davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1925-02-05

did grandma say that, I wonder e.
She extended her left hand, bare of
ornament "Is there a ring here?"
DR.. Locke kissed it. mo, but there
soon will be-"
In the lower part of the house all
was quiet as they entered, but up
stairs they heard the sound of voices.
THAT blessed child! If you don't
harness old Kate right away aid find
her" M.
well, I'm goin', I told you" came
grandpa's growl in response.
The doctor. holding Irma's. hand.
laughed as she called out, I'm here.
grandma"
What did you run away for" de-
manded the old lady, peevishly.
"You frightened her. thought
you weren't going to fight any more"
said the doctor, accusingly.
well, that doesn't give you the
right to hold her hand, does it," In
sisted the old lady.
well, not that, exactly. But I'd
like to know, madam, why you said
she was engaged when she wasn't?"
Grandma's eyes twinkled suddenly.
Maybe I thought she would be
soon," she replied.
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1925-02-05
By Margaret Taylor

ma, he" Irma stopped. Nobody
was listening. Mrs. Newcome was
heaping vociferous abuse upon her
husband, while the old gentleman
protested his eviction loudly.
81 want my supper! I want ny
supper! It's cold out here! I want
to get warm, and I want my sup
perl"
ooh, Grandma, pleased"
Trina, you keep out of this. No
body's going to throw sticks at me
and get away with it."
Here Grandpa threw the window
open, and let in, together with vol
ume of cold air, a few well-rolled
and well-aimed snowballs, one of
which hit his better half in the face.
Irma had never seen two persons
go insane at once, but that it could
be done was evident. Somehow,
some way, she must report that her
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1925-02-05

NcWTSzNz@c @TSzGSgr 60

him ask: There's nothing coming
in from them. is there?"
Sylvia looked concerned and then
replied quietly: Ralph, have you
forgotten the coat-your lightweight
overcoat? You bought that about
the first of the month. Then there's
Busters sweater-but that won't be
much"
Ralph groaned. Good heavens,
isn't that coat paid for yet? I've
figured every way 1 can and the
check that I get the first will just
about cover the things that must be
paid. A few car go over without too
much fuss, but can't make dollar
for that coat. What in time did I
get the thing for. anyhow
1T was that cool day when we
were going out with The Gladdings.
You did not want to wear the old
Winter coat. Don't you remember"
Eyes, know, now. The skies will
have to open and rain money if pay
for that this month. Confound this
business of trying to travel with
people who make three times what I
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1925-02-05
By Parke Whitney
J 9Sl16E7 ~

Gosh, but I'm hot" Esther
echoed obediently.
Six weeks later Blanche found her
friend in the old Summer house
again.
ooh, Esther! That gray muslin!
You're prim and sweet as ever. And
how fast your hair has grown. 1t
curls so becomingly round your face.
You've been a good sport. I've kept
the run of YOU" Then, with a sharp,
swift glance at Esther's hands:
why, Esther!"
Esther quietly held up the spark
ling solitaire in it's platinum setting.
Eyes, Blanche. 1t will take me
years to live down all the ridiculous
things I've said. and done, and we're
engaged after all. Sit down Blanche,
and I'll tell you about it. Harvey
would seem perplexed and troubled,
but he didn't drop as we thought he
would. / was trying to think Of
something worse to do, and I went
to Romney for a little shopping. /
slipped into Foley's for lunch, and
Harvey and. his Aunt Harriet were
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1925-02-05

grandparents had unfortunately gone
clean out Of their heads. No doubt
they would be after her next. With
this fear upon her she rushed,
breathless, down the path leading to
the village, and ran until her knees
gave out. Just as she was begin
ming to be reconciled to a burial in
the snow the sound of sleighbells
came to her ears, and a familiar
voce hailed her.
Trina! What has happened?"
Grandpa - and grandma - have
both-gone crazy. They're in the
back yard-throwing snowballs at
each other"
DR.. Locke helped her into the
sleigh, and put his coat arounl her.
IL wouldn't worry. They often go
on a rampage like that"
"You mean-they're not crazy?"
mo, they just like to fight. And,
anyhow, that-that fellow you're en-
gagged to ought to look after you bet
ter than he does. The idea Of"
"The man I'm engaged to" Irma
stared.
Aren't you? Your grandmother
said"
Irma began to laugh. Nov, why
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1925-02-05
.Y6zSla GtSsZS 5000

