davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-03-18

to write your whole heart in a letter
but you know that you have all mini.
If we were together now l know that
! could soon make you see the sIlny
side. With your dear cheek. ag.lnsr
mine and your arms around me l al
ways feel as ii nothing could ever
harm or trouble me again, and /
think you feel the same way. AMI
for; me it lasts for days after you
have gone. ! can feel your presence
with me and almost hear your d,A:
voice telling me that you love me and
always will. Do you remember TEA
last time we parted? You held ne
80 close and made me. feel SO safe.
l never knew before how mucn yc1
meant to me or how much | am 10
you. God grant that l may nevc: fail
you, my darling. And believe, as ! do,
that nothing can destroy such love
as ours. Surely our tangled threads
of fate must be unravelled some
where. Your own loving
SWEETHEART /.
Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-03-18
Contributed by B. E. 8. .

Dear Grace-Your letter OF tonight
shows to me, even IL you deny It, that
you still care for me Z little, perhaps
simply asa friend, and 1t ever helps
in my work and s~elf-respect.
which you showed me Yes, Grace, l
remember the lessons you taught me.
thanks very much. Each morning
when ! arise. usually as the sun Is.
just showing ITS first tints Of crimson.
your picture smiles at me from. my
stand by the bedside. And why do /
care! ask myself; many times; she
car never be mine. and is far. from
me among others wto are far above
ms II position and wealth. A
am working hard, Grace. for the
better things In life, but am never
contented, although \ say nothing TO
anyone here. Tell me. Grace. .what
can ] do? Lam 10 unhappy and blue:
Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-03-18
! When She Looked In His Face

You came unaskcd. And you've broke
up my home. But I've put up with it
all as long as l shall. You can go. And
the sooner the better"
Hubby was white now. 1--WE will CO."
she said, merely, and. taking Aileen by
the hand, led her upstairs.
Hubby worked rapidly and the child
helped in her six ycar-old- way. 1t did
not take long to put their entire ward
robe in the old suitcase. Occasionally as
she worked Hubby looked about the COM
Portable room in which she had been so
peaceful for a few weeks and sighed re-
grctfully. She had come to Fanny out
of a piteous desire to see some one who
belonged to that happy time before she
had married Leon Blair and gone into
the wilds of the west with him. He had
been dead two years, and during that
time she had supported herself and Al
lecn bravely and honestly. The home
sickness had overcome her and she had
brought Aileen cast to the old town and
Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-03-18
The Inspiration of Herself

and talkative thought he was entitled
to a few queries.
He looked at the white capped biz
lows and pointing his stick said:
about how wide is that creek over
there?" Marjorie could barely cum
ceal her laughter. 49,
"Why, that's the Atlantic Ocean aal
it is hundreds OF miles wide.'
II s'pose that's the jumping OF
place." continued the old man, poin'-
ing to the horizon. and he walked
away. The close of the season was
nearing. but Marjorie lever dreamed
it would mean the closing Of il:
mothers eyes in deaths sleep. SIX
unhappy years passed. One night as
she sat in the garden she thought. IL
want to do things. big things, and
there are no opportunities here" Thus
she unused until the o came CD.
and here and there a little star
twinkled.
The next morning she awoke a girl
no longer. but a woman with a pur-
pose. When Marjorie made known
her intention of leaving for New Yo!k
city in a fnw weeks. her grandmother
wasn't q bit surprised: patting ac-
head understandingly. she said: lyon
are a wonderful girl. and you'll win!
Passing the bar. Marjorie babe fond
good-bv to all the denizens oil
Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-03-18

