davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-04
Hearts s Desire
By MARY BELL

You can go out this way" suggested Moberly as he went towards the dool of the private room. Opening it he put his hand on his shoulder and said, Good luck, my boy" Quietly he closed the door and smiling to himself returned tc his desk while Rupert hurrying towards the next door was suddenly confronted by Joan,
 "Joan?' he questioned as she raised her eyes to his, while in voice trem- bling with incredulity she whispered Rupert"
 Rushing to her side he said, "Oh my darling, I've been brute! Joan, Joan will you let me explain about my ter rible mistake. You know I still love you, love you desperately" and he seized her clenched hands which were pressed against her chair.
 Rupert" she said, and there were tears in her eyes.
 ~ Crushing her to his heart, he stam- mered brokenly, five been fool, sweetheart--when I heard you had a fortune and wrote clever stories I just decided everything had been a mistake and that you really didn't care for me"
 You nearly broke my heart," .whis- pered Joan as the tears trembled on her long, curling lashes.
 'Then you really loved me all the time, sweetheart" questioned Rupert as he sought to read her answer in her tear-dimmed eyes.
 ''Of course I did. You surely didn't imagine that was playing at love" she murmured brokenly.
 "Oh Joan, will you ever forgive me for the way I've hurt you?" and Ru- perts voice shook with emotion.
 Joan blinked the tears from her eyes and throwing her lovely arms about his neck raised er.lips to receive the kisses so long denied. Her doubts were set at rest and as Rupert looked into the starry eyes into which peace had re- turned, he whispered, Wont you come back with me to Hearts Desire today? We can get married this afternoon, dearest"
 ''Then you really want me, Rupert. dear"
 ''Of course do, my darling. daren't leave you again." he said as once more he kissed the fair, face that nestled in his arms.
 Come with me, sweetheart. Sonny's almost heartbroken without his Miss Fairy 7" and Rupert smoothed the silky hair that brushed against his cheek.
 ITO Hearts Desire! Oh, Rupert, with you and Sonny there's nothing else to wish for!'
 THE END.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-04
Listening h On Foe

a familiarity that is never warranted and never welcomed. By people bare ly know I'm called not Mrs. McDee, but Mrs. Me. Workmen who come to my home, tradesmen I meet in shops and people I encounter in the most casual way seem to think they are showing their friendliness by addressing me as Mrs. Nc. They think they are being agreeable, but they are not! 1T go to the market to order dinner and the butcher behind the block holds up a piece of steak or a chicken and assures me That will eat fine, Mrs. Mo- Clerks, behind counters taking my order for groceries or dry goods or what not inquire solicitously, And will that be all, Mrs. Mc?' The janitor who meets me in the entrance to our apart ment building never neglects to inform me that It's fine day, Mrs. Me-
 Its the same with my husband, poor dear. He's not McDee, but only Me, to every one he knows. Long ago he got over his surprise at being called Me by young whippersnappers at the club and everywhere else and he always expects that any man he is introduced to one minute will be calling him Me the next. But, being a man, he doesn't mind SO much, and he tells me not to worry"
 But never address you as Mrs. Me-" protested the slender matron.
 Sure you don't" agreed the substan- tial dowager. People with good man. ners never do."
 "Well, should think you would tell them your name was not Mrs. Me, but Mrs. McDee, and put a stop to their familiarity" put in the daughter.
 "Yes, that would be fine, wouldn't it-telling them something they know already. And as for stopping them, if naughty looks and an icy manner could kill I should have stopped them long ago."
 Well, here we are," sighed the dow ager, glancing out as the car came to halt before a rich apartment building. You've brought me home before I knew it and I'm sure I'm obliged to you. And I apologize for talking so much, though, I suppose, in spite of all I have said, young lady, you'll go right ahead and marry your young McWealthy."
 'Yes, in spite of what you have said, I think I shall," nodded the demure daughter.
 'Very well, do, then, if you must" said the dowager, gathering up the last of her bundles, 'but when the grocer's boy first addresses you as Mrs. Me don't forget that I warned you"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-04
Chapter XLVIH 4 $ JOHN MOBERLY told his wife