The time for his vacation ap-
preached and he spent many weary
hours in a vain attempt to decide
whether to choose a lonely spot far
from the reach of feminine wiles, or
70 make a last valiant effort to find
his ideal among the crowds of a pop
ular hotel.
Only two days left. and the ques-
ton still undecided!
Finally, in a moment of despera-
ton, he boarded an outbound train.
destination unknown. A feeling OF
restfulness, came over him as ne
sank into the plush-covered chair.
Now, Lady Luck, it's up to you, !"
he unused. 1--WE done my best.
But it became increasingly evil
dent that luck had perversely de-
serted him. Romance, indeed.
seemed dead. Re bought ticket to
the end of the train route, and set
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1925-02-05

be worried to pieces about what he
might say or do next"
II don't want to marry Ned Gold
ing, or any of his bunch. It's just
that l have seen more Of the world
and have different ideals. But I've
gone so far that there seems nothing
for me to do but to go on with"
IT see, dearie You don't want to
break Harvey's heart"
"'Of course not"
"And you wouldn't for anything
be dishonorable."
'Not for the world"
$50 when he offers the ring you'll
feel bound to accept it,
II certainly shall.
Blanche's vivid little face was all
alight with eagerness.
Esther, if you'll put yourself in
my hands for a little, he'll never Of
fer it. Not that I'd advise you to
turn Harvey down, but if you're sure
you want to, it's dead easy. Are you
game?"
but what do you mean, Blanche? q
"Just this. You know how Har-
vey hates a fiapper. I'll make a flap
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1925-02-05
By Clyde Weldon

do! Cady is getting a little touchy:
We have let their account go over
once too often.
"At least we can sleep; that's free
for a few days anyway" he added,
yawning.
The offending lamp was turned off
and the tired, worried couple
dragged themselves up the stairs.
Ralph, Ralph, come quick, the
baby" called frightened voice. a
few hours later.
Its a copvulsion," she gasped, be-
tween sobs. eve got to keep him
warm. Get DR.. Reynolds, quick.
quick, quick!"
Ralph hurried to the phone, only
to find their family physician out on
a call. There was no chance of
reaching him for several hours.
Back he rushed where the little boy
they loved lay in a steaming tub of
water. His little body was stiff and
set, his big blue eyes rolled far back
in his head.
HE will be here soon?" questioned
Sylvia, weakly.
Hes out. Don't lose your nerve.
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1925-02-05
An Elusive Ideal

killed. distracting eyes of velvet
brown.
Ray sank back with a distinctly
audible groan. The fact that his
neighbor was obviously very pretty
served in no wise to lessen the blow.
She was not his ideal and, therefore,
could be of no possible interest to
him.
The conductor entered at this
juncture and rudely disturbed the
morose young man, who was glaring
disconsolately from the window, by
a request for the young mans ticket.
He turned, and responding sharply,
There it is, don't bother me-" was
soon again lost in a gloomy thought.
A slight disturbance across the
aisle caused him to turn angrily.
Couldn't they let a man think in
peace?s
The young lady in gray was ex-
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1925-02-05

band. "That thing you have On is a
wreck. That scatterbrain Thistle
certainly lived up to her name when
she spilled punch all over your
dress. And, incidentally, if you
haven't been too much occupied try
ing to decide whether you will wear
crepe or lace, or whatever thing it
Is you can't decide, look me over
carefully. Get the green sheen this
coat is taking on? 1t never occurs to
you that strong light shows up the
defects in 10-year-old dress suit.
A clean collar is all I need. / sup
pose"
A tired look passed over Ralph's
face.
Lets not squabble like this" he
pleaded, latter every party we go to.
Why can't we stay home once in a
while and get caught up on sleep? 1t
seems like million years since I
got up in the morning without using
gallons Of cold water on my face be-
fore I could wake up. Really, I'm
fed up on this social especial
ly when we can't afford to do it,"
A quick glance from Sylvia made
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1925-02-05

