davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-03-26

can see her now. Prim, precise, staid
and not impulsive--not in the least"
She moved over by the window. Sud
denly her eyes widened. her cheeks
drew pale. Then, fascinated, she read
it all. to the bitter end 1t was the
record Of another girls love and loss.
There was nothing else in the book.
Only the painfully brief story Of hap
piness that had come to sudden and
hopeless disaster. On the first page
was the record Of her meeting with
him. II feel as ifsI had already
known him a lifetime, she wrote, "he
seems so good. SO strong, so capable.
I am sure everyone must love him.
Each page told of some drive or
walk "he" had made pleasant for her.
Some lecture or play to which "he"
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-03-26
By Elsie Endicott

bank" explained Eta. we handle
our income by the bank account. II
is placed in both Jim's name and mine.
This gives me the right TO write and
sign checks equally with Jim"
Il should think that would cause
confusion" commented Joyce with
puckered brew.
no. returned Eta, because we
are equal partners. We share In COM
mon. Jim earns the money and de.
posits his weekly salary in the bank.
He says have earned 1t equally with
him in caring for him, his health and
our home. SO the money belongs to
both and both Of us have say as to
its spending and its saving. 1t simpH-
fies housekeeping and bookkeeping as
| have all my purchases listed on bill
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-03-26
The Ways and Means

you adored shopping" he ventured.
Why didn't you go. honey girl?"
Joyce suddenly lost her tinidity. Il
didn't have any money" she blurted
out.
mo money? Where did II all go tor
he inquired. mechanically. wiping his
dry lips and gulping down some water.
Il don't know" confessed Joyce, all
at sea. Il owe the butcher, the gro
Ger. the milkman, and the little you
gave me seems TO have evaporated."
Joyce and Bob spent their first dis
agreeable hour together facing facts.
But at the end Of which Joyce was
able to show Bob that to continue this
practice Of doling out uncertain
amounts Of money every once in a
while was nothing short Of daily cru
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-03-26

"Allie Betty Kent down in Wheat
field!"
That must be Alice Elizabeth's
daughter In the days when Wheat
ield had been his home, Alice Eliza
beth's name had been not Kent, but
Courtney.
Afr a few moments, he raised his
head, unlocked drawer and took out
box. From the box he drew shabby
pocketbook. and from this, in turn,
tiny. yellowed silk bag. He united its
string and shook the contents out upon
the blotter-a circlet Of braided sweet
grass, dry and brittle. and gold ring
set with small diamond.
He remembered the day he had
braided the grass and measured Alice
Elizabeth's finger.
They sat under the naples on the
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-03-26
The Woman Who Entertained

to say that he is just the dearest man
but for one wicked habit
The man stood erect and faced her
as one resigned to make the best Of
bad situation
well. since you are so fond Of this
man. suppose you tell me more about
him."
She had brought out her work bas-
ket and was busy on bit OF lingerie.
Without looking up she told him her
guest-to-be was the most lovable man,
but for an extremely irascible temper.
II suppose" he supposed once again.
II may remain until he arrives? You
see. want to congratulate himl"
"As you like" returned the girl with
a calm that made his outburst Of irony
sound absurd. But fortunately the
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-03-26

decisive. Toms bound to enjoy life.
and II you won't share his pleasures.
some one else will. You'd better make
UP with him, that's my advice. The
nurse is competent to take-care of the
baby. isn't she?"
Yes Dot spoke slowly, "she knows
more about babies than | do I do
want Tom to come home, but can't
ask him to. / don't bel eve he loves
me or the baby. or he wouldn't have
gone away"
"Nonsense!" Aunt Marcia laughed
ruthlessly. "You hate TO give in, that's
all; but you'd better pocket your pride
Doesn't he come to see tho baby?'
mo. not here" sobbed Dot. "He
said he wouldn't until | was ready TO
be what he calls sensible. But he
stops in the park every day when baby
is out with his nurse. l can see them
from my window"
Well" suggested Aunt Marcia.
cant you walk through the park and
pretend that you've met him by acct
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-03-26