N o JOIlAN MObLQLl lOtu W IN "A about Rupert's call and his story of the shattered romance, she ex claimed, 'Oh John, you must bring out their affairs! They're both des perately in love with each other and yet they're so stupid. Won't you, dear est?" and slipping on his knees she put her arms about his neck.
 q wish I could,' he answered slowly But you must" she insisted. 'You said that Rupert was coming in again tomorrow. Can't you get Joan down to the office on some pretext and then -" she laughed as her glance rested on her husbands face, for he was smil- ing at her earnestness.
 "We'n see," he replied, but Mrs. Mob- erly knew from long experience that she had gained her point and that no stone would be left unturned in Johns effort to patch up the lovers misunderstood ing.
 Not satisfied with her munitions in spite of what loans conversation with her husband corroborated she had called one afternoon at Sylvia's studio. Joan was all alone but with her ready sym pathy Mrs. Moberly had quickly learned that she still loved Rupert despite his abrupt breaking of the engagement. Other plans to bring the lovers together were forming in her mind but she had implicit confidence in her husband and was determined that through his efforts they should be united
 The following morning John Moberly went to his office bright and early. He asked Joan to call but when she arrived his secretary told her he was busy and invited her to wait few minutes in small room that opened off his office.
 A little later Rupert appeared and when he entered the office, Moberly greeted him warmly. They discussed af- fairs of the day for short time, then Moberly said, Now, young man, I've been thinking of what you told me yes terday and I've come to the conclusion that it's your duty to explain your point of view to the young woman and then hear what she has to say. Remember, every one sets different values on diff ferent things. You took for granted that because she had a fortune-and you don't know whether it's bagatelle or a million-and has a reputation for writing stories that she wants nothing else. Perhaps you're allawrong and the thing she desires above all else is your love- Why don't ybu find out?"
 At these words Rupert rose and said, Perhaps I'd better. See you later"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-04
We Women
AN ORIGINAL CHILD

"HERE is practically no limit tc the mischievous things an invent i've and active-minded child can think of doing. It is useless to make a list of the things it should not do, dan gerous in fact, with that type of child If he adheres strictly and obediently to your list of must nots" he will spon- taneously think of something stranger and more awful than you ever dreamed of and triumphantly do it. Why not! You didn't tell him not to!
 There was once rainy day, an ener- getic child and a weary mother. There was little left, the mother felt despair ingly, for him to do. He had exhausted all imaginary possibilities of mischief so she left him alone a few minutes to play with his marbles. Don't" was her parting instruction, "put those mar bles in your mouth." She had already removed from his mouth button, the stopper of an ink bottle and cigarette butt. >>
 He didn't put the marble in his
 mouth. He probably had never
 thought of it, but the suggestion
 gave him a new and splendid idea.
 He put it up his nose and there it
 remained until the doctor was sum-
 mOned.
 I know six-year-old who far out strips the marble boy in imagination: It remained for this up-to-date and promising youngster to dismember his toy airplane and inhale the propeller. He made a good job of it. In order not to be caught red-handed in the act, all traces of the deed were over when his mother reappeared. The airplane was short a screw and a propeller, but his mother was not of mechanical turn of mind and noticed nothing wrong. Even the sore throat Bobby developed that evening failed to suggest anything unusual to her. She in no way connect ed with the plane. Nor did the doctor who diagnosed diphtheria and injected an anti-toxin.
 Two days later, since the anti
 toxin had little or no effect on the
 propeller, and the sore throat still
 persisted, another consultation was
 held. By this time the propeller
 had been missed and 8 thorough
 search was instituted. Aided by
 the X.ray, the missing parts were
 finally located.
 Bobby and the> >airplane are both do- ing well.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-04
Random Notes

r. and Mrs. F. T. Maclean have ed into their new home on Linwood !, Forest Park.
 and Mrs. Michael Moran have They were accompanied by B. Bragan.
 lss Mahdah Redin of Paris, Anre, who spent the winter in Bir- singham last year during which time 6e was formally introduced to society 7 her aunt, Mrs. A. J. Bowron, will ind in New York City this week and i'll arrive in Birmingham the follow 1g week to spent the winter with an- ther aunt, Mrs. I. c. Beatty and Miss Iughie Beatty, at their home on Clair lont avenue. Mr. Frederick Robbins of Atlantic 'ity is the guest of MT. and Mrs. H. !. Ryding. He will leave Saturday ith MT. Ryding and a number of other birmingham men for New Orleans and |e delta for a hunt of several days. Miss. Sarah Gottlieb has returned n a two weeks visit to friends and lives in Starksville, Miss.
 Mary Elizabeth Southgate re-
 Tuesday evening from Colum-
 where she has been visiting End Mrs. Alan Spearman (Grace aw) have returned from their B trip and are at home at the
 Manor.
 
