davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington herald., 1914-07-26
A SCOLDING BY PROXY

childless. why did he hate you so?'
whispered the girl after awhile.
Because I married your father-instead
of him." said Mrs. Belman quietly.
oh. And he holds revenge after al
these years? How contemplate he must
be-
He is a hard man."
Never mind, dear, 1 will get the med
icine, somehow. I can get the first pre-
scription filled tonight-the powders"
Very well. As soon as you return we
will go TO bed-you must be very tired.
The next day Daisy Belman went to
her work in a downtown law office, un-
refreshed by a night Of sleepless tossing.
How to get the money needed for her
mothers medicine puzzled her. There
was not a relative to call upon-no money
in the bank since her fathers sudden
death a year ago, and no valuables which
she could pawn to gain the necessary
amount Daisy was the sole support of
her mother and their tiny fiat was the
best that she could afford.
"I will come home with the medicine
tonight, mother" Daisy had promised.
All day long that promise haunted
Daisy. She had promised her mother
how could she fulfill that promise?
On the way home she decided to appeal
to Uncle Anthony. What If he did snub
her? 1t was for her mothers sake. She
could bear anything for her.
Mr.. Anthony Bush sat in his private Of
fee frowning at the calendar which glar-
ingly spaced of the remaining months Of
the year. Anthony Bush was sorred at
the world-he had frowned at it for so
many years that he had forgotten how to
smile.
The Washington herald., 1914-07-26

Nonsense" laughed the girl with q
note Of relief in her voice. You are with.
in 800 yards OF the forest now. Here
drink this
This proved to, be a nauseous mess
which Oliver meekly drank while the
girl slipped her arm under his pillow and
listed. his head.
Thank you," he said as his nurse
stepped back.
Some one entered the room. 1t proved
to be a tall. elderly man OF benign coun-
tenance, dressed in flannel shirt with cor
duroy trousers tucked into woodsman's 8
boots.
''Delirious. did you say. Nan?" he asked
in a low tone.
Il thought so at first. dad" said the
girl. Now I'm not sure. He talks OF
hobble spirits and Broadway"
The man laughed pleasantly.
II don't wonder, honey" He moved to
the side of the bed and looked down at
the young man. Feeling better. my
friend?" he asked heartily. You had a
nasty tumble"
Thanks, I'm feeling better every
moment" Oliver tried to sit up and his
new acquaintance slipped another pillow
under his head please tell me-" went
on the young forester, "how 1t happened
that I am indebted to your kindness
We'll, it's short story" smiled the
other, sitting down on the edge Of the
bed. MY name is Bsnson-I spend the
summer months here with my daughter,
Nan. Two hours ago a riderless horse
wandered into the yard. Nan called me.
and together we went back along the trail
and discovered you lying unconscious
with q nasty cut in your head. We
brought you here-and that's all-except
The Washington herald., 1914-07-26

that bound up your wound. II may pain
you for day or so but after that you
will have no trouble with it,
Oliver suitably expressed his thanks for
the care he had received from the Ben
sons, and then. his curiosity no longer
within bounds. he asked them how they
had contrived this bit of civilization in
the primitive forest
John Behson was professor Of biology
in a small Western university; he had
built the camp as a secluded resting
place during the summer months. His
children, of whom there were several,
married and single. took turns in staying
with him. and this being Mans turn, she
had arrived that very morning.
Oliver blessed his own good fortune,
and feeling better. insisted upon getting
up and resuming his patrol. The sun
was drawing long, reluctant shadows on
the velvety lawn in front Of the log
cabin when he rode out OF the yard, sit
ting a little unsteadily in the saddle. but
strangely contented despite his painful
wound.
The lonely aisles under the pines were
peopled with girls-charming girls-gold-
en-haired, blue-eyed girls, all identically
like Nan Benson; in fact. they were all
Nan Bensonsi
whats happened to you. oliverT'
asked Dixon, as they sat at supper that
night.
Beauty threw me and the fall DAM
aged my head" explained oliver, who
had been unusually thoughtful during the
meal.
you look more as II the fall had dam
aged your heart" retorted Dixon. I've
heard you sigh five times. Before sup
per you were humminK Thine Eyes So
The Washington herald., 1914-07-26
RESTITUTION
By MABEL HERBERT URNER
uho Of ournlf Ther ManedLfe ec)
By MABEL HERBERT URNER

