davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-30

Bruce said to the driver, pier One,
North River, in a hurry"
Virginia aud Bob found comfort
able seats on the hurricane deck, but
Irene and Bruce had 10 find chairs
on the deck below.
There was something the matter
with Bob. He was i'll at ease. He
felt as if he wanted TO spend the
rest Of his life staring at this Won
derful creature beside him.
They were off Bedloe's island, up
on which stands the Goddess of Lib
erty, before Bob took the initiative
10 begin a real conversation.
Miss Carter" lie began, IF had
not made an arrangement with a
certain editor tomorrow I should be
tempted 10 hire a car and arrange
a motor TO Long Beach with your
permission, of course"
But couldn't YOU phone the edi-
tor and break the engagement with
him." suggested Virginia cOyly.
That's just the trouble. 1t isn't
he at all. The editor I am 10 meet
is a woman and from her letters
gather that she is an old fogy--a
regular man-hating, tyrant," con-
planned Bob.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-30
THE FATHERS HELPER

when Dick Stoner, after a stormy
and gaIloping sort Of seaside court
shin. had actually heard Madeleine
return all his VOWS of devotion he
thought his struggles 10 win her as
lis wife were practically over.
Madeleine was visiting a boarding
school chum when the romance oc-
CURED ana for that reason, per-
haps. Dick had fcrgctten that Mad
cleine probably possessed parents
and that those parents might have
something 20 say before permitting
their IS-year-old beauty To become
Mrs. Dick Stoner. But DICK knew
that. as parents usually rated sons
in-law-t0-be. be was not undestr-
allie. His record AZ college and in
business since then. though not
actually brilliant Was clean and
progressive. and any father-in-laW
or mother-ir- law-to-b be would not
have much difficulty in discovering
chat his share OF the SGoner fortune
WAS a large one.
So q seemed as IL the matter was
settled uu. after = sudden burst OF
enthusiasm or the part % Mad
eleine. as they sauntcred IA and cut
around the sand dunes az the sea
Ehore she suddenly changed her
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-30

cially worried about you you
wretch. He tells me YOU worry him
So he can hardly write, says you
ride the widest horse in the stable.
go of in the woods unattended and
otherwise render him incapable Of
the high degree Of concentration
that nc needs 10 complete mis-
book lie asked me 70 watch YOU
especially and 20 suggest a way 20
tame YOU I'd TO idea YOU were
such a Mild creature-yOu wonder
full. sweetest girl-there, | couldn't
help il that time-but I won't steal
another till I am no longer PLAYING
this role. II would spoil everything
Il any one suspected
The next communication Madel-
cine had from the new employe vas
written and slipped into her hand
as she passed him one evening or
the stairs. u was brief and die
tatorial In order 10 accomplish
the aim n view you must become
even more eunruly. Do everything
you can except risk your life Fake
runaway or two and get lost in
the noun -ains If YOU can 10 il safe
~"
Though Madeleine did no: exact
iy understand Dicks motives in this
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-30

while just 10 show that there is
some one keeping track Of how
often they come. But father cant
S[and that SOFT of thing. And
suppose the fathers helper would
have 10 scold me sometimes because
] am so reckless when ; ride
mother keeps at father 10 scold nae
Tor Il. but he hates 10; and he
would have 10 scold the servants
when mother cooldn't manage
them. and sometimes, If one of Us
girls didn't have an escort 10
dance. I suppose the fathers help
cr' would nave 10 go with as.
Father ought 10. mother says. bdt
he hates 10.
My Greek is a little rusty" an
nounced Dick. when Madeleine had
finished her monolOsue. but
think I'll take that position. Nou
say your father hasn't found any
one for IT, All right ri make
tracks for your place tomorrow and
by the time you have cone home
I'll BE- Installed and perhaps one Of
the first things ! can do viii be %
show father that II Is 10 his interest
e let his daughter Madeleine be-
come Mrs. Dick Stoner."
When Madeleine reached home At
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-30

