davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1920-07-27

in Instead, he turned and left the of flee before the girls noticed his pres ence. He crossed the yard and sat down on a pile of lumber behind shed to think over this disturbing question of diamond engagement rings which had been so suddenly forced on his at tention. For some time he had seen plainly, in his minds eye, the pretty little bungalow which he was going to build for Donna. His employer, who wanted to help the young foreman, had promised to give him the lumber to build it; if Tom would secure the building lot
 At his employers suggestion, Tom had already paid down half the price of the lot, and by careful saving was now ready to make the final payment and secure the land; and it seemed to him that his cherished dream of a home was about to be realized at last. But now came this dismaying fact ot Donna's desire for diamond ring. Of
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1920-07-27

landing, an embrasure with a window looking on a side balcony. A fascinat- ing idea came to him toward the eve ning's close. It obsessed him and would not be thrust aside.
 Lets be honest" he whispered to the Watteau masker. You've kept it up sp1endidly, Mrs. Flower; but I want a word with you in private. Please"-as the pink and silver lady seemed to be poising for instant flight. "I'm going away again tomorrow or next day, but, if you're my friend-and a good little sport, as know you are you'll do something for me-"
 Hutton's smooth voice was rich with an appeal that won his cause. A moment later they were seated in a curtained alcove in the upper hall, with the sound of revelry shut out and a silvery moon shining in through the low window.
 You see Jim told me to stick to you and I'd be safe," explained Hutton. "But I find there are some things I can not forget. You are Sybil Wares
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1920-07-27

ed. "Why, what's the matter?" For Christy was turning a haggard white.
 Its gone.'
 Mrs. Peel laid a hand on her shoul- der. "You go home," she said to the maid, "and tell Delina it wasn't quite ready. That'll give us time to inves- tigate this" When the girl had gone she turned to Christy. '"Now. brace up and let's talk this over. Ain't you got an idea, Chr1sty."
 But Christy had none. After they looked the house over without avail they went to bed to sleep if they could, upon the mystery.
 It was near dawn before Christy fell asleep. She was awakened by Mrs. Peel standing over her.
 Han Atwel1's been here. She says Doris ran away last night with Harry Crane They were married by the jus tice before they went. Doris said so in a note she left her aunt. She left one for you, too. Han just gave it to me. Read it quick. I've a suspicion we're going to find out something about that dress"
 Christy sat tip in bed and opened the note. Don't tell Aunt Ham, she
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1920-07-27

the way. Christy.. Carrie Coleman 'phoned over here yesterday and said she'd had a letter from her cousin, Rush Mcknight
 Christy turned pale clear to the edges of her brown hair, where a gray thread or two was beginning to run like silver. But she kept the usual grip upon her emotions that she all ways did when that name was men toned.
 He's just cleared up $28.000 in wheat. It doesn't seem possible, does 1T? He expects to do as well next year if prices hold up. Then he says he's coming back to civilization. Car rie thinks there's somebody in Mime apolis he's interested in. Probably he'll settle down there"
 "Mary''-Christy's voice was sharp as she interrupted-"do you want your dresses made loose or tight around the waist?'
 She walked back home in the sofi dusk. She smeIled 1ilacs all the way and she walked on her heart-hel poor, starved heart that Rush Nc Knight had left behind him desolate when he went to the wheat country That's all over," she thought-"a1
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1920-07-27

over forever" As she neared her own door she met a girl hurrying toward her from the opposite direction. She was housemaid of the Rays whom Christy already knew slightly because Of several errands which had brought her to the house.
 "Oh, good evening, Miss Thain," she said, i've come after Miss Delina's dress"
 "All right" Christy answered. "It's ready. Come in." She led the way into the sewing room and switched on the electric light. As she cast quick glance around she saw that the box was gone. "Why, somebody's been here before you and got it," she ex- claimed.
 "Oh, mo-" replied the girl quickly. Miss Delina sent me herself, and I've come straight from there here."
 "I'll ask Mrs. Peel" Christy said Her heart was going fast. She ran to the back of the house and found Mrs Peel calmly beating up bread sponge in the kitchen. "Who did you give De linas dress to?" she demanded.
 "I didn't give it to anybody. Mo- body's been here," Mrs. Peel answer
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1920-07-27

