davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Daily Missoulian., 1913-11-09
u only there had been telephone

II only there had been q telephone
but there wasn't!
Miss Nina waited Ave long days and
then she wrote. She had heart, and
she wanted to spread 1t with the ink,
but 1t wouldn't do. Mr.. Clingham
must be taught lesson.
She mentioned that she had arrived
that she had found her aunt about as
usual, that there were hollyhocks in
the garden, that It was dry weather,
that a goose had chased her, and that
she had sunburned her nose. The she
added Yours truly" and signed her
full name.
On the next day farmer Jones was
to go to the village and he would
mail her letter and inquire in her
name.
Mr.. Jones and his old horse and
wagon came jogging along on time,
and when the letter had departed the
schoolma am felt relieved. Indeed, she
almost felt sure that the farmer
would bring her one In return. Mr..
Clingham might simply write that 1t
was his busy day-and the city was
dusty-and the comet didn't amount
to shucks--and he was going to the
ball game, and sign 1t "Your very
obedient servant" but it would be a
comfort
She went half mile up the road
to meet farmer Jones on his return.
She pretended she was looking for
scenery.
Got you letter, by goll!" he
shouted at her from q point 20 rods
off. Eyes, got you letter, and it's
postmarked in the city. Bet it's from
your fellow. Whoa, Eph! Here's the
e-pistle.'
He started to draw 1t from the
pocket of his old linen duster, while
the heart of the young lady started
up a-tunking, but 1t wasn't there. He
searched other pockets. He looked
into his hat. He hunted over the
wagon. No letter.
"Jerusha, but I've lost it," he final
The Daily Missoulian., 1913-11-09
IS s. }zZSEs:;}

paid her compliments before.
"Do you like the way I look, MIR.
Talbot" curiously.
Maynard was silent full minute.
He looked at her until she turned her
eyes away from him, and then his
hand closed tightly over hers as it
rested beside him on the sand. And
Polly laughed, nervous little laugh.
20, say 1t quick" she whispered.
1--WE always wondered what men flnd
to say. They seem such big, over
grown, awkward, helpless boys, you
know"
"Do theyT said Maynard grimly. he
sat up and took her In his arms.
well, I'm not going to say anything,"
She closed her eyes as he bent Els
head and kissed her. It was almost
worth being q girl without charm to
find your first kiss given to tho ono
man you loved, she thought.
'Now listen. We will be married
here, go on to Alberta and choose our
place, then CROSS over to England in
time for the Christmas holidays. We
owe some sort Of decent acknowledge
ment to Uncle Robert"
Polly sat up very erect.
ITO whom?"
He looked thoroughly amused
Uncle Robert, / said. Do you mind,
dear7 I'm the next Of kin. was on
my way west anyway, and decided to
take look for myself at the little
17th degree American cousin. didn't
know was to flnd my Lady Polly.
And feared II you knew the whole
truth at once you'd be on your dig
nifty with me. and we wouldn't be good
friends at all. Don't you knowf"
Polly covered her face with both
her hands.
20, 1t takes away all the fun Of our
starting out West together" she cried.
"and-and being pals"
Talbot held her close In his arms.
1T doesn't do anything Of the sort.
you silly. child" he laughed. We'll
be married at once. Say yes, Polly.
Polly? Hear me?'
! Polly nodded her head
The Daily Missoulian., 1913-11-09

