davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-11-13
By JOeIIa Johnson

But the orchestra leader began way
ing his arms frantically--"Men on one
side Of room-girls on other!'
Laughing. the couples complied.
These dances were highly informal
Men advance on run to choose ="
doomed the deep voice again. and he
music commenced a new theme OF
whimsy allurement.
Dash--slide-a stampede descended
upon the expeotaut line OF girls and
"Pris, please"
Miss Bartelle. may r.
Just this one"
As usual, an unfair percentage Of
swallow-tails clustered urgently in
front of Priscilla There was q
witchery about the girl and they
adored her. \
She smiled up at them. puzzled for q
new way Of choosing. She had count
ed out before. She had taken the
shortest. the fattest, tho
She caught sight OF the black-haired
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-11-13
By Elsie Endicott

all right he said lightly. "Ill make
you care-give me chance, Marcia!N
She thrilled at his words, and tho
look in his eyes. Here within her
leach was cup of Joy held out to her
why not take 1t and be happy HVEven
as she trembled with desire, Davld's
words came strangely back to her.
TITS not you he wants, but the mon
ey that's in back q you"
She thought of her beautiful ances-
trail home of her proud old father alb
sorbed in his books. and she shud-
dered with an unknown fear. Was
David right? VA
With an effort she shook OF the
spell Of the man and the hour
"Youll have to walt" she said cold
ly; and he, seeing the change In her,
submitted with yelled imaptience.
The ice was thickly dotted with hap
py young couples. when Marcia and
Merrick arrived at the meadow.
For awhile they mingled with the
crowd. Both were expert skaters; and
as they glided An and out among the
throng, Marcias fears slipped from her
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-11-13

she confessed. He had black hair
and red cheeks and twinkly eyes, but
such a Holy Grail sort Of look just the
same. We went through grammar
school together. Then his minister
father became missionary and they
moved to the Philippines. I haven't
seen him since-not for 10 years. We
never corresponded. There are notes
written in school. invitations and
things. They're so different from the
others" She seemed trying to justify
herself TO him.
I'll bet it's because OF Sir Galahad
that you treat the rest of us So" haz-
arded, Billy.
"oh-well, sometimes wonder my
self.' the girl admitted. but more
likely I"
Say" said Billy, What was there
about Sir Galahad that made him so
different from the rest of us?"
He" Priscilla smiled with dreamy
"reminiscences at the blue-ribboned
packet,-he could wiggle his ears"
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-11-13
By Phil Moore

out the mother with two other chill
dren all this Winter with your salary;
you could just as we'll have left her
aHd gone to more comfortable quar-
ters."
But couldn't; she was good to me
and It was hard for her to get
q boarder who liked children 1.
and 1 did. I'm sorry II my work suf-
fered here but l couldn't
leave her when the baby got ill--and
died!" Anns Flowers purple blue eyes
grew big and piteous.
Honey" the voice of'the boss" was
Just as soft as any OF her Southern
"rnammies." and he came to her side
and patted her on the shoulder, II did
not know that had such real, live
girl in my employ! guess my charac-
ter reading expert is worth what l pay
him after all, If he gets some like
you, bless your heart! But DR.. Sun
derland wants to have talk with you;
you've come from home where there
is a pretty sick bunch, and he's afraid
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-11-13

in spite Of no references. But how
the dickens do I apply? Hi, there!"
as he caught sight OF a brown head
cautiously peeping over the hedge: do
you know where l can locate Mr.. Ed
ward Boylston?"
The brown head slipped through .
gap in the foliage. followed by eight
years growth OF boy. TITS me-I'm
him. Say are you grandaddy? I've
been watching ever since l put the
sign up, and you're the first one who
. looks as II you had 'sperience."
Lets sit down and talk It over like
business men," proposed the elderly
boy. and the younger was quick to re-
spond. well, you see. never had
one. and when came here to live with
grandma because-because-- A swell
ing in his throat made speech difficult,
and the listener patted his knee SYM
pathetically.
Il think understand, old man; just
leave that out"
"Well. since I came here the kids
around our street brag something
fierce about their grandads and what
they did in the war. and some have
graves to decorate. ! can't even put
a flag on my daddy's grave because it
is in France" He choked again.
"Grandma's all right, but she doesn't
understand US men. When get hurt,
instead Of saying, Brace up, young
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-11-13

