davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-17
Irving to Find Consolation

Lady Foresters condition was not diff
ferent from that of hundreds of other
wives whose husbands were fighting on
the continent But she was little sillier
than the others-that was all.
\ feeble mind is an irritable one and
so the suspense which some bear with
constitutional indifference or philo-
sophie resignation. and some with a dis
position to believe and hopue for the
best. was intolerable to Lady Forester.
at once solitary and sensitive low-spirited
and devoid of strength of mind. whether
natural or acquired.
A fine time my Lady Boutwell, had with
her.
At length she began to find some con-
ISOLATION in the thought of those care
less habits of her lords which had So
often given her pain.
"IIe is so. careless" she would say,
about a hunded times a day to Lady
Boutwell,. "He never writes when
things are going on smoothly-it is his
way. Had anything happened he would
have informed u.s."
Lady Boutwell, listened to her sister
without trying to console her. She was
secretly of the opinion that the worst
intelligence which could be received from
Flanders might not be without some touch
Of consolation and that Jennie, as the
dowager Lady Forester, might be quite
as happy as she had been as the wife of
the gayest and finest gentleman in Scot
land
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-17
Gold Refused

Lady Forester sighed and Lady Both
well said: "The question is, have you
the power to relieve my sisters anxiety?"
II have. VIII Lady Forester know
what her husband is doing at the pres
ent time?" Has she the couraSe?"
Yes, sir; with mine own eyes l would
see,'' cried Lady Forester. ''if goll can
compensate the tasz"-and she took out
her purse.
II can receive no money! dare not
touch such things for gain," replied the
necromancer. "I have already received
my usual fee from your servant"
Lady Boutwell, who believed this only
a ruse to get a bigger fee. began to
offer more, saying that with the gold
the doctor could enlarge the sphere of
his charity.
Let Lady Boutwell, enlarge the sphere
of her own charity" returned the doc
tor, mot merely in giving aims. but in
judging of the character of others, and
believing Baptista Damiotta to be honest
Until he is proved a knave."
After conjuring them to be silent while
what he was about to show them was
taking place, the doctor left them alone
for a. few minutes.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-17
The Interrupted Wedding

inst as the clergyman had arranged
the couple before him and was about
to begin the service another group of
persons. among whom were two on three
officers, entered the church.
At first they moved forward as If they
had merely come to view the ceremony.
But suddenly one of the officers, whose
back was toward the observers, advanced
threateningly toward him.
The intruder drew sword, the bride
groom unsheathed his; swords were
drawn on both sides and there was a
confused brandshing of weapons.
In the intruder they recognized their
brother, Major Falconer Then the pic
ture melted together and dissolved.
The doctor half carried, half led the
ladies from the, apartment and revived
them with wine and essences.
Lady Forester could not speak: she
could only wiring her hands and cast
her eyes up to heaven. A carriage was
necessary to convey her to her home
and even Lady Boutwell, was much
shaken,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-17
At the End of His Resources

These fair critics did not stop to con-
slider that to a display of hospitality
and luxury there must be foundation
stone of pecuniary resources.
And as the knights means were linn
tied he preferred to spend what he
could get hold of abroad rather than
carry it home.
At length Sir Philips pecuniary af-
fairs became so badly involved that he
determined to make a campaign abroad
as volunteer.
1t was the proper thing In those days
for man of fashion to do so There
were always wars going on somewhere
on the continent in which a gentle
man could see little service and 4rom
which he could come back with the
glamor of military person attaching
to him.
Mighty little actual fighting many of
them saw, it is to be feared; but a cam
paign or two gave just that little flip
to the reputation of a beau of the day
that little dash of tabasco, as it were
which made their foppishness in other
respects relish better
Besides, it was a question of the
bailiffs or the army with Sir Philip,
and he wisely preferred the army
Lady Bothwell. when she heard that
Sir Philip was about to make cam
raign, appeared AT the Forester house
in state She did not waste any time
talking with her sister. but made her
proposition to Sir Philip at once.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-17
Why He Was Gloomy