But Bob made another appoint
ment with Virginia for the follow
ing evening.
At nine o'clock the next morning
the telephone rang. Mrs. Cosmos
secretary Miss Gray, announced that
Mr.. Malcolm would call 10 see Mrs
Cosmos in a very few minutes.
The clock said it was about nine
fifteen when Bob Malcolm cOurte-
ously entered the office. Miss Gray
met him saying that Mrs. Cosmos
wished him 10 revise the manu-
script in the office and when COM
pleted Miss Gray would bring ii in
TO the sacred precincts of Mrs. Cos
mos inner shrine. Suggestions and
notes We're 10 be found on the mar
gins OF the manuscripts.
Bob was disappointed but he pull
ed off his coat. rolled up his sleeves
and started his task with a set jaw.
He bent forward eagerly over the
outer desk TO which Miss Clay had
led him.
Il was two long hours before Bob
finished. Miss Gray took the work
in to Mrs. Cosmos.
Then Bob waited. 1t seemed an
age.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-30

the end of that week she found the
young man whom her father had
recently employed 10 be identical
with the man 70 whom she had re-
Gently become engaged. except that
ne was drcsse in dark blue serge
and her fiance had inclined 10 light
t~eeds and white flannels. Besides
ne spoke in a voice that was sub
dued and his speech was free from
slanS-not very much like the eG-
plosiVe discourse OF the man 20
whom she he'd recently engage
hcrself And besides, the man she
had known At The seashore had been
eager 10 sec her alone and otter.
whereas the new inmate of he
fathers home, after having been in
troddced 10 her seemed not 10
notice Ler II was not TIL the fol-
loving gay that they did chance 20
come upon each other in the libra
rs.
we mustn't Try TO meet each
other on he @. T. al ALL" Dick be-
gan. Those brothers of yours are
Just the sort 20 md il out, no mat
ter how we try 70 conceal II. We
can stand it this way for while.
Your father has been telling me his
troubles this morning. He's espe-
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-30

ture scenarios for the Red Bird Co.
IN New York.
Last week I submitted a rather
long scenario in three acts. The
editor, a Mrs. Cosmos. said If / could
make a five act comedy out OF il,
$ would buy it at once. / have
never met her. but from her letters
I should judge she is an old crouch.
1 decided 10 go 10 New York. fix it
up as she wants il, get some real
money and have a rip, roaring time
at Atlantic"
Gould you waste a day with
me?" suggested Bruce.
I'm in for anything you say for
just one day, and then-to bust
ness.
Bruce wired from Buffalo 10 Irene
Rogers his fiancee. He merely said
Bring your girl friend and meet US
at Grand Central at nine"
AS the limited rolled into Grand
Central. Bruce thought it best. be-
cause of Bob's fame in the movie
world. TO avoid notoriety.
He decided TO introduce Bob Nal
colin as Bob Churchill
once off the train. Bruce gather
ed his little olive skinned Irene in
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-30
By Catherine Battle

Miss Gray finally came back. The
manuscript bore the little word "ac-
cepted" and was signed Susan
Sykes Cosmos. editor"
Bob was bewildered. Perhaps il
was the same Cosmos who had lost
his life on the Lusitania that the
sweetheart of his college days had
married.
Miss Gray was reckoning him 10
Mrs. Cosmos Office.
"Why-Miss Carter" Bob STAN
mered, Il don't understand he
said with a hooking smile
MY name is not Virginia Carter.
1 knew you the moment I saw you.
But when Irene asked me 20 meet
her fiancee's friend, / told her 10 in
troduce me under my pen name. I
used 10 use il when I wrote for my
first publication. We did il just for
a lark" Sue explained with a mis-
chievous twinkle in her eyes.
Mr.. Cosmos. my husband lost his
life on the Lusitania. and since then.
7 have resumed my literary work.
And the stories ] have written are
mostly about college men. and all
quite true. You know, Bob. a girl
who serves doughnuts knows the
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-30
By Osborn Jones

Instruction she followed il 20 the
letter. and even the calm eyed
mother who took the shocks and
anxieties incident upon being the
parent OF FIVE high-spirited daugh-
tiers and two sons as serenely as
any one could. became overWrought
with worry when. for the secord
time IN a week. Madeleine returned
home from q Wild ride only after
the faithful blue-serged father
helper had gone out in search OF
her.
TIE next day the professor tried
In vain 10 write a chapter Of his
book. for his Publishers were begin
ming 10 press him for the completn
manuscript After wasting hours in
the bootless effort he called for the
yOuns man he had recently elm
ployed
Did YOU reprove Madeleine Sc
verely for her escapade yesterday
he asked You know how il tries
Ine 10 have 20 attend 10 that sort Of
thing-stiH. unless YOU are very
severe I shall have 10 take her IN
hand
Il rePrOved her very severely,
sir." replied Dick. but II vou viii
pardon me tor saving 50. think re-
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-30

