davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-11-25

and be introduced to the guest. I will
come down from upstairs at this min
ute, and we will go into the library.
Billy, you can be in the library, read
ing one of Dickens novels, or-apy-
to do, and will look much more styi-
ish than if you ran out TO the side
walk and greeted Helen like prod
igal SON."
In due time. James was despatched
to the train, and the others took up
their respective stations. AS the ma
chine appeared in the distance mother
Smoothed once more her dainty negli-
gee costume. Ruth gave final glance
at the mirror. and Billy seated at the
library table opened book and began
to read: David Copperfeld, Chapter
1. / am Born
The machine stopped at the front
walk. James had alighted and was
opening the door to the back seat.
Suddenly Billy dropped tho book.
calculating: We'll. I'll be switched"
Ruth with a very little cry rushed
down the stairs. but she was not to
be outdone by mother who was al
ready at the door. All the dignity and
Formally of the occasion were forgot
ter. and even Mary, who was waiting
to perform her duties, for the dis
tinguished" guest was forgotten In
their desire to reach the sidewalk. For
there stood Helen-no. not alone, for
she was looking down tenderly, at
tiny, woody, bundle of pink and white
which she held in her arms
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-11-25

was the week Ruth came home from
college to spend Sunday. but then
there was nothing very exciting about
that! 70
When the mail was brought in moth
er opened her weekly letter from Sis
ter Helen, glanced over 1t hurriedly.
and bgan to read.
Dear Mother-You know how anx-
ious. I have been for long time to
make you a visit, but 1t has seemed
impossible. Now my chance has come
and will get there Saturday after
noon about o'clock. And mother. I
am sorry that could not have asked
your permission first, but I decided
recently to go, and there was not time
to get your reply.
II am going to bring with me q very
dear friend of mine here In Cleveland,
who has never visited our home town.
and. as she herself has friends there.
wished to accompany me. She IL a
sweet little woman. OF q fne family.
and-well she is simply distinguished.
I am sure you will all like her. do
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-11-25

she wants to ask you . question She'll
probably come around with. Well. my
boy. how did 1t happen that you didn't
make the baseball team this Year, or
What do you expect to study when
you get to college?' I won't answer
q single one of her inquisitive ques-
tions." determined Billy, as he brought
himself back to geometry. "Amo" was
q complete failure. He tried to re-
member how he had said It at break
fast, but all he could think Of was "ba-
CON-. eggs, toast and distinguished
friends" After the rest had gone, he
approached the teacher. Cant I
make this up some other afternoon? I
really must be homo on time today be-
cause we are expecting distinguished
company mountaineering with my
sister-one Of the society swells Of
Cleveland. And know am needed
at home"
He reached homo just in time to
help James polish the machine. Then
he started of to the station to meet
Ruth. He could hardly wait until her
suitcase was slowed away in the back
and she was seated beside him before
he impaired to her the news.
well. sis. you'll have to come down
OF your high horse some tomorrow.
There's lady coming to visit US
thatIl put you In the shade about a
hundred feet. Oh, you just wait until
we get home and you'll hear the de-
tails. Mothers Just tearing the house
down and building it up again. She's
coming with Helen. You knew Helen
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-11-25
g THE END OF IT -

she paused to learn the reason Of his
obvious agitation.
He was q tall. heavy man, who
plainly showed the effort of the short
run to the gate. His face expressed
great disappointment as he recognize
ed the school teacher.
"Oh. it's you!" he exclaimed. IT
thought it was village woman"
What Is 1t you wish, Mr.. Red
mond?"
I've two very sick children in the
house. There is no one to attend to
them. We just arrived from Boston.
Let me see them" she interrupted.
You know I've had great experience
with children"
But have you ever nursed any
through i1lness?" he demanded. gruff-
~.
mo, but as I've nothing to do. I
shall be glad to help you"
Still with the doubtful expression on
his face, Redmond led the way to the
house. Two very small children lay
In a bed in one Of the upper rooms,
tossing with fever.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-11-25
FOUR STRAIGHT