art, paint, a stuffy old room" shootsd
Rosalind, come on out and enjoy
life" 1t was the night Of. nights for
Marjorie. Dressed In! q plain llttle
gown she pictured = wild Hover
among those cultured by the supei-
fetal light Of fashion. Her brain
v,hir,ed-she illuminated the rooms.
tho dazzling sr,endor was too mu u.
Night was fading into the gray
et-ocks ~ dawn when thew reached
homo. Marjorie declared she had en-
loved a g,c-ic,,s evening. and tripod
nrsta;--. ~ he- drosen- was a let
ter. "S+rarge. who should write me-
shc .c-.-r~-+~a orc~'-~ It Quickly.
"Mv. Deer Miss Rentor-1 nrom's-
ed Some dav tn civ" vow 9 chance.
and otter showing vow work. which
is truly me~itnricna. yn"r name has
teen entered in the prize contest O.
the 65th Avenue Art Gallery. PART
YOUR own asriration. IT YOU win Or
even pc+ second prize the last rung *
the ladder. ia assembled to fame
wishing you snccess.
r IT am +~u1v vo,rrs.
"FRANK BEDFORD"
The letter fell from Manor,e's hand
the hattie was on-wou1d It be thu
paste Imitation OF life or the insptra-
ticn Of herself. her real self? Marjorie
fell on her knees beside her bel.
vnconsciouslv che reached her hant
across it as II tn span the "Great
Divide" as she said: 80
Mother. tske nv hand. The und.r-
tow was too strong for little feet.
/, Mrs. Terrell found her thus.
Alarmed. she called "Majorie. Ma
~jorie!"
Raising her beautiful eyes to Mr,.
Terrell. she whispered incoherent'y:
"C-r-own Art Victor"
Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-03-18

l long for someone / can talk to ana
know that they care. Do you.
Grace. dear? hardly know why /,
ask you. when you tell me It can
never be. s.
Be the same dear, good girl that;
you have always been. Your tendSrs
care and good, Thoughtful lessons Ola
day gone by will ever live In memory,
You are lost to me forever, but
remember have loved ;ou as no
other can, and ! can never care for,
any other Fondly. FLOYD. :
Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-03-18

"You may have one of mine" He lift
ed the lid of his basket, reached in,
pulled out a beautiful trout, and put it
into Aileen's little, eager hands. Il bet
that's a better fish than the n you
were after" j
1T is! 1t is" cried Ailccn. Look.
mummy"
But Hubby was staring at the dark
man, whose teeth were so white under
his short black moustache. "Grif" she
exclaimed. you look like All old
friend" ~,
He laughed heartily. 81 am an old
friend Hubby. l heard you we're here
with Fanny, and I've been going to
come to see you, but one thing or 10th
er has prevented. l came out this way
with my fshpole today, thinking l might
get a look at you. And here you are
come to meet me as if we'd had it all
arranged"
Fanny laughed. Crit Hardy was so
exactly as he had been when she and he
and Fanny had all been children to-
gethcr.
He suggested presently that they
build a fire on the beach and cook the
fish, as it wa getting toward five
o'clock, and Ailcen was SO wildly excited
over the idea that Hubby had to con-
sent. Grit drew a package of salt and
pepper and another package of crackers
and a little cup of water from the deer
pockets of his fishing coat He built
Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-03-18

through every engagement claimed for
ii, but Chickamauga and Missionary
ridge we're sure, and that was enough.
Certain it was, too, that Henry held an
honorable record as color sergeant of a
company that was almost wiped out at
Chickamauga, and there was a general
belief that IF Henry wasn't so blamed
willin' to set still an listen to other fell
lers' yarn he could tell somethin' inter-
estin' hissef."
Plans for the Fourth of July parade
were we'll under way when Henry
preached the subject of his flag. II
carried her at Chicamauga and I'll
carry her here if you want her, with all
the streamcrs I've had made for all the
engagements she's been in. But she's
got t o head the procession. She aih't
never yet went to the rear, and, by jim
goes, she. amt never goin' to, if l have
to be a procession all by myself SOS
to be the head"
A constrained silence lasted for half
a minute in the fag-dcckcd hall.
Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-03-18

"Wrightsvilie Beach and the familiar
scenes that held so much charm. us
this New York city thought Matos'e
as she looked up and down West
street. People were scurrying ike
ants, everything seemed so upset and
~unlovely. And she had thought the
metropolis a beautiful city! Matorts
wondered whv everyone she passed
stared or looked at her dtseuste Wy.
and said: II dunno you" She was
puzzled and feared to speak to any
one again. when she saw a lady coll.
ing across the street who smiled
sweetly. Maiorie mustered up cour-
age enough to ask her II she would
direct her to a boarding house. Mr'.
Terrell again smiled sweetly. as funds
were low and her ballroom boarder
had lust left.
Eyes. I can accommodate you. I
am going home now: you can come
with me-" Maiorie was glad to ini
refuge in the stuffy little room-alone
she could think out her next NOV.
Mrs. Terrell proved to be quite an
amiable landladv and soon the home
sick girl had copfSd to her the his
tory of her life. In the evening Ma
iorie was introduced to a niece Ct
Mrs. Terrell's. who proved to be a
valuable employment agent.
"Wrn -oed a eirl." said Rosalind.
Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-03-18