dent7"
Dot pondered moment. then a mis-
chevious smile brought out the dim
pies In her cheeks.
you've given me an idea" she said.
"I'll surprise him, and If he seems
glad TO see me I'll tell him to come
home. Baby's nurse Is Just my size
I'll wear her uniform out In the park
with baby and keep my head turned
away till Tom is very near. He'll new
er guess who it is until look at him."
Late next afternoon Aunt Marcia sat
sewing in the living room when Dot
danced in, her eyes shining and a big
box Of roses in her hands. Upstairs a
cheerful whistle sounded from Toms
room.
ut worked. didn't it?" said Aunt
Marcia with a smile.
"Oh, you old dear. let me hug you."
exclaimed Dot impulsively. "I'm so
glad I followed your advice, Tom real
ly loves baby just as much as do. but
he has different ways Of showing Il
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-03-26
; ~ SHORT STORIES
" AO-oc Love AND ADVENTURES

river bank. The sun sent golden
shafts Of light through the trees o.fall
upon her yellow hair. She had insist
ed upon having the braided ring to
keep and had made the little silk bag
for II. the very evening he had placed
the diamond on her finger.
He remembered, too. the evening
nearly two years later. when she had
given them back. He recalled frag-
ments Of the conversation.
"You have grown so hard"
Nothing matters except having your
own way. and It does not matter that
your way is not always right"
. II do not dare to risk life with you"
please try to change. or fear YOU
will some day be lonely, wetched old
man."
His hurt had been deep. He could
not destroy the rings, but had hidden
them.
Thirty-hve years, and he had not
changed. II tonight were any criterion.
he was on his way to the lonely,
wretched old age she had prophesied.
A rap sounded at the door. With
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-03-26

business instead Of profession. In
this | can not yield"
'He will be disappointed" the moth
er said gravely.
Gordon laughed shortly at this mild
statement.
Il am a man now, mother, and this
Is a matter in which one man/may
not command another. | love Allie"
We've played together Summers
down at wheatheld ever since we were
kids. and / always liked her best" he
finished. boyishly.
His voice changed to a harsher
tone.
Father is running his life and ours"
he said, sternly. Everything that Is
his is touched by the blight of his over
bearing temper II is wearing you out.
/ can see it. Marjorie's happiness was
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-03-26

lowed his every move. for the man.
thinking Of concealing his impatience.
only succeeded in doing the opposite
by an exaggerated show OF indiffer-
ence. In truth he was seeking an ex-
cuse to question her. but the way he
behaved easily betrayed his eagerness
for 3 truce.
where's my best suit?" he demand
ed.
She glared at him and haughtily
told him TO 90 find 1t. Another long
silence followed. which increased their
embarrassment.
Then, "I'm going to pack up and get
outl" said the man.
Shall help you. dear?" she asked.
What did she mean? But of course
the dear" was uttered quite uncon-
sciously. he had the good sense to tell
himself. Yes. 1t was the force Of habit
rather than an ambiguous phrase. For
was she not ready and willing to assist
him to pack up?"
aren't you going home to your
mother7" he began as "feeler.r
Il don't mind telling you | intend
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-03-26

doing just that" she assured him. but
not tonight"
But why prolong the inevitable "
questioned the man with affected cool
ness. Il told you I've had quite enough
of your mischievous temper"
Let us not discuss that" she re-
piled calmly. I'VE have agreed to dis
agree. l shall go tomorrow. Tonight
Il"
"So7 You were going to entertain
someone?" thinking he had made a
shrewd guess And perhaps that's
just why you started this quarrel =
thought I'd run out and leave you to
do as you please but l won't"
'You ought to capitalize your omni-
science" she remarked with natural
nonchalance. you're such a good
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-03-26

and rendered once a month payable by
check"
Eta smiled. Every virtue lies
dangerously near a corresponding
vice" she quoted, "and / had TO bring
myself up sharply once in while in
order not to abuse the credit system.
But I learned"
Joyce went home with her mind full
TO overnowing with a new practical
and workable manner of handling
their income.
"Pshaw! my salary isn't large
enough protested Bob when Joyce
told him her new scheme that night at
dinner. Il can't get enough together
at any one time to warrant bank
taking my account"
Joyce was not to be put down. well.
let Us visit our local banks" she sug-
gested. frankly state our clrcun-
stances and see what happens"
And they did finally with the result
that Bob's eyes were opened to the
fact that the time has gone by when
the average bank refuses an account
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-03-26
Where Crossroads Meet

