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

But" Flora said half aloud, sud
denly stirring from her reverie.
this will never do. must hurry
and dress and get below TO the COM
mencement exercises"
When Flora came down the wide,
highly polished stairway TO the
auditorium below that morning, just
before the exercises began. not
few Of the guests turned 10 gaze at
her. She was radiant in her simple
gown of white net with a tiny bow
of white ribbon holding her slightly
tinted bouquet of sweet peas at her
belt. The white was in vivid con-
trast 10 the raven black Of her hair,
and her eyes seemed to reflect some
of their blueness down on 10 her
bodice. making its simple little ruff
fed trimming seem all the whittier.
Slowly and with grace in every
step she walked up the aisle and
took her place on the platform.
Then the exercises began by the
usual opening speech
When the first speeches were
over and Miss bennett. the prin-
cipal. called order for a moment,
heaps of flowers came down the
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-09

She had grown TO the age Of IA
in a convent home in Dover after
Gerald had written them to make
her comfortable and send him the
bills and then Gerald thought it
best TO send her to a school in Lon
don where she could be properly
trained to become a finished lady.
Flora had spent six years now in
the seminary and was graduating to-
day. She had received her steamship
ticket to come to New York to Ger
AIDS home but a few days before,
and her hours since were filled with
a tumult of emotions. How happy
she was TO be graduating-her re-
ward at last after so many hours of
hard study and training-and then
just as suddenly a wave of lOnel-
ness would sweep over her as she
watched the other girls pack their
room decorations into their trunks
some little trinkets for little
brother, or Cousin Agnes or mother
and sometimes the ache would
grow to almost a yelling of tears in
her big blue eyes when she heard
the girls speak OF father with
Teyerent intOnatiOn.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-09

mistake. ANY way" she figured
to herself. lit can be remedied later.
but I'll hold the bouquet just for
appearance sake until the exercises
are over"
Just as the music struck the first
opening strains of the dance which
Immediately followed the closing
exercises and Flora was watching
her opportunity 10 steal off into
some secluded corner by herself to
open the tiny envelope bearing the
sender's name, she felt a light touch
on her arm.
Flera turned TO encounter a pair
of steel gray eyes set deep in a
bronze, clean-shaven and rather
handsome face. They were shining
like stars as they looked directly
into hers.
Il beg pardon"-- Flora began.
but the kindly smile Pickering in
his unfathomaSle eyes suddenly
burst into a flame of interest and
Flora found herself hesitating while
her MAN with the Gray Eyes" made
his explanation.
Don't know me, of course" he
said lightly to relieve her embarrass-
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-09

just one more thing you've taken
a fancy 20. Aunt Mary says you're
the most-forgive me-spoiled young
man she knows. that you've always
had everything your own way. It's
funny TO hear you talk of sacri-
flee"
He set his lips grimly. so you
think me incapable of that. do you?
You think 1 couldn't give things
up?"
II don't suppose you'll ever be
called to-" she answered.
Look here. Catharine," suddenly,
would you like-would 1 have
better chance if were poor?"
It's too hard TO imagine. 1 don't
know"
"Catharine, will you marry me?"
'No."
Il knew you'd say that. I'm go
ing TO ask you something else,
though. Promise not TO get en-
gagged to anybody else, will you, un-
til I get back?''
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-09

WIZARD sighted relief as the
crossroads signpost doomed through
the fog. RE was lost in a strange
land. one made weird, even spec
ual. by thick. white vapors. The
earth was dark ard slippery and
dead leaves In the autumn woods on
either side save out a pungent.
penetrating, almost overpowertng
smell lie had loved IL as he set
out that morning for day-lons
tramp IL ne had been weather
wise he would have STAYED at tie
log tavern Notwithstanding its
rough fare and lack OF comfort.
The wind had blown in languii.
signing gasps with intervals OF
dead calm-dawn had been a red
lower. dogs had barked acrid dis
content. and al the sparse poultry
OF the tavern had been noisy and
restless. as were the rasging yelrl-
ing mules on the common fronting
the house. and the starveling calves
arnored in cockleburs. oawlinz
about wecdy orchard.
.Faiin' weather shore as shoot
iu'-but reckon ye DE neither
sugar ner salt" the landlord had
aid with a Elum face, yet hall
smiling. a. he took pay for his Ell
tertamment willard had been clad
% get aWay-so clad 10 amazed him
nov that he could revert lonsingly
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-09