and just pick anybody to fill the car"
John nodded. "Sorry. but l suppose
that is best"
In the square a few blocks away, Ma
jor Schmidt was leaving his auto. which
had just brought him from the station
after a weeks absence, and was mount
ing a horse waiting for him. He rode
to the front of the waiting column amid
cheers, and, waving g%enially to every
body, looked about and gasped, why
why-where is my fag?"
Several comrades pointed.
THAT"
They nodded.
: did Mrs. Schmidt give you that?"
"Shc did"
Lord! Lord!" groaned the son of a
soldier.
"Shc said," reported an old comradc
mcekly, that she wouldn't let such a
dirty, torn thing go out of her house."
Lord. Lord" The mayor sat dazcd
gazing at his flag. With no military
traditions in her cmincntly respectable
carefully instilled, Mrs. Schmidt had sac
family, but with good housekeeping
rihced to cleanliness and fine needle
work every blood stain, every honorable
bullet hole, and the dust of fifty years.
As if the Lord had heard and was
sending aid, at that moment there
rounded the corner Hcnry's flag. II
waved in torn and conscious pride above
the streamers bearing the. anne OF
Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-03-18

"You see, we never employ help
without reference. but l will give you
q trial. .5
"You say you paint" said Brai-
ford.
81 am learning" replied Marjorie
covlv. She remembered she had that
sketch. =,
"Here's a sketch finished a'ew
years ago." and as Marjorie laid the
painting before them their sac.s
changed from amusement to marked
seriousness.
t"That's good work" remarked
mo. not with me-" said Mart0r'e.
tho pr'cA. # the Daintirg. !
II didn't moan TO coll it,. I was go
ing to throw It away
Marjorie sothed out tho whole
story. Mr.. Bradford houeht the naint-
ing and promised tn give her a chancc
some day. The days glided by. Mar
jorie worked hard. but was never ton
tired to attend to her cart Class
Don't YOU ever take a vacation
asked Rosalind. when the summer
was nearly over. Haven't time de-
INJURED Marjorie! 1T was lunch time
on the memorable dav that RosaIiLd
told Marjorie the good news. "Mr.
Broad wants to see you after lunch,
hut the secret is too oood to keep. Ha
vents to take us to 'Rector's' tonight.
BN,y's going y meet us there. and we
will have a love'v time.""d Marjorie 4
heart beat fast with thoughts OF beins
so royalty entertained. Presently she
glanced at Rosalird. whose heart had
skinned a few hats for fear by some
caprice she might not accept. ~ ain
due at fhe Art SCHOOL, sure tomor-
row night" said Marjorie. School
Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-03-18

get the baby!" commanded Mrs. ncr-
ton: such actions for a 12-year-old
girl" Picking up her daughters
painting she looked at it proudly and
added. "but she's right smart in every
way"
"Babys asleep! Now sea sheliing."
announced Marjorie-bonnet in one
hand. basket in the other. They were
at the inlet before they realized It.
and the basket was full of beautiful
shells. 20 mother. lets go back the
channel side and get some star-hsh::"
said Marjorie. Very WE'LL" replied
Mrs. Benton. "but you cannot wade IN
the channel"
Marjorie looked at her mother sad
eyed, her pretty lips showed IT,
semblance Of a pout. why. mother,
why can't I wade?."
Dear child, the undertow e the
inlet is too strong for your little
Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-03-18

this" she shouted.
Hubby swung Ailcen behind her with
one hand and put out the other to stop
Fanny's or-rush. You can't spank my
child" she said.
But she broke my old blue plate that
l wouldn't take any money for. She's
been possessed to break it since the
first day she came into this house. And
you've acted as if you wanted her to.
Hand that child over to mel" Fanny's
demand was a scream.
ooh, no, Fanny. You are not reason
able enough to punish a little child
There, there, sweet" For Ailcen, be-
tween fear and grief, was sobbing hys-
tcrical!y. :"Ill take her upstairs" Hui
dy said, land then, I'll come back and
talk to YOU"
You needn't do any such thing!'
Fanny cried. IF l haven't got anything
to say about her destroying things in
my house you car get out, both of YOU
! didn't invite you here in the first place
Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-03-18

