davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-06-06

homestead passed. until three years
had elapsed. Quite a change had taken
place in Ben. The Dutch clip and the
Russian suit had been superseded by
the short hair cut and the suit with
the back pocket filled with string and
silver paper. His love for Mamma
Ruth, as he called her. was evident
She in turn returned his affection, but
at times was very sad as she thought
of the inevitable parting.
A change had also taken place in
Ben's father. His face glowed with
happiness at his homecoming as he
handed Ruth the evening papers and
Ben the candy md other goodies that
were invariably containd in the green
bag.
One evening Ben's father said to
him: you are big boy now and
will not need a nurse any more /
have told Mamma Ruth this and she
is going away to take care of some
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-06-06

I have received an imperative message
and am going home" she said, adding
to herself, THAT is quite true-it
comes from my heart"
A few hours later Betty was in
stalled on the limited, happily count
ing the mile posts, and not until the
next morning did a ray Of doubt in
trude itself into her mind. She Won
dered if John had changed. How much
had happened to her in the last six
years. A cold fear seized her and
and when the train turned in at Hins-
dale she was tempted TO turn back.
"Keb. lady? Keb?" some one shout
ed. Still hesitating. she climbed in and
gave the address and was driven out
into the country. In any event, the
place was the same. The houses looked
just as they used TO. There were the
broken fences and the dilapidated
barns Not until she reached the cor
Dale place" did she note any semblance
of order.
John always had been systematic
and particular-"Puttery. the neigh
bors had called him-and as Betty paid
the cabman he remarked. Looks kind
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-06-06

"Beebie's tummin'," she cooed, sweet
ly. and Betty frowned impatiently. 1t
was annoying to be disturbed in this
way. but, as no adult voice responded
to the child's Betty opened her eyes and
caught herself smiling back at the two
year-old. who promptly sat down. and.
poking out a chubby foot, demanded
its release from conventionality. Betty
looked around for an attendant, but
seeing none, removed the shoes and
"tottin too" Then the little mite
buried her feet in the sand and ex-
claimed tearfully. Toes all dawn.
Toes all gone" Betty agreed
Find Beebie's toes" was the next
request, so Betty poked gravely ABOUT
in the sand until the missing members
were found; then, with a shout or glee,
the rogue cried: do it adm. They
did 1t again and again until the COM
bination of the sunshine and the con-
slant murmur of the sea lulled the lit
tie girl. and still playing, she curled
herself contentedly in Betty's arm and
coaxed for STORY"
Betty wanted to comply, but story
telling was not her strong point, and
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-06-06

Darling. will still love you and come
to see you often" But words are vain
things for comfort, and before Ruth
knew it her tears were mingled with
Ben's.
For the brief moment that John Wal
dron listened to this pleading of the
child. to his mind flashed the picture
of what that house would be without
Ruth. How could he have been SO
blind as to think of sending her away!
With quick, manly stride he en'ered
the room. blurting out: Miss Gordon
l did say we do not need nurse ary
more, but forgot we need a MANI.
Ruth / love you've love you-w II
you stay with US all the time and be
our mamma?
Little Ben stopped his crying Ing
enough to see Mamma Ruth--soon fc
be 1T in reality-folded in his father's
strong arms and he knew all suId De
well.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-06-06

thought. She knew the rich Mrs. Mac
Leod slightly. The chauffeur rang
again and then Margart emerged from
her vines and spoke: "She isn't at
home"
"Oh!" said Mrs. Macleod "She
isn't at home. Leon. / was going to
take her to the carnival" she explain
ed to Margaret. The chauffeur had re-
turned to the car and was about to
start when his mistress spoke to him
She glanced after the little figure limp
ing toward the door of the shabby gray
house.
The next moment the chauffeur was
at Margaret's side. 81 beg your par
DON" he said, but Mrs. Macleod
wishes to know if you will not accom-
pany her to the carnival?"
III" Margaret cried, and stood
astare
The man smiled as he waited. Mrs.
Macleod spoke from the car. Throw
on wrap. Come just as you are"
81 will" said Margaret. She went
rapidly indoors. With trembling
fingers she pinned on hat and drew
on her black coat.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-06-06
And Of Course All Was Well

