davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Weekly Caledonian. (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1919-1920, 1919-08-20
GROWING OLD BEFORE YOUR
TIME

Kidney trouble tends to "slow up"
men and women in middle life and
they fear oncoming old age when it
is only the kidneys that are at fault.
Folcy's Kidney Pills assist Nature to
restore Il sound, healthy condition
and Danish backachc, soreness, lame
ness and stiffness. w. w. Wells,
Tonouin, Mich, writes: "Foley's Kid
ney Pills make me feel like new
man." Recommended also for blad-
der trouble. SOLD EVERYWHERE
Frank Hard of Fairlcc was badly
injured and the horse which he was
driving was drowned when they were
pushed off a bridge near Fairlee by
an auto owned by the Orange County
Farm Bureau Tuesday evening. The
automobile in trying to pass the horse
and carriage on the narrow bridge
struck the carriage, pushing it into
the river together with its occupant
and the horse. The car also went
into the river, but the occupants was
uninjurcd. Mr.. Hard was taken to
a physician where his wounds, con-
sisting of a deep cut in the scalp,
were dressed.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-11-24

right on being glad about each one OF
you as long as live"
Bob looked down AZ her curiously
and told her DULY; Il asked Hebbard
for q Job delivering for the summer
and be said he'd rather have some one
else"
But even this announcement did not
bring a sign Of the pain that burned
IN Aunt Muzzy's heart into her kind
face. I've been thinking. Bobbie, that
perhaps Professor Black would" she
said.
"oh. Black hates q numskull."
But he admires a man" A voice
In the doorway out short Bob's ex-
clamation. You did not seem 10 hear
my knock. so I walked in. wanted
20 say that have an application at
the school for an intelligent. gentle
manly boy TO act as assistant clerk IN
one Of the summer hotels. They pay
all expenses and a good salary. so
wrote recommending you, Bob. The
change Will do you good. and next fall
you can come back 90 rs and finish"
II was Mary Ellen who recovered
from the general astonishment first.
"Oh. oh. Bob" and, catching the big
stern professor By the sleeve. SIZE rat
tied on: You're awful mean
very kind, Professor Black. We're
all, we're all
Mary Ellen is trying TO tell you
that we all appreciate It. Professor
Black" Aunt Muzzy said. and the pro
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-11-24
A "Numskull" Wins Out

word. Hinsdsle calmly branded Bill
liam" q thief. and now Bob had failed
IN his high school exams and fifteen
year-old Mary Ellen was rapidly de-
veloping into q bitter little spithre.
A wee sigh started way down IN
Aunt Muzzy. but II never escaped be-
cause she heard the children coming
up the path. so she hurried to smooth
her face into its most beautiful smile,
and. selecting the pufnest. most tempt
ing pattie for Bob. she called in her
jolliest tone. Just taste that. sir"
Bob took g big bite and declared II
was great" but he took an awful long
time 20 swallow. and gradually all the
laughs rolled themselves into hard
little frowns, and even Beth and Geor-
gle ate IN silence. Then suddenly
Mary Ellen hid her face on her arm and
cried Bob gave her Quisk startled
look. and showing back his plate start
ed to leave the room.
Bob" Aunt Muzzy's tone was
pleading. and stopped
'Taint no use, Aunt Muz. You've
been slaYing day and night TO get Us
through school. and I've nunked. I
guess folks are right; you are foolish
TO think you could make anything Of
an Apologize. Gee!" he exclaimed
bitterly.
"Mebby folks do think I'm foolish
Bobby, dear" Aunt Muzzy admitted.
but I've been glad every day I've had
my beautiful big family; I'm going
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-11-24

dred, Alden Curtis
Elsie drew her breath In amaze
ment There must be some mistake.
And yet she knew his Arm handwr1t-
ing and the little flourish with which
he always signed his name. Alden
Curtis, total income sixty thousand
four hundred and twenty dollars!
Elsie sat holding that slip of paper.
her head in a vhirl. So that was why
be was with that other girl, the girl
who looked expensive She was his
kind of girl. OF course He had only
been amusing himself with Elsie. ne
had not been fair and honest with her.
II she had known he was a million
aire she could never have felt quite
the same. somehow. People bred in
small and poor communities like Old
port always have q certain awe Of
great wealth. II could never have
been the same And yet-he should
have told her! Oh, we'll. perhaps be
was tired OF her now. and she would
never see him again. 1t WAS a week
since they had met, and be was with
that other GIRL
When Elsie finished her work late
that afternoon and again had leisure
in which to think; it seemed as II she
were facing An empty world. She put
on her wraps and started 10 leave the
building. dreading the long evening
alone with her thoughts. But as she
reached the door someone called 20
her. and turning, she looked Up into
Alden Curtis face.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-11-24
By Elsie Endicott