fer. in the future. l know that 1t is
right for him to keep his promise to
her. 1t is awfully hard for me. butt
shall have help"
When at last the old-fashioned door
bell changed noisily, and she heard
footsteps coming nearer to her door,
she rose to meet John Graham. "veral"
One word, bu. she knew now Why the
subtle incense was lacking, and she
evaded skilfully the caress he seemed
to bestow.
She went to the mantel, and taking
down the little book, laid 1t In his
hand. That and the sparkling soll-
taire..
Il want you to read this little book,
John. as have DONE she said, brave
ly. 81 have taken an unwarrantable
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-03-26

cifxlon. Bob saw the justice of her
claims and the niggardly position in
which she was placed and together
they resolved on weekly allowance.
Joyce felt sense of scurity in know
ing definitely how much money she
could spend and felt assured that now
the tradespeople could be paid and by
judieious planning on her part there
would be sufficient money for her to
use in accepting and extending little
hospitalities.
This plan worked admirably for a
few years, but Joyce found 1t had in
convenient drawbacks. too. A single
weeks allowance failed many times to
meet expenditures that we're In view i
month ahead. 1t became an actual
bugbear to account for every penny.
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-03-26

houses, country houses, automobiles,
jewels and the possibility OF alliances
with the rich and great for his chill
dren. His daughter Marjorie had mar
ried title.
Mrs. Ashley's simplicity and sinceri-
ty, too real to be spoiled. secured for
her q place that all Asley's wealth
could not have purchased.
The voices were nearer now. coming
down the great staircase. The speakers
paused by Ashley's door. unconscious
Of his presence, for he was unexpected
ly early.
Have you thought Gordon, of the
effect this will have upon your father,
and perhaps upon your prospectsr"
Mrs. Ashley asked.
"Yes." answered the young man. II
have yielded to father in choosins
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-03-26

guesser," which only irritateo him the
more.
"You may think you're smart"
growled the man, having fully sue
cumbed to his irate temper, "but your
frankness is ridiculously crude
A mischievous little laugh preceded
her next sting.
Eyes, am going to entertain man
this evening"" never once giving way
to irritation. The best man in the
world she added. A brief pause.
"And l love him, too; only he"
What" he cut in. Are you mad
to say such an awful thing? DO you
realize your brazeness exposes your
But she gave no heed to his aug
mented ugliness. and continued with
out qulver in her voice was going
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-03-26
The lncognito Nurse


"well. Dot what's the matter7" sho
asked as soon as the first greetings
were over Mercy how you fright
ened me! is the baby sick7"
Dot shook her head.
well. is anything the matter with
Tom? Where is he? For heavens sake,
tell me what the trouble isl"
At these questions the hood-gates
opened again. and between sobs Dot
gasped: Il don't know. He hasn't been
home for three whole days and
nights"
mot come homel" echoed Aunt Mar
ella 10 establishment why not?'
We've auarreIled." groaned Dot.
"Just because love the baby 50 much.
He says | went 60 anywhere. or have
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-03-26

liberty with the property OF the last
tenant. But am sure you will agree
with me that | have done well, when
you have read this simple story OF her
life. ! know now why your love has
seemed so cold, so unsatisfactory, to
me.
"You could not give me what was al
ready hers. This was her room. Here
you met and loved her. and here will
be less generous than she. but as truth
full. will return to you your plighted
troth. Go to her, and may God bless
you and-the last tenant"
She was smiling up at him. There
was little misty haze before her eyes,
through which the sunlight Of her
smile strove to penetrate. Through 1t
she could see doubt, surprise and ANAL
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-03-26
By Parke Whitney

man was not altogether hopeless, and
II dawned on him that adolescents In
revolt are not rare. and that connubial
bliss without its occasional trials
would be contrary to both truth and
fiction,
lie had begun to see the light and
knew he was outwitted. He recalled
the gospel OF a soft answer only 10
regret it was too late to wish he had
drawn her out instead OF making
fool Of himself by falling an easy vic
tim TO her superior self-possesion.
Humiliated. he sat with his back to-
ward her, his feet resting on a cushion.
do you mind telling me-" he asked
in manner akin to a dog pleading for
a bone. who the-that man Isl and
when you expect himT'
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-03-26