land you will just suit"
That night Marjorie counted her re-
sources-$201S. a receipt for q, week 8
board and lodging. a steamer ;ruEx
containing her personal belongings.
and q painting. She surveyed the
work-her work-a painting OF the
dear old Atlantic: her eyes elisterc ed
with tears. as she said, 81 nus dis
nose cf that painting, It makes me
hcmnsick." =
Ma~iorie was on dress rarade ear y.
not forgetting her precious bundle
the PARTING. shvlv she left the mar
eel on tn" eat in a street car. hu- a
kind gentlemen touched her arm az
she reached tho door. "You have for
~c++cr, compelling" ~ : said. and
haodcd nv +hn ~ect,gc.
"I would like to see the manager,
please"
'sFour flights I'm take the elevator
70 YOU right" replied tn" %hoorwalke-.
Marjorie was ushered into Mr..
Breads office.
"Have YOU any references?"
"No. SIR"
"well. how did you expect to &c,
the uosition?" said the manager.
"RosaliDd told me-" Marto-ie's volcs
trembled. s"1 would just suit"
"What is your vocation. anyhow
questioned the manager.
II am going TO he an artist" reptile.
Marjorie emphatical,v.
Pardon me. but there Is a gentle.
men to see vou.. Mr.. Broad" inter.
r,rtod tho cffce hov l H.
"Whv. Frank Bradford. what
brought you from the West so soon"
They conversed a few minutes and
then MIR. Broad remembered Marjorie
"Jnst a minnie: ! must accen: or dis
miss this artist-rloak model"
Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-03-18

feet" soothed Mrs. Benton.
They had walked on a few steps
when Marjorie pleaded. Mother, l 90
want to wade so bad; l will be safe
il you take my hand"
You are such a tease" asserted
the fond mother. a%cceding to her wish.
She had barely stepped her little feet
in the water when she drew back anil
exclaimed: II don't want to wade.
the undertow takes the sand from,
under my feet"
A tired child went to bed early that
night and the sun greeted her as she
took her usual dip in the beautiful
Atlantic.
There's An excursion due today :"
said Mrs. Benton as Marjorie was
clearing off the breakfast. table.
Wasn't it lucky We gathered shells
yesterday? will make lots cf
money" said Marjorie with business
dignity.
Ten O'Clock found her busy before
the displayed wares-maki1g change,
putting conchs to little ears and large
ears. demonstrating their wonderful
quality of retaining the oceans roar.
"Can I hear it in South Caroline,
too?' asked a prospective buyer.
Certainly" replied the enthusiast
tic salegirl. The old man bought t1e
conch and as Marjorie was courteous
Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-03-18
A Place for the >Colors

ITS this way, comrade," a suave past
commander then said. Our mayor,
George Schmidt, is the son of a Ger
man born soldier, who served the Union
nobly and left the service with the rank
of brigadicr-gencral. Recently, on the
death Of his father. Mayor Schmidt re-
ccivcd a very large battle-scarred flag, Of
which he is justly proud. He has offered
it to the post to head u procession.
We have accepted it and we should
find it very awkward ever to place an
other flag beside it"
Besides, Schmidt jest about keeps
this here post a-goin'." added a less dip
lomatic comradc.
$50" Henry snortcd, and sat down.
But he went home witt, a sore heart. His
flag had not been appreciated. "She"
had not made for him the place he had
anticipated, and lie could not secure for
her the honors she deserved. Never be-
fore had his flag been denied her right
full place Of honor. Never had his Old
Glory gone to the rear.
Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-03-18

train moved, leaving them waving their
wide felt hats in the air, while Henry
Jacobs waved from the back platform Of
the last car and strained his eyes until
Hi Strong and Ezra Meek and Chalk
Coleman blended into a blur and the
shrill notes of the fife were lost in the
trains roar. And then he felt that his
last tie to old associations vas broken,
and he stumbled into his Pullman seat
with misty eyes, to sit dreaming sadly all
the day. -.
Memorial Day was spent i'll the old
town and Henry had carefully calculated
that by July 4, or "mebbe' even by Flag
Day, he should feel at home with the
vets" i'll the new town, and he knew.
by jingoes, he had one thing 'twouid
make him welcome in any G.. A. X. post
in all this broad land, as the specchifcrs
always said. Henry was no spcccfifcr,
so no one but Henry quite knew how
he came by this treasured possession.
Likely even Henry did not know wheth-
er the fine old flag had really gone
Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-03-18

the old house and Fanny. And now
Fanny had turned her out of doors.
1t was mid-afternoon, still, warm.
golden. Hubby and Aileen went down
the walk between masses of flowers.
I'm glad we're going" Aileen cor
fdcd to Hubby. "Ain't you, mummy"
Hubby drew a long breath. Il don't
know where to 60" she muttered to
herself. g.;
Ailecn skipped, II do! do! Les go
over there!" she pointed toward the
great field that lay in front Of the
house, recently shorn of grass. LES
mummy"
Hubby humorcd her. In doing so she
believed that she would have time for
thought. They crossed the road.
climbed over the messy fence and wan
dercd through the field. At its farther
side a brook sang under great plump
willows and thithcr Ailccn led the way.
She was like a bird out Of a cage.
Hubby had taken off her hat and hung
Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-03-18