 !. p. Pearce has returned from
 where she spent Thanksgiv-
 avs with her son and daugh-
 and Margaret, who are attend
 bl.
 
 ls of Mrs. J. E. McAllister will
 to know that she is improving
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-04
WOMAN'S DAILY MAGAZINE

cient and Modern will be the subject. A talk will be made by Mir. H. H. Hawkins. Current Art News" with Mrs. Louise Cone, leader.
 .,& ssx
 The Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity alumnae will hold a dinner business meeting of the Birmingham alumnae chapter Friday evening, December 6 at 2 p. m., at the Greenwood cafe. The Ladies Auxiliary of the A. O.. H., will meet Thursday at 2 p. m., at the Knights of Columbus hall.
 
 Rev. J. A. Bryan invites the Confed- crate Veterans of Jefferson county to come to his church, corner of Avenue G and Twenty second street, Sunday,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-04

following an illness and will be re- moved from the Norwood infirmary to her home today.
 Mrs. Ed Norment is convalscing fol lowing a recent illness.
 
 Mrs. c. P. Underwood is in Mont gomery attending the meeting of the State Federation board.
 Mrs. c. NJ. Williamson is attending the meeting of the board of the State Federation in Montgomery.
 Henry s. Ryall. Jr, has returned to the Columbia Military Academy, after spending the Thanksgiving holidays with his parents, MT. and Mrs. Henry Ryall.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-04
MIR. AND MRS. NORMENT HONOR WEDDING PARTY

Mushat, dr., whose wedding will be sol emnized this afternoon at 5: 80 o'clock at the home of her parents, Mir. and Mrs. c. p. Carper, on Mountain ave nue, were complimented Monday eve ming, when MT. and Mrs. A. R. Nor ment entertained with an informal din ner party at the Country club The guests included only the members of the wedding party.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-04
'Today's Thought
 Ry REV. KENNETH OWENS

This is life eternal."-St. John 17-3 ''This is life eternal" Carry on the fight He watches over us
 Through the day and night. Lift His banners up,
 Do not sulk or shirk, Be happy in His faith;
 His tender, friendly work. Aid the weak and ailing, Carry on his tasks; And do thy duty bravely, And all thy conscience asks. Copyright, 1924 by The Readers
 Syndicate. Incl
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-04
BARRETT SCHOOL PARENT
 TEACHERS TO HOLD MEETING

The Barrett Parent-Teachers associa- tion will meet this afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. All members are urged to at tend. An interesting program has been prepared. The story hour for the small children will be conducted by Mrs. J. E. Murphee. At the last meeting Mrs. E. D. Brown handled the story hour entertainingly. On this occasion the musical program will be given by Mrs. Clement Smith.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-04
TRIALS OF THE MCS

l//Vx7ON'T you ride home with us? SS w smiled the slender little ma W tron to the substantial dow ager as they happened to emerge to- gether from the big street store at the end of a perfect day. Our car has just driven up and we are ready to go."
 Well, was going home on the bus, v replied the substantial dowager, "but don't mind saying 1 should much pre- fer to go with you"
 "I'm sure we're glad to have you purred the slender matron enthusiastic cally, as the store footman opened the door of the car to let them enter. "I think it was fine that we happened to meet just as we did. Besides, l want you to know my daughter" she contin- ued, smiling proudly at pretty young woman cuddled gracefully in a corner of the back seat.
 And I'm glad to know her," boomed the dowager, settling back in her seat. This must be the little lady who's go- ing to marry young McWealthy."
 'Tndeed, she is," beamed the slender matron proudly. "Isn't she lucky?"
 "Well, I suppose so," assented the dowager rather doubtfully, "but@
 But what, Mrs. McDee?" anxiously asked the slender matron at the end of rather awkward pause. Why this lack of enthusiasm? I'm sure the Me Wealthys are fine people and their son is a most eXemplary-
 "The McWealthys are good people, as you say" interrupted the dowager. ''Theyre all that their name suggests and their son would be as fine a son-in- law as anybody could ask, I have no doubt But before a daughter of mine married him I'd warn her"
 q don't understand you," protested the slender matron."
 No, I don't suppose you do," went on the dowager. You haven't had my experience"
 Experience of what?'
 Experience of names, to be sure, and before I'd let daughter of mine marry McWealthy or any other man whose name begins with Me I'd be sure to let her know the consequences"
 But Mrs. McDee, your own name begins with Mac," protested the slender matrOn.
 "Surely it does, and we'll know it {! Not only does it begin with Me, but in nine cases out of ten it ends there."
 Ends therc?'
 Well, of course, you have had no occasion as yet to notice the peculiarity of all names beginning with Me. But I have, and this is it: They seem to invite from chance acquaintances and from people one does not care to know
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-04

