davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-07-16

we shall see a pretty little powder puff battle"
 Dear me, mother. You do use such funny terms. I suppose you mean Miss Alderman and MT. Davis will firt terribly and disgust poor Uncle Avery"
 "They can't help it." asserted Mrs. Forbes, with maliciously twinkling eyes.
 I'm glad we're going to have a houseful of company anyway" chirped Florrie, and she went from the break fast room to inspect the contents of her wardrobe.
 Mrs. Forbes guests came in due time and made themselves very much at home in Avery Mull's handsome subur- ban residence. Dashing Claude Davis and the bewitching Miss Alderman immediately established their right to the reputation society had given them. They met on familiar grounds, and they fenced with familiar weapons.
 In her delighted watch over the maneuvers of these two merry guests, Mrs. Forbes forgot everything else, ex- cept to draw her brothers attention
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-07-16

to Clare Ackerman's frivolities and her unftness to grace a dignifed posi- ton outside her own whirlfng circle. They're so well matched, those two," she would remark. Both heartbreak- ers-I wonder what damage they'll do now"
 Several days passed and some of the guests had gone. Mrs Forbes, com ing into the living room in the early evenng found it deserted; but outside in the moonlight, a figure which she recognized as Claude Davis crossed a lighted space and disappeafed behind the rose shrub5ery. Close beside him was the futter of pale drapeMes-and be and Clare Alderman had been sing ing together but little while before
 "I wish I could find Avery and take him with me-" Mrs. Forbes cautiously trailed along the garden paths, her black net gown and mantilla merging into the night shadows. Ahead of her was the futter of pale draperies; but as she paused beside a tiny leaf screened arbor, Mrs. Forbes heard a familiar voice that thrilled her with ccnsternation.
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-07-16

At last the hats were finished, ana aside from the awful shabbiness of the old black felt which was Mabel's, and the large head size of the derby, which there was no way to make smaller. they were wearable at least. and as the girls said, better than straw in November"
 After supper that evening Mrs. West said to Laura: Show your father what you have been doing today. Laura"
 When MT. West saw the old derby, he stuttered and stammered and choked. for he hated to discourage Laura, who had worked so hard, but he finally said:
 You did well, dear. but can not l.i you wear that hat. How much can you buy some hats for r Why, dad. saw some advertised today for one &0llaxe anA think txinaxaiAE o0NA he
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-07-16
How She Changed Her Motto

shiny satin as she moved every now and then, the stream of daylight show ing up the high lights on her graceful ly draped gown.
 As he looked around the studio he to himself at the change. Instead of the little wooden drawing board Natalie used to have, there was one with heavy gilded frame and ma hogany legs. The cu1tained windows, with their heavy, soft draperies be- spoke luxury and success. Then as Richards eye roved about the elab- crate decoration on the ceiling, it sud- denly rested on the archway which divided the two rooms. There was her same old motto! The one she had re- peated almost mechanically every time Richard had approached the subject of love and marriage. "Au else shall perish, art alone endures," 1t read.
 She still had it, Richard noted with cynical little smile on his lips, only now it was done in more elaborate let tering with tiny sprays of flowers in
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-07-16

He told her of life in the tropics, his business. what he did when he arrived three weeks after he had closed up shop in his office opposite-meanwhil taking in with his eye the rich, woman ly development of Natalie's beautiful figure. Her raven, black hair, too, was just as sparkly as ever and her eyes just as fashy. though Richard seemed to sense little weary. drawn expres- sion around the corners of her mouth, Her smile seemed to have lost some of its youthful effervescence.
 Richards narrative was interrupted by the presence of the gentleman from the other room Natalie arose and in troduced him. He was not what Rich ard thought, but one of Natalie's best patrons. He had his portrait done by her almost every year and paid her fabulous amounts for her landscape work. Only her Madonnas were her failures, she confided to Richard as she showed the two men about the studio gallery.
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-07-16
By Elsie Endicott