before me, imperious, all compelling to
some finite deed that should weakly
commemorate It.
"And yet, how poor token ! send you
Of so supreme a moment My effort to
express myself here seems stilted,
pompous. and involved as does my out
ward manner TO the world-the manner
which only you know to be an outward
crust, and which only you have pene-
trated.
Simple words are best, for what is
there to say but, i love you! and that
the heart which says so is only yours TO
wear or to break If you wish, since II
can know no beat of real joy save at
your feet. Your RICHARD"
He read it and laid it down quietly.
! He made no comment. She could not
see his face, it was turned from her.
81 think I made that copy so that /
might read it over and over again and
know each word as she would read it.
All night / sat by the window with that
in my hand and wild, fierce joy in my
heart that the morning would bring her
something from which you could not
shield her. A wretchedness greater
than she had ever known and which all
your care and anxiety could not keep
from her"
He took up the little Ibronze lizard
from the desk and turned it over in his
hand while he spoke:
And you think she is happy. You
think she does not suffer, too. You
would not think that if you had seen
her one evening last week when l found
her up in the third story alone in the
dark. crying as though her heart would
break. ! tried to comfort her, asked
what it was-what l could do. At first
she would say nothing, but after a while
she sobbed out that | did not seem to
need her any more. That every day she
felt | was growing farther away from
her. That l was all she had. and if she
should lose my love she would not live
| did what could to comfort her; told
her that she imagined must Of it, be-
cause she was not well; that my work
had been harder for the past year and
took more of my time and thought 1t
was only few nights later. at dinner,
that she suddenly burst into tears and
left the room. When | followed her,
she said it was because she was sick and
nervous. But l knew"
The Washington herald., 1914-07-26

er claim kinship TO a prosperous house
painter than a starving artist! He must
be an old teaser,'
Tony Bush changed his coat, put on his
hat and went down to the Woolly Build
ing. When he was admitted to the pres
ence of the other Anthony Bush he found
the broker studying his card with min
gled impatience and curiosity.
Some beggar trying to claim relation
ship with me-" mUttered old Anthony.
whose conscience was still tender from
his interview with the timid little darK-
eyed girl whom he had scared out Of his
presence.
He was scarcely prepared for the ap-
pearance Of young man, well dressed,
well groomed, and quite unusual looking
for the woolly Building.
Tony stated his business at once.
81 wondered if you could supply me
with the address OF Mrs. Belman," he
asked pleasantly.
Lydia Belman? I don't really know
let me see. had the girls card here a
moment ago" He scratched around
among the papers on his desk. found
Daisy's card, and tossed 1t over to the
young man.
Tony copied the address Into his note
book and arose to go. Thank you for
this information" he said. with a keen
look at the unhappy old face. Il happen
to know that Mrs. Belman is very III and
in temporary distress: I am anxious to
do something"
Anthony grunted. ANY relation?'' he
asked.
None"
Ever met the girl. Marguerite?
Never saw her in my life" truthfully
replied Tony.
The Washington herald., 1914-07-26
By JOHN KENT

your message came to me instead Of your
uncle. My name is Anthony Bush. too"
Daisy turned red and pale, while Uncle
Anthony laughed until he cried. and
young Tony. who had received the scold-
ing by proxy, tried to keep his lips
straight. but he couldn't and when the
laughter came into his eyes Daisy
laughed. TOO. and the spell OF embar-
rassment was over.
Young man, owe you something for
taking that scolding for me-" chuckled
Uncle Anthony. when Tony turned to go
away. How can I pay it,
Tony spoke in low tone with a quick
glance at Daisy. whose eyes were fixed
on the rooftops below.
You can repay the debt. Mr. Bush. by
relieving Mrs. Belman's distress. As the
message came to me, was going to do
what I could ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS you
prefer to attend to it yourself-Tm sure
you will
II WILL" said Anthony grufny. But
haven't repaid you yet" he said with a
quizzical look in his eyes.
Tony blushed and hesitated. At last,
with a glance at Dsisy's graceful form,
he said doubtfully:
''You-might introduce me to your
niece, That would repay me a thou
sandfold."
Six months later Dol Peterkin met
Tony Bush outside the studio door
so you're related to old Anthony Bush
after all! Read all about the wedding in
the paper. Congratulations
Yes, we're related" admitted happy
Tony. Hes my sep-great-uncle-in-law
The Washington herald., 1914-07-26