Il thought you were never comingi"
he exclaimed. Il haven't any right 20
ask 1t, so late. but I wonder whether
you would come to dinner with me?
Ny cars outside"
There was the limousine with the
chauffeur Elsie got IN, without speak
ing. But later. as they sat at table
in a great restaurant. Alden said
something. something that brought a
tremor to her lips and a sudden flush
10 her cheeks.
81 don't think I should Alden. I'm
not-your kind. You see you never
told me. and didn't know until today
how rich you we're I'm not like
the girl you were with this noon"
That girl7 Oh, that's my cousin
Nan. She was helping me to select
this ring. And don't you see, darling.
that the reason didn't tell you was
just because-because I wanted to be
your kind OF man. the kind who IS
fond OF outdoor things. and simple
honest pleasure7 I never thought 20
tell you at first. and then"
Can We live IN the country" asked
Elsie as he slipped the ring o. Der
anger.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-11-24
His Income Tax

lows" spend more than they could af-
ford.
So VIXEN be came after her on Sat
urday In big car she opened her eyes
vide with surprise and something like
disapproval
This old machine doesn't run very
WELL" be explained. 1T belonged To
8 friend Of mine who wanted me to try
# out for him. I guess we can spin
along fairly fast. though"
They did spin along. not only over
the ground, but over the road to
friendship. The afternoon Was per
feet. Just such a late winter day.
bright with the first traces Of spring
sunlight, that Elsie loved. II would
be spring In the country soon. just
such country as this
That Saturday was only the nrst OF
many happy hours that Elsie spent
with Alden Curtis They went TO the
theater. 20 little quiet restaurants, 20
the parks. Elsie's feeling toward
him grew TO be more than friendship,
and as for Alden. be was deeply in
love with Elsie. from the crown OF her
piQuant little head to the soles Of her
sensible little shoes. She was quite
unlike any girl be had ever known
before. more simple. straightforward.
more ike a breath OF that country air
she loved so well. He told her once,
rather vaguely that his home was in
the country. too. Also that he work
ed In q law office. But more than that.
and the fact that she found him very
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-11-24
Another Cinderella

The store closed at noon on SatuT-
day and an hour later Lydia was on
her way to Charmian's village home.
She was wearing a graceful new
spring suit and hat, and in her suit
case were packed away two gowns
likely to fiji even CHAIRMAN with envy.
Most Of her bank account had gone
useless TO her once she was back
into clothes which would be perfectly
again at MacNamsras grubbing for
her daily sustenance.
I've always heard that re Lori
mers as a family were creatures of
impulse. and certainly l sustain that
reputation" she thought. comically.
But there's soma excuse for me. Two
had four desperately economical and
lonely years Of plain shirtwaists and
cheap boarding house fare without
soul Of my own kind near me. I'm
wild to hear Chairman sing. to eat off
a Haviland plate. and SIT before a
wood fire. And II my whole bank sc-
count is the price l must pay for
these things. I'm not going to think 1t
too big"
At the little Avon station CHAIRMAN
was waiting in her big touring car.
She was very afectionate in her wei
come. How nice you look, dear
That's the prettiest hat I've seen this
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-11-24
By Joella Johnson

fessor declared IN IFS sr11est tone
that 1T was nothInE-nothinS but bis
duty"
Won't you stay and have lunch
with us7" Aunt MuzEy invited. 1T If
30 late l am afraid you Will not have
time TO get yourR" So Mary Ellen
and Beth hustled to az bis place. and
wee George dragged up the biggest
chair for the guest. But that luncheon
was doomed TO Interruptions. They
had hardly started their pudding be-
fore the mail man came with a spe-
cial delivery letter. and Aunt MuEzy' s
knees grew so wobbly "a she tried 10
read the big. hourishly scrawl that she
had TO hand il over to the professor.
AS he read he forgot all about being
the principal OF the high school and
six feet two inches In his stockings.
but waved his napkin IN the air as a
boy would and shouted. "Hurrahl
HurTahi"
OF cvourse. you've guessed that the
lister was from -BiInsm." Probably
you've guessed, too. that he sent pos
tive proof that he hsd had nothing TO
do with the missing horse. But never
was letter quite 50 wonderful as this
one. II enclosed a check for lots more
money than Aunt Mugzy had loaned
her biggest boy" and It told all about
''BilliAIn's" farm that be was running
scientifically. II told about the house
ne was building for Aunt Muzzy and
the children. and II said be cOud hard
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-11-24