He moved forward with q pleading
look She waved him back.
II came"
Yes, you came-just like you used
to-when you were ready" she burst
out bitterly.
"No-you don't understand. L"
THE same old story!"
mo. let me tell you. I want"
81 know what you want, what you
always wanted when you came back.
And. fool that was. would give In.
But not this time! I've been saving
something to show you. Lookl"
She snatched from Q bt SIX q clipping.
"You sec. You sect" she Knocked.
you waited \ little too long this
timcl"
Divorced" no exclaimed.
"What q good little reader." she
tainted. and then, In cold tones; ~Yes,
divorced and remarked. My husbands
on his way here. There's the door!
Get out,"
but. Kitty, really I'm siad-aad !
only want"
"Just like zen talked when was
feoi enough to sit and wait fsF Yeu.
That tims's passed. I'VE sesd hus-
band, Fie ievss Hs: I dealt beleas
to yeu!"
kitty, iistsal ! eaiF want enc
thing: Thea TIL go" He came cleseE,
and the longing lock in his eyes
brought burning memories 81 their
fsSass days all about hsE.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-11-25

session commenced. to be informed
that q younger and more energetic wo-
man had superseded her.
With one last look at the plain little
structure. Miss Tenny walked up the
road. bitterly comparing the fate Of
school teachers with the worn old
horses Of the neighborhood- At least
the farmers turned the animals into
luscious pastures to spend their re-
naming days. Here she was turned
away without notification to face life
alone. no longer young. no longer pos
sessing the courage that Is the preci-
GUS asset of youth.
She walked along the beautiful road
that led to the village. 1t was bor-
dered thickly with trees and bushes
taking on the gorgeous tints Of the
season. The tang Of the autumn air
revived her falling spirits. One could
not remain long depressed In this won
derful atmosphere.
As she was passing the great Red
mond farm q man In shirt sleeves
came running toward her from the
house. He beckoned frantically. and
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-11-25

cross the porch. had he not stopped
midway There. curIed up In the
hammock, face flushed and tear-stain-
ed. both chubby hanGs holding fast
mass of muddy millinery. lay the cul-
prit, fast asleep.
"You blessed babyI" bundling her
unceremoniously into his car. He may
or may not have exceeded the speed
limit, but in an incredibly short time
cook could be seen running about the
lawn. wringing her hands tragtcally.
Aunt Dee-a very whfte-faced, thor
oughly frightened Aunt Dee-met them
at the foot of the walk. Silently. Doc
tor Jack placed his guest in her arms.
and then. very gingerly. brought to
view a shapeless bunch of straw,
few muddy roses. and some stringy
chiffon of indescribable hue. Aunt Dee
giggled Historically. but Doctor Jack
looked serious.
Forgive me. sweetheart, for teasing
you about it,
fault of my beastly temper" contritely.
Dolly. still drowsy. could hardly IN
derstand why she should be patted and
petted and passed from one to another.
It was also beyond her immature com
prehension why Doctor Jack should
leave her own small self to the tear
full embraces of cook, while he person
ally conducted Aunt Dee into the
house even forgetting to remove. his
arm from about when she was safely
inside.
D Right before cook. too! Scandalous!
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-11-25

II WON'T" she cried and ran from
"Only hear me. want" He
stopped abruptly and surveyed the
place in an excited way. like one who
must have something quickly and then
be OF.
Again she had raised the revolver.
"Now go!" she pointed.
"But haven't you got, like you used
to have"
1--WE nothing for you. Go before I
forget"
He saw he could not have q hearing.
so he backed toward the door. As no
gripped the knob and stood about to
say farewell there was . quick step
outside.
Kitty gasped, "Geraid!" and the two
men, husband and former husband,
camo face to faoe.
The husband, large, ciean-shaven,
looked askanee. The former husband,
spare. with retreatins hair-iiae,
seemed apeiegetis, Kitty, q pink and
white fern, huddied in her kimaae,
afraid ia look or speak.
The husband, his lips tighteaiaa,
swung inside, He shut the door, set
his gaek against it AID stared hard at
the other man. Then his eyes shift
sd to his wife, AID he said ia sharp,
icy tones. well. Kitty. introduce FeuF
friend"
sft's-it's Charles she sobbed.
dirty mug of yeur chiffonier the drSt
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-11-25

