davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-12-16

cOmpIeLe display OF sIaHuaTu Wahe
gas ranges in the city.
Make your selection now and we
can guarantee delivery and free con-
nection in time to cook the Christ
mas dinner. Our salesman will help
you in selecting the range required
for your particular needs.
Other practical Christmas gift Sc
lections for the home. Refrigerators,
Kitchen Cabinets, Oil and Gas heat
ing Stoves, Gas Water Heaters.
We will make you a liberal allowance on
your old gas range.
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-12-16

that will mean
more happiness and
enjoyment to the
entire family in
b e t t e + C o o k e d
meals for many
years to come.
We have the
largest and most
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-12-16
A nelU
gas range
for Xmas

Your home is surely as deserving
of gift as your closest friend. In
choosing that gift, what could be
more practicable and sensible than Il
good gas range-an appliance that
is used every day in the year and
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-12-13

Tear 1t down." echoed the girl
sinking into a chair. why"
Somebody's going TO buy the place
and build big summer hotel or some
thing like that Mr., Harry writes that
It's only been q burden TO them any
way, and they will be glad 10 part
with IT He OF his brother is coming
to look the place oyer some day this
week, and they'll turn me outl"
There, there" said Elsie, comfort
ingiy, patting the old woman's broad
shoulders. They'll see that you're
taken care of. I'm sure of that"
But the housel" walled Mrs. Crane
"I love it so. I'll never feel at home
anywhere eisel"
Perhaps when they come and see
what delightful place 1t really is they
won't do it-perhaps they'll decide to
keep the house" soothed Elsie Then
she slipped away. with "a sob in Der
throat, 10 look over the dear old place
and grieye for its sake.
: How cruel il appeared to think of
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-12-13

ton Think of the untiring women
in army service abroad. Think of the
soldiers in the trenches--and our oHn
brave boys preparing TO join them. But
IL was even helping in this great
cause, il could be of service TO even
ope-to even
AS II In answer 20 her thoughts. a
printed paragraph seemed to leap at
her from a page OF the evening paper.
IF sny young lady wants TO do her
bit in heartening a soldier far from
home. let her write 10 one of the un'
dersigned. Cheerful letters are a god
send in camp"
The communication of which these
words formed the substance had been
sent from a southern training camp
and was signed with FIVE masculine
names. Gertrude read the names re
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-12-13

such place and not staying in itl"
Mrs. Crane smiled, discreetly, and
withdrew, She gave the impression
that there was some mystery about
the place which she could not dis
close.
But as the quiet days slipped by
there seemed nothing of mystery, only
the peaceful atmosphere of a home in
which happy people had lived and
died. No other boaFders came and Ell
sic wandered at will about the quaint
old place. She spent long hours lying
in the deep grass with q book, she made
sketches OF the house and orchard
from various angles. and she dreamed
beside the lazy little brook that ran
at the foot of the hill.
Two happy weeks went BY and still
two remained of Elsies vacation. She
felt rested and more at peace with
herself than she had for months. and
yet, strangely enough, she had not ac-
comPlished her purpose to forget.
Rather, she had remepbered. But the
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-12-13

tearing down such housei II seemed
to have a soul, slmost--to possess a
soothing spirit OF its own--moreoyer
it seemed to the girl an intimate thing,
as though il had been meant in some
strange way for her.
The next morning Elsie took a book
and went down TO the bank of the
shady little brook. Installed comfort
ably with a pillow. she was soon lost
IN the story and was barely conscious
Of the sense of impending disaster that
enyeioped the place. Here it was all
10 peaceful and quiet A leaf dropped
now and then OF a squirrel stirred the
branches. When q soft foot fall sound
ed on the path behind her Elsie did
not turn, and the tall, brown young
man who was coming down the path
stopped stock still and looked at her
hesitant.
Must be the boarder." he decided.
and turned TO go away. But fate. in
the shape of big loose stone. lay at
his foot The stone slipped and ciat-
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-12-13

