davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-23

place Of that germ lie at the portals
OF the city. IL is an indefina BILE
thing that hits you just as you enter
this fairy land by-the-sea," and
when you leave. IL is yielded up
as would be the gates of a city. II
is the touch that makes an optimist
out of a crouch, a lover out Of a
celibate, a bold and fearless buc-
cancer out of a timid. bashful violet
And John Gates felt its sting, or its
impetus, or whatever IL is, and i'm
PEELED by ii, he found himself at
her side. with the polite query,
Won't you please dance this dance
with me?"
Celeste Morrow gave a surprised
start gazed at him for a moment in
indecision. bit her lips. then nodded
assent, and in a daze he swept her
down the floor in his arms Then
he was called out OF his dream by
the sound of her voice.
Il suppose you are a gentleman ?"
she was saying.
II always try to be-" he assured
her.
But gentlemen do not try TO
firt." she admonished him, gravely
"Flirt?" he ecnoed, surprised
Yes" she answered. seriously.
Now let's have an understanding
accepted your invitation just now
because l wanted to ask you a
favor"
I'D be delighted" he started to
say.
"Please-no compliments" she
interrupted. frowning. II saw you
following me tonight. II believe
you're a gentleman. so that's why
I'm asking you not to do il again.
I'm not a fiirt, and l don't know
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-23

you. Will you promise?"
Gates looked at her long and
gulped hard before answering, then
ne spoke IN a low voice.
Il will" he promised. gravely.
But I, too, am no fiirt My name
is Gates, John Andrew Gates. I'm
from Philadelphia-an architect
unmarried. The manager of the
Clermont knows me well. Look here.
in return for my promise, will you
also promise me something
Womanly curiosity got the best OF
her and she whispered what"
will you let the manager intro
duce u.s." he urged.
"Maybe-later." she answered.
evasively, and then the fox-trot
came TO a noisy end. and he led her
back TO her seat, and left the pier
He paused In front Of the desk on
his way in. and scanned the regis
ter for the days arrivals, and OPP
posite Room 213 he saw. in a dainty
feminine chiography quite unlike
her straight -the-point. self-reli-
ant self, the name Celeste Morrow.
Harrisburg"
Harrisburg, he reflected as a half
hour later he lay looking towards
the ceiling and fancying he saw her
shadow on the paper. A wonderful
place IT had become! and Celeste!
She was celeste-heavenly.
Still the synosure OF nearly every
mans eye. yet oblivious of any OF
them. she nearly brushed against
him in the surf the following morn
ing. Then. mindful Of his promise.
and tempted to weaken. he left the
beach. and. dressing again. tramped
the walk for an hour, then returned
TO the Clermont for luncheon.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-23

her clicking needles long enough TO
pull out the big pockets that gave
a barrel-like effect to her blue
Bingham frock. IT look all right
for background. don't II"
Il am suspicious of you. You
are a soft little thing apparently,
but even kittens have claws, you
know"
But they don't always use them"
smiled Mabel, and went on knitting
a blue cap for some marine.
Nevertheless. don't trust you"
said Elnora. and turned to go to
her rooms to prepare for an attack
on an unsuspecting masculine
heart.
Mabel was still knitting. her
shining red needles flying back and
forth in the soft blue wool. when
Elnora emerged from the hotel. A
filmy white Georgette gown with
touches Of blue velvet showed her
slim young body to advantage. and
"a blue tulle hat. ornamented with
a single silver rose. brought out
the sea blue color OF her eyes. Ell
nora was lovely and she knew how
10 display her charms.
While the women were unselfsh-
ly admiring her. a machine drew up
and Mr.. Thomas MacLean, with
two visitors instead OF one. sprang
out 20 greet them.
I'll take the one in gray" whis-
pered Elnora 10 Mabel Andrews
You can tell at a glance that the
one in dark blue is the widower"
Agreed" laughed the tiny
blonde. and went on knitting as IL
the arrival OF two good looking men
was not the most exciting thing
that had happened in a week.
When the visitors had been pre-
sented. Mabel was not surprised 20
| see ElnOra move away with Mr..
| Roger Perkins. the gentleman in
gray After an Indifferent greet
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-23
BIZ Archey Cameron New

