davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-23
The Home of Pinecroft


quickly. our stock sailed SKY high
and | sold it,
She scanned the document in bewil-
derment, speechless with joy. But
finally she cried, "oh Albert, how finel
We are really rich at last! We will
move TO the city at once and sell
Pihecroft!"
1t seemed too good to be true, and
yet the document lay before them con-
firming every doubt
Albert spent all Of his spare mo-
ments the following day house hunt
ing, and returned home at night in
high spirits. No houses were to be
had. but he had by luck found fash-
ionable apartment There was only
one thing that worried him-he knew
that Sonny could not take his dog
In few weeks they were ready to
vacate Pinecroft, and For Sale"
sign was already nailed on the house.
Sonny sat disconsolately on the front
steps with his dog.
Il just can't leave Jack. can't" he
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-23
By JOclla Johnson

How delightful" cried Mrs. For
bush-"how absolutely delightful to
meet you here. Ward Franklin! And
with Janet, too. l had no idea you
two knew each other!"
why. I've known Janet for ages, .
fabricated Franklin. looking straight
into her eyes and praying that they
would be spared further questions.
Janet felt that she was sinking
never in her life had she been In such
position; it was dreadfull
Il suppose you met at the magazine
office where Janet works. put in the
silent Mr.. Forbush. Didn't they run
your last novel in serial before 1t
come out in book form?'
"Yes, that was it exactly" put in
Janet, feeling that things were steadi-
ly getting worse,
when is your new book coming
out?" asked Mrs Forbush.
I'm the FaII, hope. It's so hot in
town. though, no one can do much
work Janet and | just came down for
a little swim to see II we could get
cool"
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-23

have time now to bother very much
with Sonny. He did not seem TO at in
very well in this new life and was left
more each day with the maids. Some
times his daily walks in the neighbor-
ing park were forgotten. but he did not
care for the city and the things that
interested his parents did not appeal
to him.
But one morning he did not get up.
Pauline frantically phoned for the doc
tor and Albert came rushing home
from the office. The doctor stayed a
long time and looked doubtful "City
life doesn't agree with him." he said
slowly. but perhaps
Pauline and Albert rested their
hopes on the perhaps" as they sor-
rowfully watched over Sonny for the
next few weeks. Now they wondered
II they had realized their real happi-
ness too LATE.
Then one day the little boy opened
his eyes and whispered softly, Moth
er, can we go home now?'
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-23

old lady shook a playful finger at him
as she twinkled did you hear that
sermon, young man? Don't wait until
people are dead to bring them flowers.
Your sweetheart will need them all
her life, flowers OF tenderness and
kindness as well as roses that match
her cheeks and forget-me-nots to
match her eyes" Then she had
chuckled at the young mans embar-
rassed face and the young girls
bushes as she walked away.
"Say it with flowers" How long had
ii been since he had brought Bella any
OF her beloved carnations? How long
since he had heard her delighted cries
as she buried her face in heart-re-
freshing roses?
Lewis sighed and came back to the
present. He had lost his taste for the
show and glanced idly around him. He
saw women in furs with big bunches
of violets, girls in silk with arbutus
tucked in their coats, women with
white hands and flashing jewels. girls
with sparkling eyes and rosy cheeks.
Bella is as pretty as any Of them"
he thought with pride. In spite of
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-23

her hard work she has kept her hands
white and her hair lovely and when
she's dressed up she looks good enough
to 80 anywhere"
SAY il with flowers" Lewis stirred
restlessly as he thought of his deser-
ton that afternoon. the many nights
that business had kept him working
late and the Sundays he had been
called away. leaving lonely hours for
his wife and the children.
Say II with flowers"
YES, l will he said half aloud as
he rose and left the building. Straight
to his former favorite florist be hur-
rled, his quick, decided step ringing
on the pavement as II he was going to
meet his sweetheart. He picked out
a dozen carnations, pure white and
rose-pink her old favorite as he re-
membered tenderly.
He ran up the steps whistling cheer
lily and let himself in. calling his wife's
name boyishly
"Oh, you're home nice and early"
cried Bella In pleased surprise as she
hurried to greet him.
Lewis waited until she was almost
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-23
Love Flowers