they were speeding over the hard
white roads through a country that
looked like Christmas card.
"I1i confess segan the older wom-
an. that wanted to have a little talk
with you. Don't give me credit for
too much courtesy"
Dorothy laughed. Il think l knew
it I've rather been expecting it, in
fact"
You were?"
Yes. It's about Jimmy, isn't IL?
And about me marrying him--or rath-
er not marrying him. That's It. isn't
itf"
Madam Manchester, with the wind
taken out of her sails, so TO speak, did
not instantly reply, Then, Yes, 10 be
frank, that Is II. Don't misunderstood.
Miss, Brown. like you. II il we're
not for family compact made when
my son and certain lady were quite
young J should never pbject to bis at
ltention to you. But well. hops
you understand"
Dorothy nodded grayely. you have
nothing 10 fear from me-" she prom
ised "I1l see that Jimmy does as
he's told"
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-12-13

instruction In the conservatory there
I'm not terribly young and the sea
trip nearly kills me. so IL I go. won I
be back in America for five years, per-
haps. l leave in month. Won't you
marry Geraldine before l go?"
"Mother!" This time without the
yes" volume OF tragedy in the tone
that was enlightening.
Think 1t over, Jimmy" was her only
comment. You'll thank me some day.
Geraldine Barlow is going te> be the
worlds greatest soprano. Think OF
being her husband.
I'D rather have someone to be my
wife!"
In a few minutes, muffied against
the cold, Madam Manchester was driv-
ing straight for the rector's house. her
sleigh bells jingling merriiy But she
refused to get out when the good man
himself hearing the noise, opened the
door.
I've come to take your visitor for
8 ride," she called. II wonder ifshed
care to go7''
Indeed I shouldi" answered DoFe-
thy herself. "Ill go get my sweater
and cap and be out in minute" Soon
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-12-13
BXEIsic Endicott

the little old plano and crooned over
old-fashioned songs.
Today. Madam. going through the
hall stopped TO listen The door was
ajar. and soft sweet notes Uttered
through. Madam stopped. "she sings
wellsv~ was her hrst thought; "she
sings wonderfuliy.weli,- was her sec
ond. "rhe girl Is singing amazingly"
was her last comment as she pushed
open the door and went in.
Jimmy, beside the piano. turned. and
his mothers heart contracted at the
look Of misery in his eyes. Grandma
at the window was complacently knit
ting. Dorothy turned as she finished
her eyes shining like stars.
You dear. good people, she crieds-
Cant, everybody understand? I'm
Geraldinel wanted you all 20 love
me for myself. so came to visit the
rector, an old friend Of father. and /
took another name"
Sweetheart" cried Jimmy. spring
ing forward and crushing her in BIS
arms.
Dear boyl- she breathed. And no
matter what Madam and grandma
thought
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-12-13
Jack laughed heartily butsa moth

Jack laughed heartily but>satd moth
ing
Il don't know how am going to
stand it for two weeks" saiu setty
after slight pause.
Why don't you make up with him"
inquired Jack. You'd have fine time
then"
DO you think ] would make up with
him? I guess not" N
The next morning Betty was in the
office before Roy
~ see you took notice of my warn
ing. Miss Grey" he said stiffly as he
entered.
The day passed in agony for Betty
and she was glad when the time came
to go home. Tho rest OF the week
passed in like manner but when sat
urday morning came she could stanf
1t no longer. She picked up her note
book and pencil and threw them on
the floor.
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-12-13

tered vigorously down the path tn
strike the boarder's unconscious back.
Il beg your pardoni" cried the
young man
"Roseri" breathed the sarl-
"Elsiel You,"
For a minute the two looked at each
other and then the man took the girl
tenderly in his arms. TWAS all M
fault, dearest" he said. III you knew
how I've suffered, how I've blamed
myself / haven't the right 10 ask you
to forgive me"
Il did that long ago There's Just
one thing Roger couldnr ws-stsy
herer"
In this house"
Yes. dear. It's my house, really. I
never told you, but last fall ! bought
my brothers share in Il, Intending n
to be ours. And when I thought that
all was over couldn't bear To keep
ii. But now"
Now" breathed Elsie, at is ours
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-12-13

At last he said, That is all"
Betty picked up the notebook and
hurried out. Her eyes were filled
with tears but she brushed them back
proudly.
such a ddy as it was, The hours
dragged slowly and Betty was thank
full when o'clock came. Her head
was aching, but who cared about that.
But what about Roy2 It was the
first time she had ever seen him so
cross in the two years that she had
known him. She was only 20 while
Roy was %, the same age as her
brother Jack. Beth put on her hat
and coat and went home.
well, BET. how did you like your
new employer asked Jack with
twinkle in his eye.
Il didn't like him a Bit" answered
Betty, angrily. He was just as cross
as he could be. You knew who be
was all the time, didn't you"
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-12-13
By Abner Anthony