Again she was alone-and as the
meal progressed, hasty glance
from time TO time apprjsed him Of
the Act that her friends had not
appeared.
He saw her later, still alone. at
a writing desk, and she saw him.
but he left her severely alone and
sauntered out. The scene was re-
peated again at dinner, and then
later, in the lobby. he thought he
detected a feeting wistful express
sion on her face, but doggedly kept
aloof and went out.
The following morning he again
encountered her at the desk. and a
rather ingratiating smile, under
lowered eye-lids, prompted him to
ask, May I ask the manager
now?"
She nodded her head in assent.
and the introduction promptly fol-
lowed.
Then began the siege. But in the
delightful days that followed. when
they tramped the walk together.
from Chelsea to the Inlet. danced
on the piers, rolled in the chairs.
laughed together over the funny
Englishman at the Beaux Arts,
marveled together at the dizziness
Of the skaters at the Islesworth.
envied the skill and grace Of the
wihrlwind dancers at the Martin
ique, took the slides and hobbled
together through the Barrel Of Fun
at the Steeplechase like couple OF
care free schoOlroom kids. yet he
felt an aloofness which he couldn't
define. She scOrned his efforts TO
keep her head up in the waves. and
swan away with the skill of a mer-
maid. She sprang lightly from the
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-23

might devour As she stepped out
OF the elevator Mr. willoughby
Williams attired in the smartest Of
white fiannels, presented himself
Can't we have dinner together.
Miss Andrews" he asked. and
widower or not, he was altogether
too pleasant 10 pass without notice,
so Mabel sweetly agreed. Later.
when she had captured the guile
less one-who was probably look
ing for a step-mother for his chill
dren-she would turn her attention
to Mr.. Roger Perkins.
Together they ate. danced. mo-
tored and had a good time general
". while Elnora managed the unen-
numbered eligible with strategic
skill. After that first night. Mabel
no longer looked upon Mr.. Perkins
with jealous eyes. She did not want
to marry anybody, anyway, and the
versatile Mr. Williams had won the
entire crowd, without a doubt So
she decided 10 amuse herself with
him for the allotted two days.
It was down at the picturesque
white sulphur spring on sunday
night that Mr.. Willoughby Williams
brought matters TO a sudden climax.
II am coming back next satur-
day. if you will promise to be kind
and endure me-" he said Il don't
want 20 go back in the morning
but there are things in the city that
demand my attention just now"
Things. thought Mabel sadly. prob
ably meaning six small roUnd-eyed
children by the name OF Williams.
She had never cared for A big fam
lily, but-he was attractive and he
had the incest gray eyes in the
world.
why, do come she urged
cordially
The tulle scarf about her shoul-
ders blew uncertainty and as they
! both caught it. their hands touched.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-23
By 4. Marie Crawford

touched and chung there in the
darkness, sweet with the fragrance
Of blossom time.
Il love you" ne whispered. Il
don't want 10 Brighten you. You
are so exquisite. so fragile for such
clumsy hands as mine Perhaps in
time ! can teach you % care"--
"Oh," cried the girl. her heart
huttering IN a strangely sweet and
unknown fashion, Il think I do care
Sow am not very competent
but I will try to be a good mother
20 your children"
His hands. shaking a little. drew
her TO him. My children Oh. my
dear" ne said softly and kissed
her
How. how many have you?" she
managed 70 gasp from his coat coli
lar
Mr. wiIloughby Williams gasped.
too. What is it,"
All nice widowers seem 70 have
so many" she went on. II always
thought I would not ike 20 bring
up other peoples children but since
I have known you, II think
BY the grace Of God. am a
bachelor" ne told her You must
have mistaken me for Roger
Perkins"
ooh. I'll never get over IT, What
do you think Of me-" she sobbed-
Mr.. Wiuoughby Williams vas
shaking with laughter when he drew
her into his arms again. What CO
think OF you?" he repeated. Z
think you are the very sweetest
most precious. MOST
And 70 think" interrupted Ma
! bel. "Elnora selected him. Mr..
Roger Perkins, you know Has he
any children - she questioned. quite
overcome by her curiosity.
Seven" answered Mr.. Willough-
/ by Williams. laconically.
Copyright, l@7l
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-23