SILLY woman" she seolded herself
as she put on her hat: you're lucky
to have dear. good husband anyway.
There's lots worse things he might do
than go to the movies en- a Saturday
afternoon.
In the theater, crowded with people
enjoying their half-holiday Lewis
watched and laughed and forgot his
business worries.
That's a pretty thing" he muir
INJURED as quartet of fiower-laden
girls tripped ON TO the stage.
They can sing. he thought as their
sweet young voices sang the old-time
melodies. while the quaint hoopskirts
festooned with flowers swayed back
and forth in sedate minuets and grace
full waltzes.
At the hearty encore they smilingly
returned. bringing large hower-filled
baskets on their arms. tossing roses
on the stage as they sang tender lit
tie love song.
The rose viii tell that you love her
dearly.
The violets that you love sincerely.
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-23

assured him.
We'll, really am Right now I'm
dying TO ask you something, but I'm
simply trembling with fear"
TRY and see what happens do
look like a dragon?"
mo, but it's such a nervy thing to
ask-without any guarantee of respec-
liability or anything. Could you go
to dinner with neon faith?"
"I'd like2 to, but I'm afraid I
shouldn't My mother has always lee
tured me about speaking to strange
young men, from the cradle up; you
don't look like villain. though
I'm not, really: and uAder the cir
cumstances I think any mother would
trust her daughter to my tender care.
Won't you take pity on me?"
"All right. I will" said Janet, de-
Gliding to be reckless for once in her
life And of course 1t really was all
her fault about the suit.
This is a relief after the hot city"
she told him when they were seated at
little table overlooking the water a
few minutes later. "Just see how the
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-23

How was the waterYr
Fine" declared Franklin and
Janet in the same breath, without
looking at each other.
We'll. we're awfully glad We ran in
to you. Can't you both come down to
dinner some night next week we'd
love to have YOU"
Janet blushed and mumbled some
thing, but Mrs. Forbush insisted, and
Franklin accepted with pleasure, so It
was easily settled. When they had
gone, Janet groaned.
"0h. it's dreadful hl-just see what
I'VE got you into nowl'
I'm glad. said Franklin. "Forbush
and are old friends-we went to col
lege together. You mustn't worry
about it-they hadn't an idea that we
had just met"
"And | nev@ knew you we're Ward
Franklin, the author--Or anything!
And only think. you don't even know
my last name!"
Il don't care very much Il like the
first one so well. Do have TO use the
rest OF III"
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-23

day that he had given them to her
and that she had promised TO keep
them always impossible to forgive.
He would explain to her his attitude
and say good-by forever.
Eleanor. dressed as she had been the
night before, was quietly waiting for
him. Look" she said. aid showed
him a wilted, stemless flower which
she held In her hand "See, had Il in
my hair last night, like this she in
dicated a fresh flower resting In her
hair. ut fell out as | was watching
for you. | found II this afternoon. /
said that | shouldn't throw any away.
! shant | shall keep this one, and
this in my hair. and all the others
which You see In the vase there.
always keep my word" she added, and
rose proudly.
Eleanor cried Ralph. She shone
with new light in his eyes. She was
true. she was faithful. Eleanor, I
] have wrongcd you. VIII you forgive
me?"
A minute later he held her in his
arms and she did not resist him.
Eleanor said Ralph, softly. "lets
never let pink carnation come be-
tween US again."
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-23

ava, aiter you nao come as far as the
steps"
u can not explain fully here
Then come out here now. Never
mind your work"
Ralph was entranced by her words.
Thoughtless creature that she was to
think of his dropping his work. Sud-
denly possessed with a mad desire TO
see Eleanor again after "a hours alb
sence, he answered the coldness al
most gone from his voice: "All right.
I'll come out at once"
Ralph resolved on the way out to
Eleanor's to be very stern and cold
after all. For a moment strong
emotion had almost prevailed upon
him to forgive and forget her unfaith-
fulness. Now his pride had again
gained the upper hand, To throw
away one of his flowers on the very
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-23