wants, but the money that's in back
Of you"
stop, David" cried Marcia. white
with passion. You're a coward to say
such things behind another mans
back-oh, wouldn't have believed il
Of you
The sob in her voice melted David 5
anger. Forgive me, Marcia" he said
humbly. but / couldn't help 1t. 1t
maddens me to see you go on believing
in his deceitful ways-I-rve loved
you so all these years, Marcia" he
stammered huskily, folding strong
brown hand over her little gloved one.
You're too late, David" she said
coldly snatching away her hand. "Mr.
Merrick asked me last night to marry
him."
But you won't. Marcia" implored
the man.
That's my affair, David Weather
by"
With groan he drew back from
her, turning away his face.
I'm going back now, Marcia" he
said DULY. at last. You're not need
ing my company any longer"
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-11-13
(HO RT. SToRIEC
A0~OE LOVE AND ADVENTURES

and she was the sayest, ioveliest Of
them all.
Merrick watching her, felt his pulses
leap and his determination grow. He
guided her away from the laughing
crowd. out where the meadow Joined
tho river.
Marcia thought OF David's warning,
do ydu think the rivers safer she
asked.
Perfectly. As II ia lead you any
where that wasn't safe!" he reproach-
cd her gently
She laughed and glided away from
him, down the moonlt river alone.
Meanwhile that night. David had
closed his book in disgust. What did
1t matter whether he became lawyer
or not. now that he had lost Marcia?
He had been fool to think she would
ever care for a cripple like him.
Rising, he decided to take walk, as
was his habit when troubled.
Unconsciously he took the river
road. In the distance he could hear
The merry voices ofthe skaters on the
meadow, and a sudden fear smote him,
as he thought OF Marcia. Would Mer-
rick dare to take her on the river?
David, ouickened bis steps. At the
point where the meadow Joined the
river he vaulted the wall. walked
across the field and came out upon the
river bank.
The river was deserted.
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-11-13
The Fifth Proposal

love, youths and manhood's love was
all yours, and now in the last stages is
as deep as ever, though somehow you
have always eluded me. First, your
circumstances we're so much better
than mine that went away without
speaking till / could give you the
comforts you deserved That was a
fatal mistake. for when l returned you
were pledged to another. and much
good did my money do me. II grew
till felt ashamed to make any more,
and retired from business to enjoy life.
And do enjoy It?
"over there in the city I vattle
around in my great house and get SO
lonely that the other day I smacked
the butler on the back and cracked a
joke, and he wouldn't have been half
so horrifed II had slapped the cooks
face. They told me to play golf to
take up my mind ! can ruin the best
links inside Of an hour, and II that
is improving my mind l could Just as
we'll go out in tie back yard and swat
the turf with baseball bat.
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-11-13

Southern aristocracy, until gambling
father had forced her into the work
markets of the North, followed by the
death of both parents shortly after
ward.
Ann pressed feverishly forward
with her typewritlng. She knew that
she was slow that morning, but her
head ached, while tears, big. silly
tears. smarted her eyes, blotting out
the splash Of Spring sunlight on the
grimy wall opposite.
Today she longed to creep away
from the clatter OF the Office. to sit in
q lane bordered with apple trees and
starry with pear blossoms-to hear
someone call Honey" or Dear" in
that soft, endearing tongue. Away
from the barbed jests of the clerks,
who really didn't mean to be unkind,
and could not understand how much
she wanted to be just one Of them,
with no dreams" Of dukes or her lost
home of wealth.
'Dreams,-I mean Miss Flower,
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-11-13

would sit in his office and think how
much one little underpaid typist had
done while he, with his thou
sands. only canned" them to see II be
was losing out on his character read
ing expert In engaging helpi What
had he to boast OF In the way Of char
acter anyway?
} But days came when DR.. Sunder-
lands Dear" won the day.
II take my vacation next week =.
and I am going South" he announced
in his most professional manner one
day.
The shadows got tangled up IN Ann
Flowers lashes. II would be 10 lone
ly without this big, dependable young
Northerner, who somehow could call
her both Honey" and Dear" Just as
,endearingly as they did In the South
This 'fiu-Wpnia' has left you pret-
ty weak, and want you to make the
trip under my care"
But :"
mo butts in this case, we are going
to be married before we start, that is,
II you are willing, Honey. dear?"
And Ann Flower whispered happily
from his arms. They can't call me
Dreams again, I've realized the only
dream ever had just
home, and you!"
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-11-13
An Accomplished Man


