davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-09
A Picnic Farce

"0h. my dear, you simply must go;
and wear your golden outfit and you'll
win the beauty prize"
We'll, maybe"
In her corner. ostensibly clacking
her typewriter. Marjorie listened, and
her eyes sparkled. Oh, the very thing.
Just then the bell rang for lunch. and
with one accord the office force arose,
pushed back chairs and rushed madly
for the lockers. Marjorie cornered
Miss wilkinson.
"Oh. Miss wilkinson, wonder II you
would help me out of fix. I've prom
ised Freddie Lockes I'D go to lunch
with him. and I've such a headache
simply can't make II. Would you go
in my place? He's such disappointed
baby! I'll spend my lunch hour in the
rest room, guess. Will you, please? 2"
Why, yes, l will, Miss Stewart Sor-
ry your head aches" and she swept
grandly toward the washroom. Mar
jorie chuckled. then sought Freddie.
That worthy gentleman was in the act
Of putting his shabbSe brown hat on
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-09
The Unframed Nurse

thing should happen the first night she
is here. Marie wouldn't get up. She
said to send for the doctor, because
she couldn't do anything"
What an agreeable cousin Jennie
must be 70 tend TO the ceaseless wants
of an 11-year-oId boy with cramps!"
thought DR.. Brsnbridge. Il wish
knew such amiable people"
When he got upstairs he found a
neat little young lady bustling about
in a very methodical manner
Il had some very good powders with
me. so / gave him one. He feels much
better now. think" explained Jennie
You are Dr. Branbridge. ! suppose.
feel as though you we're one Of the
family, so / did not hesitate to speak
TO yog. You must pardon my audacity.
but felt grieVed 10 hear that 1t was
on my account that dispute arose
beween Marie and you. She ought TO
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-09

it I'm just getting sick and tired OF
your tyranny. anyway"
But, after he had left for the Office.
and Marjorie had put three-year-old
Marion to sleep for the afternoon, she
threw herself on her bed and cried
passionately. After . while she fell
into troubled sleep; and while she
slept she dreamed.
The divorce proceedings were over.
Marjoie had defied John and gone to
the dance. and he had kept his word.
She sat in her mothers parlor. with
Marion Ia sympathetic court had
awarded the child to herr, thinking
over her future.
Now, Marjorie" began her mother.
Il am going to make few sugges-
tions, which think. II you are sensi-
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-09

She gave the maid instructions to
deliver the note to her mother, and she
kissed the little girl good-by. Have a
good time at grandma's. dear, and
don't forget mother while you are gone,
will your" she cried.
After they had gone she put the little
apartment to rights and retired TO her
room. she closed the window tightly,
placed rug against the crack of the
door, and stuffed some paper into the
keyhole She then turned on the gas
and threw herself, on the bed.
Wake up. dear" said John, shaking
Marjorie gently. 1T is after 5, and
you'll have to hurry II we are going TO
the dance finished my work earlier
than ! expected. and tried to get you
on the phone to let you know, but no
one answered.
Marjorie looked at him in a dazed
manner, and then burst out crying.
"oh, John. had dreadful dreamp
Now. now. stop your crying, and
get ready, because II your eyes are
all red. you won't make hit at the
dance" laughed John.
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-09
By Abner Anthony

wllkinson-will you go to the picnic
with me?" Then the girl opposite him
melted.
why. yes, / will, Freddie. IT'S nice
OF you 10 ask me. | wanted TO go 70
much" And so II was settled. yet
Freddie didn't seem as happy as he
should have been. Somehow the blue
eyes Of plain little Marjorie seemed to
haunt him. He might have asked herl
He never thought OF III
The day Of the picnic the merry
crowd gathered at the appointed place.
and special cars conveyed them to the
woods, wonderful spot--full Of col
ors Of autumn. Miss Wilkinson sat be-
side the radiant Freddie creature Of
wonder beauty.
Her sport skirt was OF golden silk.
her blouse Of sheer white. her sweater
and smart toque OF golden silk. and
her hair was beautifully arranged.
Surely she you'd win the beauty
prize!
Yet, as the day wore on. Freddie
wasn't as happy as he thought he was.
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-09