Pauline's eyes hlled with tears and
her heart thumped rapidly. but some
how she managed TO say irmiy "Yos,
Sonny, as soon as you can 90"
A contented smile spread over the
pale face and as he settled down into
a peaceful slumber he said softly
Jack"
Albert pulled his tired but thankful
wife away from the bedside, leaving
the nurse in charge. Down the wide
steps they went out into the clear
night air. Pauline did not care where
he led her, They wandered silently
along until they came to the bank OF
the dark silent river. A few lights
from the opposite shore gllinmered
across the water and mingled In with
the thousands Of city lights reflected
there.
"Pinecroft is over there" Pauline
said simply.
"And have a splendid chance to
sell II tomorrow shall r. He asked
thoughtfully.
"oh, no" and her voice was wistful.
Il want to go back; will yuu got"
Their eyes met and their old love
was rekihdled a. he took her in his
arms and whispered softly in her ear,
yes. We will 60"
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-23
By Phil Moore


him she seemed to excel all OF the
other women in beauty and loveliness,
but somehow he wondered IL, in all
this new dazzle and hustle. her old
love were slipping away from him or
II he only imagined it. But somehow
he did not feel satisfied And then he
missed his old comradeship with SON
ny. Yes, he was tired Of 1t and wished
that his stock had gone down with a
slump!
He did not know that Pauline was
tired, too, and longed for her old life
at Pineeroft But she did not want to
complain either. only TO mar the pleas
ure which she felt confident her hus-
band was enjoying She was proud of
his fine appearance and popularity. but
somehow she felt, too, that he was just
little different. She wondered un-
easily If this life of excitement and
pleasure was turning his head. and she
worried.
The weeks quickly slipped by with
their busy routine. No one seemed to
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-23
SHORT STORIES
AO~Orr LOVE AND ADVENTUt2E.1A

mo. daddy is not coming home
early after all" she said sorrowfully.
Lets put away his dinner and save
the surprises for next time
Hes always coming next time
walled Bessie, while Bob gulped and
rubbed his eyes.
I'VE have such good times when he
comes. but he don't cqme,' shifted the
little boy.
Daddy works very hard and needs
a change explained their mother
"but well have a good time by our
selves. Wen take a little walk, No.
I'm not too tired to go as far as the
park. Wen come home early and have
a tea party
Bella smiled brightly and the little
downcast faces lightened in response.
she sighed as the children scampered
away for their coats. for it had been a
full week and the position OF house
keeper and mother, wife and nurse
maid kept her busy every minute. She
had looked forward TO the afternoon
holiday for the ccmpanionship of her
husband and the rest he brought by
sharing the care Of the children.
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-23
The Wrong Parcel

Ode Is coming up now"
TITS the full moon that does til
always like to watch an extreme tide
like this. I've lived near the water all
my life. Whenever anything worries
me always seem to be able to think
II out better when I'm down by the
sea-"
Was that why you came tonightf"
"No; was looking for inspiration
only. You are giving it to me-"
They were really having a beautiful
time, and Janet was thanking her
lucky stars that tomorrow was Sun
day and she wouldn't have to stife in
that hot office again, when her eye
fell on rather stout lady coming
down the room toward them 1t was
ber cousin. Anna Forbush-and she
had seen theml Janet did not even
know the name of the man with whom
she was dining and she wouldn't ask
him now What a frightful situation
to be passed around to all the aunts
in the family by Anna's loving hand
Janet wished that she had taken her
mother's early advice.
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-23
A Pink Carnation

book from the table. arranged herself
carefully in the chair by the window
and began to read industriously
'Now. he'll think he's caught me
mapping, was her thought
The steps rang as they came up the
walk. but stopped suddenly as they
reached the piazza. Eleanor kept her
eyes fixed on the page while the color
crept more deeply into her cheeks. If
be thought that just by staring at her
he was going to make her look up. he
was mistaken. A bit Of smile played
about her lips.
Then the steps began again, but
they were receding. Surprise held
Eleanor in her chair When she at
last Jumped up and ran to the door
only Rslph's back was visible as she
turned the corner
He must have forgotten the candy"
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-23