The Kings definite announcement that
his third son. Prince Henry, is to 20 to
Eton this autumn recalls a story that is
told of the schooldays of visconnt crich-
ton, the eldest son of the Earl of Erne.
says Pearson's Weekly.
As hoy. Lord Crichton was one Of the
youngsters who We're good deal about
the court. Queen Victoria had a great
liking tor him, and while he was at Eton
she often honored him with an invitation
to spend half holidays at Windsor Castle
II she happened to be staying there. After
one or two such invitations, which were
OF course, In the nature of royal conn
mands' that must be obeyed, the Queen
noticed THAI young Crichton seemed fgr
y ON happy when he came to see her IEa
was gloomy and pfeoccupied, and, sus-
peetlng that he had got into some scr-apa
at school, and being willing to help him
out of 1t, the Queen. tried to coax him
to tell her what the trouble was.
for some time the boy managed to
AVOID ihe questions, assuring her there
was nothing wrong, and at last the Queen
gave up the riddle In despair
On subsequent visits his unhappness be
came still more apparent, however. and
II was the Duke of Connaught, of whom
the boy was very fond, who finally sue
eeeded In discovering the cause of his
gloom After a few tactful questions
from the duke the explanation came with
a rush.
Young crichton explained that his
schoolfelows at Elton were not really
Jealous of the honor paid him by tha
Queen, but they were afraid that to use
their own phrase. he might get too
cccky-' So, In order to avoid this if pos
sible, they gave him jolly good thrash
ing when he returned to school after each
Visit, and 1t was the anticipation of these
inevitable thrashinss that cast gloom
over his visits to the CASTLE
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-17
Grasning at a Straw

Lady Boutwell, tried to demonstrate with
here, but to no avail See the doctor she
would
Il do not care how much you ridicule
me-" cried Lady Forester, IF there be
one chance out of 100 that | may obtain
some certainty of my husbands fate,
would not miss that chance for whatever
else the world could offer me-"
Lady Boutwell, talked to her sister un-
til she grew tired Then she said: well,
Jennie if you are determined upon this
wild and foolish step. you shall not so
to the necromancer alone
I. IF this man be an imposter, YOU will
be too much agitated by your feeling to
defect his villancy. If, which | cannot
believe, there is any truthsin what he pre-
tends, you shall not be exposed alone TO
communication of so extraordinary a
nature"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-17
A Brothers. Safety. Too

We'll, well, Sir Phillip" replied Lady
Boutwell, with some asperity you know
your own affairs best. You are not my
husband"
God Forbid said Sir Phillip hastily
instantly adding, however, "that | should
deprive my friend, Sir Geoffrey of such
an inestimable treasure"
But you are my sisters husband re-.
Piled the lady, ''and l suppose you are
aware of her present state of mind? p
If hearing of nothing else from morn
ing to night can make me aware of it
should know something of the matter y
Sir Phillip, l do not pretend to your
wit. answered Lady Boutwell, but you
must be sensible that all this distress is
on account of apprehensions for your per-
sonal safety"
In that case | am surprised that Lady
Boutwell, should give herself so much
trouble upon so insignificant a subject .
My sisters interests replied Lady
Boutwell,, may account for my being
anxious to'learn something of Sir Phillip
Forester's motions-about which, other
wise. | know he would not wish me to
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-17
Characters Read from Thumsb

just as the chin gives, qualities 10 the
face, so the thumb marks the personality
Of the hand and is an unerring index to
mans natural strength or weakness of
character.
The man with a long, straight thumb,
square at the tip. possesses good mental
capacity, and can always be relied upon
to carry out successfully any work with
which he may be entrusted. His temper
ament is even and judicial; he Is a born
governor of men. overcomes difficulties,
carries himself with dignity, and by his
ability to concentrate all his faculties
upon the matter in hand, combined with
his tenacity of purpose, rapidly becomes
a power among his fellows, says Tit-Bits.
IL the thumbs be long, thick and heavy
at the tip, with the joints prominent a
tyrannical and cruel nature is indicated,
everything being viewed from an intense
ly selfish standpoint
A short, straight thumb shows obstin-
acy and driving power If very thick and
heavy at the tip, a british, unrea sonina
disposition will be noticed
A snort thumb, tapering at the tip, de-
notes an inconstant, changeable nature,
particularly In matters of the affections.
A man with a tapering thumb cannot
concentrate, and has consequently little
continuity in addition to being unpunc-
tual and unable to work except in spurts.
oucn man takes up many things bur
finishes nothing properly, and often makes
others suffer from his indecision.
II the thumb lie close to the hand. a
cautious, timid, mean nature is indicated.
~ the thumb curve outwards at the tin.
aoaptah4ity to people and circumstances
Is shown, accompanied by natural polite-
hess and tendency to make cofnpli-
ments. The owner is broad-minded. a
good conversationalist, impulsive. gener-
Gus and easygoing.
II the curve be very marked and the
whole thumb stands away from the hand.
eNtravagance and want OF principle in
money matters will be found accompa-
mel by boasting. desire to show off,
and vain pride in any abilities or accom-
plishments which may be possessed. The
nature Is also highly impulsive, cratic
and careless. S. 81 sa
II the first joint-that which forms pa ~
OF the hand-be fun and heshy. a warm
and affectionate. nature is denoted. hut If
very fuii, sensualty lowers the character,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-17
The Creditors Take Action