lie for him sufficient reward. Rapt
in such thought the fog had seem
ed at first no more than an in
convenience. Hours OF it, bringing
him To the edge of sundown. hours
of aimless and weary WANDERING,
made him feel IL Now a menace.
lie peered up at the crOss-arns.
once they had beer lettered bOld
Is. In clear daylisht the lettering
might stin he Iegible He felt for
matches, struck one-it fickered
out. When ne sought another mis-
case proved To he empty. He
would not be able to smoke the
cherished last cigar. much less &c
breath he again looked at the guide
boards As he looked he heard
rapid hOOf beats, then a girl 5
voice vainiy crying. hushediy, yet
anXiously: Are YOU there2" / was
so afraid, say something quick
! have felt lost this last hour"
Il am here, all right enough.
Willard PECAN. The voice interrupt
ed joyously: Then make haste and
get up before me. i couldn't get
the ether horse-but Seli.n carries
dOuble-and won't mind the weight
lie knows the way. fortunately
reverend uncle bought him only a
month hack from has brother rev
erenI. That's why oh, ] was IN
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-09
IN 4 FOG

TO the heaped log fire, the bread
of pounded cornmeal. the butter
milk and friend bacon that had
made his supper and breakfast. The
early miles had been deliciOusly
vasrant-ne had walked as the
woods invited him, not troubling
himself 10 think of his compass 50
long as he kept the wind IL his
face. Then suddenly al things had
blurred round about him-he had
found with blank dismay that his
compass was missing. fallen from
mis- pocRer doubtless as he stopped
TO LOOK close a some sylvan mosaic
OF red and russell and gOld-yellow.
with "a dash OF velvet-green moss
showing through. Color was his
passion--it had brought him here
20 range the hill country in its
autumn splendors. Viewing these
Colors he had sishted-with a de-
spairing happiness. Art could not
catch nor repat them-they We're
SD far beyond il. But for them he
was storing up memories that
might turn 10 gold later on
His designs. henceforth, should
have a primitive simplicity joined
Co harmonies W. multi-col5r il
they did not Crins him fame
money ne had already-thev might
al least help 20 teach the backward
ia way 10 srest doing There would
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-09

guardian. TO whom she owed her
education, was far across the Allan
ic-just too far to so across and
see him whenever the luxury OF a
holiday presented itself.
And then too Flora was not quite
sure that the immovable. tense
bachelor. Gerald GriswOld, wanted
her about. She had never seen him,
but he had always written 10 her as
though she was some little child
who needed a fathers strong, help
ing hand and pocketbook every so
often. but never a kind, affeetionate
word would he offer.
Flora Mannering had been the in
FAINT daughter of Gerald Griswold's
college Chum and business partner.
Her mother died soon after she was
born and Flora's father. the London
representative of the firm, had lost
his life trying TO save some of the
valuable books and records of the
Office when the big Quitene building
in London burned 10 the ground
II therefore befell Gerald Girls
void. in memory Of her father, 10
take upon himself the responsibility
Of raising Flora.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-09

and came suddenly upon some Won
derful scenery where mountains
rose from the lake-great masses
Of jagged granite, snow capped and
glacier scanned. But what counted
these monuments of time, what
counted the whole world when "A
man and a maid were discussing
destiny-their destiny.
Bribery! ] like that"
We'll. you just said so. You
said affection could be bought"
Yes, l know 1 did. But not with
money. There are other things.
There's sacrifice, for instance. Most
affection can be bought by sacri-
fee"
She was Modified but not cOnvinc-
ed. And then Winthrop lost what
ground he had gained by repeating
his first question.
IF you think of anything you
want, let me know. l am going
back 10 New York tomorrow to be
gone several days, and I'd bring the
town back if you wanted it,"
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-09