said Eleanor after moments thought
though he never has before"
The nearest candy store was three
minutes away Eleanor waited 80
Then she strolled out into the sitting
room where the rest Of the family
we're.
Didn't Ralph Gomez asked ber
mother.
Detained at business at the last
minute" said Eleanor, feigning a
yawn. Guess III get my embrold
cry"
The following afternoon Eleanor
went out on the piazza TO feel the cool
breeze on her hot, aching forehead. AZ
she stood there faint odor was watt
ed up to her, and looking down she
saw a wilted carnation lying at her
feet.
why. the flower l had on last
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-23

which seemed 10 nestle down am LIZ
the towering pines which surrounded
II. Oid-fashioned roses climbed
around the large front door. which
opened into quaint. spacious rooms.
For many years happy people had
wandered through the large garden
and around the rustic old spring
which just seemed to breathe romance
This vas the home of the Woods,
and their little boy. who was known
to everyone az Sonny
Hello, mother Sonny called Joy
ously az he saw her waiting for them
at the gate, here We are"
''Yes. little wife. here we are" an
other voice added, and strong arm
slipped lovingly around slender
waist as the happy family entered the
house
After the pleasant meal. Albert
slowly drew the paper from his vest
pocket and triumphantly passed it TO
his wife.
I'VE are rich, Pauline he spoke
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-23

cried for the hundredth time that day.
Don't feel bad, Sonny" his mother
comforted. I'VE will leave him with the
caretaker and we will come back
sometime"
The new home was well situated in
the city and beautifully furnished The
Woods. we're Immediately invited
into all Of the leading social activities
and entered into busy world. No day
went by when they were not enter
tanned somewhere. 1t was not long
before they became smothered by a
whirl of dinner parties and theaters.
Often Sonny had to eat alone and be
put to bed by an unlovable maid. He
would softly cry himslf to sleep wish
ing for his old home and playfelIow.
Gradually Albert grew tired Of the
constant hurrying to dinner parties
arrayed in an uncomfortable dress
suit, and longed for quiet evening at
home However, he did not complain
or voice his sentiments. because he
thought that his wife was happy. To
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-23

wandering around aimlessly for a few
minutes Janet decided to forego her
bath, and sat down on the sand to rest.
In a few minutes she was sound
asleep.
She must have slept for over an
hour, for when she opened her eyes
the sun had sunk much lower in the
sky and the waves had erept a great
deal farther up the beacL She did
not notice young man who was sit
ting little behind her on the sand,
TITS all my fault" he began at
once. Il was in such hurry to get
in the water that | must have taken
your suit by mistake-I'm dreadfully
sorryl" He handed her the missing
suit.
1T wasn't your fault any more than
mine" returned Janet promptly. And
it was much worse for me to go to
sleep and make it too late for you to
go in. You should have grabbed your
suit away from me and runi''
Il Couldn't hadn't the courage"
Janet laughed.
You don't look so very timid." She
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-23

rnat evening Eleanor vas standing
on the piazza waiting for Ralph Nest-
ling in her brown curls was carna-
tion selected form the big vaaeiul on
the palor table. and its color matched
that Of her cheeks and her berufhed
organdie dress. A gentle breeze was
blowing and as she was gazing down
the street for sight of Ralph a curl
was waited into her face She pushed
II back impatientlg. unconsciousIy dis
composing the flower in her hair
Again a breeze came and blew the
lock into her face. Again she pushed
II back and this time the carnation
fell 10 the ground
But Eleanor did not notice this Far
down the street she saw the broad
shoulders Of Ralph turning the corner.
In fash she had left the piazza and
vas in the paloT. she Snatched
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-23

IN frdns o. him and than brought ths
nowers from behind his back.
Lewis. dsari" Bella exclaimed with
shining eyes and radiant faes.
"what a treatl haven't heen anything
50 lovely for years."
The tears came 70 her eyes a she
threw her arm around her husbands
neck. and he began 10 realize how
starved for the little ways Of love she
had been
"They are coming home with me ev-
cry week after this, dear" he said
gently. "I've been selfish old grind
and haven't half shown you how I've
appreciated your work and sacrifices.
We're going out together too; things
don't have the right flavor when ! go
alone Wen take the kiddies OF for
good times every little while, and have
some parties at home and be a regular
family from now on"
"Oh. Lewisle said Bella half laugh
ing and half crying as she buried her
face In the cool sweet blossoms, I'm
the most fortunate woman to have
youl'
''Humphl" said Lewis as he swung
the children up to his shoulders where
they shrieked and siggled with glee.
"I'm not 50 sure about that. but I
know what Il means to me TO have you.
l don't know how to tell you. SO
guess .l'll have to say II with
lowers"
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-23