big place Of my own that can ride
over and run as like. shall 90
West with you, Mr.. Talbot"
Until the clock up on the wall point
ed to Talbot tried to argue her out
Of 1t. Then every day for week he
spent several hours trying to persuade
her as to the proper course for IN
heiress to follow. Still Polly wilfully
set her face westward.
Rapidly she cleared up matters at
home. The kindergarten was dropped
at the end Of the quarter. Then when
her first instalment arrived from Lon
! don. she began buying her outfit, and
after her through the stores trailed
Maynard Talbot, admiring but fearful.
| They grew to be- pals during those
! days. They pored over section maps
together, and visited all manner Of
railroad offices and Quitting places
culture, they discussed new styles In
silos as we'll a riding boots.
Polly wanted to start on heavy
they had become accustomed to the
country and its needs.
TITS too bad you're going to take 4
| QldC0 VI yOuE OWAS bA0 0dluS Ou0 Jay
"Td like you to manage naine for ma,
you know"
"I'll do it anyway" Maynard prom
ised, az he lounged on the sand at her
feet. They had strolled far out along
the lake shore until the big sand
dunes lured them to rest. "1ll get a
| place next to yours
will you, Mr.. Talbot? Truly?'
Polly looked at him earnestly."I think
you've been so nice to me ever since
you came, and / must have seemed a
terrible nuisance to you"
"A very precious responsibility,
said Maynard, smiling up at her. 81
told the Arm back home I'd look after
your interests"
! Had you ever seen my picturS9"
i Never. ! wish l had one of yor
this minute as YOU look now
Polly looked at him rehectively
4 even suspiciously. No one had evel
The Daily Missoulian., 1913-11-09

mo woman's love could survive the
test to which you subjected mine"
she gravely replied. II said / had
forgiven you--and 1t is true. You
unwittingly did me q great kindness
whom you passed me by and nut an
other woman in my place. But am
no longer the unsophisticated girl who
idealized you five years ago. have
grown worldly wise."
wait! You don't understand" he
gAsped, dAzed and incredulous. For
she was slipping into the thick Of the
crowd, breathlessly eager to escape
him. Il want you, dear. I'm asking
you to marry me"
Anne kept straight on, her head In
the air. She neither knew nor cared
that some of the bystanders had seen
dication were complete.
The whole episode had been terri
bic. strain upon her. Now her one
thought was escape from the place.
A sturdy figure loomed against the
entrance hall. Looking up halt shy
~, Anne encountered Prof. Lawson's
gaze bent searchingly upon her. For
a minute she hesitated-then went
bravely up to him.
please take me home" she said.
/ He tucked her hand under his arm.
But nothing more was said until they
were outside the house, under the ten
der stars. Then he said In a curiously
! tense tone:
! "Anne, you know that love you.
What does this mean?"
| Anything you WISH" she softly
: answered.
The Daily Missoulian., 1913-11-09

| Morris sooner or later. I've heard,
she added musingly, that his rich
wife died last summer and left him all
her money"
Mrs Trueblood looked at Anne curl
ously as she rose to go. Was the dear
girl going to make fool of herself
again over the handsome scamp?
The minute Anne found herself
alone she went straight to cedar
chest in the alcove and gently lifted
out white satin gown that had lain
there for five years.
There was half-denant impulse to
put 1t on and meet her faithless lover
thus arrayed; but she presently laid
the glistening robe back again in ite
sweet-smelling receptacle.
Mrs. Peytons rooms were full to
overfiowing when Anne arrived upon
the scene. A quick interchange OF
glances as she entered told her that
she was an object Of speculative in
terest to the assembled guests.
For just one burning moment she
felt like turning back; but Prof Law
son was coming toward her He
seemed tower Of strength and her
courage revived.
And then, for . second, her heart
stopped beating. "By the way, Miss
Graham" the professor said with
seeming carelessness, can old friend
of yours is here tonight--Morris Bur-
ton OF New York. Perhaps you had
heard
Sc he knew the old story? OF course
1T had been Town talk"
Yes, Mrs. Trueblood told me-" she
replied, recognizing the kindly inn
| pyise that had led him to give her
The Daily Missoulian., 1913-11-09