Avery you are very good not to doubt me-" Clare Ackerman's silvery laugh rippled out of the leaf-screened shadows. But you see Mir Davis at tention to me only covered his real feelings. Yes, think he has real feel ings. But a man of his type could never interest me. IL took you to do that, Avery dear"
 Mrs. Forbes moved steadily to the end of the garden path and confront ed the pair who sat on moonlight flooded stone beach,
 "F1orrie!" her voice was dramatic ally accusing. T wish you to return to the house with me-"
 But Claude Davis was on his feet, making his most courtly bow. 50 glad you came, Mrs. Forbes. For of course F7orrie and I can't settle affairs without you"
 Settle ahairs!" gasped Mrs. Forbes.
 T mean-perhaps I should say start affairs" MT. Davis laughed richly. "I love your daughter, Mrs. Forbes. Flor rie is my ideal-a true ingenue, un- spoiled by the world. We were just talking 1t over: and we expect to mar
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-07-16

ter weaving the heavy silver letters.
 Then, in a moment, Richard found himself face to face with Natalie.
 Natalie" he said simply, extending g his hand, "do you know me, have I changed that much since I went to South American"
 Natalie was gazing at him blankly.
 ''Is 1t you Richard? After all this time, I can scarcely believe my eyes, ,' she said, surprise in every feature.
 Richard noted Nata1ie's glance into the other room toward the elderly man bending over the portrait. These pro fesstonal women had way of keeping to their own names even though mar ried, Richard suddenly bethought him self. then with a little shake of his dark, sleek head, he added: Yes. Natalie, came to New York on aflittle business trip-to find a man I've been looking for"
 And Natalie's stream of eager ques- tions was like a tonic to Richards s jaded conversational ability.
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-07-16

plenty of time for you to grow wise and worldly. I can't lose my little girl so soon."
 But in spite of all precautions, Flor rfe in her own way was growing wise and worldly as time passed. She was beginning to appraise her attractive mothers whins, vanities and coquet- ries, and to realize why Mrs. Forbes chung so consistently to the idea of not losing her little girl so soon. Out wardly F7orrie was girlish and sweet to look upon, slender and a half head taller than her mother, with baby round blue eyes and a fluff of fiaxen hair.
 How do you know Uncle Avery isn't doing just what he wants to do. mother?" she asked. And I think Miss Alderman is lovely"
 "Of course you do. And of course she is-in her right place. Well, I'm going to save him from this last fel- ly if can" Mrs. Forbes lips drew in a firm, straight line and her brows lowered. "Avery's a scholar. a scien- tist and a real old bachelor. Clare Alderman, with her butterfly airs. has
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-07-16

morning. AS a rule I don't believe 3n meddling. but in this case think am justified in taking a hand.
 F1orrie blinked thoughtfully at her mothers rosy. determined face. She knew how to discount Mrs. Forbes Extravagant phrases, but she never bad learned how to argue or protest successfully with the elder woman, Oven when convinced that the matter vas open to argument or protest
 There was her own case, for in stance. Had F7orrie ever been able to cross the line drawn by her mother the line that effectually kept the young girl from the social freedom and pleasures for which her expanding spirit yearned? You're a mere child yet" Mrs. Forbes would say. There's
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-07-16

can just make up your mind that I'll not allow you to wreck both your lives altogether! You've got to be saved from yourself!"
 Alice searched her mothers face. but although her words came broken ly her voice shook with defiance.
 He went off without word, moth CT! He was glad to go!"
 Hell be back soon." Mrs. Warden responded. He said he would come to you whenever you sent for him"
 Alice stubbornly tossed her heac.
 well, he'll wait long time before I'll send for himi"
 Now, Alice" said Mrs. Warden sternly, I'll hear no more of this! know better'n you what's best for you. Understand me, put this disgraceful idea out of your head for good and all"
 Alice rebslliously replied: "I will get a divorce, mother! If you won't
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-07-16

help me, why all right"
 Turning quickly away to escape her mothers disapproving looks and words, she opened the screen door and fled to the little piazza. The flat be- came strangely quiet. Mrs. Marsden, tiptoeing to the window saw her daughter crumpled up in the ham mock, and her mother-heart beat pain fully
 Alice was aroused from her unhappy breeding by the thud of the evening paper on the piazza floor. Eagerly she picked it up and scanned the pages in search of news from Fl Paso Quickly her eyes travelled down the column. Suddenly her heart skipped beat; all color fled from her pretty face and her hands shook so she could hardly hold the paper, as she read in cold, unfeeling type: Lieutenant Philip Shaw was thrown from his horse this morning and badly injured. He was taken to the Fort Bliss Hos
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-07-16