From inquiries made at headquarters
they learned tina Sir Philip Forester was
no longer with the army, though whether
he had been slain in one of those skirm-
ishes which We're continually occurring,
or taken prisoner, or whether he had, for
some unknown reason or caprice, changed
his mind and voluntarily left the service,
none of his countrymen in the camp of
the allies could form a conjecture.
Meantime his creditors at home became
clamorous and seized upon his property.
If the gay knight ventured again into
Scotland they said they would seize him
also.
These things only aggravated Lady
rorester's grief. She forgot everything
but how gallant, gay and affectionate
Sir Philip had been before his marriage.
Poor fool
But Lady Boutwell, suffered an increase
of anger against her recreant brothsr-in-
law which she Just longed to launch
upon Sir Philips pretty head.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-17
The Paduan Doctor

DR.. Baptista Da,niotta, commonly called
the Paduan doctor, appeared in Edinburg
about this time and set the town by the
ears.
He was magician of the very first
water and the ministers made sermons
against hinl-whioh increased his popu-
larity.
He appeared TO have powerful friends
whose Influence kept MN from being
prosecuted for witchcraft and he went
on practicing medicine and foreteliing the
future with inpunity-even in Edinburg,
WI ere witches and warocks have ever
been held in the greatest abhorrence.
II was even said that Paduan doc
tor could tell the fate of the absent and
even show his visitors the forms Of their
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-17
Blaming the Wrong One

ITO be sure, no one can justify Sir
Philip Forester" my Lady Betty would
say with a wave of her fan; but
Jennie Falconer ought to have known
what she was to expect from the be-
ginning
What made her set her cap at him ?
He would never have noticed the in
sipid little thing If he had not fairly
thrown herself at his mead.
Money? Pooh; Sir Philip Forester,
to my certain knowledge, could have
done better-much better. But Jennie
would have the man and now that she
has got him, why don't she manage
him?
why don't she make his home more
comfortable and have his friends Of
tener and not plague him with the
squalling children? She ought to take
care that all was handsome and in
good style about the house. / declare,
| think Sir Philip would make very
domestic man If he had the proper
sort of wife,"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-17
scanty News From the Front

Among those who were most agonized
because of this state of uncertainty was
the wife of Sir Philip Forester. A single
letter had informed her of his arrival
on the continent-no others were re-
eeived
In the newspapers appeared one notice
in which Volunteer Sir Philip Forester
was mentioned having been intrusted
with a dangerous reconnaissance which he
had executed with great courage, -dex-
tority and intelligence and received the
thanks of the commanding officer.
The thought sof his having achieved
distinction brought momentary glow to
his wifes pale cheeks, which was I'M
mediately succeeded by an ashen white
ness at the thought of his having been in
danger.
After this there was no news what
ever, neither from Sir Philip nor from
their brother Major Falconer.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-17
Sir Philip Humble for Once

She stood erect as she spoke, towering
to her full height and fixing her pierre
ing eyes upon Sir Philip, as If she would
penetrate his very soul.
Her voice and air were masculine and
commanding. 1t seemed as If she should
haves worm a sword and clapped her
hand upon its hilt at the conclusion OF
her speech.
Dc not fear that / will deceive you,''
said Sir Philip humbly; "the safest con-
veyance will be throegh the general
postoffice. Helvoetsluys. where / will take
care to leave orders forwarding my
letters.
'As for Falconer our only encounter
Will be over a bottle. of Burgundy. 20
make yourself perfectly easy on that
score"
Lady Boutwell, could not make herself
easy. but she accepted what she must.
while as for Lady Forester she was in
a continual state of taking on. as the
servants said, and with her reproaches
and lamentations kept the house in a
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-17
Through Obscure Streets