You horrid old cranky bachelor, 3"
she sobbed angrily. IT hate you. Please
don't touch me-" she added as he went
to put his arm around her.
Betty dear. what is the matter with
your" he asked gently.
Nothing is the matter with me.
she stormed, what is the matter with
your"
Well, you got angry at me because
! couldn't escort you to the party, but
what could do? My business engage
ment was with Mr. Lee. He wanted
me to take charge of the business
while he was away and ] had to give
him my answer that night l didn't tell
you because l wanted to give you a
surprise and now, Betty darling, since
| have explained, will you consent TO
marry that man with the black, curly
hair?"
Yes" answered Betty, smiling hap
PLY.
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-12-13

but ii was easier to get on with the
Others" Gertrude sighed regretfully. =
guess I never really appreciated JEFF
rsy then" So she wrote in her lstter
tonight:
Il chose your name because ] once
knew a very nice young man called
jeffrey. And ] never wrote him any
letters either, only schoolgirl notes
which be couldn't have thought very
much Of because was always snub-
bing him. ! didn't mean 1t. though.
In her later letters. for this new
correspondence grew and 6ourished.
Gertrude expressed every phase of her
whimsical spirit. She had come TO en-
Joy this pastime deeply. But when II
came 10 receiving word from her sol
dier friend that be was starting for
the citv and would call to see her. she
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-12-13

was seized with panic and dismay.
There was no escape, however. onf
evening Gertrude. embarrassed and
treVulous. crept down to the board
ing house parler to face q tan. stalwart
fgure in khaki.
She raised timid eyes from tho
brown outstretehed hand 10 the bright.
smiling face That square Jaw. that
shock of red-brown hair. those keen
gray eyes-why should they all seem
SO familiar TO her? Then. as the mans
smile broadened. she knew
jeffrey Dunnl Butt never wrote
to you"
Didn't you?" he answered heartily.
81 guess I'v~ kept every one of your
letters. know I wrote 10 you.
But the Other faltered Gertrude.
''Brinsmsde9 Why. he got other lot
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-12-13

Elsie thought the stone wall rather
korbidding. Once inside, however
there lay before her a green stretch
OF lawn. rather neglected. but alto
gether delighted. Al one side il ran
into q tangle of shrubbery. and far
down the path was the soft red glow
of an old brick house. The girls artist
soul thrilled with pleasure. How
perfectly delightful" she exclaimed.
A plump, motherly person stood in
the door to receive her. This was
Mrs. Crane. the caretaker She chat
ted volubly as she led the girl through
wide, cool balls to a pretty chintz liy-
ing room
You see the family are all dead and
gone-the Fhanets, that is. And their
cousins that owp the house now never
come here; they just leave it TO nae.
So they said they shouldn't mind at
all IL ! took a boarder or two to keep
me company"
But ! should think they'd love it!"
exclaimed the girl. Imagine having
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-12-13

there until ten minutes before eight.
She took off her hat and before she had
time TO sit down the bell rang. Pick
ing up her notebook and pencil she
opened the door ofsthe private office
and went in. The new employer turned
around. Betty stared stupidity at him
and hot blush spread over her face.
Who was II but Roy Thornton, the
man with whom she had quarreied.
Miss Grey" he broke coldly In up
on her surprise, what time are you
supposed to come 10 work.
Half past seven" she replied weak
ly. \
This isn't half past seven." he said
sternlyN looking at the clock. please
do not let this happen again. II you
do, something may happen to you. Sit
down and take the notes"
He ratified the words of so quickly
that Betty's trembling fingers could
not keep up with him.
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-12-13

rain pattering on the windoy-psnes,
that Gertrude wrote her first letter TO
Jeffrey Brinsmade. Gertrude was one
of those persons who write better than
they talk.
AS she wrote her first letter to this
unknown jeffrey, Gertrude's miDd was
turning to the days in a remote town;
10 the friends of those light-hearted
years. and to jeffrey Dunn.
slow and awkward suitor for her
girlisb favor this farmers son had
been. And even when he went to work
in the new machine shop and began to
show signs Of inventive SKIN and efG-
cheney which made his employers
speak well OF him and his future pros
poets. Gertrude had seemed slo6f and
diseouraging
"And I always liked Jeffrey best;
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-12-13