old servant was right-the creek
had changed its course and the play
house was on the other side. There
il was with its little lace curtains
at the windows. the tiny front porch
with the little swing, everything as
she had left il years ago. The place
looked clean-evidently Susan had
cared tor il and even put gay bloom
ing plants in the little porch box.
Indeed the place. contrary TO her
expectations. had a brave. prosper
Gus look. New boards We're nailed
here and there where weather
boarding had decayed and two new
steps had been made. A can of
white paint stood open on the
ground and this puzzled Helen. Tn
less-it might be just possible that
her neighbOrs were renovating it for
some OF their own kin. Probably
some other little girl was TO have
her playhouse. Well-her eyes
softened-that was all right. If any
child had it that was different from
tearing il down.
Curiosity compelled her to inves-
tigate. so she crossed on some big
stones and went up the steps into
her little bower. The ceiling, scarce
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-30

cut down the oaks and pat in a
marble swimming pool there. Susan
and 1 told EN-, but they just think
we're a couple Of crazy old fools"
Then a look came into Helen's
pretty eyes that Hillary knew only
came into the eyes of a Truesdale
when thoroughly aroused. He knew
that some one was going 10 pay
dearly for the acquisition OF milady's
bower.
Helen lost no time after greeting
Susan in going out and prospecting.
Just as Hillary had said. the big
stone house on the brow OF the OPP
Iosite hill stood staring down at
them almost insolently. Many big
chestnuts had been cut down 10 be
supplanted by rolling lawns and
shubberies. But the hollow between
the hills was where her interest lay
and she hurried in the direction of
her old time retreat. where her
grandfather had built for her "A lit
tie playhouse of four tiny rooms for
her very own.
When she reached the hollow she
stopped suddenly. The creek lay at
her feet, another step would have
sent her down into deep water. The
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-30

" higher than her head. was fresh
ly papered. as were the walls. in a
lovely two-toned gray. And the will
low furniture and table had been
newly enameled in white A bright
little blue velvet rug was on the
floor and blue cretonne 10 match
covered the cushions on the chairs.
oh" breathed Helen. oh, How
wonderful, It's never been like this
before. You dear. dear little house. D."
Then back to the tiny dining room.
another dream Of white and brave
yellow. New dishes filled the little
china closet and fine linen was stack
ed upon the tiny sideboard.
Then she flew upstairs 10 find the
same bright metamorphosis. New
doilies in the beds. new pillows and
spreads and carpets.
She fell on her knees beside one
OF the beds and picked up a doll.
You darling!" she breathed against
its cold pink bisque cheek. some
little girl will love you to death.
Oh. I'm so glad some little girl will
have all this"
Then she heard a step and start
ed suddenly 10 her feet, tiptoeing 10
the stairs and peering down. 1t was
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-30
THE PLAYHOUSE

and her father being away on an
engineering expedition in South
America, she had come to take pos
session.
"You'n find a big change. miss.
Things is all different. specially since
they sold the other hill. And what
with the big stone mansion on top
staring US In the face all the time
and the fine flowers and shrubs and
gardens and automobiles" he sigh
ed. 'Taint like il used 10 be when
We could look across the hollow at
the chestnut grove kind OF yellow
gold on the top when the sun caught
EN- toward evening. Most Of ems
cut down now"
Helen remembered now of hearing
Of the sale after her grandfather's
death. but she had given il little
thought at the time thinking only
that IL mattered little 10 whom the
beautiful trees belonged.
on. Hillary. that's too bad" she
cried in dismay. But you must not
think that the other house is any
nicer than ours don't care how
splendid it is. Nothing can ever be
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-30

as lovely as our dear old place. How
much did they buy, Hilary"
Down 10 the creek"
oh" relieved, then my old play
house is still there. l simply couldnt
stand 10 have il 20. and the two big
oaks that stand on each side of it
like grand big soldiers. and the
patch Of blue .violets around the
spring. I've never seen violets so
big anywhere. 1 know they are the
most wonderful in the world"
That's just 1t, Miss Helen" the
old mans voice shook. There was
some trouble about the line. You
see the deed said the creek was the
line and when the surveyors got
here we'd had that awful storm you
read about and the washout. and the
creek had changed. It's forty feet
nearer the house than il was-the
old beds gone dry. And that"-he
stopped.
Hillary" She pulled his arm.
You don't mean they've got my
playhouse and the oaks and every
thing on their side now!'
Yes, Miss Helen. it's too bad, but
that's what they've done And
they're going 70 tear it down and
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-30
BIZ Oliver Roberts Barton