"Yes, I have" she paused until
they finished some intricate steps.
BILLY, thlnk---I don't believe you're
in love with me-"
well. I've told you"
But l think 1t would be best-DIlly.
why don't you fall in love with Hell
,epe?
II might Just as well!" fumed Billy.
Good I've begun to think" she
added, seriously. "it isn't fair to daw-
die you when I'm perfectly sure"
You're all right. Priscilla" he pat
ted her approvingly and in big brother
fashion. rBut, Pris, before you mar
ry man for his ears. consult me-"
Poor boy! Sir Galahad rankles
Billy. who is that black-haired. dis
tinguished looking man? Billy, who is
he?"
"He? oh, he's that diplomat"
BILLY, introduce him to me! Next
dance! Will you, please?'
Sure, what's the rush," questioned
the faithful.
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-11-13

"I'm a fool" thought David. "Iii 30
home"
But he didn't; being David, he sat
down upon log under pine instead,
He had been used 10 taking care OF
Marcia so long that II mover struck
struck him now that he was spying.
Suddenly he caught his breath
sharply. Was that Marcia and Mer-
rick out there on the river7 LeapinS
to his feet, he stood waiting tensely in
the shadows.
He saw the girl leave Merrick's side.
heard her laugh and the treacherous
Ice crack. "A.
Too late, he called a warning to her.
with despairing cry she sank into
the black waters.
Fortunately the river was narrow
here. and Marcia was but a short dis
tance from David's side OF the bank
when the catastrophe happened.
When she Nose the tirst time. David's
strong arms lifted her to safety and
carried her to the river banN To his
surprise Merrick had disappeared. s'si
Marcia opened her eyes slowly.
David" she whispered into his
white face. II knew you'd come. You're
always going TO take care Of me. aren't
you. David?r ,
do you want me to. Marcia?' he
asked husklly.
Forever and ever" she bfeathed.
And David was satisfied.
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-11-13

- WINGING along the suburban
- road, he was as wholesome
~ pleasing an old gentleman as
could be found in days trayel-the
sort whom folks turn to give the sec
ond glance. His cheeks reminded one
of firm. rosy apples, and optimism and
good cheer were written large on ev-
cry feature.
SAY. Caruso." he addressed a bird
who had. burst into frenzy Of song
over his head, don't ruin your vocal
chords just trying TO climb an octave
higher lkan the rest of the chorus"
stopping to rest in the shade, with
head tilted sldewise and eyes darting
everywhere, missing not an item of
Mother Natures wardrobe, he was not
unlike a bright. inquisitiye sparrow
himself. A bit OF paper was nailed TO
the tree, and he stepped closer to read
#. then chuckled like boy who, lag
ging 10 school on day when the fist
are biting. hears that the teacher is
sick.
"By iove!" he cried. slapping his
tnee. something new and original
under the sun at last This was the
notice.
wanted the werst way grandad'
Apply TO Edward Boyiston.
"Now | have a huneh." murmured
the old gentleman. that ] might be q
successful candidate for this position
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-11-13

military style and there on the wis
taria-covered piazza sat the dearest
specimen of old ladyhood you would
wish to see. Truly, she looked good
enough to eat. Her eyes we're bright
like the strangers and the apple tints
in her cheeks more delicate. II
matches were made in heaven 1t real
ly seemed an oversight on the part Of
some guardian angel that these two
kindred spirits hyd not gone into part
nership long ago,
well, Prudence" said the visitor
with a gallant bow, "we meet again.
Edward, my boy, will you run away
now and make out list Of duties that
a grandfather is supposed to per-
form?"
As he sped away the old gentleman
gave her the gist Of what have told
you and then added a bit more on his
own account straight fromsthe shoul-
der.
"Prue,' said he, you know I've
loved you most ever since ! was out
Of short dresses. Puppy love, calf
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-11-13

big living room to wait for Chester
Merrick.
At o'clock he came for her, and
they set forth gaily toward the skating
grounds. Marcias heart beat fast
with happiness. ~
Over the tree tops a golden moon
was rising majestically, ana in the
white liglt of its glory the SHOW lay
glistening about them ike myriad dia-
monds.
"oh, how lovely 1t is out doors to-
night" cried Marcia, as they walked
brishly along the moonlit road.
Yes, but not half as lovely as
you"
Don't please" said Marcia quickly.
You promised"
Forgive me-" he said. "Bnt how
long am to wait for my answer, Mar
cia?"
The girl shook her head. II don't
know" she replied evasively. I'm not
sure" she hesltated.
"of what. Marcia?"
That care enough" she answered
simply.
Merrick laughed softly. "oh, that's
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-11-13