isn't 1t about time Master Ben went
to bed?"
mo, Anna. I'll tuck him in for the
night myself" hugging him closer as
he said it.
So Anna sauntered back to the
kitchen. muttering as she went some
thing about spelling the child.
A little later John Waldron put Ben
to bed, tears gushing to his eyes as he
watched him sleeping. Poor little fell
low! Who will care now whether your
fingers get damned or you wake in the
night. frightened by the big. black
thing you think you see?
The next day, as John was in the IL
brary, the bell rang and Anna ushered
into his presence young woman who
said she came in response to his adj
vertisement for nurse. Reading her
card he saw her name was Ruth
Gordon.
John Waldron looked puzzled for a
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-06-06

ed into her arms, to be clasped to a
mothering heart.
John Waldron, noting all this, in
formed Ruth Gordon that she was en-
gagged and that he would send for her
luggage.
That night as he passed his sons
room he saw a pretty sight. Ben was
sitting on the nurses lap, his arm
around her neck, listening to Jack
and the Beanstalk" with wide open
mouth and glistening eyes. oh those
stories of childhood! No matter how
many times we tell them they still re-
tain their charm! But woe betide us
if we vary their tragic ending! What
is sweeter than that time of the day
when we cover up a small figure
whose chubby arms clasp our neck
affection that never can be false-and
we implore the guardianship Of heaven
over his young life!
Speedily the days at the Waldron
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-06-06

would lock the door upon her solitary
self until mornings light.
It was marvellous June evening, all
perfume, cool airs and mystic shadow,
but the usual quiet was lacking. In
he distance Margaret could hear a
amt sound of trombones. UP and
own the next street automobiles
streamed. There was a constant sound
OF footballs as pedestrians hurried by.
It was the night of the carnival.
Dear me-" thought Margaret, gazing
wistfully. II seem to be the only per-
son on the street that's staying at
home" She sighed and opened her
book But she could not bring herself
to read. Her glance would stray from
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-06-06

ey can bring are the object OF their
devotion, but I will not buy.
And so. Mary, came down here to
the seashore to get away from myself
From myself. because l was ashamed
to think how superficial my ideals
were. The gentle murmur of the
waves beating against the shore seem
ed to cool my fevered spirit. The shore
was quiet, for I was all alone, and
was glad.
Then the moon rose, slowly, ma
jestically, marking out a silvery path
over the calm waters. 1t led, this glo-
rious path, to some paradise or love
and peace, / thought, and If l could
traverse its shimmering way / should
eventually reach there. But the way
was treacherous to the uninitiated and
few succeeded in keeping above the
water.
And while these mystical fanc1es
fitted through my brain another VISION
an apparition which / scarce dared 10
hope might materialize, formed and IL
was with your hand in mine, with your
head upon my shoulder, with your big
brown eyes gazing lovingly into NINE
that / did traverse the waters.
Your lovely face was enshr1ned In
mass of brown curls, and your dress
was simple Bingham one, but the
sweet simplicity of your whole dear
little self was so appealing that / cant
resist begging. darling. Won't you let
me come back to you and have you for
ever to hold? Yours, JACK.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-06-06

moment.
Miss Gordon. my wife. is dead. 1
have little 4-year-old boy that needs
a nurse. Anna, my houskeeper, is a
good woman, but she cannot do every
thing. thought some middle-aged wo-
man might like the POSITION of mother
ing my boy"
"Oh, Mr.. Waldron," interrupted
Ruth, 81 love children, should love
to try"
Just then Ben came running into the
room, going to his fathers side as he
saw the stranger.
Ben, how would you like to have
this lady stay and play with you? She
likes little boys"
Ben drew closer to his father, stick
ing his thumb in his mouth, but the
outstretched arms and beautiful face
of Ruth Gordon won his heart. and
with the impetuosity of childhood. with
its generous response to love, he leap
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-06-06