There n0wl"-she Strengthened his
tie-'go along and have a good time.
Got money enough? Well. here's a
fiver, and don't forget to pay it back
Friday. Take her to MorrIno's: tip
the waiter half dollar; ask her to
the picnic and. for the love of Pete,
act as II you knew something!"
But what are you going to do for
lunch? Does your head ache very
badly7"
"No. silly. II doesn't ache at all. That
was only an excuse. Go along now!"
Then she fed.
Miss Wilkinson then joined him
very much painted. powdered and
coiffed. She was just triAe more
congen!al than usual Together they
went down in the elevators strange
pair. That luncheon was terrible or
deal for poor Freddie. Miss wilkin-
sons cool, appraising eyes seem to see
through the miserable little farce.
When dessert came along. Freddie
swallowed his Adams apple with con-
siderable difficulty, and blurted-"Miss
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-09

the back Of his yellow head.
Freddie, put your hat on straight
and go wash your hands and face!
I've told Miss Wilkinson you'd take her
to lunch. Hurry now!"
You WHAT"
"Oh. you stupid Didn't you want
me to help you get girl? Well, I've
got the prettiest one in the Office; and
you stand there gazing blankly at me
Get move on She's washing up
now"
But Freddie was grasping her firmIy
by the shoulders, regardless of time
Explain more fully" he demanded
So Marjorie explained in very few
words. then pushed the astonished
Freddie toward the washroom, He was
hopeless.
When he reappeared his freckIed
face was shining. his hands remark
ably clean and his hair sopping wet.
Marjorie produced her powder puff,
and in spite of all protests managed to
put enough c1 his face to cover the
awful shine.
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-09
By JocIIa Johnson

How he wished he had an experienced
nurse with himi II he did, the fight
would be so easy.
As he turned around, he saw Jennie
standing in attendance with a bor-
rowed apron. Il Just love to do this
kind OF work. Can't help your
Il am inclined to think that you are
a heaven-sent giftl" he replied.
There! he was always saying some
thing wrong, because he had made her
blush. But she was as pretty as
budding rose when the red stole into
her cheeks.
Over the bed of the little sufferer.
they bent, easing his pains. It was
Just at sunset that they had the pleas
ure Of seeing the flickering life flame
up strongly. The battle was won!
He stretched out his hand to thank
her. As he drew her to the window TO
watch the sun go down on a successful
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-09

the effect Of voting!
We'll, IL you want my opinion"
chirped Miss Murp. nlbbling fudge.
1--WE always liked Freddie. He's a
nice hoy, and l don't blame Marjorie
one bitl dropped my notebook the
other day, and he picked it up for me
as nice as you please"
Miss Sophia, another stenographer.
single. golden-haired and with high
matrimonial aspirations. listened
eagerly, but said nothing. She was as
cold and naughty IS q lovely statue,
making II a rule never to mix with
those beneath her.
The subject veered to the picnic. 1t
was to be q sort of outing for the en-
ployes of the company, and whole
day had been allotted to IT, Therefore
it was quite an event in the drab lives
Of the office force.
Going. Miss Sophia queried Olive,
the engaged one.
Miss Sophia's fne eyebrows were
elevated. Il haven't decided yet. I'm
sure / don't know"
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-09
A Dream Forecast

is our own fault you had youi chance
at happiness. and you deliberately
threw 1t away"
A month later found Marjorie in
stalled in tiny apartment in a. near
by city with Marion. and n trim little
maid who was to- perform the double
duty of caring for Marion and the lit
tie apartment.
Marjorie, with the small income at
her disposal. had started small mil
linery establishment. Before her mar
riage TO John, she had taken q. course
in millinery: she had the knack of
making smart hats and it stood her in
good stead now.
AS the weeks few by she always
cherished the hope that John would
relent and come for her. She knew he
had loved her deeply, and she was sure
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-09

- NJ sorry, dear, know that prom
ised TO take you TO the dance to-
night, but something came up
that makes 1t necessary for me to
work. 1t means q whole lot to me II
/ finish It tonight" said John
We'll. II seems to me-" nared Mar
jorie. his wife. that you might con-
sider me in the scheme of things once
IN while. II you don't take me I'll
60, anyway. SO there"
Marjorie" answered her husband.
sterniy, you know what think Of
women who go to dances without their
husbands"
II don't care what you think" said
Marjorie. hotly. "other women do It
and II you don't think enough Of me to
drop your tiresOme old work for one
night and take me TO this dance that I
have planned and planned on I'll go
alone"
IF you DO, Marjorie" said her hus-
band. getting up from the table. then
you and / will be through with each
other. Remember what / say"
VERY well. I'll be good and glad Of
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-09
By Elsie Endicott