I knows 20 whicker-fur as I kin
hear it,"
Tell your ma ster it's-the run
away cOuple-to come quick-with
the license-he has tive won't
get down." the girl tried, clingins
10 Willard, her voice tense and
edged. Here. indeed. was a crisis.
Willard got hor and weak inside.
How should he shame this trusting
CreatUre-yet how escape? He
could not marry her out Of hand,
knowing nothing more Of her than
the ride had revealed He could
net take advantage thus of circum-
srance-still less could he leave her
to shame ard despair What was
there she would have died. she
had mistaken him for another. The
shock, the agony OF finding out
that other had played her false.
would make her even more des-
perate.
Better Jet the thing go on-he
could luckily afford 10 set her free.
Suddenly il flashed on him that as
her husband ne might he able to rid
her Of home tyrants. So when the
minister who was blear-eyed and
hating, called 20 them from his
back piazza. ride up Don't expect
me 10 go out IN the wet. DO yen'
Selim was duly guided TO a space q
yard in front OF him, and held
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-09

ment I'm Gerald Griswold-got
into London this morning on a bus
mess trip and learned that today
was the big day up here at the
school Congratulations. little
woman" he finished, extending his
hand, and gazing at the flowers.
Mr.. Griswold," Flora said abrupt
ly. how can 1 ever thank'-hut
Griswold cut her speech short with
wave of his hand
Glad to see YOU liked the flow
ers." he remarked a moment later
when they had sauntered off on to
the side and seated themselves on a
marble bench just inside the cor
ridor.
That evening Flora Mannering
thought herself the happiest girI in
the world.
Gerald had taken her TO dinner
at the Ritz down on the square and,
as he sat across the table recipro-
eating her gaze Of admiration. he
leaned closer and pinched her little
finger tenderly.
by George" he said suddenly.
but how much YOU are like your
father-he was my very best friend.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-09

ed, ioyously. and he took her again
in his arms and kissed her. Then
he led her 70 the couch and, seate
az her side. he hastily outlined his
plans.
All was hustle and orderly con-
fusion i'm the immense armorv of
the third battery. Khaki clad
figures hurried hither and thither.
with no apparent seal, but the i'm
portance OF their several missions
was evident from their grim faces
and intent step. over on the size,
several young men, looking strange
~ homogeneous in suits OF blue and
brown and gray, with ties and
stockings OF varied-colored hues,
that gave them confidence outside
the arnory, but a pronounced feel
ing OF diifiJence within, lowered near
the office OF the recruiting sur
geon. In the outer office, through
the open door, the assistant surgeon
could been seen, examining the eyes,
ears and teeth, Of the applicant,
after which the door Of the inner
office closed behind him, and grunts
and little yelps were heard from
time 20 time, as the chief surgeon
prOdded him here and there.
Bat suddenly these sights failed
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-09

You're not even going"
Yes. but ! am" he asserted. "I''
You lied 10 ne, she interrupt
ed. her eyes wide with horror
They accepted you You
No" he answered, gently !
didn't lie. They did reject me. Blu;
I'm going 10 get in-or bust And
you're going 10 help me. I'm going
over 10 the headquarters OF the
third battery. artillery corps, and
try 10 get in-with your help"
With my help" she echoed,
aghast, and she shuddered. "Nev.
err
For an instant she was thrilled
ut this display OF her affection. out
his face maintained a sober mien
Clara" he said, looking heI
straight in the eve. are you going
to be--a coward 20
She stared at him wide-eyed,
then sank 10 the sofa, her frame
shaking with sots When tho storm
had spent itself she rose and went
to his side
Pm ready" she told him, brave
ly biting her Zip to keep her con-
trGJ. Tell me how / can help you,
Walter"
Il knew YOU would" he exclaim-
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-09

10 claim the attention OF the sol
diery and citizenry. for into the
armory came q robust looking
young man, followed closely by d
decidedly pretty girl. They went
directly 10 the assistant surgeon :
Office. where DR.. Walters. or Cap
tain Walters, as he was called here.
gave a start of surprise as he saw
the girl. then stepped up TO the
young mans side.
Err isn't there some mistake"
stammered Captain Waters The
young lady'--
That's all right, captain" cut in
the young man reassuringIy. she's
my sweetheart. NV name is Chad
wielc-WalteT Chadwick You don't
object if she watches the examina-
ton, do you?"
We'll, er-not al all. not the
one out here" and the army sur
geon, who had faced wars worst
horrors. turned his face 10 conceal
a blush. then brought a pad and
pencil TO his elbow with business
like briskness. Walter answered
the preliminary questions satisfac-
torily, then. at the surgeons bid
ding, stationed himself on one side
of the office.
Wen test you eve sight" said
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-09
By Anne O'Keete