spring" she cried
You've seldom seen one better"
Lydia thought. Il put the price OF six
hats into this one"
Chairman had married q wealthy
man and her house was beautiful.
Lydia had a room all pink roses and
birds eye mable furniture. There
were real roses in a bowl on her
dressing table. I'll wear some OF
them with my black gown" she
thought.
CHAIRMAN came to lead Lydia down
to dinner. Her eyes rested upon the
black gown with evident pleasure.
You look ready for conquest" she
said, gayly. And I believe you'll
make one. Lydia. Kent Carew arrived
an hour before you. He is my other
house guest"
Kent Csrewi" Lydia exclaimed.
Her bright color dulled.
Hes a great friend OF Towards, !"
CHAIRMAN FASTENED to add. Il thought
# would be so nice to have you here
together. I knew you used to be well
acquainted"
Lydia did not speak. Under her
black bodice her heart was behaving
awkwardly. Kent Carew. the man who
might have married her had she not
lost her money! Oh. what had she
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-11-24

dear, Elsie knew little Of Alden Curtis.
Curtis.
And then there came busy days at
the bank. People were paying the in
come tax. Every official was over
worked and grew cross and hard to
please. All day men and women
crowded into the bank 10 I'LL out their
blanks, all day Elsie was busy as she
could be. with no time to think of
country excursions or even Alden
Curtis. She had TO work late several
nights. and once on Saturday after
noon. A week went By without her
seeing Alden.
But one noon she did see him. He
was IN a limousine beside pretty and
expensive looking girl. The girl wore
a huge bunch OF violets, they were
laughing and smiling as though very
happy Elsie noted the iiveried chauf-
feur. the immaculate perfection OF the
big car and puzzled frown darkened
her face. or course It wasn't his car.
probably it belonged TO the girl.
The cashiers voice cut sharply in
on her musings.
Sort over tbs blanks. Miss Mar
shall. please. And bring them to me
as soon as they are done"
Elsie went quickly 10 work. resolv-
ing TO put all thoughts OF Alden from
her mind for the present. at least. She
was soon lost In the pile of papers
which declared that John Jones to-
tai income was eleven hundred dol
lars. Paul Smiths twenty-four hun
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-11-24

about her. hurrying. binding flashes
OF color. rushing deafening sounds;
nowhere the peace for which she
longed.
That. however, was before she INST
Alden Curtis. She met him. FIRST. az
a Doctors office. That was the day
she was too III to go home alone. and
Alden. who appeared TO be a friend
OF the doctors and happened IN and
offered 10 drive her home In the doc
tors car The doctor wasn't IN any
hurry for his car. a. II happened. and
the fresh air made Elsie feel better.
80 Alden had taken her for g half
hour spin down a country road. How
much It reminded her OF home. and
the drives with her fsthsy! Alden had
not reminded her of home. however
There were no such handsome and
gallant young men back in Oldport
Indeed. be was quite the incest person
Elsie had ever met. and when he ask
ed II be might see her again some time
perhaps Saturday afternoon. she
had consented. OF course he must be
all right ~ he were a friend OF DR.. Al
lens. They had been properly intro
duced. TOO. so there was nothing II
regular about II. Only she wonder
ed a little what he did for a living.
She thought he bad said some vague
thing about being q clerk. Clerks. she
knew. had not very much money. She
set her little mouth hrnly and re-
solved that she would not be Ike 9TH
er girls Al the bank who let the '-fel-
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-11-24