Blue and Tender and just now when I
asked you II there was any more butter
in the pantry you murmured Yes, dear
and let me tell you. Ollie. my boy, don't
permit such familiarities from any man.
no matter how young and good looking
he may be!''
Here Dixon lodged under the table in
order to escape the piece OF cold corn
bread which Oliver had thrown at him; i;
and then Oliver. having gone to the door
in order to cool his burning cheeks, re-
ceived another delightful sensation.
There was a sound Of hoofs on the for
est road and there stepped into the moon
light two horses. The riders were Prof
Benson and his daughter.
Good evening, Mr.. Penfield." said the
professor as oliver came forward to greet
them. Nan and I were worried about
your wound and We rode over to inquire
after t. Hope you are feeling better
Oliver assured them that he was feeling
better. and having exchanged a few
words with the father and daughter, he
walked along beside Mans bride rein
until they reached a turn in the road
which would bring the Benson's near
home.
Oliver held Mans little hand in his own
less, watching them until they disap-
peared down the winding trail. He stood
there, motionless, until long after they
had vanished from his sight. Suddenly
he reused himself. rubbed his eyes dazedly
and slowly returned home. Here. Dixon,
having done up the evening chores. was
reading the back number of a popular
magazine. He looked up a. his friend
enter>A-
The Washington herald., 1914-07-26
lCnnHnrht. Ialil


Mrs. Belmsn and her daughter eK'
changed glances after the doctor had
left the house.
Daisy was the first to speak.
Now, mother. dear, don't you worry
about the medicine! know We can af-
ford it
Dear. how can we?" interrupted the
delicate little woman on the sofa 'Dr.
Witherbee admits it's a very expensive
treatment. but he is positive that it will
relieve my trouble so that I shall really
be Of use in the world again"
''As If you were not the greatest use in
the world to me-just as you are there on
the sofa? What would do without you
TO come home to at night?" asked the
girl passionately Mother. I've thought
of the loveliest plan to raise the money
and you are not to ask a word about it,
and don't worry"
Mrs. Belman raised herself to a sitting
posture and Daisy put another pillow
behind her.
Let me tell you something. dear, and
it may save you trouble and some morti-
fication. Don't go to your fathers half
brother about it-Anthony bears an old
grudge and would not help. me if was
dying" A pink flush came and went in
her thin cheek.
Mother" gasped Daisy. Daisy's one
hope had been Anthony Bush, rich and
The Washington herald., 1914-07-26

His expression did not change when
Daisy came timidly in, having been pre-
ceded by her card.
Anthony Bush did not arise at her en-
trance. nor did he even deign to turn his
head in her direction.
''Well?" he barked out.
Uncle Anthony" began Daisy tremb-
Iingly, mother is very i'll and I need
help-I'n pay 1t back TO you, every penny.
II you
Save your breath" snarled Anthony
rudely. Your mother came to me for
help year ago-I told her then that II
she had married me, all Of my money
would have been at her disposal. AS IT
is. she chose the spendthrift-and must
abide by the consequences"
Daisy said not a word. She vanished
from the room and never caught her
breath until she had reached the lower
corridor of the big Office building. How
hate him." she cried passionately. II
wish I had told him sol will now!" She
stepped into an empty telephone booth,
picked up the directory, and with eyes
blurred with tears, sought and found the
name Of Anthony Bush.
At the same time Daisy Belman was
telephoning to ner Uncle Anthony, the
telephone bell tangled in a pleasant studio
not far from Washington Square.
At the sound a big young man reused
himself from deep chair and picked up
the receiver.
This is Anthony Busa," he said pleas
antly.
A girls sweet. indignant voice came to
his astonished ears.
Uncle Anthony. this is Daisy Belnan.
I have just reached the lower floor Of the
building after my hateful interview with
The Washington herald., 1914-07-26