you know he added. with an ir-
quiring look i'm his eyes land I've
never found anyone 10 take his place
until just now
viii you he hesitated. "will
you try 20 take his place i'm nay life.
little woman? Will YOU come back
to New York with me and help de
sign the new little bungalow i have
in mind? tn he your house little
Flora-my Wife's house-Mrs. Flora
Griswold's home" he added. 10
make his meaning clear. but Flora
was already nodding her head in
the affirmative while the pink OF
her cheeks had been famed 10y his
words into two bright scarlet spots.
She held her eyes down until they
were well out Of the Ritz then. a.
he tenderly put his arm about her
in the cab, the street lamps lighted
up the lustre Of two bright, yet verv
soft. blue eyes, as she lifted them
to his.
The next morning Griswold can
celled Flora's steamer ticket. and En-
its place reserved the suite de luxe
on the steamer sailing directly after
their marriage took place.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-09

.such a stew-the fog and all-bu.
praise me for putting on mans
saddle couldn't have you ride
behind me"
Willard stood hesitant, amazed,
yet ready for an adventure. Here
was a way out-the only posi- bic
way At the girls impatient cry
Get up, quick" ne mounted
obediently, took the reins from her
and held them loosely. while she
settled herself behind him with a
little relieved sigh, saying: 1t
would have killed me-not 10 find
YOU waiting. Yes-killed me. The
shame of COINS TO meet a lasgard
sweetheart O! You must Ice good
TO me always
Il will-God helping me-" VIII
lard interrupted ferN entity. He fell
her tremble as she leaned lightly
against him. and slipped tiny
bare hand within his free one.
laggaId with whom she had plan
ned 10 elope-as clearly il would
be the height OF cruelty TO let her
discover her mistake so long as
they were alone IN this hidden
world. Mist had turned into a fine
chill rain-not pelting. but pene-
trating. Very gently Willard fel:
her shoulders. TO ind them covered
with no more than a silk blouse.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-09

steady under a tight rein, while the
marriage service was gone through.
As willard passed over a handsome
fee, the parson said: Better spell
your name for me, John, SOS I may
git the record plumb right Baptis
Brother Turrentine1I make "a biz
over this piece of work
and upset il ef he can-1On't
want TO give him a chance. AS fer
you. Ethel" addressing the girl. Il
don't mind sayin' I'm glad ter have
helped We out o his clutches-he
loved yer money SO well, he never
wanted ter part from it,"
Follow this: then the spelling is
bound 20 be right" Willard said
handing over a card. The minister
nodded, saying: III see % the re-
cordin' my own self tomorrow. You
can call for the certificate any time
after"
The fog was lifting slightly, the
rain Stacking. Reluctantly Selim
went around the house. down a "a 4
ged lawn, TO "A stretch OF turnpike
that showed like a tunnel in the
gloom. Night had fallen-a few
stars peered through. Also lights
from a house Of fair size a little
way off the road Without a word
willard made for it-as silently. &C
masterfmIy he lifted Ethel down.
and started 20 knock, but the door
few open before them inside an
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-09

She laughed softly at his cropping
touch, saying eagerly: IF had
put on my habit, or even a Jacket,
they would have suspected-and
stopped me. So I ran out. just as
l was-making believe il was TO
tell Pete about shutting up nv
chickens. Oh" with an ecstatic
breath. you can't know how good
il feels 70 be-free."
Selim was indeed a weight car
rier-also evidently built for a
hunter. Pad Is the footing was,
he went calamity, up hill. down
dell, along levels of slippery clay
surface. Presently he whinnied.
keen and shriu, and was answ cred
from afar AT the sound. ne
struck into a GALLON. left the beaten
road and cut across open wood
land. lesped a ragged brush ferce
edging it, and held on 10 a darker
blur. evidently a sable. once again
he called--to be answered N sew
eral KEYS. Almost before they
knew il. he fetched up plump
against a paddock fence across
which heads were thrust in well
come
A flickering lantern showed a
groom approaching them - his
figure gnomelike in the light.
"Whut-au you done hrung back
we're, ole SeIim ," he cried afably.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-09
COMMENCEMENT

