davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-02-23
IInnn the Social Sea

How dull was the ball in which he did
not aboundl How dim the banquet at
which he did not glitterl At public break .
fasts he was more indispensable than
pineapples; at private concerts more no.
ticeabe than the absent prima donna.
How fair was the dame upon whom
he smiled; how dark the tradesman upon
whom he frownedl
Think only of prime ministers and
princes-to say nothing of prncesses.
Think only of managers of operas and
French actors and French actresses. Think
of jewellers, milliners, tailors, artists,
horse dealers, who hurried for his sane
tion, the clubs-Wilis, Whites, Crock
ford's and Brooks. Add the race course.
And IL to hunt without an appetite and
bet without an object will not sicken you
why, then build a yacht.
Such was the social sea upon the waves
of which our hero rode triumphant with
dangerous dowagers, desperate mothers.
widows wild as early partridges and bud
ding virgins mild as a summer cloud
and soft as an opera hat-attendant upon
him.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-02-23
Deposed for Another Set

While this was going on there came a
great sensation in London society. The
faithful Lechen,' who had acted as a
spy for Sir Lucius about the person of
his wife, had on her own hook, stolen
some letters from a cabinet in the bar
onet's room, which letters showed the re-
lations existing between Sir Lucius and
Mrs Darlington We're.
AZ Sir Lucius could not brbe high
enough, she made them public. Also It
was found out that Mrs. Darlington We're
had spent nearly all of the property left
her by her husband
She fled to the continent, and many OF
the shady transactions of Sir Lueius be-
coming known at the same time, he fled
also.
The gay circle of the young duke had
vanished in shame and confuslon-and an
other gilded set regned in its stead; per-
haps no better but not yet found out,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-02-23
Lnnking Into Affairs

George now returned to the great world
and threw himself into its pleasures for
which he had no longer zest. lie began
to know the meaning of the word safety.
He took up gambling and he gambled
ana lost heavily. He lost such great
sums that he sent for his man of bus
mess to raise money to meet his gambling
debts.
He received a notice from his bankers
that his account was overdrawn. He be-
gan to look into his affairs and found
that they were in confusion.
lie sent for Sir Carte Blanche and
asked him how much 1t would cost 10
complete the works he had begun. The
sum total staggered him. The times were
hard and the rents of his estates were
paying practically nothing.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-02-23
His Coming of Age

wv HEN George Augustus Frederick
M Duke of st. James, completed
w his twenty-irst year. the event
created almost as great a sensation
among the British nobility as the Norman
Conquest
His father had died when George was
one year old, and his long minority had
converted a family, always among the
wealthiest of England, into one OF the
wealthiest in Europe
The young duke came into possession OF
n property which his guardian, MT
Dacre of Castle Dacre, had careluiiS
nlIrsed into its present great proportions,
There we're estates in the north aho
west of England and whole province ID
ireland. In London there was a very
handsome square and several streets o.
hricp which brought in more revenue IL
year than all the palaces of Vicenza are
worth in fee simple.
He had castles and palaces srea'
town house. lodges" and halls Anu,
better than all, there was tidy sum %
half million pounds-s2, 5oo,oOO-in tae
Funds" which means that 1t was aN""'
able as cash in case of necessity.
The young mans rent roll exhipiteu d"
annual income from that source oil H-0V'
oOo-si 100000 Also George Augustus nav
coal mines and a canal.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-02-23
And Accomplished Nothing

Arundel Daere was elected to parla-
ment while George was staying at Cas-
tie Dacre. When he saw the deep inter-
esc which Mr.. Dacre took in his nephew $
success, when he saw the Joy with
which May greeted Arundels firm and
only successful speech in parliament, he
was smitten with pang of jealousy.
And this feeling was not diminished
by the fact that Arundel had come into
parliament from a CLOSE borough" be-
longing to the Duke, which he had mag
unanimously placed at his disposal.
He saw that they regarded Arundel as
a man of affairs-as a valuable member
of the COMMUNICATIVE they regarded
him as-well, from his past career, what
was he to expect?
With all his great opportunities he had
mplshed-Nothing! He had made
wreck of his life and his fortune.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-02-23
Beneath the Surface

