideal
loye--neither had come her way as
yet-and her only wealth had been
layished in love on her little garden.
1t was very difficult TO make de-
c.sion, and she started when she
heard Muriel's voice again.
"Wel?' she asked; her face was
flushed and her voice was almost
sharp with eagerness.
"All right, I'll do it-until Septem-
Der, anyway" said Dorothy, "but we
shall get into some horrible mess,
she added, still more than half in
doubt.
You will help me out OF one" said
Muriel. plcadingly.
Dorothy laughed so be it," she
said gayly, as she rose TO her feet.
and now let me go and have look
at my car"
The two girls were very happy to-
gether. Dorothy, having once made
up her mind 70 do thing. always did
it thoroughly, and entered into her
new position with zest, if not with
much enjoyment.
Il have asked Captain Alexander
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-30

wonderful confession, perhaps you
will kindly answer my question-wni
you marry me, darling Doll?"
She shook her head as she vainly
tried to loosen his clasp. NO.
can't"
lie grew suddenly grave. Dear,
don't YOU love me enough TO face
comparative poverty with me-
She tore her hands away. Don't,
please don't, II can't. No, it's no
use She added passionately 81
know am wretch, because IL DO
like YOU very, very much" she made
this confession very shyly, but
cannot be poor. I've learned the
value Of money, and | want til
Know it's hateful and sordid and de.
testable OF me, but can't be poor
J don't want TO be. II want to en-.
JOY lifc-and OH how hateful you
must think il OF me-
lie smiled AT any rate, you're
very honest"
It's so awfully difficult to G: in"
said Dorothy wretchedly, and she
tried TO pull her hands away, but,
YOU see, I've tasted riches, I've seen
the possibilities Of life now. After
all, VIC have only one life" and she
locked plcadingy up at him--"I want
TO enjoy It,"
Quite right" he agreed, with
twnkling eyes.
Don't la-gh at me- she said hur.
riedly; Il know it sounds hateful
oh, know how hateful it must
sound But want TO travel-I want
to see lifc-and. above all, want to
have real garden She paused, feel,
ing how utterly inadequate her halt.
ing words were, and how utterly i'm.
possible it was 20 make him under.
stand.
81 know" he said gently. you want
both love and"---
Don't say it, She cried petulantly;
1T only makes me sound more sortlid.
II want everything all that makes
liie's real fullness-not mere little
humdrum life that is limited at every
turn, as mine has been, Tor want of
money. do like you, but don't like
any one enough TO be poor. Oh. |
know I'm horribly sordid and horri.
bly, selfish, but it's no use pretending
10 be what I'm not"
Don't you love me, even little,
DOLE" he asked gently; ''in spite OF
my poverty don't you love me Just
little? Listen TO me, you mercenary
}ittlc thing, ] suppose | ought to be
thoroughly shocked. but ! love you,
darling" he drew her to him-"and
YOU shall have your garden, and all
you want, and be thoroughly spoiled
although I'm not sure you deserve 1t,
DOLL"
She stared up at him in uncompre
hending silence.
You see. child, you've taken me
entirely on trust, or rather mistrust,
and assumed that, being soldier. /
must necessarily be poor, but we're
not all poor you lnow"--he paused
and, bending, watched the mobile,
flushing face. 81 am rich, Doll. ricE
enough to give you all you want, and
more than YOU want. You'll either
have to find a better excuse or con-
descend To marry me-" and raising
her face to his with his hand he
looked down at ii tenderly with
laughing eyes that held d world OF
understanding.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-30
esNoLL. I've come to ask you
/ , favor" Dorothy ManSt0ne

} favor" Dorothy Manstone
put down her book and
looted snilinsly at her friend.
If it is anything can do she
said, Il viii TO it with pleasure"
Yes. know" said Muriel Anstey.
hastily, and it's only little thing,
Doll, ana yet it's very big thing.
too" she laughed. Ill depends how
you take it, she paused, and added
slowly: "Doll--I-I want you to
change places with me Tor few
months"
TO change places with you"
echoed Dorothy in utter amazement.
My dear girl, what u bombshcll
thrower you are! In whatever way
do YOU mean?"
u am looking out for a companion.
to go about with" said Murel An.
stcy, leaning forward and speaking
eagerly, and want you TO take me
as companion instead Of my taking
one, Doll. We can keep our own
names; very few people know about
uncles money-rve been abroad too
long" She laughed suddenly: I'll
take a good salary. and'-she raised
her face with a little earnest, pa
thctic expression, and added slowly:
doll. want TO see ii ! can't be
loved for myself and get my self.re-
spect back. have had some
pretty experiences TO shake 1t to its
foundations since came into my
money"
and II shall be loved for your
money, suppose" said Dorothy
Mansion dryly.
You" said M1:riel, you're too
lovely not 10 be loved for yourself"
My looks aren't myself"
Your looks are the outward ex.
preston OF Yourself, just as mine are
of me; and well, suppose lack
something
You appear 10 have rather too
much, smiled Dorothy Manstone.
Yes, too much money and TOO little
charm. Look here, Doll, will YOU 10
this Tor me just for a few months
during the season? DO, please. dear;
4 is only OF you could ask such a
1Aing.
\ puzzled and serious look came
into Dorothy's gray eyes.
- don't like H. Muriel. hate re-
fusins you, because | see you want a
lesson in YOUR own value: YOU have
'nct one or TWO adventures and for
tune hunters. and YOU have foolishly
concluded there are no nice, honest
men about. / feel Inclined TO do it
and teach YOU q lesson, and TO show
YOU how really loyable you are, and
Yet. don't like giving up all this-I
mean ny garden It's a poor little
cabbage patch compared 10 one Of
your gardens, but love it dear
Iy"
You will have my gardens said
Muriel quietly.
Il know bat they won't be mine"
said Dorothy, and do so love my
garden; its the joy and ambition OF
my life | have no gardener, only a
Job man; no one 10 bully me, and |
know every inch OF it, and it's so
small that it's an event when an
especial rose blooms and tragedy
when "A delphinium is eaten by the
snaiIs. and, above all, AIN con
;Cntcd"--
II know, I'm horrible selfish, but
wish YOU would. Doll, just for two
or three months