"Then come back TO the house with
me, won't you? I've just had tall
with my son. but I'm afraid of grand
ma. Wont you come and tell her al
about II? Tell her anything you like
but break II TO her that Jimmy is-go'
ing to marry Geraldine Barlow this
month. We'd be glad TO have you
stay to luncheon, too"
Thank you" Dorothy accepted
I'm be glad to go and III do my best
to convince my dear old friend that
Jimmy should do as he is told
Something in her tone made the old
er woman turn. You like james,
che asked
Yes, ! love himl"
Literally"
Yes, I do"
There was silence TO the end OF the
drive. Probably had 1t not already
been extended. the invitation TO dine
would not now have been given. As it
was, II was too late TO retrsct
A servant took Doroihys wraps and
she went straight up TO grandmas
rooms. She was fond OF reading to
the old lady and spent many hours
with her, She also often sat down TO
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-12-13
SO Jimmy Obeyed His Mother

"fss. do. exactly. How did you
know"
It's been in the air for years. I've
had hunch the way the wind was
blowing. Beg pardon. mother
It's just this way. James; the
world is full of nice girls like Dorothy
If you'd trayel around bit you'd
probably be able to pick out dozen
like her in every hamlet and town in
Ameriea-pretty.. refined and indiffer-
entity well educated. I'm taking the
latter for. granted. of course. But
when you are as old assI, and able to
discriminate, you'll ind there are
only q dozen in the whole world like
Geraldine Barlow. She was born with
. God-giysn voice, and think of her at
her age in grand opera! Music has al
ways been. we'll. almost as sacred to
me as my religion. II was TO your fs-
ther, too. So, although haven't seen
her in all these years she's been
abroad, I know that she can't be any
thing else but perfect. Her bringing
up has been ideal"
Yes, mother"
"And' now for the other. I'm going
to Buenos Ayres, as you know. to give
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-12-13

ed Jack.
7 don't care" snapped Betty tear
fully.
A few minutes passed in a silence
which was soon broken by Jack.
Say, Beth, do you know who's go
ing to take Mr.. Lees place while he is
away?"
NO" answered Betty shortly.
Betty was a stenographer in the Of
hce of Lee & Co., and also acted as
the private secretary of Mr.. Lee. He
liked her because 7he-was a good
worker. Both her mother and father
were dead. so she and Jack lived alone.
Betty was now wondering who her
new employer would be. but could not
throw any light on the subject.
III hope he isn't an old crank" she
thought Il hate cranky people"
The next morning nothing seemed to
go right. In the first place, Betty got
up a little later than usual, and had
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-12-13

hectirely, trying To visualize their dis
tant owners.
jeffrey Brinsmade," she said at
last. Jeffrey knew one jeffrey
long ago. wonder where he is now"
A smile OF tender recollection curved
her lips, and her brown eyes gazed
dreamily> at the printed page.
IF were going to write to any OF
these soldier boys. II would certainly
be 10 jeffrey Brinsmade. If--and why
Dot77
The thought grew to desire. fer
vent. compelling Putting aside her
own loneliness and wistfulness, might
she not through the power Of friendly
sympathy and whimsical fancy con-
tribute a little cheer and comfort to
another lonely. gistful heart?
II was that very evening. with the
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-12-13

hard work trying TO get the fire start
ed At last she managed TO get q lit
tie breakfast and she and Jack sat
down.
why didn't you call me to make the
hre?" inquired Jack. II could have
lit 1t the first thing"
You couldn't have lit it any better
than did," laughed Betty.
You will have to hurry. dear, II you
expect to get to work on time. It's
twenty-five minutes past seven al
ready. You can't get there In Ave
minutes"
"Mr. Lee said l wouldn't have TO
care if got there a little after half
past SEVEN" answered Betty.
II know it," responded Jack, but
Mr. Lee isn't there now"
Betty was out on the street in sec
ond, but the car that she usually
took was gone. She started on brisk
walk to the office, but did not reach
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-12-13

ters. And when he showed me yours,
I appropriated it for myself You see
| was lonesome, too. So all your let
ters came to me and answered them
But didn't show your letters. Ger
trude."
And you didn't sign your OWL
name. she reported.
ut was SO pleasant getting aequsint-
ed with an old friend"
Then you knew You remembet
me7"
Jeffrey Dunn looked at her earnest
ls. 81 remember you. but think
never knew you before,J Gertrude.
Your letters were wonderful TO zoe.
And yours breathed the girl
Her checks were pink. her eyes softly
shining. oh" she said impdlsiyely
I'm glad it WAS you. Jeffrey Dunn.
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-12-13
T\HE advertisement bad read,
quiet Country board for q