What she was beneath the surface may
be judged from a confidential talk be-
tween her and Sir Lucius in which they
indulged, strollng apart from the other
guests at the race meeting.
IF l fail in this said the Baronet,
Il shall be desperate. Fortune seems
to have sent this young Duke for this
very purpose.
After thousand plots on my part
after having for the last two years
never ceased my 'exertions to make Afy
commit herself; when neither love of
pleasure nor love of revenge, nor the
thoughtlessness to which women in her
situation generally have recourse pro-
duced the slightest effect, this STRIPPING
starts upon the stage, and the iceberg
melts."
In short, he revealed a hideous plot
to throw his wife into the arms of the
young duke and engaged Mrs. Darling
ton We're, an old confederate in many
nefarious and hidden plot, to second
his efforts.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-02-23
introduced

George Augustus was introduced into
society. For though one may be a duke.
a young duke and an immensely wealthy
duke, one has to be introduced into So
ciety. The Fitz-pompeys gave the din
ner
Lady Fitz managed the gathering of
the guests-all Brahmins of the highest
cast.
1t was January and society" was not
in town. But some choice spirits were
in office and therefore were in town.
others she caught passing through, and
no one caught flying fish with more dex-
terity than the countess. The notice was
short, the whole was unstudied.
1t was a felicitous impromptu, and %
guests were assembled who were the Co
rinthian capitals of the temple of fashion.
George Augustus was launched" His
life was an ocean of enjoyment and each
wave threw up its pearl.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-02-23
More and More in Love

Her part was to go to Castle Dacre
where the duke was about to pay Wis
it, and see that he did not forget Lady
Afy in the society of May Dacre. She
was to prejudice May against George
as much as possible.
He revealed that he had a spy about
his wife in the person of her maid, 1.-The
faithful Lachen.' who kept him in
formed of everything.
But Mrs. Darlington We're might just
as well have stayed away from Castle
Daore-affairs moved in their own course
without her help and in the direction de-
sired by herself and her fellow con-
spirator.
Every day George stayed at the cas-
tie he became more and more in love
with May Dacre. Finally. one morning
he found May alone-she was in the
music room writing a letter.
He seized the opportunity and poured
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-02-23
Good Counsel Needed

But he must have a counselor. He sat
down and wrote long and humble let
ter to Mr.. Dacre.
Mr.. Dacre replied. asking him to come
down to Castle Dacre that they might
investigate the Dukes affairs.
May was all kindness to him when, in
response to the invitation, he arrived in
Norfolk,
Mr.. Dacre set TO work TO straighten
out the Dukes financial matters, and
found that, with economy, and by the
letting of the halls, castles and so forth
which were now only an expense. the
property might. in few years. be placed
back in a satisfactory condition.
The Duke, In the meantime, announced
that he would live abroad quietly and
economically and let Mr.. Dacre manage
things for him
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-02-23
Nothing to Gain

She had many sutors, but all failed.
The truth is that Mrs. Darlington We're
had nothing to gain by re-entering par
adise-which is the matrimonial state, of
course.
She had gained fashion and fortune
and rank. She was young and she was
pretty.
sho thought it might be possible for
a discreet young lady to lead a very
pleasant life without being assisted in
her expenses or disturbed in her diver
sions by a gentleman who called himself
her husband, who occasionally presented
her with a necklace purchased with her
own money.
Discreet Mrs. Darlington We're.
Mrs. Darlington We're was distant
relation of the Dacre family and much
cultivated these most proper people. In
every way she tried to acquire the con-
fidence of May Dacre. This was the out
ward Mrs. Darlington We're.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-02-23
BEGINNING 10 Tire

When he had somewhat recovered
himself he flew to the Graftons place,
Cleve Park, near Newmarket, where
the races were now on. He was thrown
continually with Lady Aphrodite.
One day she confessed her love for
him. and he in turn vowed that he
loved her to desperation. He suggested
flight to the continent, but Lady Aphro-
dite held back.
However, she allowed herself gradu-
ally TO dwell upon the thought that it
was possible for her to end her bondage.
She was not yet lost, but had allowed
that to enter her mind which prepared
the way for her downfall.
The London season began. The duke
plunged into the gayeties with more
abandon than ever. He began to get
tired of Lady Aphrodite, and her tears
and reproaches But what he called his
honor kept him from neglecting her.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-02-23
Thinking of Love