N \ silence Marcia and David climb
I'd the hill Something more
than the crisp, January air had
osCpened tho radiant color in the girls
checks, as she turned at the top Of the
hin to face the man.
I've made UP my mind. David. and
I'm going she said denantly The
fee is safe enough. Mr.. Merrick. every
body says so;" she corrected hastily,
"and l guess other people know as
much about It as you do"
David WINGED at the scorn in her
voice. We'll, then. promise me that
you'll stay on the meadow, Marcia" he
said resignedly. "The rivers unsafe
don't care what that cad OF Mer-
rick says"
-He isn't cad" flashed Marcia an
Erily. Hes Just the incest man ever
knew, and you're Just jealous and en-
vious Of him. David weatherby."
David Redeemed resentfully. This
man has bewitched you, Marcia" he
retorted sharply. You've not been
the same since he came here. You
can't see what everybody else sees" he
went on hotly, that IT'S not you he
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-11-13

"All right. you can have It," she
tsased. "silly boy! 1t is beautiful,
but I tell you I'm house cleaning"
"Pris. are you in love with anyone
else?"
No, indeedy, that's why I'm burn
ing these up. Want to kindle this for
me7 Use the white brentwood. It's
more romantic"
"You, romantic!" he snifed as he
obeyed. You haven't even a heart!"
You've told me Ii times that had
yours. Here. put that down, sir"
Billy stared suspiciously at . blue
ribboned packet he had started to toss
to the flames.
aha. so we don't burn all the let
ters? That looks"
She snatched them from him, shame
faced but dimpling. THAT looks
does. It? Well. it's nothing At all. but
l don't want to burn them somehow" :"
Somehow? Humph,"
We'll, I've had them longer than any
Of the others"
She sat back on her heels and
watched the leaping nre. Then she
laughed softly.
YOU don't know him, Billy. Shall
tell you"
yellow curls and blue eyes, sup
pose-an Apolloi"
mo, but l called him Sir Galahad, ="
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-11-13

GUS in the girls voice over the wire
that DR.. Sunderland had promised to
come.
Good morning Miss Flower" the
boss voice came to the girls senses
through waves Of pain, but it had lost
its keen edge and his steel blue eyes
looked at her with a misty softness.
"slt down; no, just here" he indicat-
ed a chair near his desk. 1t was then
that Ann was conscious that there was
someone else in the office, q tall young
man with smiling eyes.
This is DR.. Sunderland. :"
"Oh, the children are not worse?"
Ann interrupted the boss" introduc-
tlon In frightened voice.
mo, the kiddies are going to pull
through In fine shape, thanks to your
foresight, Miss Flower"
The boss" cleared his throat. "Dr.
Sunderland has told me, Miss Flower,
that you have been sitting up at night
with a sick baby for over week. until
1t died; you have also been helping
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-11-13

TIE found her knseling on a
white bear skin before the
hearth. the frelight gleam-
ting over the rosy satin OF her gown.
making her hair dusky with shadows
and her eyes a-dsnce with flames. And
cascading from her lap, strewn about
the floor. everywhere were letters
square Of paper. ribbons, envelopesl
With a quick movement she tossed
the One she was reading into the nre-
place before she waved q welcome TO
him.
Gracious. Billy. how early you
are!"
"Yes, but I thought we could talk
before the dance. You look-say.
Pris." he challenged. you look like a
valentine and tonight I'm in the mood
TO say-'may 1 be your"
Are you? Well, don't say fl" In
terposed Priscilla hastily. Its not
my mood at all. I'm cleaning puse-
I'm burning love letters"
Billy recovered quickly. He was
used to rebuffs from Priscilla This
was his twelfth attempted proposal to
her and il began TO seem more natural
10 consider her as pal" than as a
fancee.
Let me help" he picked up an en-
velope. "oh. ] say. Pris! This is
mine! Let's not burn thisl"
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-11-13