She rang for the little maid and
told her to pack Marions small suit
case and get her ready for short trip.
Il am going TO send her to her grand
mothers in the country. She hasn't
been so we'll lately. and 1t will do her
lot Of good" she explained.
Then she sat down and wrote short
note to her mother:
Dear Mother-I am beginning to
realize that you we're right. | did
throw away my happiness and ! have
nothing to look forward to now.
hope that John will be happy in bis
new life. am sending you Marion
and want you to give her to John.
He always wanted her and l know that
she will be happy with him. am go
ing to end II all. With all the love in
the world. MARJORIE"
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-09

Marjorie wasn't there. Miss wilkin-
son was plainly bored. and more aloof
than ever She lost out In the beauty
contest TO a dainty slim little thing
whose cheeks we're like wild roses
and guIltless OF cosmetics. II didn't
seem to soften her any. Freddie wor-
ried little about his finances Girls
we're expensivei
At 5 o'clock the limit was reached.
Freddie couldn't stand H. Il say.
Miss Wilkinson, shall We 80 back
now?"
Yes. we might as we'll. I've got an
engagement for the evening"
so back they went, In comparative
silence, for Freddie was deep in
thought when he left her at her door.
the boy hurried to the deserted office
building AS he was the irst one IN
each morning. he had key and he
quietly went In and consulted the roll
book. Stewart. Marjorie, 6497
Suffolk street" He closed the book.
and vent down to the street A half
hour later he rang the bell at the
Stewart home and asked for Marjorie.
When she appeared. with amazement
on her face. he took her hand. MAR
iorie dear. come out to supper with
me and let's go to movie. Will you.
please?r
The girl looked at his eager, homely
face. the blue eyes plsacing and said:
"Wait-I'll get my hat and coat!"
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-09
SHORT STORIES
- .cF Love AND ADVENTURES
BY PHI Moore

"It would be II Lena were all in
tune"
A laughing mass Of masculine humor
and sunshine landed plump at her
side, and bowing low presented her
with an immense bunch of the choicest
roses.
"0h, thank you, Mr.--Mr.-why.
isn't II funny, I've never heard your
name. Mr.
Lindsay, at your service. fair Lena"
supplied the man. Excuse me. that's
all the name I've heard
Lena Everhard. Listen. My broth
er Ted comes next week. You'll like
him. They may let me go to meet
him"
''Linsay's eyes danced at the sight
Of her. Say that's great. Boob that
was TO cause that spraih. I'll make
II up to you"
Make 1t up-howf"
"0h, In roses, or--someway."
But the Crouch may not like II. BY
the way, he must be pretty easy on
you. You seem to have so much time,
you know"
Hes not grouchy when one knows
him. Stone walls don't make a Crouch
Say, wouldn't It be jolly IL he'd pull
down this wall-just grow the rose
hedgef'
Lena drew in her breath ecstatically.
why. II would be a rose heayepi"
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-09

Bile, you will listen to. / should advise
you to go to the city"
But. mother faltered Marjorie. Il
intended to stay here with you"
mo- said her mother, hrmly, that
would not do, neither for your own
sake nor ours.
I'm the first place, Randville is a
small, narrow minded town, and you
know what their attitude Is toward a
woman whose husband divorces her.
It would be different II you had d.
vorced John; but as it is. you and Ma
rion would have to suffer untold
sights and snubs, and you we're always
sensitive! Another thing. your sisters
must have their chance to marry we'll,
and it is not fair to them that you
stay here. / may seem hard to you,
but can not forget that after all It
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-09

thai some day she would come home
from the little shop and find him wait
ing to ask her forgiveness and take her
and Marion back home with him.
But no word came from him, and one
day when she was looking over the
home paper which her mother always
sent to her the room suddenly went
black before her eyes. On the very
froF page she read the announcement
that John was to marry one Of the sea-
sons most popular buds. Surely she
was to pay in full for her folly. She
had nothing further to live for.
She was face to face with the fact that
she had been living all these dreary
months in the hope that he would come
for her. After time she became
calm and thought out course to pur-
sue.
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-09