There was a scarcity OF men at
Sulphur Springs hotel and Elnora
Bryson was having a hard time TO
amuse herself II was all right TO
sit on the wide galleries and knit
sleeveless sweaters, socks and wash
rags for the soldiers when age had
taken the mist OF dreams from ones
eyes, but youth demanded gaiety;
tennis. golf and boating during the
day and dancing until the wee
small hours had dawned.
None OF these pleasures was very
dlverting without men. In fact, a
summer resort without men is
hopelessly dull Saturday night
brought a crowd OF mild, eminently
respectable husbands down for the
weekend but young men, realiz-
inE the gravity OF the war situa-
ton. were not playing with life as
a game any more. Life was sud
denly taken at its face value. too
precious a thing TO be wasted in
idleness.
There is a nice widower COM
ing with my Thomas this after
noon. Elnora. called Mrs. Thomas
MacLean. He is quite clever. You
will like him"
Elnora laughed and clapped her
hands. Things have come TO a
pretty pass when one is compelled
10 welcome a has-been with glad
ness. Now. what shall 1 wear ."
she turned to little Mabel Graf'who
was busily knitting he1 bit for the
Red Cross supplies.
White or lavender" suggested
that pretty little blonde. They are
the oolors that appeal TO a middle
aged man"
What are you going to wear
questioned Elnora. who always
liked 70 know something definite
about possible competitors
II am not going 20 dress again
until niEht." said MabaL Stoppins
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-23

only the porter with the truck. an
the trunk was taken out at once.
John, awaiting the result. descend
ed 70 the exchange He didn't have
long 20 wait IN a few moments
she appeared, trembling ana
nervous.
My purse" she said. biting her
lip 10 keep back the tears. I've lost
It. What can /, do? Ny tickets
IN its ard all my money"
Maybe you locked Il in your
trunk" he volunteered. and dropped
his eyes TO conceal a guilty CLEAN.
But that's gone. too" she an
swered brokenly
Never mind he assured her.
"T'l run after your trunk and get
your pocketbOok for you"
But you can't" she cried. in de-
spair; its locked"
Then" he went on. with a posi-
tive air. you must let me take you
home"
But" she protested. how can
you? NY train leaves IN IS min
utes"
I'll make IT," he answered. FOR
the simple reason that I've already
checked out"
"But I thought
That I could stay here without
you, Celeste?" he demanded. and
her eyes shrank beneath his intent
gaze Not a minute
And the "apparition IN yellow did
not resist when John Gates led her
20 the waiting omnibus. with pro-
tecting arm about her waist. And
John Gates stayed longer IN Har-
risburg than was necessary 70 col
lect his loan"
Copyright. 1910
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-23

rolling-chairs. ignoring his hand
outstretched to help her. And when
he pressed her for an explanation
as TO why she scorned the men. she
made II clear 70 him
You men are so funny" she told
him. You think We cannot do
things for ourselves-cannot enjoy
ourselves without YOU. wanted 10
be independent OF men. That's why
I came down here alone"
"But-why." he stammered, why
did you let me meet you then?"
We'll. my friends had left me
A. she broke of abruptly
and favored him with a saucy smile.
why do you want TO know? Aren't
you enjoying YOURSELF"
Wonderfully" he assured her.
I'll be sorry TO have it end"
But 1t must" she asserted, pos
itively. 81 leave tomorrow"
Tomorrow" he echoed. dumbiy
oh well. you must let me see you
home"
"What-to Harrisburg she de-
manded. Smiling. and seeing his
nod. she added, "Why-of course
not. I can manage-alone.
Standing pat on her independence,
was she? John racked his brain for
a means 10 shake that independece,
and then. as he passed her door the
following morning on the way TO
his room, the idea struck him! Her
hat and purse lay on her dresser,
while her trunk. packed and locked.
was waiting TO be moved. In a
jiffy. he extracted the key from her
purse. opened the trunk thrust the
pocketbook into II. then locked IL
gain. and turned in alarm. for
someone had entered, but il was
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-23

about her for a place of shelter,
mentally calculating whether it
would be wiser 20 go in search of
shelter or attempt to get back to the
steamer. Suddenly her eyes lighted
with a little sparkle of hope. There,
about q quarter Of a mile from her,
was a tiny hut, rough hewn from the
timbers of the great woods. Virginia
turned, quickened her steps TO al
most a breathless run, and made for
IL.
She slackened a little as she near
ed it; for, although there was no
visible signs of occupancy without,
from the stone chimney, like a
lighthouse in a South sea. rose a
hospitable curl OF thin, white smoke.
Virginia approached timidly and
gently knocked at the door. Imme-
diately IL was sung open and-Nir-
ginia fell back aghast. She grew a
little pale and made a quick move
ment to see if she was really alive
or just seeing things. There, Of all
people, stood the Prince Charming,
with a skillet of frying bacon in one
sand and a towel, marked with very
visible signs OF culinary use, poised
in the other.
"Virgie. why-Virgie. however in
the dickens did you get away up
here? Come in, dear girl; you're
getting wet" he said, opening the
door wider.
And the dignity which Virginia
tried to summon failing her, and the
rain coming down in great buckets
from that treacherous sky. she
could do none other than accept.
We'll. how did you get here. I'd
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-23
STANDING PAT