The donkey" sputtered Billy.
Priscilla started indignantly
why" Then she sprang, laughing to
her feet and reached for her cloak.
Poor Billy" she soothed him. at
does sound assinine, but Just now
can't think of anything else distlnc-
tive about him. Let's on to the dance.
1t was during the first dance that
Billy said suddenly:
We'll, suppose I could practice?'
Practice what?"
"Sir Galahad's parlor trick"
Billy Martin! Don't you dare or
I'll never"
Have you seen the diplomat yet?'
Kissed Helene's whisper in her ear as
the couples happened to bunch in a
corner. The best-looking thing, and
he's been everywhere and"
But the couples had drifted apart
again and Priscilla. forgetful of the
diplomat, turned impulsively to Billy.
Billy, I've just had an Ideal"
"No," A
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-11-13

diplomat in the backround-and then
she dlmpied--
'"I wonder" she connded. whimslo-
ally-"can any OF you wiggle your
ears?"
There was q moment OF startled ST.
lence. then . mad CULVER OF facial cou-
tortions.
by George. what"
"oh. l sW-"
Have a."
Sure" grinned the diplomat, and
proved 1t as he offered his arm.
"Pris. you imp" he said. boyishly.
"I wasn't sure It was really you"
"ssF Galahad!" she exulted, those
earsl" and then grew unaccountsbly
shy as he led her away.
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-11-13
By Parke Whitney

cial circumstances are not what they
once were"
Well" said the besleged, oh, so
10th to surrender. and yet visibly
weakening her defences. III you put II
that way, will admit that get lone
ly myself. Elizabeth is wrapped up in
her career and only comes homA
nights because she feels It her duty 70
look after me, so Of course she would
bo relieved in q way. So, IL you Wish
It, Joel. Yes! and / must say II IL pssi
good of you to want u.s."
Only the parrot saw how that an
swer was received, and rasped out in
a shocked tone. what would Eliza
beth say?"
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-11-13

- TOW then. Dreams get hustle
IN on you with those copies.
and put the long stop on that
high powered car driven by the Duke
of Killicrankie. Even in these days Of
help shortage we want efficiency Just
the same" Miss Johnson's razor-like
voice struck on Ann Flowers ear like
ice.
A litter OF amusement went around
the office at the head clerks intended
witticism, and many eyes were turned
for moment to the gloomy corner
where the girl had sat for two years,
the target for all the teasing Of the de
partn1ent. Somehow or other II had
leaked out that Ann Flower INDUCED
in day dreams, hence the nickname
Dreams" and the merciless sarcasm
that was her lot. What AIMS
dreams" we're. her fellow clerks only
judged by their own. perhaps. or from
the fact that the little Southerner had
come among them with the history of
being the petted darling Of wealth and
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-11-13
Quite Carried Away,

Critic-This snowstorm you have
painted is very realistic.
Artist--It must be. Why. friend OF
mine called the other day. and after
seeing 1t he put on my artics and
walked of.
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-11-13
Then They Canned Iiim.

Then They Canned Him.
Customer-where will I 1nd the
candelabra7
New F7oorman-All canned goods
are In the grocery department On the
fourth floor.
The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1920-08-05
HE WANTED IT RUBBED IN
Congressman Evidently Was Not Sat-
isfied With Knowing Himself to
Be a Fool.

A wealthy western congressman,
says the Argonaut, much against his
will, erected a magnificent mansion In
Washington to please his wife and
daughter. The congressman was OF
plain tastes and had no liking for the
social activities of the national cap
ital. One day an old friend visited
him. Wearing a face of the deepest
gloom, the owner OF the stately home
escorted his caller throughout the
place. The visitor was admiring and
enthusiastic, but the host said little
or nothing. When the inspection was
finished and the two had returned to
the library on the first floor, the Wis
itOr said:
swell, Jim, you certainly can't say
that you haven't everything that you
want"
Eyes, cam" replied the millionaire
soberly; 81 want parrot"
"Why rarrot?"
s'I should like to hang him over the
front door, so that every time I enter
this place he can yell out, There
comes that old fool again T. Youths
Companion.
The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1920-08-05
Edna,s Conscience Clear.

"Don't you think you ought stay at
home like good girl sometimes and
let mother go to the theater? Don't
you think mother likes to have fun,
just the same as youy" Thus a strate-
gic aunt addressed her fearful niece
of six, who had protested when she
saw her mother laying out an evening
dress. The argument appealed to Ed
mas reason. She ceased to weep and
considered the justice Of the proposal.
Then. having thought 1t out, she lifted
up her voice again in walls.
"No, sir. auntie, I, now, have done
it. I've done the best I could. This,
now, morning tried to make mother
have some fun. want her to- So /
asked her and asked her to go wad-
ing with rne. And she wouldn't. -
New York Evening Post.