AT Malthorpe George was thrown, of
course, constantly in the company of his
cousin Caroline. Unaware of the schemes
of her father Lady Caroline did better
than she knew in furthering those
schemes.
She treated George like a brother-a
well beloved brother-and her affection
was such that it could not fail but have
its influence upon its object. The Duke
regarded Caroline as sister, and then
began to wonder il he was in love with
her.
He began to think he was. Was sshe
in love with him? He was pretty we'll
assured of that. His youthful egotism
assured him.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-02-23

May answered him with spirit telling
him what she thought of him and his
moral character and reproacfing him
with the base ingratitude and neglect
he had shown her father.
She declined his love and his offer
of marriage in words which made his
cheeks tingle. George Augustus mount
ed his horse and fled without stopping
to say goodby to his host, leaving his
servants to bring his luggage after
him.
= Not only was he wounded in his ten
derest and truest feelings, but his self
love had been knocked about his ears.
In once swift glance May Dacre had
shown him the sort of man he really
was and what respectable people
thought of him.
In this state of mind it seemed only
a trifle to him that his horse, which he
had so heavily backed at the Doncaster
races, lost.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-02-23
In Difficulty
IRON an Exchange.

FROM an Exchange.
A Judge once had a case in which the
accused man understood only Irish. An
interpreter was accordingly sworn. The
prisoner said something to the interpre-
ter.
what does he say?" demanded his
lordship.
Nothing, my lord" was the reply.
"How dare you say that when we all
heard him? Come on, sir, what was it,'
"AIy lord said the interpreter, Begin
ming to tremble. sit had nothing to do
with the case"
f1f you don't answer I'll commit you.
siri' roared the judge. Now. what did
he say?"
well. my lord, you'll excuse me. but
he said Who's that old woman with the
red bed curtain around her sitting up
there?''
At which the court roared.
"And what did you say?" asked the
judge, looking little uncomfortable.
II said: Whist ye spalpeen. That's the
ould boy that's going TO hang you.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-02-23
A Rival Appears

This young man was the son of Mr.
Dacre's deceased brother. and to him
in time would come the estate of Castle
Dacre.
1t was understood that Arundle and
May were sometime to he married
though it was merely an understanding
and neither of the parties most inter-
ested seemed particularly anxious TO
bring the matter to a definite conclus-
ion. However, George was furiously
jealous of Arundle Dacre.
Now Sir Lucus Grafton had two main
objects i'm view-to get rid of his wife
and to win tue affection of May Dacre
As to his relations with Mrs. Darling
ton Vere-she was simply an old fellow
sinner and conspirator of his under the
rose.
He had been assduous in his court Of
May and she so far had been led to
consider that perhaps he was after all
a most maligned man, she admitted him
to certain intimacy of acquaintance
Sir Lucius, of course, was at the Twick-
enham fete.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-02-23

At II she had married Mr.. Darlington
We're, Catholic gentleman of Yorkshire
OF a considerable fortune and whose age
resembled his wealth.
Nc sooner had this incident taken place
than she hurried to London and soon
evinced a laudable determination to con-
sole herself for her husbands political
disabilities.
Mrs. Darlington We're went to court
Mrs. Darlington We're gave concerts which
in number and brilliancy were only
equaled by her balls. The dandies pat
ronized her and selected her for their
muse The Duke of Shropshire betted on
her at ecarte.
And to crown the whole she made Mr..
Darlington We're lay claim to a dormant
peerage. The women were all pique; the
men all patronage
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-02-23
A Message from Arundel

Il always told you there was something
in that young man." was the most fire.
quent remark they made to each other
though, as matter of fact, not one ol
them had said or suspected any such
thing.
In the lobby Arundel Dacre came up 70
George and warmly shook him by the
hand
You are about to return to Castle
Dacre" said he: II wish you would take
down for me a letter for Mr.. Dacre. 1t
is q letter upon which my future happi-
ness depends. Your delivery of it will be
more certain and more expeditions than
the post
George agreed to take the letter-hs
heart told him that its contents were such
as would render his own happiness for
ever out of the question.
I He arrived at Castle Dacre at break
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-02-23
The Rirdcape