Almost like a punctuation in his rapid series of thoughts the taxi stopped with a thud before the Mono lith building, and Richard aligheed.
 Expectantly he watched the floors as the swiftly moving elevator mounted to the sixth. Then, as though measur- ing his every act, he moved gracefully down the corridor, around the corner and suddenly found himself standing before room number 613. Unconsci- ously he glanced at the office opposite, where he had spent so many happy days when he had had his office in New York.
 Richards ring of the door bell was acknowledged by a young man in uni form of wine color and silver braid, who politely bowed him into a recep- ton room. In the rear he could see a man and woman leaning over a DOT trait standing on an easel facing a window. The strong, white dayli ght was streaming in He could see only a little of the woman dressed in black.
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-07-16
The Plan That Failed

drawn him away from his studies, but it is only a passing fancy"
 You said Miss Alderman is twenty eight" reminded Florrte, to whom twenty-eight seemed an age of sober maturity; yet she regarded Miss Clare Alderman as her ideal of brilliant young womanhood. And Uncle Avery's only
 Be still, chifd. You don't know anything about it." Mrs Forbes look ed reflectively across the luxuriant garden. q have an idea, and that's what I meant when I spoke of med ding. Avery has glorified this very worldly young woman and if he should see her in her true colors, he would be disiI1usioned. So I have invited her here with a few others for a little visit, and among them MT. Claude Davis"
 "Oh, MT. Claude Davis!" exclaimed Florence. clasping her hands.
 Mrs. Forbes laughed mirthfully. FIX actly. Even you know of his reputa- tion as one of the brilliant ornaments of society. They will be well match ed-Claude and Clare, and no doubt
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-07-16
By JOella Johnson

pital and his condition is reported as serious"
 "Oh, heaven forgive me-" she prayed Its punishment for me-"
 Half dazed, she groped her way to the kitchen. h sudden alarm at the sight of her drawn face her mother dropped the iron with a chatter.
 Alice" she cried anxously, what Is 1t? Tell me qpickly!"
 "Oh, mother" Alice moaned. her lips quiverins piteously, Phil is hurt It's in the paper. I must go to him. If anything happens to him I'll die. See if we have money enough in the house; if not, run over to Uncle Johns and borrow 1t, please, mother, dear"
 Mrs. Warden was half bewildered at the sudden turn of affairs. but she recognized joyfully the awakening of her daughters faith and love.
 In the frantic hustle and hustle that followed, the sudden sound of the door bell startled them. Quickly Mrs Mar
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-07-16

den went to the door.
 Alice" she called hesitatipgly, tits MT. McClusky with the papers,"
 Alice. strapping her hastily-packed suit case in the bedroom, echoed be- wilderingly, "Papers?" Then as the realization came to her, "Oh, forgot"
 She hurried into the living room, eyes flashing indignation.
 Give them to me-" she commanded of the surprised young man. Tearing the paper into bits and stamping them beneath her feet like some loathsoms thing, she tearfully cried: My poor. darling husband has been hurt and it's all your fault. Get out, and don't ever dare to speak to me again!"
 Reaching the sidewalk, MT. McClus- ky, who was really a well-meaning. ambitious, young lawyer, bewildering- ly removed his panama, smoothed his already satin-cmooth hair and explo- sively remarked to no one in particu- lar: Gee! but women are queer!"
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-07-16
By Abner Anthony