good friend, and I guess you're mine, too. Will you tell me if there's any truth in the rumors of her engage ment to-we11. to anybody"
 A brief hesitation and the head with its powdered wig and slanting hat was shaken violently.
 I'm trusting you, Mrs. Flower" went op the mans voice, growing in intensity of feeling. I'm telling you what I couldn't say to Sybil herself. Tonight in your house has opened ali the old wounds. It came to me that perhaps she, too, has not forgotten. Will you-can you find out for me and let me know before I leave? Be- cause"
 A distracting noise suddenly assail- ed them; the loud reverberations of a great gong, raised voices. hurrying feet, crashing music and laughter. The signal had been given for the mid night unmasking. Hutton had scarce ly time to realize that this signal could not have been given without the pres ence of the hostess when.
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1920-07-27

"Jim, you blunderer!" Bruce Hut tons smooth voice was vibrant with feeling. "I just heard Miss Ware is here."
 "Oh. yes. Oh, yes. Just like me-" muttered the remorseful king. "But-'
 ''No buts! I wouldn't address her for worlds. How would she know it was not all prearranged? How can l avoid her? That's what I want to know"
 He cast puzzled glance over the gay scene, lively with moving figures. King Flower had one of his brilliant inspirations.
 "I'H fix that. See that pink and sil- yer lady near the door, with her hat on her ear and stick to keep Mary's little lamb in order? That's my wife. There's your cue-stick to Louise and you'll be all right. She'll under stand"
 Hutton followed his friends advice and stuck to Louise. It seemed strange to him to find the vivacious Mrs. Flower in silent mood; and she
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1920-07-27
What She Re lily Wanted

course, she ought to have one, as well as Miss Dawson, Tom told himself. But it would make bad hole in the bungalow fund. Still he loved Donna dearly and if she really wanted dia- mond he would get her one, and they would have to wait for the bungalow. The little ring with the blue stone didn't seem to appeal to him any long CT.
 In the office Donna sat down at her desk after Miss Dawson had left, and slowly began to open the morning mail with troubled look in her blue eyes. She told herself that Miss Daw- sons f1ancee, who was a broker. could we'll afford to give her a diamond en- gagement ring, while it would be fool ish extravaganza for Tom to buy one. So she reso1ute1y banished the thought of that glittering blue-white stone from her mind and turned her atten. ton to the days work.
 Tom was not so fortunate; and after
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1920-07-27
Thanks to a Blunderer

You can't. Everybody knows you are here. Except Hutton" Mrs. Flow CT laughed childishly. "Oh, forgive me. dear. know it's serious for you. Why, you two haven't spoken for a year. have you? Imagine you two, of all the people. seeing the Old Year out together!"
 Sybil faced her classic image des- perately. "I won't go down in this gown. It's not enough of a disguise, and some one may know what I'm wearing. It would leak out. Louise, you must change costumes with me. That wig-those panniers-oh, nobody would ever suspect me of being Wat teau shepherdess. And when time comes to unmask, I'll be suddenly i'll or disappear like Cinderella"
 Mrs. Flower, always good natured and obliging, was out of her brocade by this time and assisting her young guest to dress. About the same time a tall masked figure in monks cloak was representing a rotund image of royalty.
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1920-07-27
By Abner Anthony

Masks off" cried the Watteaa shepherdess- sitting beside him in the curtained alcove, and turned her face to the moonlight. Happy New Year. MT. Hutton.'
 "Sybil!" Hutton caught her hands in uncontrolled fervor. Then he drew back. But Jim told me you were his wife"
 Louise and I changed costumes" SybiIs tones were demure but encour- aging. "I wished to avoid certain party"
 "Oh, you did. We'll, so did l." Then Hutton laughed happily. Well. you've heard my confession, but not all, Sybil Good Lord, girl, how I've missed you!"
 A moment later Hutton opened the window and tossed a pair of masks into the dusky garden. Masks off forever with us. And now shall we go down and say Happy New Year to our friends?" Then, as they descended the stairway together, he spoke as if to himself, "Bless dear blundering Jimi"
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1920-07-27