His voice broke. He put down the
paperweight and walked over to the
window.
Il have tried so hard that she should
feel no difference. have tried to be
more thoughtful and anxious for her
comfort than ever before. / have neg
lected none of the little attentions
know she loves. But instinct tells her
that | am not the same You know I've
never loved her with-the complete, con-
scious love l have given you; but l
gave her always warm affection, sin
cere sympathy and solicitous care that
all these years she has taken for love
and has been satisfied and happy with
until now.
Now that she is no longer young and
almost an invalid-to fail her now when
her need for me is great. A woman who
has lived with me for twelve years, who
has given me the best, of her life; a
good woman, who has tried to make me
happy"
Again his voice broke. He turned
from the window and walked back to
the desk.
A sharp. shrill sound from the street
the postman's whistle. The faint
opening and closing of a door. Silence
and then the sound of footsteps in the
hall! A knock at the library door, and
the maid was laying the mail on table.
A yellow envelope from drug store,
long white one from trust company,
two circulars, and a medical journal. 1t
was not there!
She shrank back. white and faint. "Oh
-oh-could-could She"
NO" he answered quietly, she is
out driving. There is some mistake"
He rang for the maid
Susan, is this all the mail? Did you
bring it all in here:"
why, yes. sir"
you are sure there was no other let
teri"
"No, sir"
I'm expecting a letter that is not
here. Look along the hall carefully
you might have dropped it"
Il will look, sir, but I'm sure I didn't
drop anything. Perhaps Mrs. Carlton
took it by mistake, sir"
Mrs. CarltonI'
The Washington herald., 1914-07-26

Oliver awoke in a cool. sunshiny room.
with a sewing machine near the window.
A table beside his bed held various bot
ties and an electric stove, on which
something steamed. A very modern and
knowing-lo French bulldog sat in
a chair at the foot Of the bed and re-
garded Oliver with friendly Dubious eyes.
Hello" said Oliver feebly. 'Ts this
New York-or heaven?
Joyful rumble came from the throat
Of the dog. 1t was Immediately drowned
by a womans sweet voice.
Hush, Pedro!"
My name isn't Pedro" protested
Oliver peevishly. please tell me what
happenedr'
A girl came within his range division.
Oliver peered over the bed clothes with
wondering eyes.
She was a sight for weary eyes. Young.
and fresh, pink-cheeked, blue-eyed,
golden-haired-lovely. She wore a gown
OF soft pale blue material made in the
latest mode-and her glittering hair was
piled on top Of her head. In her hands
she carried a cup OF some steaming
liquid.
please don't come any nearer" begged
Oliver; "Just stand there and let me look
at you-thanksi Hobble skirt and all
it's the loveliest costume I've seen since
I left New York! And before left I
was bitter enemy of the present fash
ions. Absence truly makes the heart
grow fonderi'
The girl cast a startled glance at him
and stepped to the door. DO hurry,
dad" she whispered; hes delirious.'
I'm not" protested Oliver; but I've
been in the forest for six months-and
thought I'd stepped into Broadway"
The Washington herald., 1914-07-26

"spiritless little chit-I could have ad
nired a spitfire!''
Anthony remembered the fiery messsgt
he had received over the wire anC
chuckled.
At that instant the door opened breez.
lily and Daisy Belman came hurrying in
She did not see Tony Bush and he could
not guess her identity until she spoke
She held out her hands TO old Anthony
and a rich red color waved her cheeks
"Oh. Uncle Anthony. I am so sorry fol-
what l said to you over the telephone!
You must think me very rude and ILL.,
mannered-mother would have cried il
she had known II. I simply had TO come
back and tell you how sorry I am and
beg your pardon for the dreadful things
I said"
' Mr.. Bush put up a protesting hand. The
hand shook a Httle-perhaps because he
noticed for the first time how like her
mother she was
My dear. don't know what you're
talking about" he said with strange gen
tleness. You didn't say a word after I
refused to help you, and I rather wish
you had. AS for a telephone message.
what are you talking about"
Daisy was looking at him in amaze
ment. Il went right downstairs and tele-
phoned up to you-and called you mean
and cruel and lots OF things. Don't you
remember"
Anthony Bush's eyes twinkled. My
telephone bell has been silent for three
hours he protested. At that moment
his glance met the betraying ones Of
Tony Bush, who had fingered near the
door Tony came forward at once.
I beg your pardon, but I'm afraid that
The Washington herald., 1914-07-26
By JEAN DICKERSON