sat out dances In quiet hooks. Soon It
began to be whispered about that the
poor girl was as completely under
her fickle lovers spell as she ever
had been.
There was lines Of pain in Prof
Lawson's fine face. He had come to
the same conclusion as the other
lookerson. How can she trust that
man?" he said to himself. "EIe will
have me to deal with II the old ex-
perience Is repeated"
But the moment came, as the even
ing wore on, when Morris ceased to
play part. It dawned bewildering-
ly upon him that this was the woman
he should have married In the first
place.
He had loved Anne as deeiy - he
was capable Of loving. Now the old
fire was rekindled in his heart like q
smouldering coal when blown upon.
Suddenly he wanted her more than he
had ever wanted anything in all his
selfish life.
"Anne, dear" he said inpulsively,
as they drew apart from the supper
crowd, ~ did wicked thing five years
ago. The lure of gold tempted me,
and I broke my promise. But your
image still lives in my heart. o, won't
you give back the love recklessly
flung away? l will prize It as the
dearest thing on earth"
Anne did not answer. Her tongue
Glove to the roof Of her mouth
Tell me, dearest" he urged, III
you still care for me-"
The color ebbed slowly from her
| face. She began to tremble. But the
power Of speech came suddenly back
The Daily Missoulian., 1913-11-09

was tired out when she reached the
foot OF what she believed to be the
right hill. She looked for the COW.
There was nothing to be seen. She
looked for letter in the dust. There
was no letter.
She went on and on until she was
on the outskirts Of the village, and
then she turned back and her tears
fell. The COW had probably jumped
the fence and eaten the letter up.
On the return the foot OF every hill
was closely inspected, but without
avail. 1t was IL o'clock when she
finally reached home, and the sleepy
aunt. who was sitting up for her,
looked her over and said:
We'll, shouldn't bawl about it.
Old Jones don't know B from broom
sticks anyhow, and 1t might have been
a circular about hairdye instead of a
love letter. I guess he'll find 1t in the
morning"
In the morning when Mr.. Jones
came along. Miss Nina insisted on
driving with him. He was full of con-
fidence that the letter would be found
and when he finally reached the foot
Of a particular hill he drew rein and
said
Right here is where the harness
busted, and right here is where I got
down. Well find that letter in q
jiffy."
But It was not to be found. Every
rod Of the highway going home was
inspected but nothing resembling 4
letter was discovered. Hope was
abandoned. and Miss Nina spent the
rest Of the day in weeping under an
| apple tree. or spitefully throwing
stones at the crows.
When ahe arose next morning. she
said nothing to anyone, but set out
for that letter. OF course, she was
still mad ct Mr.. ClinghAm. but che
wanted the letter just the same. Che
! wanted 70 know II he had committed
suicide
The fatal spot was reached at last
The Daily Missoulian., 1913-11-09

"My dear, have you heard the
news? the good lady broke out ex-
citedly, before she had fairly seated
herself. Morris Burton is back in
town again! They say he's going to
remodel the old homestead and settle
down here"
Anne drew a quick, sharp breath.
Morris Burton had Tilted her Ave
years before and eloped with red
haired heiress on the morning of their
wedding day.
mo. l hadn't heard,- she answered
after a moment.
He'll be at the party tonight" Mrs
Trueblood went on quiveringly. "He's
wagered DR.. Bliss that he'll prove, be-
fore the evening is over, that you're
as much in love with him 81 ever!
How perfectly outrageous"
Whatever Anne may have felt, she
WAS surprisingly calm. Thank you
TOR telling me-" was all she vouch-
mated.
"of course you'll stay at home to-
naght?"
mo Why should 1? 1 must meet
The Daily Missoulian., 1913-11-09


people In love can't patch up a mis-
understanding and so ahead and be
happier than before they shouldn't t
marry.
1t was little awkward in this case
that Miss Nina Farrand, school teach
er, was going on her summer vacation
the next morning, and SO Mr.. James
Cllngham, of the insurance company
wouldn't have an opportunity to drop
IN next evening and bring the dove OF
peace under his arm.
Miss Nina had as good as said that
she wouldn't write a line while she
was gone. and he had as good as said
that his time would be fully occupied
without writing private letters.
When Miss Nina reached her aunt's
in the country she found it was five
miles from the nearest postoffice. She
had given Mr.. Clingham the address
before the spat. On the way up there
she hoped the distance would be 20
miles, for she was cross yet, but when
told it was only five miles her heart
was like lead. Five miles to the post
office, and sometimes the family did
not send or go for a whole fortnight
Five dusty miles, and most of the
way uphill, and she and Mr.. Cling
ham mad at each other.
If there had been q postoffce within
10 rods she would have tossed hel
head and braved It out. but ave miles
She wanted to weep. She wanted t
write long letter the day she arrived
The Daily Missoulian., 1913-11-09