I'll try someone else"
But I don't want anyone else"
she pleaded.
Neither do I, but we must have
doctor. I'll try Underwood. The
Bradleys have him sometimes"
did you get him. Ralph?' called
Sylvia, few moments later.
mo; he's out, too. Expect him
any minute Going to call us"
"The baby's better. 1 wrapped
him in blankets and put him in
bed" Sylvia voiced a whispered
warming: Don't let him know
you're worried. He is conscious
now"
Lets burn few papers in the
fireplace to take off the chill"
Anything was better than just
waiting for the DOCTOR
Il should stay with him." objected
Sylvia.
Let him sleep If he will. Keep
him quiet until Underwood comes.
Strange things these doctors are out
tonight. Wouldn't happen again in
a hundred years, l suppose. He
looked pretty sick, didn't he? What
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1925-02-05
A. Passing Phase

advise it; and don't miss the train!"
Esther kept her appointment, and
Blanche whirled her from place. to
place until, by 4 o'clock, she con-
sidered the transformation complete.
ooh Esther!" she choked, You're
a scream. But you make a pretty
fapper, dearie. Just look at your
self in this long mirror"
Esther gave one glance. "Oh,
Blanche!" she echoed, sinking into
the depths of convenient chair.
Esther! Be a, sport. Here, light
cigarette. That's perfect. I wish
I didn't have to go away Friday, but
1 know / can depend On you to carry
it through. You never were quit
ter. When / come back, you will be
free and Harvey not heart-broken,
but very likely engaged to Martha
Kent. You know, he always admired
her."
Eyes, I know he did. Can't we
get out in the air? It's rather warm
here"
Sure, we can. But don't speak
with, that ladylike air, Esther. Say,
Gosh! but I'm hot'.''
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1925-02-05
l6SSEANQeW0SSHN ZGKSS10ROSSN

scape; where mountain piled on
mountain sheltered beautiful green
valleys, and waterfalls filled the air
with thunderous music. Each day
brough some beautiful new discov-
cry, until, before they knew it, the
frost lay on the ground, and the
young doctor was asking himself
why, if Irma was engaged. her flance
did not come to claim her.
The first snow had fallen. In the
Newcome cottage, Grandma was
brewing tea when Grandpa, returning
from the woodshed with an armful
of flrewood, dropped a heavy piece at
her feet. Grandma grabbed her faith
full spouse by the collar, opened the
door, and thrust him into the snow.
There, that will teach you not to
go throwing things at me. you old
villain"
"But he-he didn't mean to, Grand
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1925-02-05

~ AY CARvELLE was something
TX of a dreamer and very much
of an idealist. So far most OF
his illusions had been rudely shat
tered, but he had preserved his
dream of an ideal romance intact
from all the world. His friends
scoffed at him, and laughingly re-
ferred to him as the "old bach. and
at 80 the indications seemed strongly
in favor of their being right.
He had his ideal, his dream pic
ture, and every girl who entered his
life was measured by this standard.
Needless to say, the majority of them
fell far short.
One day, after being numerically
chaffed by his closest friend, he was
trapped into the admission that his
ideal was a blonde, with blue eyes,
complexion Of peaches, and cream,
about five feet six inches tall, with
the disposition of an angel to bal
ance his own somewhat eTratic
temper. With this scant informa-
ton Sid Payson had to be content,
and he promised faithfully to be on
the lookout for any girls answering
this most exacting description.
cit won't do any GOOD" responded
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1925-02-05

per of you in less than no time.
Well go shopping tomorrow. Youth
have to drop some of your prim lit
tie ways, smoke a few cigarettes,
and put a more up-to-date tone into
your conversation. 1t will be glori-
Gus fun when we once get started.
But I'll have to skip" glancing at her
wrist. Tomorrow, Esther? Well
take the S:15 for Romney to have a
good long day for your transforms
ton. Well go to the BARRIERS first
of ALL"
"The barber's?" faltered Esther.
"Sure. Doesn't Harvey loathe
bobbed hair?"
"Ye-es." Esther hesitated. She
wasn't quite sure she wanted Har-
vey's distaste for her to reach the
point of loathing. Eyes, Blanche, he
does.''
Blanche held Esther firmly with
her vivacious gaze.
Esther, are you backing out, or
will you be a sport?'
II will be a sport"
"Good work! Only, remember II
you're sorry afterward that didn't
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1925-02-05