By Phil Moore

ly, comprehensive happiness, dawn
In his eyes.
do you mean this, veraf" he asked
her presently, his hand closing over
the little book. do you really mean
that 1t is for your happiness, too?'
Her eyes met his unhinchlngly.
truthfully.
She held out her hand to him, and
he grasped 1t cordially as he muir
INJURED, Il will go. Goodbye. and God
bless YOU
In another moment he was gone.
The girl stood there. alone. studying
her reflection In the mirror What she
saw there evidently satisfied her. For
both Of the vexlng questions Of her life
had at last been answered by the lit
tie red-bound diary OF the last tenant.
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-03-26

She struggled many an hour over ac-
counts that refused to balance. She
could not always remember.
0 One day Joyce went to call on Eta,
her bridesmaid. who was now happy,
wife, and found her busy writing out
checks.
why. Etta!" she exclaimed in rapt.
admiration. Il didn't know your ship
had come in and that you had money
enough Of your own to bank. You're
lucky girl"
Il haven't any money Of my own ex-
actly." laughingly protected Eta.
But you sign these checks person
ally" coming nearer and taking the
liberty to stare at the white wits Of pa
per.
Merely a checking account at the
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-03-26

had escorted her.
Tears blinded the eyes that scanned
the simple story. There is someone
else. ! think shall die" The lips
of the girl reading closed firmly as she
read pitilessly on. "He has told me
all. do not blame him. He says at
first 1t was pleasant coming here, then
he grew gradually to care for me. But
he had promised her, long ago. when
they were young. She loves him and
It would break her heart to give him
up. I can easily imagine that. 1t was
6 choice Of breaking. her heart--or
mine have hidden him break mine,
because hers is a prior claim. But
he tells me that It is breaking his
heart. too. | am sorry, but when I
realize what / suffer. what must suf-
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-03-26
By JoeIla Johnson

sacrificed to his ambition, Dick was
forced into uncongenial employment.
We've all kept in, for your sake, but
some day therell be a mighty smash.
There never was q man who thought
himself ojnnipotent since the days OF
Nebuchadnezzar. that the Almighty
didn't humble him."
At the look on his mothers face, he
added. contriteIy;
Forgive me. mother. ! shouldn't
have said IT,"
They moved away.
Ashley sat motionless. That mer-
clless indictment from Gordon, his
hope and pridel II was full half
hour before he arose, closed the door
and locked it. He dropped into his
chair and laid his head upon his fold
ed arms.
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-03-26

Suddenly. like ray Of hope. came
the 9hought Of Aunt Marcia.
"she always helped me out Of my
troubles at school: perhaps she can
think Of some way to help me now"
Dabbing some powder on her nose,
and hoping that no one would notice
her red eyes, she hurried TO the teIe-
graph station, and an hour later Aunt
Marcia was thrown into CONSERVATION
by the following message:
Am in dreadful trouble. Can't you
come AZ once7 Dot"
The old lady was busy preserving
peaches. but with visions Of terrible
oalamities before her. she left the fruit
10 its fate, hastily packed q bag and
responded TO her niece's cali
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-03-26

- EVERAL times Josce had
y felt the uncomfortable pinch
Of going to places with
barely enough money. But the worst
pinch had come that morning. One Of
her dearest bridesmaids had phoned to
ask her to 90 shopping. and she had
been forced TO decline because she had
absolutely no money Of her own with
which to do her part in oiIing the
wheels OF social courtesy.
Bob. dear. she timidly began at
dinner. Eta wanted me to 80 shop
ping this morning"
You went. Of eoursei" he asked in
an indulgent tone Of one being sure
Of an affirmative reply.
NO" returned Joyce briefly.
Bob's face was . study. Il thought
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-03-26