December 2 at Il o'clock to hear ser- mon especially for them. He hopes for a large attendance.
 The Glen Iris School ParentT Teacher association will meet Thursday at 3 :15. All members are asked to attend as plans for the Christmas party will be made.
The Washington times., 1924-04-08
Continued from Yesterday

She sat at the window, staring
into the back yard. Wilde saw
her and barked, paving with his
front leg. When she paid no
attention he scratched and Whined
SO at the kitchen door, Mrs.
Janis let him in. He came
bounding to Chickie's door,
knocking his flank against it.
When she let him in he barked
as though he would inquire what
she meant sitting there so quiet.
He looked up at her, his ears erect
and his tail stiff.
She stroked him ahsently. He
crouched moment, his head be-
tween his paws; then he went over
to the closet and fetched her shoe,
dropped it at her feet. He did this
several times, leaping up and CIV
ing her cheek a few hasty ticks
with his tongue.
/. At last he seemed to understand
and put his head on her knee.
This touched her-oh, a dog has
such kind, kind look about him.
She caught the loose skin about
his neck and rolled it..
So he thought it was all right
and went dashing to the Kitchen
for his leash. He brought it
eloquently and laid it at her feet.
She dressed then, and went out.
It was like the night she had taken
Wilde and climbed so frantically
to the top of the Twenty-first
street hill-that night she knew
for sure how Life had cornered
her and that there could be no
escape.
They went now through those
streets where old homes were
turned into boarding houses.
Chicl1ie walked quickly, coming to
West Third and out there, because
it seemed like home and she had
come to love the hills.
Far up where there was but one
old house she found a rock. She
sat here. Wilde brought her a
The Washington times., 1924-04-08
B Y

Well. he left. He didn't say a
word. He left"
You quarreled? He left In
anger?"
She shook her head. 1--WE
didn't quarrel. He left. That's
But chickie saw the crushed,
: accusing look on the young.
ashen face, heard that sound as 1t
came broken and living in its
pain from Lee Willman's lips.
She shut her eyes, pressing her
fingers against her throat.
Norp Whitman came to her
side. He kept brushing his hat
with his palm. What do you
think, Miss Bryce? VIII you an
swer--was he desperate? He left
his own home in frenzy"
II don't know-he was only
here a moment"
The father stood there trying
to wiring words from her, asking
questions, until finally she went
and leaned against the bed, cover
ing her face with her hands.
I've told you all--everything."
my son, Miss Bryce, my only
son. If you hear, will you let
me know? VIII you phone me
at once?"
She nodded. But won't hear.
Oh, IL you would ask something
: that / can do. If I knew where
to go-I would do anything-any
thing"
She saw Lee Wilman lying in
the hills, face down, no life in
the long, slender form. Her.
thought revolted against the
image, against the Judgment that
she had brought him there. Yet
she turned SICK with fear.
She followed Norp Whitman to
the door. She looked into the
mans quiet. gloomy eyes: Can /
help? Do you want me with
your"
He put on his hat, pulling 1t
down in a listless way, a thing
lonely and pitiful like a great
failure, about him. "No-I have
searchers out Ihought you
could advise me-thought he
might have told his PLAN"
He never said word"
Again Chickie stood behind
that closed door-and she was
now so blanched; so weakened
with alarms. life seemed passing
from her. She had little thought
Of herself; of the shame put
upon her.
She saw this father, who for
the first time looked old and
helpless; saw him pulling on his
hat in that forlorn way; saw
men searching the hills. She had
a wish to go out herself, climb
through the brush, kneel at Lee
Willman's side, speak softly.
But she could never give him
back what she had taken away
any more than she could return
to Jimmy the full, pure sweet
ness Of his love.
Ito Be Continued Tomorrow
The Washington times., 1924-04-08
The. Sequel to ''Chickie' Elenore * Meheri