The lonesomest man in the world
is not the affable. genial person
who finds himself in the wilds Of
Sahara. with no one but a stupid
camel TO lend ear TO his gibbering.
No A far more lonesome type is
he who, surrounded by laughing.
happy fellow mortals, passing
through immense throngs attend
ed by the blare Of brass bands and
incessant warblers. is yet so timid
and bashful that he cannot mix
in" And now. after two delight
full weeks az Atlantic City. John
Andrew Gates. deserted two days
turning friends. returned 70 the Ho-
tel ClermOnt. paid his bin. left his
forwarding address. and disregard
ing the waiting elevator. started up
the steps 10 his room.
And then, on the landing two
flights above. as he turned the cor
ner. he stopped abruptly. narrowly
averting a collision His mouth
framed a muttered apology as a
delicious little apparition in pale
yellow. her brown eyes frOwning
slightly. and her two cherubic lips
twisted into a pOut. brushed by
him and continued down the stairs.
With mouth agape, he followed her
with his eyes, then continued 10
his room.
He unpacked his trunk. rehung
his clothes in the wardrOge, and
returned 20 the Office and reclaim
ed his room, for another week. The
clerk gave him a surprised look.
which he didn't see. for out Of the
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-23

glance. 2her way at dinner, made
Nirginia's delicioUsly prepared food
turn 10 a solid mass of clay in her
throat. Just to think of it," she
said aloud. he was so deceitful he
hadn't told her even to this day"
Virginia was glad she had talked
with that little bell boy that morn
ing. So glad she would never forget
him for telling her the blonde lady
who kept herself in such seclusion
for fear of marring her wonderfully
tinted complexion was Howard
Flemming's wife.
They couldn't get accommoda-
tons together" the little be-button-
'em from our town. Why, they're al
ways together down there when
they're both in town. They only
moved 10 Greenvale lately. but
everyone knows 'em though they
amt spoke a word TO no one yet"
1t had been enough. Virginia could
hear no more, so she excused her
self. making some trifiing remark.
and went TO her room 10 cry the hurt
from her heart.
The FIVE days since she had avoid
ed Howard The longer she kept
away from seeing him, the sooner
her heart would get well again, she
argued. But her plan didn't work
il was a case Of absence making her
human heart grow fonder.
"All ashore who's going shore"
Virginia heard the steward call the
following morning as she turned out
her berth and stretched back into
the world of probabilities. "Pene-
tang-boat leaves at IL o'clock-all
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-23
THE PRINCE CHARMING

ing the stars, when a voice nearby
startled her back 20 realiza tion.
Looking for the eternal tri-
angler asked a kindly, well-modu-
lated voice just behind her. and
Virginia turned TO gaze into the
warm, friendly eyes of-her Prince
Charming.
'Why-yes-I-me she
answered, a little embarrassed. But
his worldly sense OF tact came to the
rescue and he relieved the situation
gracefully by dropping into the chair
beside her and beginning a discourse
on the various planets.
That was how 1t had all begun.
AS Virginia sat thinking of it five
days later. her very human heart
was filled with a sense Of bitterness
and self-reproach. She had allowed
her affections TO stray before she
knew more OF the gentleman. OF
course, now that she did analyze il
in her normal senses she could see
how easily il had all come about.
They had kept entirely away from
personalities during their many
conversations and it was because
Howard had never told her anything
of his domestic life Virginia had
never guessed he was married. How
should 1 have guessed it?' she ask
ed herself over and over again by
way Of finding an excuse for her
own wounded feelings. She had
gone, very gradually, though spon-
taneously attracted at first. and
fallen madly in love with the Prince
Charming on the steamer. And the
very look or that other woman's
face whenever she happened TO
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-23
By Anne O'Keete