you. I will be justly punished. dear.
If you won't take me back or forgive
me.
did not leave you for the sake Of
another, dear; 1t was my own selfish
ness made me do it. I thought / could
be far happier leading free and indie
pendent life than / could tied down to
Homework. But / was greatly mis-
taken, dear. l can't be happy without
you, and / don't want to be free and in
dependent. I only want to come back.
dear. and be your own loving wife
once more.
l won't be happy again until / am
working for you, and gladly would I
work my fingers to the bone rather
than be away from you again.
1 will be, oh, so happy, Jim, dear, II
you will say you have forgiven me and
will take me back again. If I am not
forgiven and if you can not take me
back again, then God pity me, because
l can not live any longer without you
Your own unhappy wife. SUE.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-06-06
Contributed BY X. s.

Dear Mary-Did you recognize the
writing on the outside of the envelope?
And did it cause your heart to futter?
No, 1t probably only made you wonder
what possessed Jack Marvin TO write.
Mary, dear, i have been leading a
foolish life-seeking the unattainable.
rejecting that which was at hand
1t seemed to me that simple country
love was beneath me. wanted wealth,
fame and the love of so-called "cul-
tured woman" ! went to the city and
worked hard, until wealth and, yes, a
tiny bit of fame are mine. But, love,
love is not mine. Many have feigned
to love me, but il is not I whom they
love. The good times" which my mon
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-06-06
Contributed By N. j. p.

I1OISuC0, Italy.
Ma Chere Betty-Here i am at last,
and before get my toys off will write
you enough nonsense to last a couple
of days. when you will receive another
long letter in detail.
The travelling I've done since leav-
ing home and you has carried me
through many interesting places Of
note. / am conserving it till we meet
at home and then you will f1nd I have
enough slowed away to fill a book.
Good luck was indeed with me when
I was chosen to, make this tour of in
spection, and the knowledge I shall
gain, together with the large amount Of
salary I will be paid, will hasten my
promotion and marriage. It seems TO
me as il every week / am away from
you strengthens the deep affection I
have for you, dearest, and I only
trust it is the same With you.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-06-06

The vicar apostolic is very old. He
gazes sadly at the beauties about him.
AT length he sees us as we ascend the
hill He smiles and shakes his finger,
we are so young and joyous. Perhaps
he remembers his own youth. Then,
softly the bells sound Slowly, mu-
sically they toll, and a great peace
steals over the landscape. Vespers!
the priests hurry to their devotions
and we are alone. AS we listen to the
sounds of retreating footsteps we
realize that something is awakening
our senses. A passion, hitherto re-
strained, rises in us and we embrace
lip to lip, heart to heart-even as
voices within the mission tell us that
the priests have reached their destina-
ton. Then We tear apart, confused
with the fear that our first love max
ing will be discovered.
Does not this picture bring to your
mind the most wonderful period of our
lives? Sometimes I think that those
first enchanted moments will never be
surpassed At other times comes the
realization that our separation will
soon be ended. When you do finally
return, and the loving arms which
held me so tightly by the old mission
at Talavera again enfold me. may the
blessing that accompanied US there
again be with my American lover and
his own DOLORES.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-06-06
Contributed by n. I'll.

My Dear Husband-As the anniver-
sary of our marriage draws near can
not help but hesitate on my way
through life to turn and glance back
at that day on the 10th day of June
when / was made your wife. Can you
remember, Billy, how I stood to take
the vows that made me yours In body
and soul? And now not two years has
elapsed and we are miles apart; you
in the West, in the East.
We, who love and worship the same
God and who love next to him just
each other, who asked for neither
riches nor position, but just one an
other, that is why we went West.
There we were alone in the open, you
and I.
But only six months of happiness
and then-such darkness. They told
me I was a failure and it only meant
ruin for you. SO they paid me for my
own hearts blood and / went. / know
you blame me, and you will never
know how it bled inside Of my heart as
I looked at you In tho door-tall.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-06-06

oreathless as story was unwound on
the screen and Betty moved noiselessly
through a drama. She loved the WORK,
and she was known from one end OF
the land to the other. When her COM
pany moved to the seashore to take
pictures she was recognized at once
Her every move was watched
1t was the day the company was
about to leave that Betty sought, and
thought she had found, a secluded spot
on the beach and lay with her eyes
closed enjoying the rest and solitude.
Here the baby found her.
The baby was also an actress. She
was the kind of baby that could make
the grouchiest grown-up laugh with
her.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-06-06