ARJORlE. ii you will
rock sister to sleep
We will leave her
in %granny's charge
and gather shells
this afternoon.
Marjorie dropped
her brush AMI fan
tastically circled
the room. Stop
that dancinu ami
Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-03-18

enjoying my evening cigar in The
shade OF the lilac bush, am watching
you both.
love you. sweetheart, with M
whole heart. love and want you.
and l want babies that l hope will
come to bless our union.
AS soon as l possibly can I will
return and hope we will nevc: be
separated again.
Sweet-of-my-heart, wish you
would write me every day. Your
words Of love are like the sweetest
music to my heart. and again as
sure you Of all my love, in life and Ia
death. Your own true and devoted
lover, p. G.
Contributed by E. N. r.
Dearest Irene-Nearly one moath
has now elapsed since l took depa:-
ture from our much loved home, ,aLd
although l Witnessed many strans !
sights and there Is much / n my uusi.
ness plans and daily transactions 20
engage my thoughts, yet I assure NJ
dear girl that l enjoy many q lOad
recollection of your ,a~ffectionate kini-
ness and love. I am glad to inform
you that all Is we'll with me, my bust
ness affairs are generally satisfactory
and ! enjoy excellent health. Let this
cheer you from my absence. ! never
knew before what. 1t was to leave my
darling girl. l love so dearly. Some
J one has remarked that we canno'
properly estimate our individual bless,
1nes yr4N we are denied them. % Il
Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-03-18

husband was prosperous; he would love
her children, and he ~jocularly told his
comrades he would bring up Minnie's
boy to be a soldier, all right.
The comrades escorted him to the
station with their fife and drum corps
of two old boys, all except Henry i'll
their uniforms, and they babe him
goodby with tremendous POPULARITY, bid
ding him come back to rest with them
when he died, sos they could git up an
march together come "jcdgmcnt day"
Then one by one they wrung his
hand and crowded about him until the
Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-03-18
Contributed ~ 3. Y. /.

My Dear Boy-Your letter cam . to-
day. indeed you must not be so dis
coufaged. If II could only be With
lyoAsto cheer you up. II 80 20 hafdl
Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-03-18

ever before me-. my heart fiutters
and throbs and thrills. my blood
glows and tingles and my face 1usb-
es as l recall your kisses; | feel Your
presence now as though you were
actually here with me.
The knowledge that you love, me
has given me such a wonderful hap
pEiness as ! have never known before.
and all day long my heart has oeen
Singing, ..he loves me. he loves ne,
lie loves me-" a hardly realize
what it all means; feel rs though 1
had been touched by some fairy's
wand. and the way the world. is bath
q III 3 rosy light fairly dazzles me.
Do you know. my beloved. that
nave aiFeady begun to plan for t.ls
5fiffte home we talked Of and wha.'a
60ndeffui little love cot II will De,
21tth Just You and I alone and all the
Wogld shut out.
close my eyes and can e tns
slS0aes and h~oneysuckIe lyou are ~
ssttiSntJ have reached the roof of u:
zftsNsr $3.50 ~ tslsr rpeb II IN f..r
NHSf$ftSftFEH wSE4SnEtGfSn
Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-03-18

EAV1NG his post was
the saddcst goodby
Henry Jacobs had to
say when he left his
old home to live
with his married
daughter in a town
of the Middle West.
He and she were
the only two left of
his family. Her
Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-03-18

small hands and dashed to the floor,
striking the chair legs intransit. 1t lay
neatly separated in three pieces, at
which Ailecn loked down with a horri-
fed realization of her mischief. AS Hui
dy reached n door Fanny flew in at
the other, warned by the crash. Her
hand wa almost upon. the child when
Hubby spoke. Don't touch her"
Fanny turned an angry, rcd face upon
her sister. II will touch her. III spank
her good and sound. She'll know better
than to mcddle with my things after