When the elderly gentleman had left with orders to have his latest portrait shipped to his country home, Richard arose to take his leave. Smilingly he pointed to the old slogan over the archway of the studio and said, T see you still believe in it," then turning toward the door he added in half se- rious way, Maybe some time you'll be able to paint Madonna with a soul in her face" but the soft look in Ma talie's eyes as she stood facing him stopped his further comment.
 Natalie, do you still Natalie, I've thought of you so often-there's been no other woman since-and-"
 Natalie turned to the slogan. over the doorway with almost a sheer on her beautiful rounded face, Love alone endures, all else shall pertsh," she reversed, and Richard caught her in his arms and kissed her rapturous- ly.
 "Naybe"-Natalie hesitated-"maybe now I shall be able to paint a real
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-07-16
Love Is Triumph ant At Last

married life, violent quarrels alternat- ing with rapturous lovemaking, and then one cold winter night her patient mother, aroused by the shrill insist ence of the electric bell, rushed to the door to find Alice struggling with a heavy bag and calmly announcing that she was home to stay. Her boyish husband, whose emotions were fairly drained to exhaustion, gladly seized the opportunity to join his college reg iment, and was now at the Mexican frontier.
 Mother, mother, where are your" Alice called before she was hardly in side the door. Reaching the dining room, however, she seemed suddenly reluctant to speak. Removing her hat In silence, and stopping to see her re- fiection in the mirror of the small buf- fet, she unconsciously patted into place her beautiful brown hair. which was turned red-gold in patches by shaft of the late afternoon sunshine.
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-07-16

Hong the pavement below.
 A thin, faded woman she waited nervously for her daughter to enter; !Wiping her clean. worn hands on her checked kitchen apron.
 Timid, little Mrs. Marden, forget Ing in the long vista of years her own high-spirited girlhood. often wondered If she could actually be the mother or this exceedingly pretty, quick-temper- ed daughter, who was a source of never-ending surprises. At IT, casting aside her school books, she had dra- matically eloped with neighbours son, }lst out of college. A year of stormy
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-07-16

Looking at her daughter, Mrs Mar den thought proudly that In all the neighboring flats there was no girl who had Alice's dainty prettiness, but intermingled with her pride was a great anxiety. She resumed her iron ing with set lips as the minutes slipped by and still Alice remained silent. At last clear-eyed and flushed Alice fol- lowed her mother into the little kitch en, and stabbing her hat pin in and out of her hat she announced tensely:
 Mother, I'm going to get divorce! MT. McClusky is coming tonight with the papers"
 Mrs. Marden's pale face grew sud- denly colorless. Her timidity disap- peared, grim determination replaced it
 Alice" she commanded, you can just put such nonsense right out of your head. When you ran away and got married it just about broke my heart, but Phfls a good fellow. You
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-07-16
Her First Production

Mabel scornfully. "I know, dear" said Laura, but you know they are going to have that illustrated lecture Sunday afternoon. and then we are in vited to Cousin Edith's for supper, and you do not want to miss that"
 sOh, suppose so." said Mabel, but what will you wear?"
 "Oh," said Laura, catching sight of an old soft brown derby that her fath- CT had discarded, Couldn't I cut this rim off and bind 1t with velvet? And 1t wouldn't be too bad, would it? You know that walking hat shape is like one Leila Perkins had on last Sun day"
 So they found some old red velvet and wing for Laura's hat and went downstairs to trim their hats.
 Their mother tried to encourage them, but when she saw the old derby on Laura 1t was almost too nau0h
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-07-16

after graduating from grammar school had been unable to attend high school, as her help was needed at home. and she had talent for fixing up," as she called it, for all the family.
 The attic to which the girls went was the old-fashioned kind, and the children often used it on rainy days as a playhouse. It was Mrs. Vests GUS tom to have Laura or Mabel put it in order at least once a month. so the boxes of old hats, trimmings, etc., were all in one place. and to these the girls turned. They pulled out old bon nets of their mothers, hats and caps for boys and men. and found one old black felt hat of Laura's which had already seen several seasons.
 "I might be able to trim this up for you, Mabe," said Laura. Here is a band of green velvet and an old buckle" "Oh. that old thing" said
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-07-16
By Phil Moore

her fathers, who took 1t and stealth fly showed it to the leading milliner in the village, who was an old friend and woman of refined taste and keen per ception
 She at once offered to give Laura free instruction evenings. which was later accepted.
 The hats were trimmed that evening, and when tried on before their father he praised Laura's skill highly and told her he thought she could make all most anything wearable except aa old derby hat.
 Years later, when Laura was "Moli- neaux. Ladies' Hatter." to an exclu- sive set of one of the leading cities in the state. her parents went to pay her a visit.
 MT. West carried large box which he presented to Laura. and on opening it ahe found . card which read;
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-07-16