~ Isle MARSHALL worked as
* stenographer in the National
- Bank. Ordinarily her work
was not particularly hard. the officials
were all pleasant men and the hours
not too long No one complained If
the timeclock showed that she was q
little late now and then OF a morning.
and no one objected II she left early,
occasionally. because OF a headache.
Elsie was given 70 headaches. and the
cashier had once remarked 10 hts as
sistant that 8 fFAil little girl like that
ought not 20 work anyway
She's a good stenographer." the as
sistant returned. Certainly knows
heF business
But ia spite OF the comparatively
easy work. Elsie found the days a 1T
tie wearing on her She was not used
70 work OF any kind. beyond little
housekeeping and answering phone
calls for her country doctor father.
That was all ended nov; there wasn't
any home TO keep. or any father either.
Fox over q year she had buheSsd with
Fate in the city. but she hated every
sight and sound OF H. Often. II her
deck that overlooked the busy street.
or on the crowded subway. she closed
her eyes and brought back visions OF
quiet Main street. the old brown house
in the midst OF its quiet lawns and her
OWE room with the lilac bushes Just
outside the window. Sometimes she
sched for home with every nber OF her
being. but always there was the city
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-11-24

recalled. with little thrill Of pleas
ure. his bright boyish look when he
gave her his nrst oArnings.
From now on I'm the man OF the
family. Aunt Muz." he had deciSred
proudly. and, catching her in his arms
swung her on to the table. PROBES
cor Black says he'll give me all the
books and help 1 want evenings. and
one OF these days I'll get TO college. ="
Then. taking her face in his grimy
hands. he told her earnestly. You're
the finest little Muz in all the world. -
and giving her a quick rough hug he
set her back into her chair.
But the hours at the stable had been
long snd Irregular until "Billiam" be-
came more and more dissatisfied with
the lack OF opportunities. Then one
night be came running breathlessly in
and begged her to loan him $50. III
soon pay 70 back" he said. 1--WE got a
chance TO go West and must start at
once. Can't you let me have IT.
piesse?"
So Aunt Muzzy gave him what she
had and huTriedly collecting a few
things into his grip he kissed them all
and disappeared into the darkness.
The next day the proprietor OF the sta
Bile syore his best horse had been
stolen and Hinsdale shook its right
eous head and said. You couldn't
expect anything else from ar Apple
gate" As the days and weeks and
months new by without bringing 2
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-11-24

- GOD morning" When Mary
- Ellen turned and saw Miss
Sarah Potts standing In the
doorway she set the blue china cup
down so hard that II would never
serve a. = cup again. II was the sec
0nd VISIT that week Miss Sarah had
made TO Aunt MuEzy. and II was the
second cup Mary Ellen had broken.
Mary Ellen sdored that china, with It's
quaint blue figures. and she wished
most heartily that Miss Sarah would
stay away. But Miss Sarah loved to
como up 20 the little white and green
house to show Aunt Muzzy what an
awful mistake she had made when she
gave the Apologize children a home
Eve years ago.
Il sad at the Tina. my dear. that IT
would be absurd for you - take one
child at your age. but 20 take all ave
you must have been crazy" This
vAs Miss SarAh's favorite speech. and
today Mary Ellen shook her hst at
the shiny black back as it disappear
ed into the parlor
She's q hateful old thing. and I
suppose she's come to talk about Bob
Just because he didn't pass and won't
graduate. She came every day when
'Billiam' ran away and she never for
gets 10 ask {; we've heard from him
yet She says he's probably in jail
and we're bound not 10 amount 10 any
thing because the Applegstes are
shiftless, no account lot" Mary Ellen
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-11-24

Chairman March had a great deal 10
say and she said II 10 the extent Of
four sheets. gracefully written. She
was hungry to see her cousin. Lydia
must make shift TO spend that week
end with her without fail; she would
never be forgiven II she did not ap-
pear.
Lydia had no wish to offend Charm
Ian further than she had She re-
membered the last scene between
them with remorse- CHAIRMAN had
been naughty and Lydia Irm. Lydia
money bad gone suddenly in a bad in
vestment, and she chose to be indie
pendent rather than live on her one
warrantable relative until some one
should OFFER matrimony Now this
kindly invitation filled her with long
ing She must accept it.
But have no clothes" she thought
II can't go to that house with only a
tailored skirt and wash silk blouse"
She got out her bank book and
studied H. She had exactly $500 to
her credit. II seemed a pity TO modest
her rainy day fund. but II she went to
Charmisn's she must go properly clad.
Chairman never would inquire into
the wherewithal Of her clothes so long
as they came up 10 her idea Of what
her cousin could wear.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-11-24