TO the last minute Lady Boutwell, had
watched her sister in the hopes of OBJ
serving some signs of weakening. But
as mildness, and even timiditv, is capa-
Bile at times of vehement and fixed pur-
poses, she found Lady Forester resolutely
unmoved and determined when the mo-
ment of departure arrived
Through more than one obscure street
and lane the ladies wended their way, the
servant walking before them and acting
as a guide.
At length he suddenly turned into a
narrow court and knocked at an arched
door which seemed to belong to build
ing of antiquity.
1t opened, thought no one appeared To
act as porter, and the servant stepping
aside from the entrance, motioned sne
ladies to enter. They had no sooner done
so than the door banked to excluding
their guide.
They found themselves in small
vestibule lit by a feeble lamp. At the
further side of this vestibule was a
door partially open.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-17
Helping Him to Play Better

Charles Brookfield, the co-censor ef
plays, who has been very i'll lately. ha s
the reputation OF being one of the wittieat
men in London, says Pearsons Weekly
He once ran theatrical season at the
Haymarket theatre. 1t was not very sue
cessful; in fact, the theatre was nearly
empty every evening. and fhe box office
returns were heart breaking.
One night the manager asked Mr..
Brookfeld as he was going on the stage:
What time shall | bring you the box
office receiptsg'
Just before I go on In my pathetic
scene, pease.'' said Mr. Brookfield
One of Mr. Brookfields most amusing
stories Is about the young Guardsman.
Charles Butler, who was told by a lady
he adored that he was not to come and
see her again unless he brought with him
basket of Strawberries. As this hap
pened In the month of March, young Bull
Ter was plunged in the depths of despair.
but with the help of a famous fruiterer.
he was able in about week to set out
for the hard-hearted lady laden with a
little basket containing abouS a dozen
rather pale looking Strawberries, which
had cost him about sovereign each
He was shown into her boudoir to wait.
How surprised she'll be!'' reflected
Captain Butler, as he stripped the pred
ious basket of its coverings. 'They don t
look particularly inviting, but they are
strawberries. There's no getting away
from that. She must be pleased at the
trouble I've taken to get them, as she wa
SO bent on them whether they're fit to eat
or not. I don't suppose they've really anv|
flavor at all / think I'll just taste one
and see.'' He did. Practically without
taste at all But that was a very white
ore.'' He tried another. "That one wa :,
better! They're rather sweet and refresh
ing, but they've no distinctive favor.,'
AS the lovely lady sailed into the room
the absent-minded officer was in the ac..
of the last strawberry!
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-17
Too Much Honor

And I hope" said Lady Boutwell,,
calmly, that you will remember that
you are a husband and a father, and
that. though you think fit to indulge your
military fancy, you will not let it hurry
you into dangers which it is certainly
unnecessary for any one except profess
SIGNAL persons to encounter"
Lady Boutwell, does me too much
honor" replied Sir Philip, fancying that
there might be a covert sneer in her
Ladyships remarks.
Your ladyship does me too much
honor in regarding such a circumstance
with the slightest interest. But to
soothe your flattering anxiety trust
your ladyship will recollect that / can
not expose to hazard the venerable and
paternal character which you obligingly
recommend to my protection without put
ting in some peril at the same time an
honest fellow called Philip Forester, with
whom | have kept company for some sc
years. and with whom, though some folks
consider him a coxcomb have not the
least desire to part
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-17
Proved by Later News

"Give your sister this potionr said
the necromancer, pressing a vial into
Lady Bothwell's hand as the ladies left
the house
Il will give her nothing that comes
from you,' replied Lady Boutwell,; II
have seen enough of your arts. We are
persons who want neither the means to
make our wrongs known nor friends to
right them"
Which was a trihe unreasonable in
Lady Boutwell,.
A few days later news was brought
from Holland that Sir Philip Forester
and Major Faconer had fought duel
in which the latter had been killed.
Forester had left the army because
of debt and under an assumed name,
won the heart of wealthy burgomas-
ters daughter.
The marriage was about to be cele-
brated when Mai Falconer, who had
been sent to Rotterdam on special duty
happened in the church. saw Sir Philip,
and proclaimed his yilliany. The rest
ensued
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-17
Machinery of Magic