had written on little card from his pddress book. then settled back. pom kering over the strangeness of fate.
 He was going to see Natalie Ram say. As he thought of the little slip of a girl as he left her five years ago. his heart seemed to skip a beat. He could see her now standing in his of alce doorway, where she had run ncross the corridor from her bare stu dio opposite. to bring him a refresh ang cup of her own brewed tea
 She was a beauty. Richard unused. Then. half aloud, he said. T wonder if ehe1l know me-and I wonder if she has changed much?"
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-07-16

Madonna" she breathed, softly into his ear after she had promised to become his wife.
 Two days later, when Richard and Natalie were discussing the plans for their wedding trip, she turned to him with all of the mischievous look in her dark eyes-the same look that had first attracted Richard, and suddenly she broke in with, But I thought you came to New York to look for man?.
 T did" Richard said seriously, and l found him-the ether man in myself the chivalrous lover and husband man-not the hard working engineer who made fortune by monotonous toll in the sizzling tropics"
 And Natalie smiled contentedly-the little dropping lines had left the cor ners of her mouth forever.
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-07-16
''I don't

Laura. November is pretty late for straw hats. but don't see how we can ask papa for any money. When I showed him a hole in my boot yester- day, he sighed awfully. and when I looked at him there were tears in his eyes. You know, dear. his work is 50 uncertain and there are 80 many of us to feed. Let's go up in the attic and ruramage. Perhaps we can find some thing can fix up."
 Laura. IT. was the eldest of five. and
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-07-16

certainly can't wear these old straw hats any longer, at least l won't. Are you going to wear yours this Sunday, Laura?" asked pret- y little Mabel West of her sister.
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-07-16

she made the last
 stroke with her iron and paused to lay the piece aside. Mrs. Warden faintly heard the staccata click of her daugh- ter's shoes as she walked kly
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-07-16

CAN'T understand Avery and if he was
 anyone else but my own brother I would not worry my self about him." said Mrs. Forbes to her daughter at the breakfast table one
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-07-16
Some Comeback.

Gerald had been accused of unseern1y behavior five times within an hour His mother almost despaired of accomplish ing a reform
 T hate to punish you so often," she snd. Why don't you try to be good?"
 Why. mother. do,' he replied hope lessly. T just wish you'd try it some time and see for yourself how hard it is"
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-07-16

FEN as he stepped across the walk to the waiting taxi, Richard Pennell wondered If she would remember him.
 He gave the driv- CT the number he
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-07-16

bought for one dollar each, too," re- piled Laura.
 Well" said MT. West, T prise today. Old man Saw to see me and paid me wed me for six or seven think mother will agree t you girls deserve new ke six dollars and see WI do with 1t, Laura"
 The next day was day for the girls, as thei. ,ught Laura old enough to :; ..n and select the hats. and MaDel was al- lowed to go, too.
 They tramped from one store to an- other, as Laura had planned just what they needed. and had to buy at the lowest possible price in order to car ry out her plans.
 The old derby disappeared from AAADA'S thoN6hts entirely. but not from
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-07-16
The Farmers Wife.

The Farmers Wife,
 Farmer (to medical man) If you % out my way any time, doctor, wish youd stop and see my wife. l think she ain't feeling well.
 Ooctor-What makes you think sol
 Farmer-Well, this mornin, after she had milked the cows, an fed the pigs, an got breakfast for the men, an washed the dishes. an built fire under the copper in the wash'ouse, n done . few odd jobs about the house, Ae com plained O feelin' tired-like. fancy she needs dose o' medicine.
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-07-16

Big oaks from little acorns grow.s and underneath the cid derby hat. full ly preserved.
 At her next fall opening the hat was exhibited in case by itself. and at tracted much attention labelled 'vThe First Production of Molineaux."
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-07-16
Too Knowing.

Too Knowing. I've tried to teach my boy the value of money" Good thing" Well, l don't know. He used to be- have for ten cents, but HOW he wants a quarter"