where there wasn't q rose there were
duffy puffs and bows. Dolly had
vague idea that this self-same hat had
much to do with Aunt Dee's tears and
DR.. Jacks prolonged absence. She
recalled distinctly that after his last
call Aunt Dee had, with much empha-
sis, flung the hat on its own particular
peg. and there 1t had remained ever
since.
To Dolly's unprejudiced vision, 1t
seemed quite the thing for an after
noon out. and considering It apparent
" under the ban. OF Aunt Dee's dis
pleasure. she had no scruples In ap-
propriating It. It is true. she expert
enced some difficulty In adjusting Its
rather exaggerated proportions. and
even after she was we'll on her way. It
was persistently wriggling and sQuirm-
ing and swaying tipsily from side to
side. But, what matter? The stares
and smiles Of the many people whom
she met evidenced the combination as
highly effective and Miss Dolly tip
fitting her chin IN the most approved
"grown-up" manner. minced along
with much dignity.
That is. until one misguided youth
ventured to ask, Hello, haiti where'd
you get the kid?"
Dignity to the winds! In q second,
Dolly had flashed upon him her most
horrible facial contortion from rath-
er unusual collection acquired under
Boobies tutelage. It not only reflect
ed great credit upon her teacher. but
had the desired effect, for the abashed
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-11-25

will notify Madame Marguerite that
the dress must be ready for Sunday.
Our grocery order must be sent In
get here tomorrow morning, Where
is Nary"
She arose from the table and went
into the kitchen. MARY. we will have
an. especially elaborate dinner tomor-
row evening. Will you make out q list
OF what you need, SO that can tele-
phone Immediately? Helen is coming
home for a few days and will bring
with her very distinguished friend,
a wealthy lady from Cleveland"
James was instructed to clean the
windows on the outside. put on the
screens. rub up the machine. NOW the
lawn and trim the hedge.
Father departed for the office. with
the Injunction mot to do a thing extra"
and Billy marched away to school.
secretly hoping that If she did do any
thing extra" It would be done before
he returned. Somehow he could not
concentrate his mind upon geometry
theorems. While a most important
coro1lary was being explained. his
mind was far away.
"Of course. it will be jolly to have
Helen again, but we probably won't be
able to do anything with that dis
tinguished' woman around. know
she's an A B. or q D. D. or some
thing. and wears gold-rimmed spec
tacles. hitched to little stick that
she'll put up to her eyes every time
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-11-25
And he wanted her to

be going away. And he wanted her to
stay
She was sitting by the fire..also con
sciouS of the peace and quiet of the
home, thinking of the time when she
must move on, She wondered, why
fate had tricked her out of home and
little ones.
Unconsciously each was making a
home port.
Redmond entered the house and
stood gazing down at the group. She
turned with a pleased smile as she
greeted him. Il did not expect you for
many days" she said.
Il came because / was afraid you
would change your mind and want to
go away" he mumbled.
II could not go with Margery Ill.,"
she returned. But see how well she is
now"
She held up the child. He leaned
forward and for an instant his face
touched her. She blushed a vivid red;
he flushed a darker shade.
But perhaps you came to remind
me 1t is time to CO." she murmured.
do you want me to go?"
He turned on his heel and walked
out of the room without replying a
few moments later she heard his
horse and gig drive up to the front
door. He entered the room hastily
I'm not strong on romance, he said.
But a few minutes ago / caught a
glimpse Of picture that want be-
fore me forever. And you were In the
center of 1t. The carriage will take
us to the minister. Come"
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-11-25

was coming. didn't you? Yes. She's
one Of He1en's distinguished friends.
You'd better be mighty humble or you
may get taken down some!"
WELL" said Ruth. rather impor-
family. IT don't see any reason to be
humble about 1t. I guess we can
show her that Helen's folks can put
on some style as we'll as anybody
else"
Mother greeted her with a worried
little smile and they sat down for an
hours consultation before Ruth re-
moved her hat, "Now." she said. 81
will get to work stenciling those cur
tains. They must be finished tonight"
By noon the next day everything
was in readiness. Ruth, attired in a
dust cap and apron. stood in the cen
ter Of the kitchen. giving instructions
to those around her.
Now, we must make the first i'm
preston a good one. or course, after
that. you must carry it out. But the
ffrst impression Is the one that counts
every time. When I went TO visit Luz
cile White at midyear's-"
Jaw. never mind that, sis. just tell
us what to dol" interrupted Billy.
WELL. was just going to tell you
James will go to the station to meet
them and. bring them up to the front
door, and Mary, you can be standing
somewhere In the hail. and open the
door just as they get on the porch.
Then, show them into the parlor. and
mother will be there to greet Helen
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-11-25

here for no harm. Kitty didn't know
I was coming. In the old days we
were good fans, both of us. and of
evenings Kitty'd flag the first kid in
the block that yelled BASEBALL and
have the pink here for me. side of my
slippers and pipe. Tonight, when I hit
town, at the station and other places
they were all out OF baseball extras.
The last place I tried landed me
block from the old fat. and-you know
habit just strolled in. thinking
maybe Kittyid still be here and have
a pink"
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-11-25