house where the musicale was to be given. She thought of Pearl Heath sit ting there beside her large, placid, stupid mother and opposite Percival. She thought of how the three would enter the house together, and how presently Pearl would be sitting at the piano, playing for him while he sang.
 She had had her heart broken dur ing the first six months of her mar riage. Another woman had intruded. She had not conceived that she could be so jealous, and yet. she fancied she had kept it all away from him. "I will wait," she had bidden herself. Aft CT all, she was his wife, and this wom- an was no better than score of oth- CTS he had rejected because of her. She did not understand him, but she wanted to keep him. Some one says
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1920-07-27

debating the thing in his mind all morning, he hurried through his din ner and spent the rest of the noon hour at the jewellers, inquiring the prices of diamond engagement rings. To his dismay he found that the price of the one he wanted was exactly the amount required before the building lot could be his. But he had made up his mind; and that evening he present ed the surprised and delighted girl with beautiful diamond engagement ring. "Just as big as Belle Daw- son's!" So Donna exclaimed proudly.
 Bubbling over with happiness, Don na tripped' down to work the next morning, proudly conscious of her dia- mond ring. but stopped in dismay out side the private office. as through the partly-open door she heard these words: "How about your bungalow
 Tom? Have you bought that lot from Curtis yet?" And Tom's disappointed voice replied slowly. "No; not yet"
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1920-07-27
Her Method of Keeping H i'm

or any, other glowing. bright-hued flower. Moreover, it was patent that she knew how she looked and how great was the effect she was produc- ing.
 "Oh, you poor dear!" she said to Anne. ''You feel horribly i'll, don't you?"
 : Colds are so disagreeab1e." Anne murmured, unfolding another hand kerchief from the pile she had brought downstairs.
 And to have one on this evening of all evenings" Pearl Heath went on. "It must be a great disappointment to you not to be able to hear MT. Law renee stng." She glanced at him.
 "She hears me practicing," he said, "and, anyway, she doesn't know one note from another" He slipped on his
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1920-07-27

certainly had improved in dancing dur ing the past year. She danced like fairy now. Then she was shy; but of course that was part of her play. Sev- era1 times the Watteau shepherdess slipped away and Hutton had to search for her.
 During the merry hours Hutton looked for some one figure that mi ght be the girl he had quarreled with long ago-years ago, it seemed. He ad- dressed few masked guests; but took care that they were of proportions that could not possibly belong to Sybil Ware. There was a chubby Yama- Yama girl and a tall gaunt Joan of Arc. For the rest, he remembered the advice of his host-"stick to Louise" :" Besides, there was strange delight in dancing with this wing-footed shep- herdess, and in pursuing her when she e1uded him.
 Bruce Hutton's mood was softening. ItAwas in this house he had passed some pleasant hours with Sybi1. He recalled a curtained nook on the first
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1920-07-27

that when the pine tree loved the palm there was more than distance to make one a mystery to the other. He was still very much of 8 mystery to her, but she was determined to solve him. And that first affair of his with Agatha Richland helped her immeasur- ably to do this.
 For he tired of Agatha Richland in six weeks, and came back to her just as he had gone away.
 Now for the first time in years she was not altogether sure that he would come back. Pearl Heath was unlike any one she had ever seen him care for. ing to his vanity, which in such men requires large yard stick.
 "I'm not any more sensible than was when first married him." she
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1920-07-27
By Joella Johnson

thought. "All the lessons I've learned do not seem to apply here. It's like having an education in Sanscrit and finding suddenly that you need some everyday French. At least I'll keep on being patient and trust in the Lord."
 Being a religious woman she prayed a little and then fell asleep.
 It seemed to her that she had bare ly closed her eyes when she opened them again. Instinctively she knew that Percival was in the room.
 T thought you were asleep"
 She sat up against the cushions and he came and sat down beside her, dropping his head into his hands.
 How is your cold?'' he asked.
 Better. Aren't you home early?"
 He ran his fingers through his thick
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1920-07-27
Wz0
By Elsie Endicott