T\HE advertisement had read
quiet Country board for 0
lady and as Elsie Morton
was driven through the sleepy, tree
arched streets of Melton she felt as
sured as TO the quiet. And quiet was
what she desired. quiet in which to
rest and forget about Roger. There
was no use in remembering, since he
had gone from her life.
Elsie was. by profession an artist.
she spent her days in a tiny top floor
studio, where she designed postcards
and advertisements for a living, and
painted wonderful landscapes, which
nobody bought, for her souls salts
faction She wondered whether Roger
ever felt as she did. or whether
Elsie's reflections we're brought TO
a sudden end as her dsrryali drew up
before an old iron gate in . moss
grown wall
Here you arei" said the lean,
country driver. swinging down her
bags This is the Thanet plaee!"
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-12-13
AMEs MANCHESTER

r AMES MANCHESTER, on his
knees m the snow, fastened
u the buckle on Dorothy's ski,
made sure the other wAs-right and got
to his feet
Thank YOU. Jimmy," she said. with
a smile. How does il feel TO get down
on your knees to a girlg"
Just right. Wait a minute and IN
do it again"
Never mind: once is enough. Be
sides, your mother is in the sun psrier
not looking any too cheerful at seeing
her young hopeful SO attentive to the
parsons visitor.1
James did not look around, but col
ored guilty. Dorothy laughed. Il
suppose you'll get a talking to, Jim
my. It's too bad, too-shen We are
such good friends. J Like yes ali TO
pieces. yimmyi"
And YOU know how feel" he re-
turned intensely, forgetful again of
maternal eyes and the promised talk
ing to.
She tramped to the head OF the steep
drive. poised herself an instant, Q
fash Of red sweater and cap, and she
was gone. An instant later she waved
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-12-13

she earelled--one morning as she
came into the sitting room where Mrs
Crane was often to be found.
"Why, Mrs. crane!" the g{l cried,
in establishment. The middle-aged
housekeeper sat by the table with her
head buried in her arms, her shoul-
ders shaking with convulsivs sobs
What is the mstter?" asked Elsie.
isn't there something ! can do7"
Mrs. Crane raised a red and tear
marked face. I've had a letter" she
heaved; they're going to tear the
house downi'
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-12-13

EE DON'T care, III never magE5
man with black, curly
hair." declared Betty Grey.
turning her nose up at the pretty face
reflected in the mirror.
-I guess you viii. by the way things
are looking now." laughed my brother
Jack
Things aren't looking pleasant at
an replied Betty. fitting her dim
pied chin up In the air.
what! Another fght?" cried Jack
You do beat all the Jess willards in
the world for fighting. What is it
about this timer"
You know 1 was invited to Cora's
party the other night, and l wanted
him 10 escort me- He said he had an
engagement at o'clock. but that he
would call for me after the party. But
as long as he wouldn't take me. told
him he needn't call for me-"
"oh, so there's another giri?" teas
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-12-13

up from the road, the only oct Of col
or in all the vast landscape of dazzling
white. James waved back and went
into the house
Madam Manchester called him as he
went whistling through the hall. son,
| want TO talk with you a moment
please"
F"Yes, mother" He turned and went
in. trying TO look Indifferent and casn-
ally picking up a magazine on q stand
as he passed.
"Sit down, please.
He obeyed.
You like Dorothy; don't youe"
You're right I do. She's true blue.
HieesI girl 1 know"
Yes; she is nice. III admit that
I'm fond of her in a way myself and
grandma Well, / never knew my
mother 20 take such fancy TO any
one as she has to that girl. The rea-
son I'm telling you all this is that it's
going to make 1t hard for me TO talk
to you about something I have in
mind"
You mean that other girl. Gerai-
dine Barlow"
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-12-13

memories became more and more like
dreams-creatures of the imagination
and so the girl believed that they
were losing their bitterness. She felt
happy enough to sing softly as she
went about the house.