On the verge of Regents park he built
and enclosed with high walls a bastard
Oriental jimerack retreat which had its
inspiration in the Pavilion at Brighton
and filed it with French furniture.
There he entertained his male friends
and the women of his acquaintance who
We're not quite-well, whom he could : OF
very well entertain at his other resi-
dences, though some of them had titles
and all were well connected
But they had been found out-and So
ciety, even in George the Fourth's time
drew the line at that
There was celebrated prima donna
who had become all the rage in London.
known as the Bird of Paradise, and she
was so often at this resort that it be-
came known as the Birdcage.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-02-23

Dacre ceased writing to him when he be-
came of age, merely turning over to him
his property with the long accounts of his
stewardship-aceou which George did
not even look at.
Lord Fitz-pompey saw that his nephew
was no longer the plable youth he had
been, but was a lutle consoled for the
change when he observed the embrace
with which the returned wanderer greeted
Lady Caroline.
His lordship had intended to continue
managing the duke; he gave that up now
but still had him marked down" as his
son-in-law.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-02-23
c.n,urcd by Lord Fitz-pompey

Naturally, George Augustus had peeii
snoiled. and naturally upon coming nv
his property he set out to enjoy himsen
after the manner of the times-those oaa
times in which English society had been
utterly corrupted at its head, when tue
fountain of honor had become fouh-
tain of dishonor and that shallow IBID
ble. George ". sat royalty drunk upon
the throne of edward the Confessor'
If the young duke had been orought
IN bv his guardian. Mr.. Daere, he mish'
have turned out a different person. out
after he had arrived at suitable age 10
be sent to preparatory school for his en-
trance into Eton. he saw little of the lam
ily at Dacre Castle down in yorkshire
BY hook and by crook the boy had peeh
completely captured by the Lord fHh-
nompey. who had married the old duke
sister and had been grieved, as well as
astonished, that bis borther-in-law hau
made Mr.. Daere instead Of himself the
guardian of his grace, the youthful ana
gilded
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-02-23
For the Third lime

Then he delivered Arundefs letter.
His head swan when Mr.. Dacre. after
reading his nephews epistle conided ID
him that instead of being a request for
his immediate union with May it was a
statement that he (ArundeD and Caroline
f1tz-pompey loved each other and that
they both implored the consent of Mr..
Dacre to their union. This Mr. Dacre said
he would give readily
George and May went for a walk after
breakfast and strolled to the ruins of an
ancient abbey, which lay upon the estate.
Amid those crumbling ruins the young
duke for the third time laid his heart at
the feet Of MAY Daere.
He told her how unworthy he was Of
her, how he regretted the past and how
he would work for the future.
With what success he pleaded his cause
may be inferred from the following re-
corded facts.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-02-23
On the Field of Honor

The two encountered. Before George
could speak the baronet handed him "a
note saying that friend of his would
wait upon the duke at once, and went
away.
few hours after a duel was ar
ranged They met at daybreak the next
morning in Kensington Gardens. George
had for his second Arundle Dacre
The affair had somewhat sobered him
and he considered that, of all men,
Arundle had the 8st right to. partici-
pate in the affair
When the word was given George
fired in the air. Sir Lucius shot to kill
but his aim was bad, and he only sue
ceeded in wounding George in the thigh.
The real cause of the meeting was
kept secret. The world declared that
they had fought about a woman-some
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-02-23
InsuIted BY Sir Lucius

While the festivities were at their
hight George, strolling in a remote part
of the grounds where he had Just been
conversing with Lady Aphrodite. sud-
denly heard scream from an arbor.
He rushed in to see Sir Lucius on his
knees before May Dacre. The baronet
was grasping her hand and Miss Dacre
was in terror
She ran toward George with a cry
as soon as she saw him and threw her.
self in his arms She was hysterical
This young lady is under my pro-
teetion," said George. Sir Lucius bowed
and retired. May was in no condition
to encounter company again that night
such was her agitation. George sent
her home in carriage and went to find
Sir Lucius.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-02-23
More Talked About Than Ever

Among his gayest ASSOCIATES were
two foreign noblemen. Count Whisker-
burg and Count Frill. The duke be-
came more talked about than ever.
Two Sunday papers We're established,
the one to record all his scandaIous
doings and the other to defend him as
the glass of fashion and the mold of
form
A coterie of young bachelors gave a
great fete al the dukes villa at Twick-
enham-a water party and a lawn party
and a Dutch fair combined.
1t was gorgeous affair, and people
fought and plotted for invitations to il.
May Dacre was among the guests,
who were all people of the greatest
ton Also there was present May 5
cousin, Mr.. Arundel Dacre.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-02-23
Lady ADhrOdite