question in his eyes she put both arms around his neck and whispered. as Ee drew her fondly to him:
 "Oh, Tom, dear! You silly boy! Did you think I'd rather have diamond ring than bungalow? Why, would n't take it for the world! You spent the money you had saved to buy the bui1ding-lot. Tom, dearest! Think of having a home, all our own!"
 Before the surprised young man could say a word, she thrust an off, cial-looking envelope into his hands, containing the deed to his cherished lot And when he began. "But, Don- na, darling" she wouldn't listen to him, but pulled him down beside her in the hammock, where he kissed her and held her close.
 The next evening Tom brought her a little ring with a modest blue stone (the color of Donna's eyes, he thought).
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1920-07-27

ulster and took up his hat. Draw your opera cloak up about your throat more, Pearl. You don't want to take cold,"> he added.
 .Oh. never do," the girl cried. "Well, suppose we must go. Mother is waiting outside in the limousine Goodbye, dear Mrs. Lawrence. I'm awfully sorry. Mother is, too. We'll bring him safe home. And I'll play his accompaniments the best can."
 Good night, Anne," he said, with scarcely a backward glance at her.
 And they went out together, leaving Anne alone upon the divan.
 It was wonderful night-a recur- renee to mellow October in the midst of January. She thought of the Heaths' yellow limousine slipping through the calm streets toward the
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1920-07-27
By Phil Moore

read aloud slowly, "but had to have that dress to be married in. So got in through the window after you went away and took it. I only had it on an hour, but looked dandy in it. You ought to have seen old Justice Par sons bug his eyes! I put it back in the box just as careful, and tomorrow morning Davy Coates is going to take 1t to Delina. Maybe you think I'm aw- full, but did so want real wedding dress. Maybe it's the last chance I'll ever have to wear one."
 An hour. later Delina Ray 'phoned her thanks to Christy. "I'm sending you a check in the mornings mail." she ended.
 The mail brought something else be- sides the check to Christy-a letter from Rush Mcknight. Could you stand it here in the wheat country with me for a couple of years?" he asked. You. see I'm stalking all on the chance that maybe now your mother is gone you'll have me, after all. If you will. I'll come and get you in- side of a month";
 The next dress Christy made was an- other wedding gown. And she wore it herself.
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1920-07-27

displayed in the show window of the local jewelry store, and he had fond visions of placing it on Donna's hand. But since that heavenly night week ago when, to his stammering words of love and longing, Donna had confessed that she loved him, too, nothing like rings had any place yet in his blissful mind.
 So that morning when Tom stood outside the office of the lumber com pany. his blissful heart received jolt as he heard Donna's beloved voice ex- claiming in delighted accents. and he got there just in time to catch the look of utter longing with which she was regarding the diamond ring on Miss Dawson's hand. Also, he was just in time to hear the latter's condescend- ing:
 Hope you'll soon have one like it. dearie."
 Tom changed his mind about going
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1920-07-27

TT so happened that the very
 spring morning that Tom Har-
 land invented an excuse, to take him into the main office of the concern for which he worked, to see pretty Donna 'Daleys that Miss Daw- soah, the private secretary, came in calmly wearing a beautiful diamond solitaire, which she was not the least backward in showing all the other girls. If this had not happened at just exactly the proper moment, Tom would probably never have known DonAA,s great desire for just such a ring.
 For Tom and Donna had been en- gagged only a. week, and the young man had not ceased to marvel at the wonder Of the 6ffact sufficiently to con- sfder such 1secondary' Ii things as en- gagement rings. To be sure. he had long ago picked out a little ring with a modest blue stone (the color of Don mas eyes, hethought). which was still
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1920-07-27

AToTHINa was left to be done N now. and 1t seemed to christy Thatn, as she stood back and surveyed her work, that 1t really all ready held the bride for whom it was intended. The adjustable form which suppored 1t had something of Delina Rays slight, young contour. It was quite easy to imagine how the dress wefxEainse to look sont son that wonderful napEaipg nows only one day distant.
 The dress was her masterpiece. Nothing remained but to fold it in a box and wait for 1t to be taken away. Outside the open window which let in the June air, there was a step and rustic and girl leaned in over the sill. She was a pretty girl, in a fimsy, fancysway. like some gay little wayside flower.
 "oh!" she exclaimed. 50 it's done huh?"
 How do you like it, Doris?" Chris ty asked. smiling.
 Its just sweet I wish 1t were pfne." ....,..,u.
 Why. do you need &Hdding dress ?' Christy looked up in surprise.
 The girl hid her face on her folded
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1920-07-27
s she quickly slipped into her F own room, Mrs., Flower dash