a LBERT WOOD leaned back in
~ his worn office chair wearily
but with satisfaction, men
tally reviewing the happenings Of the
prosperous day. Then he swung open
the door Of the heavy safe and drew
out single paper. which he carefully
placed in his rest pocket He locked
the office door rbeerfaily and boarded
q crowded street ear.
Almost before he knew it the noisy
hum of the busy city was replaced By
beautiful neids and country homes.
He watched the road ahead e1pectant-
ly for an Accustomed sight, and when
be saw il a pleasant smile spread over
his face. It was little. eurley-haired
boy sitting on the curhstone. with his
chubby arm thrown around the neck
Of huge st. Bernard.
The car stopped with a jerk and he
sprang OF. The impatient walters
rushed To meet him. nearly throwing
him over in their enthusiasm. and a
small voice cried happily, Daddy"
Hello. sonny" be greeted. swing
ing the little boy up on his shoulder.
NOV for our home. Are you ready"
Sonny nodded his assent vigorously
and they started up the bill
Pinecroft located at the top Of the
hill, was beautiful old, colonial house
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-23

IL think we'd better be going" be-
gan Janet nervously picking up her
purse and gloves. ats a long way to
my little tat and | don't want 10 get
home late"
Franklin took her home, and when
he said gpod night at her door he
thanked her for the pleasantest even
Ing he had had in years.
"will you 40 for a ride with me to-
morrow sftefnoonf" he added hope
fully
It's too soon isn't IT."
"Not for me--ls II for your"
Il don't know what timer"
About 5--we can have dinner some
where in the country. Would your
mother like To conner
"oh. she'd love u how sweet Of
youl"
Good night Janet" He held her
hand so long that she withdrew 1t at
last.
"rve had the incest time I've had in
years. too. she told him before she
finally shut the door
Then she went to her room and de-
cided to hang up her neglected bath
ing suit before going to bed And
when she opened the poor battered
bundle she took out. for the second
time FranklIn's suit. Then she sat
down and burst out laughing.
"I'll give It to him tomorrow" she
decided. happily.
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-23
By Abncr Anthony

night" she marvelled. and then rner-
came a great light
Ralph had not felt very well that
morning His pride was deeply
wounded. That She should promise
10 do something and then deliberately
not do It! An awful realization his
loved one false. In the afternoon
came aatelephoBe call.
Hello"
''Is that you. Ralph?"
Those honeyed tones were only too
familiar Yes" he said, clly.
You didn't come last night"
Silence Then, hnally-"Wby not :"
Business at the last minute" said
Ralph. coldly.
There was something like a gasp at
the other end Of the wire. and then
the answer. "oh. Ralph, know that
wasn't itl Tell me why you went
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-23
EVILS DENTON stretched him
self with a weary sigh and

- EwIs DENTON stretched him
self with a weary sigh and
ran his hand through bis
curly brown hair He looked with
tired satisfaction at the pile OF papers
on his desk, in his gray eyes the con
tented light Of work well done.
"Its been a hard week" he NUT
tered" but I've caught up again now.
well, its saturday afternoon and I
guess III take a holiday told Bella
I'd sure be home early today and take
the children out. but guess I'll call it
on.
He reached for the telephone and
called his home number
Hello. Bella, mind IL | take in a
show today III be home 20 shipper
with my usual appetite The children
expecting me? well. need a change
from this eternal grind at the Office
That's . GOOD old sport All right,
good-by"
He hesitated A moment after he hung
up. for his wife's voice had sounded
wistful, though she had calamity told
him to run away and play as she knew
be worked hard.
"A man has To get away and rest his
brain" he assured himself. to silence
the plilty voice in his heart.
In the pretty suburban home Bella
turned slowly away from the phone
and faced the eager. anxious glances
Of the 7-year-old twins.