Then the sound of music was heard
and the doctor appeared at door at
the upper end of the apartment.
He was standing at the head of two
or three steps. His face was deadly
pale and there was a certain stern rigid
ity of the facial muscles.
He was bare footed excepting for a
species of sandal; his legs were bare
below the knees; above them he wore
hose and a doublet of crimson silk close
TO his body
over that was a flowing robe of snow
white linen. His throat and neck were
uncovered, and his long black hair was
combed carefully down to its full length.
The women approached at his biding;
the music ceased. Placing himself be-
tween them and taking each by the
hand he led them into a room, at the
further end of which was erected sort
of altar, behind which was large mirror
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-17
Seeking Information

1t was this that she should take Lady
Forester and the children into her own
house and give them a home there while
Si Philip was abroad
This just Jumped with Sir Philips de-
sires. It would save all expense and,
at the same time, silence the foolish
people who might be inclined to speak
of deserted wife and family.
Also it would crafty Lady Boutwell,,
for whom lie had a prodigious respect
ana of whom he was a trifle afraid.
A day or two before Sir Philips de-
parture Lady Boutwell, said suddenly to
him; Pray Sin Philip, what route do
you intend to take when you reach the
centnent?"
II so from Leith to Helvoet," he re-
piled
! comprehend that perfectly" said Lady
Boutwell, dIyly. but you do not intend
to remain long at Helvoet | presume,
end should like to know what is your
next objective polnt?'
You ask me, my dear lady" returned
Sir Philip in most courtly manner. "a
question which I have not dared to ask
myself. The answer depends upon the
state of war
Il shall, of course, go to headquarters
wherever they may happen to be for the
time, deliver my letters of introduction
learn as much of the noble art of war
as may suffice a poor interloping anna
teur and then take glance at stricken
fields and that sort of thing"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-17
Seen in the Mirror

He pointed with his finger at two large
fiambeaux at either side of the altar
and they took fire Immediately, diffus-
ing strong light through the apart
ment
Upon the mirror began to appear shift
ing clouds of light and darkness which,
after many oscillations, assumed the
picture of the interior of a foreign. church
that of Protestant church upon the
Continent.
A clergyman, dressed in a Geneva
gown. stood by the Communion table,
his clerk awaiting in the background.
Then there entered in the middle aisle a
numerous bridal party.
A lady and gentleman walked first.
hand In hand. The bride did not seem
to be more than 16.. The bridegroom
turned his face suddenly and they saw
Sir Philip Forester
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-17
At the Ball in Edinburq

ut is hard to be obliged to MAIN one IS
story said aunt Margaret, but the
truth Is that the events of which
have spoken took place some time be-
fore the showing Of the picture in the
mirror-tme enough had elapsed for the
doctor to have had the news and to
arrange his necromancy accordingly
few days after he gave his exhibi-
tion there came letters down from Lon
don to arrest him as a spy of the Cheva-
lier st. George-but he had had warm
ing and escaped!
According to aunt Margaret, this was
the lasts heard of him. Lady Forester
died soon after her reception of the
news of her husbands villiany
Years passed. Then one night at a
great .ball in Edinburg. of which Lady
Boutwell, was one of the patronesses, a
footman brought ner a note on which
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-17
A Suffering Wife

Sir Philip treated her with callous
yet polite Indifference which, to one
whose heart was tender as her judg-
ment was weak. WAS more painful,
perhaps. than i'll usage
Sir Philip was voluptuary-that is.
a completely selfish egotist, whose dis
position a9d character resembled the
rapier he wore-polished, keen and
brilliant. but inflexible and Implying.
AS he observed all the usual forms
toward his lady, he had the art to
deprive her even of the pity of the
world; and, useless and unavailing by
the sufferer, it is most painful to a
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-17
MARGARETS MIRROR

mind like Lady Forester's to know that
she has it not.
The tattling of society did its best to
place the pecant husband above the
suffering wife. They called her poor
and spiritless-and declared that she.
with little Of her sisters spirit, might
have made Sir Philip a model husband
So she not only suffered from her
husbands sins, but was held by society
to be the cause them