Il forgive you the cornbread. Oliver" &"
he said with mock seriousness; now that
I understand the matter
Understand what matter?" demanded
Oliver. yawning sleepily.
What's happened to you
What has happened to me?" repeated
Oliver.
why. you're in love. don't you know
it?''
In love? And not know IL? Why,
that's the last thing I expected would
happen to me way out here" muttered
Oliver as he stood in the doorway start
ing into the moonlit forest, and dream
ing OF the shy look in Nan Benson's
eyes.
Dixon smiled to himself and resumed
his reading.
An hour later Oliver turned around.
blinking at the lighted room. II say.
Dixon. have We any telegraph forms?"
he asked abruptly.
Dixon tossed the pad across the table
and Oliver scribbled a few lines and
sent the message to the nearest station
early the next morning.
Mrs. West received the telegram that
evening as she went down to dinner.
She read the yellow sheet with flashing
eyes:
It's happened to me at last! (signed)
Oliver"
'T knew IT would happen" she cried
tragically. Beyond the farthest reaches
OF civilization-where one wouldn't rea-
sonably expect to find q girl-Oliver has
chosen to fall in love-I know I shall
detest herr
But divers sister couldn't possibly
do anything OF the sort. after she had
met Nan.
The Washington herald., 1914-07-26
Copyright. lel4.D


"oliver, I'm sure you'll meet some
baGkwoods girl out there and marry
her." sighed divers married sister.
Oliver Penfeld laughed heartily.
My dear Dot, you have a wrong idea
of the Northwest forest preserves! They
are not the scene of garden parties, or
picnics, or pink teas-I doubt if see a
woman while I'm there, for my district
will be on the northernmost boundaries
OF the reserve. Believe me, Dotty. your
young brother, Oliver, the forester. will
return home entirely heart free and
quite ready to marry whatever nice girl
you have picked out during his absence"'
Mrs. West smiled tolerantIy.
Il never wanted you to marry any one
except Sylvia Braitling," she said. "she
was my dearest friend-almost a sister,
in fact"
"Never-I deny that my attentions to
Mss Brsftling ever approached the dan
ger point" protested Oliver. She never
liked me anyway" he added cheerfuIly,
"or she never would. have married that
idiot Of q Stewart as soon as went away
to study forestry"
We'll, that's all past and over" said
his sister; "but Oliver, dear, remember
what tell you, don't fall in love with an
ineligible girl; out there, you won't meet
any refined people"
divers firm jaw stiffened into OBJ
stinacy.
Please don't talk about it, Dot" he
requested quietly. The girl marry will
The Washington herald., 1914-07-26
looprnrht. slll
.HE great brOwnstPne house
frowned down on her as she hur-


THE great brownstqne house
frowned down on her as she hur-
ried up the steps Its stern dig
nifty always chilled her. And now il
seemed like silent, sinister reproof.
as DR.. Carlton in?" There was a
bresthless catch in her voice.
"Step into the reception room, please
The doctor is engaged just now"
"Oh, mol 1 cannot wait-I must see
him at onceT
I'm sorry, nam, but the doctor is
with a patient and there are others
waiting"
Give this card to DR.. Carlton and
tell him l wish 10 see him immediate
ly." There was an imperative note in
her voice, and even at that moment she
felt a thrill of something like joy-tri-
umphant Joy, at the thought of how
surely she could command the atten-
tion of this man, this grave, earnest man
whom years of conscientious work had
placed so high in his profession, who
always put his work before everything
else. And yet for her he would lay it
all aside; a dozen patients might wait
while he came to her.
1t was hardly a moment before the
maid returned
"The doctor will see you in the IL
brary, ma'am."
1t was dim room, massive, with al
most a cloistral effect. The light from
the high, stained-glass windows brought
into relief the dark Persian rugs and
heavy carved chairs.
There was a strangling feeling in her
throat; a sickening wave of PRESENT.
ment was surging through her. She
leaned back in the chair and closed her
eyes. A subtle odor of iodoform, from
the Office, permeated the air. She saw,
in swift mind-picture, an operating
room with white marble walls, cases Of
shining instruments, and rolls of band
ages, white-capped nurses, and grave
faced surgeons. Again she was lying on
an operating table with this same sick
fear at her heart and this same odor all
around her.
She wondered vaguely why she should
have suffered so then. What could there
be in the thought OF mere physical pain
to have brought such anguish-to have
brought any anguish at all? Oh, if it
might only be that she were waiting for
physical pain! If fate would take her
back to that operating room, how un-
finchingly, how joyfully she would bear
it all-and more, thousand times more
if only last night might be blotted from
her life
a step outside. The door opened and
closed.