We have always been such dear COM
rades, haven't we. little pal? 1t will
seem too good to be true that we shall
have a home all our own and nothing
more to separate US. We wust strive
to make it an ideal home in every way,
dear, and with such true, constant love
as yours and mine how can 1t be other
wise?
Don't be lonely while am gone; I'LL
In every day doing CHEEKY things for
yourself and others Remember, abb
sence makes the Leart grow fonder.
so do not allow yourself TO grow pes
simistic. l shall return as soon as /
fill these old Italian records, and /
shall look forward, dear heart, to see
ing your face first when / land in
America. Until then, ma chere, be-
lieve me to be your fond. true lover.
LON.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-06-06
Contributed by r. b. P.

My Own Darling-1t is with heavy
heart that 1 write this. because / can
hardly hope for forgiveness, dear; /
cannot begin to tell you how very sor-
ry 1 am for leaving you as I did; but
if you will only take me back, can
promise that / will be different per-
son. I did not realize how very much
I loved you, or how much your love
meant to me, until I was away from
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-06-06
Contributed by r. w.

NV Dearest Emmie-Twenty-tw
years since your wedding day. l
should not have remembered the date, If
il had not been the same day that left
for Alaska. Letters did not reach me
there very often from far-away New
England!
My parents died and then / did not
care to hear-thought it would only
give me pain to hear of you That was
my thought until a week ago when I
met your brother in Seattle. He told
me THAI - have been a widow for 10
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-06-06

shone for a brief moment on two
figures seated in the arm chair
In the library bay window. Two
pathetic figures they were-John Wal
dron and his little boy. Ben. A few
days before they had laid in the quiet.
cold earth all that was mortal Of the
young wife and mother.
AS John Waldron held IN his arms
his 4-year-old son he hardly noticed
Anna. the hcusekeeper, standing at the
door, until she spoke:
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-06-06
ARGARET BENNE

ARGARET BENNETT
settled her crutch
under her arm and
limped out to her
seat upon the tiny
vine screened porch.
She had eaten her
supper alone and
she expected to sit
alone until bed
time, when she
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-06-06
HE last rays. Of the

HE last rays. OF the
September sun were
casting beauty over
all the earth. Out
side, the chirp of
the cricket portend-
ed the slow but GER
tain approach of
autumn. AS the
golden rays slowly
descended [ b e Y
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-06-06
Contributed by S. 8. p.

Arrest BO1-u -
almost q year since
you asked me to be
your wife, and /
gave you not the
answer you yearned
for, out-"no." oh.
boy, would that /
had answered yes"
instead. My life
has been dreary and
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-06-06
ETY. was an actress.

Not a mediocre or a
would-be, but a real
top-notcher. Real
and reel. It cost a
lot of money to see
the real Betty work,
but thousands of
people could and
did sit night after
night wide eyed and
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-06-06

healthy and so muscular; and now
they write me you are broken in
health, rowing. broken consumptiye.
and I'm coming back TO you as quick
al good determination can let me.
/ quit once and you think | fail.d
you, but now I've come back and the
gutter can do wonders which none
other can perform.
That's all. Billy boy This little girl
who went away is coming back TO va
and she doesn't ask you 10 love her the
same again nor even forgive her.
But she's coming bark be..- ur-, you
are the only baby she has. Bill nd
who can say no to me?
So am going back where my honey
moon so sweet but 30 sad was spent
and put the rest of my years in taking
care Of just you. Billy, remember. {
was girl then only Is and two years
have made me rs. 1t is the only
change In me; my heart is still the
same.
As ever. your wife. FLO.
Contributed by 8. C.
My Dear Louise-Will you permit
me to express to you the deep respect
and esteem which / feel for you. and
let me venture to hope that you will
allow me to call my feeling by even a
warmer name?
From the day when I first had the
pleasure of meeting you. your image
has been ever present with me. and
from friendship have grown TO feel
the most ardent love for you. Have
you suspected the depths of my attach
ment? Let me hope that you have
seen, and do not resent it. You must
have seen something of my heart dur
ing my numerous visits. and this leads
me to hope that you will not utterly
discard my petition. love you sim
cerely and fervently. May I hope for
return of my affection? Yours in
anxious suspense.
HUGH CARTER
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-06-06