on the gallop."
The letter WAS handed down, and he
turned and headed for home As he
got along to Miss Nina's aunt she was
at the gate to ask:
"Well did you find her?"
"Yes!"
''Was she tickled about the letter."
"No, not very"
But why?"
"'Cause she'd found something else
to be tickled about. / guess 1t was
the fellow who wrote the very letter,
and he was on his way out to explain
something. Better get into the house
and fix up a big dinner, for they'll be
here within hour, and they'll both
be mighty hungry. Them young folks
always are after they have kissed and
made up"
The Daily Missoulian., 1913-11-09


cipaT's office for misbehaving, and had
been used as a handy messenger in an
emergency case. There WAS a gentle
man UP there who wanted to see Miss
Irving.
Now the strangest part was that to
Polly's knowledge no gentleman SO
far had evinced any yearning to see
Miss Irving In all Miss Irving's life
and especially since she had become q
kindergarten teacher. So she hest
tated, wondering what sort OF an
agent had located her there.
We'll, you may bring him down
here. Danny" she said finally, and
Dan sped away.
Polly went back to her desk with
duttering pulses. 1t was hard to face
even the 10 pair of inquisitive child
tsh eyes watching teacher"
There was tiny round mirror Iy-
ing In her desk drawer, long unused,
but now, Just for an instant she lifted
1t cautiously out and looked at her.
sell.
She saw gray eyes, rather serious
md very decided chin. Polly loved
to tell herself that she had a decided
chin, in spite of the dimple there And
there was kink in the fair wave OF
hair, too. but still she was a rather
nondescript type of girl.
She had heard ever since she hat
been knee high to the table that sht
had no charm and no magnetism. Ont
grows to believe thing after 1t ha,
been drummed into one staedily.
Tha color rose In her face at tn,
The Daily Missoulian., 1913-11-09

timely warning. "1t Is five years since
Mr.. Burton went away, l wonder II
he is much changed"
She was outwardly composed, and
Professor Lawson drew breath OF
relief. Whether the meeting would
be an ordeal Of not, he need fear no
weak betrayal on her part.
And yet Anne's limbs trembled un-
der her as she slipped away into the
crowd. She could not have told which
feeling predominated, dread or long
ing.
Suddenly some words came to her
ears from behind screen Of palms.
Everybody is wondering If Anne
has remained single on Morris Bur-
toms account. We will soon know"
"She won't speak to him If she has
a particle Of PRIDE" was the spirited
response But women are such
FOOLS"
Anne hurried on with burning
cheeks. Suddenly group of acquain-
tances parted before her, and she
was face to face with her old lover.
In hushed silence she held out her
hand as If they had parted on the
friendliest terms.
welcome home, Mr.. Burton"
He flushed with surprise and graft
f1cation. There was no pretense OF
resentment. But then she had been
very much In love with him. OF course
she knew his wife was dead, and
there was no barrier between them
His wager was as good as won!
THANK you, Anne, for this kind
reception" he said with a complacent
smirk. "It's just what ] expected
Do you know, came tonight express
The Daily Missoulian., 1913-11-09