"They are my cousin Mary Thomp-
sons children. She died last week.
She contracted tuberculosis. and just
before she passed away she asked me
to take her children and bring them
up. I'd been helping her for years,
but I didn't know how bad things were
with her"
obviously. they have inherited their
parents weak chest. don't think
their illness Is anything more than q
heavy cold. We must see that they
don't get worse"
Can you stay? Are you sure you
understand them?" he @blurted.
you mean, can an old maid pos
sibly know anything about the illness
of children she smiled. Now I un-
derstand your disappointment when
you found was not one of the Bramley
mothers. But you must know they
have families and could not possibly
stay to attend these little tots. Yes, I
do understand them. and will remain. %
Aren't you afraid" he paused,
flushing.
"Of what people say?" she finish
ed. why should care what people
say?" she continued. angrily. AFTER
fifteen years they have turned me
adrift without considering me. II you
are such q stickler for appearances.
you may drop in on old black Nanny
Starkweather and ask her to come
stay with me. She is the only ono
who has time"
This house amt been occupied
much since my wife died. You see.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-11-25

Kitty was mourning the death OF
sentiment in a gasp of indignation.
Where you stopping?" asked the
husband.
Nowhere yet. Just got in. On my
way" ~f
mo, you don't. You'll stay right
here. Kitty-f1x up that spare room
for-for-Charley. He's going to sthe
game with me tomorrow. You know.
Charley, / think, with a warm day, IL
that kids got his arm going right, we
can skin that bunch alive and make it
four straight"
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-11-25

young man passed along. remarking
to nobody In particular, Gee, that's
some kid"
Inevitably. pride goeth before a
fall" a. the young lady learned to her
sorrow. A little. no-account yellow
dog proved her undoing He crossed
the street toward her leisurely enough.
his stubby tail wagging In the friend
Hest possible manner. and his over
lures were doubtless intended to be
most ingratiating. She chose to con-
slider them otherwise and made a vain
attempt to dodge him The more she
side stepped. tho greater his interest
The hat. slipping from It's rather In
secure moorings. melted him to In
creased activity. and Dolly screamed
and ran.
Who ever resisted 30 obvious . chal-
lenge? Certainly. no little stub-tailed
yellow dog! Instantly the air was full
Of ribbon and roses, dog and Dolly. one
hundred to one odds In favor of the
dog: Almost as suddenly the dog was
sent on his way lamenting loudly
while q nice old gentleman nshed the
remains OF the hat from a pool OF
muddy water.
Left to herself Dolly surveyed the
so much about Aunt Dee, but there
was mamma to reckon with. and on
occasion mamma could be quite Sc
we're.
with dropping spirits and tagging
courage. she sat upon the curbing
blinking back few apprehensive
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-11-25

enced this sense Of loneliness since the
bitterness OF his wife's death had
faded.
In town his mind reverted time and
time again to the sick-room and the
woman bending over the children. AT
frst she had seemed very thin and
plain: gradually, as his mind invest
ed her with the sanctity of the home
surroundings she became less awk-
ward and angular.
Redmond crossed the lot on the line
with his sitting-room window. III
place Of the dull yellow flare OF the
old lamp. soft pink light Nshone
through the window. He looked into
the room and gasped. The trans
formation OF the short week aston
ished him. The lamp was shaded by
a delicate pink silk shade. The bare
mante1 was draped in the same ma
terial. The pictures had been brought
from their stin line near the ceiling
and grouped artistically.
The school teacher sat in a rocking
chair before the fire, singing softly to
tie one played on the floor beside her.
The soft light fell on the woman's face.
The few weeks Of freedom LON care
and anxiety had worked wonders with
her. Her cheeks were rounder; her
figure was fuller.
The little group made a picture
which Redmond, a home-loving and
childless man, had secretly carried in
his bosom for years. As he gazed he
realized the school teacher would soon
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-11-25