a man with two pictures which he
proceeded TO tack on the parlor
walls Helen watched him a min
ute in silence. then she called
down:
Dick"
He looked up as though an angel
had suddenly peeped out of heaven
and called him by name.
Helen"
zone would expect 10 find YOU IN
a mans size house. I'd never think
Of you moving in here from New
York"
He looked curious I'm doing il
for the kid" he confessed.
Don't say kid. Some little girl
Yes"
'Do-say. Dickie, is that your sis
ter's new house up there2 I never
thought Of il being hers"
Yes. the stone house on the hill
I don't like it to tell YOU the truth.
but Sis insisted on me coming out
TO spend my vacation. so here I am.
Come on down, won't YOU If
you've forgiven me since-since 7
told you something one day"
Helen came down and held out
her hand. Forgive you, Dickie, for
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-30

telling me that YOU cared for me-
What was there 10 forgive I'm iu-
debted To you even II 4 couldn't say
yes. But tell me. what made your
sister change her mind about the
swimming pool ."
Il did. You see some old codger
came over and said this belonged To
q little girl who was coming visit
ing and she'd break her heart ~ t
was torn down. So I persuaded Sis
10 let IL stand and I've been having
bully time fixing IL up. How do
you like the dolls?" For Helen stil
had one I'm her arms
oh. Dick. I love them All. I'm
the little girl old Hillary told you
about This is my playhouse you've
been fixing You're a dear and L
love YOU for it,"
"You-don't say that. Helen. UNI
less you mean it," he pleaded.
i've been think lately. Dick" she
answered, coloriRg softly. Il thought
you selfish and-wen. ] won't say
il now. But I've changed my mind.
I think 7 do mean IL, Dickie. dear"
And the little playhouse witness
ed a scene quite as new 10 its aston
ished walls as the paper newly hung.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-30
ALMOST 4 MORMON

The Lake Shore limited was pull
ink out of Chicago. II was as not A
day as the windy city ever sees. Bob
Malcolm placed his camp chair on
the back of the observation car and
waved goodbye 20 his native city
why. Bob, old boy, what's bring
ing YOU east a day like th.s?" said
"a Young man slapping Bob on the
hack.
Hello yourself" said Bob. lis il
really Bruce Wallineford? Haven't
seen YOU since we 'Rah. Ran. Rah-
ed together az Yale. What are you
doing on this train?"
Bruce smiled and under his olive
skin. one could almost trace slight
flush Bob" he said after mo-
ment. Il know youH laugh when I
tell YOU. but I'm ON my way 90 see
girl in New York he added a bit
apoloeetically. And what's more.
I'm engaged 20 herr"
Bob shook both OF Wallingford' $
hands
Well Bruce. old top-and the
bunch had both Of us down for
erouchy old bachelors. No, don't
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-30

Old Hillary was at the station
with the phaeton and old Ned to
meet Helen.
His eyes filled and his lips trem-
bled when the train pulled in and
she aIighted buoyant and graceful
from one Of the coaches and waved
"a gay little welcome cross the plat
form. The groom IN his faded liv-
cry touched his hat and stood be-
side the old roam as straight as his
bent shoulders would permit
ooh. Hillary. it's good 10 be here
again. cried Helen. coming up.
How are you and how's Susan and
Old Neddie?" patting the horse fond
Is. Dear old Neddie-what good
times we've had. haven't we?"
All the way 20 the old homestead
on Twin Hill, Helen chatted and
asked questions about the place, the
house she had visited as a baby and
little girl. before the long years of
school and travel during which
both her grandparents had died.
Now she was mistress Of the place.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-30
By Lillian Hall CrowLey

Wilson with a surprised look
Grace Tompkins. was sure
had seen YOU before. I am TheO
Alexander"
"Theo!'' exclaimed the astonished
Mrs. Wilson. us it possible? I had
lost track Of YOU entirely. Why we
haven't seen each other since the
high school graduation"
Yes, we all went 10 Europe after
that. Father died there and we just
stayed on until I met Dick Somer-
Vile in Paris. He was there for a
years study. Then we were married
and came to live in Saylorville, and
have been here ever since. You are
the first person from home l have
seen since we came"
Il am so glad to see you, Theo.
Isn't it wonderful that our children
met each other?"
Il didn't know any Wilson's in FL
licuttown," said Mrs. SOmerville, so
the name did not impress me-"
My husbands people moved there
several years after you left, Theo.
Nathaniel found work in the bank
too confining and we came here
four years ago TO make our for
tune"
Jane stood, with teapot in hand,
in bewildered surprise.
Then l need not have tried TO
deceive you; you'd have loved
mother anyway"
Ted sprang to her side and put n
protecting arm around her.
What is it. dear?" he tenderly
manfred
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-30