Then he thought OF Jennie. He won
dered II she could drive. He ran out
to ask her.
The girl was seated in the machine.
waiting patiently for him to return.
Il have a very sick patient" he told
her. III had one of my serums in
the dark bottle on the LEFT hand side
of my desk. l might save his life. Can
lou drive into town and get IT."
well. know how to steer the car
and how to stop 1t. II you start it
here. can get someone in town to
start 1t there. I'll try my best TO bring
back the bottle in time"
He got in and set the engine going.
She slid into the chauffeur's seat and
whisked away.
What an eternity II seemed that he
had to wait. But Jennie was handing
him the serum in little over half an
hour. A hard battle for life was on.
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-09

back to earth she shrugged her ahoul-
ders and puckered up her pretty
mouth.
Absurd" Lena overheard. letting
visions like those enter your brain!"
Yet that same little sly mink select
cd an upper back room overlooking a
certain rose garden. where she nursed
her spralned ankle-just to catch a
glimpse of-the roses. Of course.
And one day she actually threw a
weighted message right into the gar
den and II was picked up by the man
whose name the note bore.
II said: Where is the Crouch
still smoking behind the hedge, while
you tend his roses? I'm awful lone
some may sit near the wall Wednes-
day II they'll let me-"
Artful little thing. as II she didn't
surmise the answer that followed:
"I'll be there, II you'll reply to my
line on June. etc. Crouch still smokes
in the same place. Never mind; he's
deaf"
So II came about that girl dis
tractlngly pretty, n a pale blue gown.
hair gllstening In the bright June sun,
eyes shining with expectation. sat one
afternoon beneath the rose wall.
"Oh, what is SO rare as day in
June!" sang a musical voice on the
other side OF the wall
Back came the answer;
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-09

be excused for not wanting to help Joe,
for know that she would do all she
could for her brother If she we're in
better humor."
1T wasn't your fault in the least. II
Marie wasn't satisfied, would rather
that she find 1t out in time. than al
ways to be repenting. You seem more
like city girl than the country maiden
! expected you to be-" he compliment
ed.
well. you see, IL" she stammered.
Il am really a city girl, but father and
/ have lived 80 long In the country that
I suppose Marie considers me rather
rural cousin ="
The little sufferer, who had been the
object Of their attention, had mean
while been blessed with sleep.
Il hope shall meet you soon again."
he said. rs he held out his hand. but
don't be disturbed with thoughts Of
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-09

she breathod.
Before she could add another word
a lively shout Of "Hey. little siAi"
sounded from the gateway.
"Tedl It's Tedl and can't go to
himl" she trembled- But tho college
boy had vaulted over the gate,
by all that fiies high in the air.
Burton-Jlml Where did you come
from, old fellow? should judge by
Lena's pink cheeks that you were old
friends" Ted chuckled.
There sat Ted's sister, wIde-eyed.
open-mouthed, with not one sign Of
welcome for Ted.
Burton. Jiml" she gasped, and sat
gazing into the smiling. mlschlevous
eye of the man at her feet. Then at
his garden suit.
Then you are--the Crouch behind
the hedge you. the owner Of the roses
and ugly wall-and Ted's-paragon?"
AT that the paragon roared, as No
replied:
james Lindsay Burton. at your
service. ma'am. and owner Of the
roses and-you. hope--some day" he
added audaclously.
Ted threw his cap high in the air,
yelling;
"say yes. sis. Best fellow in the
world"
But all the girl said was: "And you.
too. in it, Tedr Come here and get your
kiss Of welcome?"
At which Burton looked so longing
ly at them. the irrepressible brother
shouted:
yours won't be long on the way,
Jiml"
silly" blushed Tod's sister.
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-09
w YELL, Freddie. what's the trou-
w BILE nog? Got the I'm right
the worlds wrong

Inc hofto WAOh6
blues7"
~oh, nothing The non
descript yellow head sank dejectedly
on the lanky hands. Freddie was not
handsome yet even good looking.
but there was something in his honest
pale blue eyes that won your respect
Then" the girl was insistent. what
is the particular little thing that's wor-
rying your Out with it, child!" And
Marjorie drew up chair near him. re-
gardless Of the unwritten letters in her
note book
We'll. if you must have 1t. it's about
the picnic. haven't anybody to take.
and 1 can't 90 alone very we'll"
Marjorie laughed with relief -Oh.
is that all, Why. Freddie, didn't
know you cared about girls. l thought
you we're going with the fellowsl"
The girl laid one slim white hand on
the boys sleeve. and murmured con-
solingly:
Never you mind. Freddie dear. just
sit tight until the picnic comes, and
I'll see to it that you don't go alonel"
And she was gone.
Freddie's Jaw dropped in amGzement.
What struck her? Gone sentimental?
Girls are funny. How on earth could
she help him. Freddie never had
taken girl out in his life. II must be
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-09
ENA EvERHARD stood there