looked squarely with her own
thought at the thing she had
done.
Loved-yes, too wildly. Edith
did this. She was not judged.
But Edith had no child; Edith
had not been discovered. That
was the sin. The child-and then
being tracked!
But how could the child-that
little soft thing with it's pretty
red hair---how could that make
the deed any worse?
On, she mustn't think about
that-poor little thing-yet bet
ter dead-much better.
But she did think of it.
And the thought softened her. No,
she wouldn't call the child a sin
never. The sin was hers. It
was no worse-not nearly as vic.
ious as Edith Potter's sin.
There went Ntirring through
her subtle resentment, and
this hardened-this made her lips
straighten. Edith was not lost;
she, Chickie. was not lost. She
felt an antagonism, a young, hot
bitterness, against this woman
who had so humbIed her.
But 1t was "a strengthening
thing-made her wish to defend
herself; made her wish to show
Barbara, show everyone, she was
not bad-not all bad.
Yet the next morning she didn't
go to work. Early-before noon,
Mrs. Janis came up.
There Is a man who wishes
to see you"
Chickie was alarmed. "Who is
he--Is Miss Cheeseman in the
parlor?"
"Yes-she's sewing"
And as Chiclie stood at the
door, nervous, uncertain, Lee
Whitman came up the stairs. He
stepped between Mrs. Janis and
Chickie. He said: LET me see
you in there-alone-"
His face was winter than chalk.
The Washington times., 1924-04-08
CHAPTER XIII.
Accusation


HE left Riverside yesterday
morning. He was very much
shaken. He said he was coming
here" Norp Whitman spoke
heavily. He had been standing
with his weight resting on his
hands. Nov he turned the chair
and slumped into it, half shading
his face with a great handkerchief.
HE didn't get here"
Chickie answered with her
breath crowding and faint: yes"
She. tried to think clearly, but the
air was thick and damp. 1t
seemed rising in waves, half
drowning her. :
He got here?"
"Oh, yes"
The fathers somber eyes sur
veyed her, then shifted. He passed
his hand again and again over his
face. do you know where he
went, Miss Bryce? Did he say
what he was going to dor"
AS he asked this the blood
seemed to drop from his cheeks.
Chickie stood before him, her eyes
lowered as one accused. The sense
of guilt pressed upon her, robbing
her of strength.
He didn't say; no-he didn't
say"
Whitman rose, standing uncer-
tain and struggling. He started to
speak, became absorbed rubbing
his hand over his hat. Finally he
tore the words out. my son is a
strange boy. He always was.
understand he was in love with
you-wished to marry you. He
quarreled with his sister yester-
day on account of you"
Chickie closed her eyes. Yes
Pardon me-if you would tell
me how he left-you are the last
person to see him. How was he?
Did he make any threats?"
1t became now an effort to
breathe-an effort to keep the
form of Lee Willman's father from
wavering before her. Yet she
heard in her mind an imperious
command, like another voice, or
dering her to speak; demanding
that she put down this violent
weakness that went with such
heavy pulsing through her nerves.
She said In a low, distant tone:
There were things told about me.
He thought them false. When
he found that they were true-I
told him so; l had to tell him.
The Washington times., 1924-04-08

stick and wanted to play. She
shook her head. She said: ooh,
sit down-dog-sit here" He
crouched against her, his long, wet
nose in her elbow.
One o'clock. They would be get.
ting ready soon. Had they told
Barbara? How cruel that would
be? Who would take her place?
She loved Barbara - loved the
warm, bright enthusiasm; envied
the dear, tender dreams. Now she
+ had spoiled Barbara's wedding day;
now she had viciously hurt Bar
bara's faith.
Oh, she never should have let
them presaude her! She thought
Of this achingly long while.
She covered because she fancied
Barbara drawing back with horror
from this thought of Chickie; re-
coiling just as she recoiled that
long distant day in the office when
Janina told her all men were faith
less. That made them interesting!
She-Chickie-was person like
LHdC-d person LndL young girl
should not know-an evil person,
a thing of shame.
She could scarcely breathe,
thinking this and thinking that.
Then the vision of Edith came to
her-Edith with her eyes hard and
buring, ordering her from the
house.
Suddenly Chickie said to herself
with surprise, "She is worse than
l." She said this over again and
It was like a stiffening in her
nerves stimulant poured
into her brain.
She said aloud, "She does worse
than 1 ever did-much worse"
Yet Edith Potter was not
ashamed. Barbara did not recoil
from her. Edith was matron of
honor-queenly in a dress of gold.
Chickie trembled. For the first
time since last April - the first
time since the world had found
her out - she stepped aside and