college man lot better than the
girl who marries him because he IS
a good dresser or prize dancer. -
she finished with a knowing smile.
Bob could not voice words 10
keep up with his thoughts so rapid
~ were they flying through his
mind Sue Sykes. Virginia Carter.
Mrs. Cosmos-were all one and the
same girl
Two weeks later. Bob 'phoned
Bruce at his club.
Il got the money for my scenario,
Bruce, and J want you 20 do me- a
little favor before 7 leave for & 4
lantic." said Bob enthusiastically
Fire away. old man" Bruce can
back.
'T want you and Irene 20 be wiz
nesses at my marriage tomorrow
morning 20 Sue Sykes. Virginia Car
ter and Mrs. Cosmos" said Bib
"Lordy. boy. YOU better take
train for Salt Lake laughef
Bruce
$50 need Of &c." said Bob They
are all one and the same little girl -
And saying see yor all tonight"
he hung up the receiver with de-
cisive click.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-30

in their love. and their joy was COM
plete when Ted's mother showed in
slant fondness for the young girl
her son had chosen.
Everything had gone along
smoothly until now. when Jane real
lied what an impression her miser-
able little home might make on Mrs.
Somerville. The one large room
kitchen, dining room and living
room. while upstairs were two bed
rooms.
The house, with a few pieces of
furniture. had been on the farm
when Mr. Wilson had bought it. The
.ily had brought no furniture
with them except a few old heir
looms. They meant to use the house
only until such time as they had
money from the big peach crop.
Everything hinged on that.
Mrs. Wilson. never very strong.
had lost interest in keeping up her
house or her own appearance, and
her husband was too busy TO no
tice.
Now here was her daughter stir
ring her out of her usual calm
lethargy.
Jane hauled out a carpet that
had been packed around one of the
precious pieces of old mahogany and
had since reposed. folded, on the
floor Of the closet under the stair
case.
Come said Jane peremptorily,
lets put down this carpet
"But-Jane. l never tackled down
a carpet before"
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-30

NO. but you have seen them after
they were put down. Come, moth
er dear. Let's hurry"
After the carpet had been put
down Jane looked around with sat-
isfaction until her gaze took in the
windows. mo curtainsl Mother,
haven't you any?"
i've never had the heart TO make
curtains for a room like this" re-
piled Mrs. Wilson forlornly.
Jane ran 10 an old chest of draw
ers, relic of better days. and took
out a bolt Of white material belong
ing 20 her wedding outfit. Now
Wen have curtains Tor all these
windows The view over the noun
tain will be lovely and Wen have
lots of flowers"
Jane had called in a couple Of
the men working in the orchard to
carry the kitchen stove out to the
back of the house.
you see," she instructed. when
1 go in and out for the tea things
it will look as though we had a
kitchen out there, besides keeping
this room perfectly COOL"
Yes, l see"
Now, mother, you sun up stairs
and I'll finish. When you get far
enough along I'll do your hair, and,
for goodness sake, put on a corset!
Get out the one you boughta thou
sand years ago in Philadelphia. Let
out the strings, but get into il some
how
You simply have 10 get into
one now and you must pull it tight
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-30

from Pennsylvania four years be-
fore when Nathaniel Wilson had in
vested all he had in a peach orchard
in the Ozarks, where one crop with
favorable weather conditions would
bring him a fortune. He had work
ed hard to bring his orchard TO a
state of perfection. but always some
unfavOrable occurrence hindered the
lOng-lOoked- for bumper crop.
When his wife had protested
against their going TO the farm, be-
cause James education might be
hindered, he had assured her that
there was a good university in the
town a few miles away and that
Jane should have every advantage.
He had been able 10 keep his word
and Jane. who had just finished
high school in Pennsylvania. en-
tered the college. She was now
graduated and again home for the
summer.
She had always been a great help
10 her mother when she was home.
She made all the clothes for the
family put up fruit, cooked. and
even helped her father out of doors.
She had learned many things in
college about milk and butter. trees
and shrubs, all of which practical
knowledge was useful on the place.
During her last year Of college
life love had come knocking at the
door of her heart in the person of
Ted Somerville. He belonged TO
one Of the wealthy families of the
town and his mother was a social
leader. They had been very happy