tears. ana II IL q matter Of H~sS doubt
Just what her future movements might
have been. hadn't 3 meddlesome po-
liceman ofdciously insisted upon
escorting her to Doctor Jacks very
door.
The doctors car stood in front of
the porch and Dolly mounted the steps
blithely. expectantly. That the door
was closed and the bell too high for
%-year-olds to reach mattered not at
all, for in a sheltered corner hung a
big. soft hammock. and all she had
to do was to nestle among the comfy
cushions and wait---and wait-and-
Alone In his office, Doctor Jack gaz-
ed moodily at the telephone. Once he
moved toward 1t. then hesitated. Three
times this week he had called up Dor
othea and each time she had refused
to listen 70 him. From a foolish.
trining beginning their disagreement
was assuming grave proportions. Even
az he hesitated. the telephone rang out
sharply.
thea's very own voice came over the
wire. brokenly.
"Oh, Jack. Dolly Is lost-no one
has seen her for ages. Her mother is
I'LL, and cook and I have been hunting
by ourselves. Please, please. Jack.
come as quickly as ever" Her voice
trailed away In an inarticulate moan
even before he could answer.
It took one step to reach the door.
and would have taken but one more I
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-11-25

quickly upon the table He drew q
baseball edition from his pocket and
ran his finger eagerly across to q box
score.
Flows that? Going some, Ell? And
they had him UP to the seventh"
Charles looked steadily for . mo-
ment and then said. Say. II you don't
mind-are you through with this?"
"Sure. take 1t along. I've read It."
Charles was at tho door. ready to
leave.
II Just want to say" he explained.
'Mr.-Mr.-Kitty's Husband. I came
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-11-25

i've been living most Of the time In
Portsmouth, looking after my commits
sion business. You might not be very
comfortable"
She looked up at his big. kindly.
troubled face. You are thinking only
of what people will say. do not
care. And you can see for yourself
the children can't be moved. Go or
send one OF your men for the doctor at
once. shall stay"
And she did. regardless Of wagging
tongues. The children were on the
verge Of pneumonia and required care
full nursing. They were still far from
well the third week, when Mr.. Red
mond announced his intention Of re-
turning to Portsmouth. He was begin
ming to respect and appreciate the re-
sourcefulness OF the ''old maid"
II operate this farm in connection
with my commission business" he ex-
planned. land just about now we are
closing heavy summer accounts.
don't like to 90. but as the kiddies are
safe. It won't much matter. I'd be glad
If you would stay. Will you stay?"
II shall be glad to remain" she
smiled. cit IL most too late to look for
a fall position. When you return, I'll
run up to Boston and try my luck
there"
Redmond intended to stay away .
month. but q week later found him
trudging up tho road from the station.
After the three weeks of intelligent
companionship in his own home he
felt very lonely. He had not expert
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-11-25
What's he do

day I bossed this nat. What's he do
ing here?"
PLEASE" started the other man.
How'd he get in?'' burst the hus-
band again.
my old key" said Charles. 81 still
carry it You see, didn't know about
-about-that is-about you and Kitty
Il wanted"
You wanted just what every sneak
ing dog does that comes prowling
around when q woman's alone. You
might have owned her once. but you
don't any more. You're a stranger.
beat 1t. Just moment! Kitty, GIN
me that gun See this? Now, I Just
want to say II ever"
Il only came because"
Don't explain You get QUIT" The
husband brandished the gun. "And
remember, If ever see you around
here again I'll stick q bullet through
your middle, just like-just like-like
Buck O'Gillehan shoots one over tho
pant"
The scared look on the face Of
Charles warmed into one suggesting
SAY" he faltsred. you'll pardon me
but, say. that man o'dillehan 10 some
pitcher. amt hc?"
Tho husband was hardly taken
abaek before he was pleased.
us heS said when We got him q
was the buy OF our livss!"
And speed" vsntured Charles.
"Can't he"
SPEEDY He eeuid facet the bean
through aFmeE plate, that be5I"
yes, I've seen hiR ga the esast-"
"oh, Fsu kRa- hiE suit thsFes Well,
now, SAP, Ia that true what thsF say
about hiaa pitching RiRa straight sbuf=
GUS Ia the saata-Bunka Lacquer
well, ! dida't just heap that, e4t
pes 3 eemsE: RF the waF, what did
we de tedaras
Fhs Husband slid the reEoiEer