wiped her eyes on q corner OF the dish
towel as she hung II up. Come,
George. dearie. wei be late for
school" she added. and IN spite OF
plesdinss tucked The Adventures OF
Boy in South America" in the book
rack.
Miss Ssrah's visits were almost as
disturbiny to little Miss Peters. whom
the children had named Aunt Muzzy,
rs they were 10 Mary Ellen and today
a. the door closed after her guest
Aunt Muzzy would have liked to set
something down very hard. Instead.
she hurried out into the kitchen 70 AZ
the kind Of patties Bob loved for lunch
and while busting around she planned
all about how she would make over a
dainty white dress that had once been
hers into something pretty for Mary
Ellen.
Aunt Muzzy was like that always
planning something for some one else.
Miss Sarah said she was too easy
going. EN- would give the teeth out OF
her mouth II any ore asked for EN-.
Aunt MuzEy was glad that Miss Sarah
did not know about the $50 she had
loaned "Bllliam." Not that Aunt Muz-
~ regretted having LOANED Il, but she
did not want to be reminded that she
needed It now for taxes and the new
sewer connections.
Hlnsdaye hadn't offered much 70 Bill
liam" after be graduated. so he had
taken q Job IN the stable. Aunt NuEzy
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-11-24
By Abner Anthony

the car beside him tearing toward the
depot The train was on time and they
parted. He had not said word All
the way back to the city Lydia moan
ed, I'm a fOol-a FOOL And I wish
was dead"
A week later. as she sat mending q
pair Of stockings in her own room, she
was called down to see a visitor in the
parlor. The visitor was Kent Carew.
Lydia" he said-he held her hands
and looked into her eyes-"I've come
to make you long delayed proposal 3"
You better not" Lydia managed TO
say. But she knew that her trembling
hands belied the words.
Il intended to ask you four years
ago." he went on. quietly. after your
loss. but Chairman advised me not to.
She said you had told her that you
preferred your liberty to husband.
1 was chsgrined. for I had thought diff
ferent. I've thought OF nothing but
you for four years, and when felt I
couldn't live without you any longer I
asked CHAIRMAN 10 invite me to her
house and send for you"
A long time after Lydia murmured
as her head lay on his shoulder: But
you see put nearly all the money
have In the world into those clothes
you saw me wearing at Charmian's.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-11-24
Mlss Child.

Little Annie had been having trou-
bic with her lessons. and had turned
for assistance 10 her big brother. He
did the sums for her, handed her the
paper. and resumed lis reading she
was soon back AZ his side. however.
and be inquired:
What's the matter: aren't they all
nght7"
-Oh. yes. indeed They are ever 80
nice; but won't you please put a few
mistakes IN. so that teacher viii think
I did hT'
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-11-24

got into? For four years the thought
OF him had been bitter. She never had
expected to see him again. And here
he was under the same roof with her!
He was With Howard March before
the fire in the library when she enter
ed with CHAIRMAN II only be had not
that good look Of utter sincerity, And
yet he had quietly receded from her
presence when the fact OF her loss
became known. In the mantel-glass
Lydia saw herself and fell victim 70
another impulse "T'll make him sor-
~. I'll hurt him Just as he hurt me,
she thought. savagely.
She had not forgotten how to be
charming. The black gown lent her
courage. Within twenty-four hours
she had Kent Carev just where she
wanted him. and gloried In the fact.
Then Monday morning broke gray
and damp and dismal. She was Gin
derella again and her chariot was a
pumpkin. She rose and dressed and
went down TO breakfast. FOR she must
be back in the store that afternoon.
There was no light in her face and she
crumbled her toast, trying TO avoid
Kent Carew's eyes as he sat opposite
her doing little better with his own
breakfast.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-11-24

- was the fourth day OF Dress
Up Week" and Lydia Lorimer
was just about the weariest girl
in the whole city. Lydia sold blouseS
at MacNamara's. and It was as though
the whole feminine nation bad trooped
past her counter IN those four days
She dreamed blouses. she thought
blouses. and she hated them all fierce
". Even the varying styles brought
her no relief. Four years OF blouses
had brought her 20 the point where
she longed 10 quit and run away
where she never again would see a
bit Of shadow lace or crepe de chine.
She took the street car home. being
too far gone to walk. The afternoon
mail lay on the hall table and she
glanced at IL only casually. for she
did not expect TO And anything there
that belonged 10 her The sight OF
her own address startled her. and she
snatched the letter. opening IT on her
way upstairs.
From ChRTmiani" she gRsped
Why, I haven't heard from her IN
four years-since struck out for my
self She was SO angry because she
said was lowering the standard OF
the family By going into a store TO
work. But what else could / do7 |
wonder what she has TO say TO me-"