Virginia attempted an apology.
Then, like the proverbisl silver lin
ing bursting through the dark clouds
he broke into a hearty peal Of
laughter.
so that was Il. was it?" he asked
tenderly now, after Virginia had
sobbed out her grievance 20 him;
that was why you avoided me for
FIVE solid days? You little goose
my wife" and he went of again
into another hysterical outburst his
big frame trembling as he held her
close 10 him.
why. that little bellboy doesn't
know what he's talking about. Es-
telle is my sister. She's had a long
spell OF illness and is just recuperat-
ing That's why she's so exclusive
and her skin so white. My wife
why. little goosie. for a moment L
though you meant 10 insinuate 7 was
trying 20 play a double game. I've
got no wife-but-" He looked down
into her radiant face, now pink with
happiness and raised his dark brows
inquiringly.
But" he went on. "T will have
IL you say so. VIII you-Virgie.
dear girl. will you be my wife-to-
day-tomorrow-j as soon as pos
sible?"
And the only reason that Virginia
and her captured Prince Charming
didn't stop at the license bureau in
the little town Of Penetang before
they once more boarded the steam
er. was because Virginia was just
patriotic enough 20 want a marriage
under the jurisdiction OF her good
old UncIe Sam
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-23

She saw him as he walked around
the deck for the first time after the
steamer had blown its usual three
loud whistles. drawn up the gang
PUNK and began to cut sharp, little
white sprays through the usually
calm waters OF Lake Erie.
Virginia Carson looked twice at
the handsome figure as he strobe
past her chair. raised her tired head
lightly, contrary TO the little vow
she had made to herself before she
took her trip to recuperate her tired
nerves. and watched his well-groom-
ed person until he turned the cor
ner at the stern. and she could see
him no more.
Funny. isn't to" Virginia asked
herself, almost aloud. Here 1 am
running away from civilization and
men and all things worldly to rest
my tired brain after a long years
work, and here" she chided her
self with a little smile. here 1 am
gazing at a man-s mere man, but
a very attractive one at that. But
maybe that solves the problem. u:
isn't personal interest, it's his fine
radisting personality I 'felt. I'm
sure" Then, as her thoughts be-
gan to wander of into deep channels
she drew herself up impulsively and.
with an animated little shrug of i'm
patience, got up and walked below
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-23

like 70 know" Virginia demanded
with mock authority.
Howard then told her how he had
donned his khaki suit and bought
some things in town, and wandered
up 10 this wonderful spot for a
breath of genuine nature. 4 love IL, F."
he concluded, and l try 20 get back
TO old Mother Nature as much as
possible during these hot days. 1
never would have come on that
civilized steamer trip if it hadn't
been a business duty. You see, I've
got to go TO Chicago. and it seemed
the only possible way without suffo-
eating in a stuffy train"
At the name steamer" Virginia s
grievance asserted itself once again.
Quietly they finished the impromptu
luncheon the prince had prepared,
and together they moved toward the
oil-paper covered window to peep
out at the weather.
And your wife, Virginia put in
rather hrazenly a few moments
later. why didn't she come along
with you? Oh. yes" she added with
her little uncontrolled sense Of an
cestral cathood coming 10 bear; lit
probably was her pink and white
baby skin You know we women all
know rain isn't the best thing in the
world for delicate skin or light
curly hair"
Howard swung around and grasp
ed her straight by the shoulders.
What do you mean2" he de-
manded, rather severely, and his
jaw set like iron, while his keen
brown eyes suddenly lost their warm
sparkle and flashed like steel.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-23

10 her stateroom.
Unconsciously, the dashing figure
in the black and white checked suit
and hand carved" shoes. as she
had heard some one describe his at
tractive sport pumps. fingered in
Virginia's mind. She was provoked
and pleased, all in the same mo-
ment.
After dinner Virginia found her
self unconsciously going over her
wardrobe with an eye to becoming
ness, and then the cold truth dawn
on her-she had brought no dancing
frOck. This was to be a trip for
rest, and she realized il now with a
cold feeling of disappointment. Her
dark blue eyes flashed back a re-
Election in the mirror which startled
her. She slammed on to her curly
head a little steamer cap of brown
felt and threw about her shoulders
a heavy coat. Then she promptly
sailed out on deck and above TO the
dance salon, where the music was
in full swing and the dance was on.
She watched the dancers for a few
moments. A little lump suddenly
arose in her throat as she saw her
Prince Charming gracefully sway
ing another girl. dazzling in her
gown of turquoise blue and her
light. almost fairy-spun tufts OF
curly blonde hair perilously near his
\
stern OF the top deck and languidly
let herself slip into one of the near
5y steamer chairs. She fell to study