No answer.
There was decided change in his
voice now; 1t was no longer caustic
and contained hint Of remorse.
she had laid aside her work and was
looking directly at him, trying hard to
keep from laughing outright
He arose and faced her. then his
face turned deep crimson, like
naughy child caught doing something
forbidden. Suddenly the girl smiled
in a way that rendered his undolng
complete.
Then he came and knelt beside her.
spread her hands apart and lay his
head in her lap, alike grateful for the
chance to conceal his shame and for
the caressing strokes that rumpled his
hair.
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-03-26
By Jennie Slater

ular fellow in town. OF course, he isn't
going to settle down at home with
nothing to do but hang over s<babys
cradle-even as fine a baby as Tom,
Jr.." finished Aunt Marcia proudly.
That's just what he said--that he
couldn't spend all bis time hanging
over baby's crib. Our own darling
baby! oh. wasn't he brutal?"
mot a bit OF IT," laughed Aunt
Marcia Hes sensible. Now look
here. you don't want to lose Tom alto
gether. do your"
"No, MOI" cried Dot miserably. "I
couldn't live without Tom" Her eyes
widsned with sudden fear Why. you
don't think"
~Yes. / do" Aunt Marcia's tone was
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-03-26

any fun, or-0r do anything"
well, Is 1t true7" asked Aunt Mar
cia briskly.
Maybe 1t is." acknowledged Dot.
But how can bear to leave my baby7
Hes so adorable. Why. Aunt Marcia,
even when he's asleep it's lovely just
to sit by his crib and watch him
breathing softly. Tom thought so at
first, but now he wants to go out to
theaters and dinners. instead Of stay
ing at home with our own lovely,
precious baby"
"Oh. good heavensl" CALCULATED
Aunt Marcia. You don't suppose Tom
FenWays whole nature is changed Just
because you and he have babs, do
you7 Tom was always the most pop
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-03-26

- VERA ALDEN was charmed with
W the old-fashioned room she
had secured when she came
up to the city to live As the days
passed quietly. she fell into routine Of
her changed experience and 1t began
to seem as II vexed questions were in
q fair way to be answered. She had
come here. from the shelter Of her
rural home, to put her talents to the
test and to be near the man she had
promised to marry. For she was sure
Of neither her talents nor affections.
She and John Graham had been
schoolmates. He had gone from the
little village to the great city in search
Of the wealth he craved. But he had
promised to come back and had re-
deemed the promise.
She did not dream that she was to
nnd In this cumbrous apartment solu-
ton Of both her difficulties. Tonight
he was to call for the first time since
down there in the country. brief two
weeks ago, be had placed upon her
finger the sparkling symbol Of her al
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-03-26
When Pride Is Overcome

a sHIEY sat at the desk in his
~ den. He had not vet actually
settled down to work, for the
door stood ajar and he was still ex-
ploring his portfolio and settling pa
pers in order before him.
Voices noated down the staircase,
his wlfe's subdued. his sons deep and
vibrant. Ashley's lips expanded in a
satisfied smile. Gordon was the son
Of his own heart, one with his father
in all their business interests. and
shortly, he hoped, to be united in mar
riage with the daughter Of a friend
powerful in the business world.
An imperious way had Ashley and
an intexible will. as all his household
and his office staff had occasion to
know. There had come to him in mid
die life a success that meant town
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-03-26

T%TEY had Quarreled; not mere
" failed to settle difference
Of opinion but he. at least,
had actually used harsh words. Trivial
disputes had arisen before between the
boy and the giri--they we're scarcely
more than that-during their brief
married period. but BY mutual com
promising and amicable settlement had
always been reached. But now it was
all over. There could be no reconcile
alton.
A long and awkward silence ensued
during which time she busted herself
doing nothing in particular: while be.
likewise ignoring her presence. sought
book he had no intention Of reading.
She was likewise confident that his
conduct as revealed by her would dis
close a brute. and encouraged by her
friends. she would remain firm until
he came to beg her forgiveness and
acknowledse bis mistakes. Then per-
haps she would consider taking him
back.
He filled his pipe and forgot to light
1t. From the corner Of her eye she fol-
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-03-26

- TITLE Mrs. Fenway sat alone
in her pretty living room. too
A miserable even TO wipe away
tho tears that rolled steadily down her
cheeks unheeded, they spIashed upon
the new glngham dress that she had
bought only a week ago because Tom
liked 20 see her in pink and white.
Even the baby's gursling laugh out on
the porch could not win smile from
her. indeed. il added 10 her wretched-
ness for vas not the baby. that most
adorable Bit Of humanity. the cause Of
ali her troahiei
~oh. dear. sept Mrs, Fenway. Il
wouldn't have believed that Tom could
b. 40 brutal. What shall I dot Oh.
I'm 70 misershlei"
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-03-26

- VERA ALDEN was charmed with
W the old-fashioned room she
W had secured when she came