A own room. MrssFlower dash
 ed her mask aside. reveal ing that she really was not a Wat teau sheperdess, but the charming hostess of the gay gathering.
 "Sybill" she exclaimed to the figure before the mirror. CT came back to tell you.-1I thought you ought to know Bruce Hutton is here"
 The girl, who was putting the finish ing touches to a quaint medieval cos tune started violently and then swung slowly around with flushing race. "Why, Louisei Surely"
 "No, didn't invite him. Of course not Goosiei But Jim met him-just back from California, he said; and you know Jim. He whisked him out here and has him in his room now, arrang- ing a costume. Then. when it was toe late. he thought of you"
 Louise, I'm not going down. I'm going home-no, I can't get home We'll. I'll go to bed: and don't you dare mention my name."
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1920-07-27

hair. 'Yes, I'm home early," he said. ''I only sang once."
 Why, Perciva1!"
 "Once only" His tone was cyclonic. Do you know what she did, that Heath girl? She played discord in- stead of a dissonance and threw me off the key. So much for letting an amateur accompany you" ~ "Ah! You were angry?" "Of course, I was angry. Who wouldn't have been? With that idiot or an Andrews, who fancies he's my rival, grinning at me? She tried to apologize. and her mother-." To avoid scene escaped. came back to you" eT You always come back to mes Anne thought happily. Aloud she said very softly and tenderly: Poor boy!~-
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1920-07-27

~HERE probably was nothing
 that annoyed her husband
 any more than the sound of a sneeze, and for about the tenth time she quickly applied her handkerchief to her nose in time to prevent the out burst. As it was, he went calmly on strapping bis music bag. His back, slim and straight in evening dress, was toward her. He was very handsome and healthy. And she had a cold. No woman can be even passably good looking under such conditions. And if she Is very plain to begin with
 The door opened tentatively and Percivah turned. Hisface lit up. Nc wonder. The thing he saw was enough to brighten any mans face-a girl, young. vivid, gay in the freshest oe frocks. She looked like red rose
Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1920-12-02

cned with Reds profane instructions
to get herself out through the window
without more delay. She made a vain
attempt to obey, and had half sue
ceeded when a rattle Of shots sounded
and looking back, she saw the man
Ennis pitch forward on his knees,
then fall prone. The policeman,
scranbllng up pistol in hand, received
the balance of the clip in Reds auto
matte, and sank slowly down upon his
side.
Screaming with horror, the girl fell
back from the window. Red shout
dered past her, climbed out, turned
and caught her by the arm and
dragged her after him, still screaming
like a .madwoman. She tripped, her
head struck heavily against the bot
tom of the window sash, and the lights
dimmed weirdly and burned out, .leav-
ing only darkness impenetrable, and a
strange hush pierced by thin echoes
of eldritch shrieks >.
Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1920-12-02

If Aunt Esther only guessed how in
finitely more dreadful that other life
which Priscilla knew in dreams
But no one guessed. Instructive reti-
cence, jealousy of her privacy, reluc-
lance to be thought different, and fear
of having her sanity questioned as she
herself too often questioned it, had
guarded the girls secret and kept it
invioate.
She had long since made up her
mind she must never marry while this
dream life continued to exert it's oc-
cult influence upon her. To risk trans
hitting to her children mental faint
or lesion was unthinkable.
Now of a sudden she remembered
the man Mario Cor was he merely a
shadowO and in a poignant turn of
"reminiscences recalled his luminous and
compelling eyes, the potent magnetism
of his presence, and felt anew the pres
sure of his lips on hers.
On hers? Or LeOnOra's?
She cringed low in the corner of the
seat, as if fearful lest curious eyes de-
tect the waves of color that burned her
cheeks. For in the memory of that kiss