r ENA EvERHARD stood there
on the back step Of her ia
TIERS new country home. She
looked the picture CT Summer in her
thin fluffy dress OF white dashed with
color from the pink ribbon at her waist
and sleeves, and with the light breeze
ruffing her sunny hair.
Her eyes. soft brown. twinklcd
brightly with humor-eyes that the
sunlight now turned into golden
brown.
She raised herself on tiptoe.
"oh. dearl How can anyone cover up
a beautiful rose hedge with q high
stone wall, ugly and, yes. inhuman. 1t
must be Just heavenly behind that
hedge and to think that grouchy old
man is to be there-and so romantic
spot"
She gave a little sigh.
He must be a crouch. or he'd take
that old stone wall down"
Unsuccessful in obtaining one little
peek over the wall. she settled herself
on the doorstep, and began reading her
brother Ted's letter from college, Soon
her little white shod feet began tap
ping the step.
"Ted seems to have found a para
gon." she half sneered- Il always
hated idols on pedecsals. This chum.
Jim Burton, must be = wonder. Hml
This hedge interests me more l wish
TED could get home. He's been gone so
long We are such chums. Why
couldn't he have come with this Jim
Of hisG" She sighed a little. folded the
letter. and jumped TO her feet. She
stood gazing 1t the enormous clusters
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-09

of red and OF pink roses that hung over
the top Of the wall
They're hanging over in my yard,
and I'm Just going to get ladder and
pick some before that grouchy man
moves in there"
The ladder proved too short to se-
cure many sprays. but finding a hole
in the wall. she felt repaid at the
sight OF glorious riot OF rose color in
the garden.
And all for one lone, selfsh man to
enjoy. It's shame" she murmured,
as she stood perilously balanced on the
ladder. she caught the smell of cigar
smoke
why. do believe the Crouch,
that's his name. has arrived He
mustn't see me. and down the ladder
twinkled two little white feet.
The wall was long and well filled
with overhanging roses, and they sup
piled Lena with flowers for several
days.
Never once could she catch a
glimpse of the crouch behind the rose
hedge.
But one day as she stood perched
high In the air stern voice beloved:
stop stealing those roses!"
So astonished was the pretty thief
that she lost her footing vainly tried
to grasp q rose twig and fell to the
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-09
Happiness

ground. where she lay moaning, un-
needing sights or sounds.
suddenly a tall form landed beside
her.
Are you hurt at my beastly wordsg
1 thought il was boys. Will you ever
forgive me?"
"o-oh, my ankle-hurts so." walled
the girl. then looking up, she quav-
cred:
Are you-the-the grouch's garden
err" She began to whimper little, the
pain was so intense.
"The what, who?" queried the man
sravely. yet with eyes that twinkled
with humor,
II mean the grouchy old mans gar
dener: Our ne.ghbor here?"
"o-oh. see. Ye-es, yes. take care
of the roses, Come I'll help you into
the house
do you think I'll be laid UP long
with my ankle. Please say no-do."
she begged.
'I sincerely hope not Yet a sprain
is slow. you know. Sec here. I don't
suppose your folks would allow q gar
dener to call and see how you pro-
gress? II was all my fault"
Lena shook her head.
'T-dont-suppose so" she drawled
longingly. as he noted how handsome
was the face bent over her.
But l don't care II they don't. Why
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-04-09
n MOTHER night CALL" muttered
- the young doctor, as he took
- down the receiver, "snd it's

"
down the receiver, "and it's
from Marie's house.
This has been a hard day. This
morning when l called to see Marie
she said that her cousin was coming
from the country and she'd have to
entertain her. don't see why she
got mad when / told her if she was
willing to wait for the ring until next
month I'D help her. She might know
can't spend money on entertainments
and save up for the diamond. Anyway.
she refused to wear mothers pearl II
seems 20 me girls are getting swfully
eXacting. But wonder why l don't
feel the least bit sorry. ! hope It isn't
she that's IN. he added
Emitting q deep sigh, he flung on
his oYercoat. put on his hat and picked
up hts bag When he reached the
house he was met at the door by Mrs
Carver.
"oh. weren't you good 10 come out
AT this hour" she thanked him. Joe
must have eaten too much pie or
candy. for he complains OF fierce
cramps Jennie is upstairs trying to
ease him. Isn't il awful that such a