Nr. Dacre and his daughter were living
alone at Castle Dacre, Mrs. Dacre having
died. The young duke stole enough time
from his pleasures to write that he would
visit him at an early date and they would
consult together upon business.
Then he dismissed the matter from his
mind, and went on pouring out his money
like water. If he poured out his wealth
in copious stream. Sir Carte Blanche
poured it out for him in a perfect Nj
agara.
Young men of the dukes age are apt
to be susceptible-and George Augustus
was no exception. One night at a ball
his fancy was struck by the sight of a
remarkably beautiful woman-tau pale.
distinguished.
She was the wife of Sir Lucius Grafton
-one whose veneer of responsibility was
in constant need of repair.
All the world knew that Lady Grafton
Lady Aphrodite Grafton-was a martyr,
and all the world admired the manner in
which she bore her martyrdom.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-02-23
At the Race Ball

There We're numerous dinner parties
at which the Duke of Shropshire at
tackled the venison as Samson the Phil
istines, and the French Princes, for once
sn their lives, drank real champagne.
At the race ball the Duke, who was
stl lolling about, making himself generally
popular, suddenly said "Ahr' The cause
of his exclamation was a. woman.
She was advancing in a quadrille some
10 yards away from our hero. She was
very young that is to say, she had
pre- badly added a couple of years to
sweet II.
She was tall, but as she moved for
ward displayed a figure so symmetrical
that for a moment the Duke forgot to
look at her face. Then he saw cheek
not too full, hazel eyes, delicate aquiline
nose, high, pure forehead and a small
mouth with an air of decision about it.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-02-23
Mrs. Darlington We're

1t was at the Doncaster races also
that that remarkable leader of society,
Mrs. Darlington We're, threw her spells
over the young Duke.
A word about Mrs. Darlington We're.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-02-23
BY
BENJAMIN DISRAELT

fast time The news of his great speech
had got there before him and he felt
heeting satisfaction at the praises which
Mr.. Dacre and May bestowed upon him.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-02-23
Marked For His Own

xoung duke had not acquired a
Ne of mankind, but he had ac-
great stock of polished manners
kpwledge Of international luxuries
pations.
tters which Mr.. Dacre had writ
of late years had remained. for
Ii part, unanswered and now Mr..
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-02-23
Meeting His Fate

"Who is she?" he asked of the first
man he could catch hold OF. 'That?" Why
that's May Dacre-a Catholic. Blow us
all up some day as soon as look at us, =
answered Lord Bagshot, and passed on.
May Dacre!" thought the Duke-that
the little child he family remembered? ?
He sought out her father at once.
Mr.. Dacre," said he, ''our first meet
ing should have been neither here nor
thus. But you. who have excused so
much, will pardon this Also
George was presented to May, who re-
ceived him coldly But Mr.. Dacre forgot
and forgave and urged his former ward
TO become his guest at Castle Dacre as
seon as possible. They had many affairs
to talk over.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-02-23
All His own Way

1t was natural that George should spend
rart of his Vacations with his nearest rel
atives-and he contfived TO speno an u
them there, paying only hurried duty Vis'
it's to humdrum Castle Dacre.
Then Mr.. Dacre had an invalid wife, oil
course. If we mqv believe the novels de-
picting the fashicnn life of those days
invalidism was the normal state for wom-
en- of family and rehpement-good health
rather frealdsn ppd vulgar.
And finally the health OF his wife rem
dcred necessaryitl Il residence of some years
in italy for she Dacre family, so Lord
Fitz-pompey had things his own way in
his maneuvers Ifdf the possession of the
duke. teRif
Ills youngesf tlsushter Lady Caroline
was lust tho ase',of George Augustus;
what more nifiaf4 THAN that his lordship
should teacl, Tie Boy to call Carrie his
little wife' and should prejudice HIM
all he could asainst Mr. Dacre'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-02-23
Force of Habit

IsIIt.
Beggar--Wil you please, sir. give me
10 cents for a nights lodging?
Phianthropist--I'll give you cents if
you raise the other ).