Across the lawn little birds were
fitting TO and fro. The morning
glories, lifting up their round, pur-
plish heads 10 drink in the cool air
before sunshine came. seemed TO
gaze at Flora in sympathy as she
stood just inside the dormitory win
dow that final morning gazing out
az the scenes she wished 20 imprint
on her memory. Her eyes wandered
across the smooth. green, velvety
terrace where she had walked so
oftea with her girl friend, arm in
arm, talking of books and teachers
and sports and everything on earth
but home.
And at Christmas times Flora re-
membered bitterly how she and Miss
bennett had eaten Christmas din
ner alone in the great dining hail Of
the boarding school All the other
girls had gone home for the hoH-
DAYS and Flora was left at the
school She had no home-Or rather
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-09
By Archey Cameron New

the surgeon. brisl1ly What color
is this2' And ,te held alcft a panel.
Walter shot his eyes quickly 10
the left, where Clara Burton was
making some most peculiar ges-
lures with her fingers. then reso-
lately answered red"
Right" said the captain seem
ingly unmindful OF the sudden start
OF pain in Clara's face. And
this2"
Another side glance. and Walter
sang out purple"
Right again" rejoined the sur
geOn, and as he held several other
panels aloft in rapid succession. he
appeared 20 take no notice OF Clara
or her rapidly-failing courage.
Then, in a twinkle, he held an
other panel, and sang ont And this
quick" Walter had a wild look
in mis- eyes and fumblei for an in
slant. when the surgeon broke in.
You're accepted Mr.. Chadwick. &"
he said briskly, and as he did so.
he noted the quick start of horror
in Clara's face, then he continued.
For home service" Walter gasped.
but before he could speak. the Of
fcer ratified on. You thought YOU
could put one over, didn't YOU p
lie regarded Walter sternly, AMI The
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-09
Blu Martha McCuZZoch Miller

white-haired woman cried
10 them: Ethel, Dear. how did
YOU get here Thank God-.u
time"
Inside a man-tall, young hand
some-lay easping his last. past
speech but not past consci3usne--
JOY Illuminated his glazing eyes az
they rested on Ethel. She sank.
sobbins, az his bedside. kissed him
once; then, with one glance al VIII
lard quietly tainted
Explanation was easy. The dead
man, John Tarbett. had been fatally
hurt by a skidGing car as he was
going 10 keep his thryast. Hence his
failure 20 meet Ethel Chance or
providence sent John willard ir-
stead OF him. Willard showed his
mettle fnely-holding the soObius
girl tenderly buk firmly. ne explain
ed 10 her the clouded situation. alep
what ease for her lay ir making the
futile ceremony effective. Unless
she did. she must 90 back 20 ha
Turrentlne house; If she did. ns
would promise her a brothers care
and tendance. 50 they were mar
ried over aEain In the presence ot
the dead Ethel mourned hll
truly, but youth means love II her
face is an index now. these three
years past. she has been as happy
woman as though she had no 49,
tory.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-09

contenteGly.
'No--because they rejected
you she tfghtened her grip per-
cepubly Il don't want TO lose
you Walter hate this horrid
war. It's she racked her brain
for suitable epithet Its Gevilish
The idea or taking all our good
mentor what Just 10 be shot.
Clara he cried. holding her at
arms length, and looking at her in
hart surprise. 'Its-unpatriotic.'
II can't help it, she persista ,.
her lovely face screwed into pout.
And you're mean 10 want 10 go.
First my two brothers want 10 20
and now you. And I'll be left
home alone with that coward OF a
cOIsin of mine. A fine one 10 leave
me back here with why. / vas
out with him one night, and "A man
grabbed my arm. ard he ran away
and left me TO night for myself"
There YOU are. Clara" he an
swered gravely. You call him
coward for that. That's what
going in:o this war for
protect the weak, TO keep
them from further injury In your
case, YOU weren't even hurt But
think Of the thousands Of innocents.
who weren't doing any more harm
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-09
LOVE AND SACRIFICE

Not a thing IN the world. thank
you. You've been too good-spent
too much money on me already. 80
answered Catharine, trailing her
hand thoughtfully in the water.
Fred Winthrop shut of some gas
and slowed the boat down a little.
There was no hurry 10 get home
the day was theirs.
Il haven't done anything" ne de
MED. But / feel so gloriously hap
by just this minute I'd like 10 buy
the whole world for you and let you
play bali with IL"
Catharine laughed. I'm its pres
ent condition it's so loaded il would
bee like playing with a grenade. I'd
blow myself up. BY the way. that
box OF books came yesterday and
they look fascinating. If ] don't
put in an appearance for a week
you'H know I'm reading the latest
fiction and running my digestion with
the last box OF candy YOU sent. I've
counted up-in three weeks you've
sent me 20 pounds. That would