lonely since that night
] did not realize that / loved you
until / read your marriage notice
When / saw that, I thought instantly
that you had played with me; that you
did not love me as you said you d1o.
But it was my punishment did not
accept you when you laid bare your
dear heart to my feet. so you turned
to her and / am glad that she loves
you, but she does not, could not. love
you as I do, dear.
Good-by, dearest boy. If ] cannot
be your wife as you wished, will ever
be your true friend. MAE.
Contributed by Nj. Nj. e.
Ny American Lover-At last we are
separated. For months we have kept
by each others side, fleeing to this
beautiful land of yours. and now our
stars of destiny tear US apart Does
this isolation mean that we cannot
spiritually return TO the places where
we FIRST met? Place your dear hand in
mine, my lover, and we will go back.
back to the time when love indeed
seemed too good TO be true.
The sun never sets in the land
where I take you. 1t shines all the
time. The breezes combine with its
warmth to swe ell the grain into many
harvests. and the farmers are always
happy. There is religion there. Upon
the sleepy hill mission stands. In
and out among its massive columns
arrests walk with their solemn tread.
Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1918-03-07
GRANGE MASTER
|ND0RSES BONDS
Urges Ohio Farmers to Prepare
for the Next Liberty
Loan Drive
GRANGE ESURPLUSALL|NvESTE
Nations Securities Best Investment
on Earth. Farmers Should Prove
Patriotic by Buying.

Barnesyille, O.-(SpeciaD-Louis j.
Taber, master Of the Ohio State
Grange, urges that the coming Liber-
ty Loan drive be made the subject Of
special discussion and consideration
in tho Washington Lincoln Liberty
meetings now being held in the vari-
GUS sub-granges throughout the state.
Mr.. Taber favors big farmer invest
ment next drive.
"The next Liberty Loan campaign"
he says, will afford the Grange an ex-
ceptional opportunity to serve patriot
ically not only our order, but agri.
culture, the country and civilization
at large. The motto of the state grange
is "A bond in every farm home in Ohio
The state organization has invested
every penny of its surplus in Liberty
bonds. Sub-granges should follow its
example.
Nor should we stop there. Every
patron and every farmer should be
reached. For there is not a farmer
In Ohio but can afford to buy at least
one Liberty Bond on the very easy
terms offered. Every one should hold
at least one bond, The farmer was
not heavy purchaser in either Of the
earlier drives. There were reasons
justifying this condition then, but there
is no adequate excuse for his failure
to purchase now.
"No class of men have been more
criticized than the farmers, however
unjust this criticism may have been
rf1l. -
to refute these charges, and l am con
fdent they will maintain the tradi
tions Of their patriotic forefathers by
coming nobly to the financial rescue
of their country. There is no better
or safer investment on earth than {
Liberty Bond.
Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1918-03-07
State Officers Haze
War Troubles, Too

Columbus, Feb. 25.-It seems that
the members of public utilities COM
missions and other htate officials are
having their troubles, along with the
corporations they are charged with
regulating. War ans high prices have
brought with t1s,n problems that
weren't really contemplated when
some of the members of regulatory
boards assumed their then attractive
responsibilities, This is strikingly set
forth in statement recently issued
by Charles G. Marshall, member of the
Public Utilities Commission OF Ohio.
The statement was endorsed prompt
ly by the other two members Of the
body. Mr.. Marshall said:
"The public utilities companies are
facing difficult proposition. In many
cases their rates for service are fixed
for period of years, and based upon
prices of labor and materials before
the war. Labor has gone up. and ma