There on stone sat--not the lost let
ter, but Mr.. Clingharn himself. She
was within 20 feet Of him before she
saw him.
They were staring at each other In
the most awkward way, when rumb-
ling in the distance was heard. From
down the road came cloud Of dust,
and in the midst of it could be made
out farmer Jones and his old rig. The
old horse was on the run and the old
wagon was creaking, and the farmer
was shouting and holding a letter, up
to view.
He drew nearer. He stopped. He
flourished the letter once more and
shouted:
"Never lost the thing tall! Hole in
my pocket, and 1t got into the lining.
Jest found it an hour ago, and came
The Daily Missoulian., 1913-11-09

ing and look for It,"
But I'm so sorry!" walled Miss
Nina
Som I, but don't have a fit. The
letter will be right there in the morn
ing"
did 1t look like business letter.
"N-o-o, can't say 1t did. Sort Of
love letter, took 1t to be. Imailsd
yours all right. Funny how l could
lose letter, but 1t seems I have. I'll
drive right back in the morning with
The Daily Missoulian., 1913-11-09

eight miles would be only pleasant
stroll for her. When she found the
letter she could read it by moonlight.
There would be q romance in that.
Uncle and aunt said she would be
safe on the highway at night, and
after supper the schoolma' am started
out. Four miles! Then at the bottom
Of the hill she would flnd Z COW look.
Ing over the fence and her letter
would be right there.
There was hill after hill. and she
The Daily Missoulian., 1913-11-09
GOING WEST

over home, and the new generation
doesn't care to hang around on bones
and leavings, SO to speak. And when
q chaps not talented, he might as
well take to the open, and hit new
trail, don't you think so?"
Listen said Polly, eagerly, lean
The Daily Missoulian., 1913-11-09

there where it is all new and free?
I'd love to-
But it's no place for girl, you
know" Talbot told her seriously.
I'm not just girl" protested Pol
ly. IF were 20 and pretty it might
be different, but I'm not. I'm 81, and
The Daily Missoulian., 1913-11-09

hope It." he cried, his handsome head
dropping more and more. He was
tempted to seise one Of her hands
and carry 1t to his lips. This close
companionship vivdly recalled those
other days, the happiest-he had to
confess it to himself-of his life
He and Anne waltzed together, or
The Daily Missoulian., 1913-11-09
MAKING UP

out any charge for It."
Miss Nina wanted to take the old
man by the neck. She wanted to throw
stones at him. She wanted to call him
names. Drive back In the morning!
Did he imagine she was going to lie
awake all night thinking of the lost
letter?
There would be moonlight. The
The Daily Missoulian., 1913-11-09
BY ELSIE TNDrCoTr.

DR. me?" repeated Pol
ly. She had opened
the door of room 4
barely enough to see
the mite that stood
waiting there. "Are
you sure you've got
the right room,
Dan +"
Dan WAS positive
he had. He had been
1900 ~~- -. A. -l~
The Daily Missoulian., 1913-11-09

kin. The money was his private for
tune, and he willed 1t to your father
or his heirs"
"Will l have to 60 over there to
live?" asked Polly.
Dear, dear, no. You MAY live
where you like. I'm going to. I've
The Daily Missoulian., 1913-11-09

" admitted.
20, Mr.. Jones!"
Now don't have At, young lady.
The harness busted on me about four
miles back and l got down to fix it.
must have lost the letter then. It
was right at the foot of a hill, and
there was a COW looking over the
fence. I'll start right out in the morn
The Daily Missoulian., 1913-11-09

pressively, leaning over her in a very
lover-like way. "Is 1t possible that
you have forgiven me?"
Il forgave you long ago." she re-
piled sweetly.
Il played you . shabby trick"
Let's forget all about it."
70, can you do that? I dared not
The Daily Missoulian., 1913-11-09

ly to sec you. Let's fipd a quiet cor
ner where we can talk"
Anne accepted his proffered arm. He
looked down at her curiously. She
had more than fulfilled the promise
OF girlhood. She had womanly dig
nifty, an air of conscious strength far
more attractive than mere beauty.
The Daily Missoulian., 1913-11-09
ny WALTER GREGORY,
r is OF no consequence,

is OF no consequence
what the misunder-
standing was about.
The lives Of young
people are full OF
m l 8 u understandings,
and the more they
are In love the thick
err the misunder-
standings come along
Cupid sends them as
The Daily Missoulian., 1913-11-09

Dimly 1t began to dawn upon him
why DR.. Bliss had been SO ready to
bet the odds against him. But he was
not the sort of man woman can
easily forget-and her greeting had
been reassuring!
you are SO much better to me
than l deserve, Anne" he said Inn
The Daily Missoulian., 1913-11-09

very ordinary
20, but you're not, you know" he
declared.
Eyes, am" Polly insisted. II never
expect to marry, but want great
The Daily Missoulian., 1913-11-09
The Critics.

Bess--She never said ons sweet
thing In her life.> -
Bslle--Nc, she says % many sour
things she must have picked tongue
The Daily Missoulian., 1913-11-09

Ing forward, her hands clasped over
her knees, her eyes shining. why
couldn't do that, too? Why couldn't
I hit new trail, as you sAy, and put
my money into something way out
The Daily Missoulian., 1913-11-09
Mor.e Appropriate.

"Zeke writes that hs has turned out
to be an inventor" drawled the proud
old farmer.
Indeed" gasped his wife. dropping
her knitting. Real inventor?"
That's what he says
For the lands sake, Hiram!"
"No, for the waters sake, Mandy
It's q submarine boat"
The Daily Missoulian., 1913-11-09

Just put all my money into land UP in
Alberta, British Columbia, you know.
All of us younger sons have hanker-
ing for your West and our West.
There isn't much for us nowadays
The Daily Missoulian., 1913-11-09
just Smiles
Bobby Wen.


"Yes, Bobby" remarked Mr.. Hark-
er. at the supper table. ITO be good.
butter must be yellow"
"Not all butter, pa" spoke up Bob
by.
well, I'll wager q dime you can't
name q butter that is good unless it
is yellow"
Eyes l can. pa"
''Name IT."
s'Why, apple butter"
First Past the Post
"YeS," said the humorist, Il have
great respect for the wisdom OF the
ancients."
because why?" asked the cub re-
porter.
"They were born in time to say
most Of the smart things before I had
a chance to think them." answered
the party OF the funny part
The Daily Missoulian., 1913-11-09
BY WILL SEAT.
DELICATE party gov

DELICATE party gown
lay over the backs OF
two chairs. Anne
Graham stood on the
white fur rug, gaz-
ing dreamily into the
open fire, when the
doorbell rang. The
caller was Mrs. True
blood, a near neigh
Dor, and a trusted
friend Of the family,
The Daily Missoulian., 1913-11-09
Not . MEMBER.

Magistrate--So you are . member
Of the lisht-nneersd fraternity. eh
Prisoner-No. your honor. ! sel-
dom get m,' hand In until after dark.
The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1913-12-22
=AT THE
Play Houses
~gggsan sase4rMtsrsznEaxzMsRamAa
- =
THE NEW MAJESTIC.

Bingham and Gable, the InsUumen-
tai Trio. Two soloists of recognized
ability. featuring Mr.. Bingham, the
worlds greatest artist, playing two
comets at one and the same time.
Lovers of good music should not fail
TO see this act.
A sure laugh at the Majestic today.
The Thanhouser Kids" in a farce
comedy. Uncle Toms Namesake." a
sure cure for the blues. II will make
YOU forget your troubles.
Broncho. The Frame Up" a brisk
political story by Richard " Spencer
in two parts. The woman OF the under.
world aids the gang Of politicians in
putting up fake story on the young
candidate. A thrilling scene where an
automobile dashes over a steep en-
bankment
10 cENTs-PRlcEs--15 CENTS.
The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1913-12-22
~HoNEY BOY" MAKES atFs

George Evans and his tioasy Boy"
minsrels delivered the gHsAs AZ the
sugg yesterday matinee aud night.
and at each pertornianysei from the
opening chorus Of the flsst part until
the final curtain, there wes not dull
or idle moment The crowd was car
ried completely away with the broad
sides of fun, clans and harmony deliv-
cred by me minstrel men. The orig
snal 'fsonex Roy is as funny as ever.
.or > littte lanre so. The witticisms
0s which his monologue is composed
ar4 spaTkliag jewels Of merriment, and
.Fsabody brt Honey Boy Evans can
s''put \ over in the true Evans style.