Ray, glumly. "the meeting has to be
romantic-that's one of the chief
qualifications, and true romance is
dead. Yes, dead" he repeated trag-
ically, at his friends politely sur
prised glance. "The romance OF
knights and chivalry, of castle bat
Elements, noble chargers, and fair
ladies to be rescued. I won't be sat
isfled with anything less than the
real thing"
"You ought to go into the movies"
Sid answered. alphabetically, as he
lodged a book flung by his unap-
preciative listener.
Guess I'd better move on. Pleas
ant dreams" he chuckled amiably,
as he slammed the door On an ex-
pressive imprecation from within.
And so Ray continued his seem
ingly hopeless search. 1t led past
many girls, but all of them lacked
some element essential to his ideals.
In this disconnected frame of mind
he went about his work, not caring
whether he made good In his profess
sion or not, and blindly impervious
to any distracting feminine glances
cast at his extremely eligible per-
son.
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1925-02-05
Nv YELL, this is the last straw!
Nv We simply can't afford this

party that's coming off.
We can't do it!
Ralph Vaughn dropped YEARLY in
to big armchair that was placed
inyitingly near the new floor lamp.
He frowned as the thought of the
unpaid bill came to him.
That's another thing we couldn't
afford" he growled, sending limp
kick In the direction of the lamp.
You told me to get it," answered
his wife. Heaven knows I waited
until everyone else in the crowd had
one, and then some"
"The crowd! The crowd! Can't
you women think of anything else
but the other silly geese you are fol-
lowing?"
"We women!" exclaimed the over
wrought little lady, who had danced
all evening after hard days work
at home. How about you men, with
your radios and all the new parts
you buy?"
This party means new evening
gown. I suppose" returned her hus-
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1925-02-05
cgSg1gSgvgYgtg @T2sgIS&Y1
By Monte Darrell
SSys1ag16NSgsYG6

planning, with lightning flashes of the
hitherto velvet eyes, that she could
not find her ticket, and couldn't i'm
agine where it was.
Under other circumstances here
would have been true romancei The
obvious thing to do was to rush to
her assistance. A damsel in distress.
indeed. If only she had been a
blondel But she wasn't. That
much was very evident.
Ray turned resolutely back to his
neglected window, and looked stolid-
ly out upon the rapidly receding
station, but the puzzled, half-sright-
ened, yet angry eyes Of the girl
across the aisle seemed inextricablv
a part OF the landscape. Then Ray,
with a last forlorn glance of apol-
ogy at the radiant blonde vision Of
his ideal, turned quickly on the
astonished official, and, with all the
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1925-02-05

~ EEING Grandma Newcome beck
oning, DR.. Locke stopped his
machine.
What do you think said the old
lady, coming forward, excitedly my
granddaughter from the city is COM
ing to live with us. She'll be here
tomorrow"
That's f1ne. Is she pretty?" The
doctor grinned.
"She is, but it won't do you any
good. She's engaged. You can come
In and see her, though"
"I should say yes. A pretty girl
is an asset, even If she is engaged.
Only don't you and your husband
start fghting again, and scare her
away"
The old lady looked embarrassed
"Doc, you, WON'T tell Irma that her
grandfather and / fight"
Young DR.. Locke laughed. u
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1925-02-05

and they needed him just call and
he would be- right over. Otherwise
he would be there the first thing IN
the morning.
A light case of measles was the
report next morning. The fresh air
and open spaces in the little suburb
where they moved Immediately after
the youngsters recovery put HIM on
his feet again.
A few months later Ralph came
swinging up the path to the little
bungalow with the air of a happy
man.
paid our last outstanding bill to-
day, Sylvia. We're debt free! The
boy needed new badge of prosperi-
ty, so 1 got him pair of overalls.
Ralph chuckled as If he was Inn
mensely pleased.
II saw Thistle Gray and Bill to-
day. They fairly shuddered when !
told them where we were living.
They had nothing on me. I shud-
dered when I thought how many
years it would be before he could
assure her that they were free from
the old tyrant debt. bet their bills
would make the national debt look
fairly reasonable
Ralph watched his wife going from
one thing to another as she prepared
their supper, and he smiled as he
asked, Sorry we moved?"
But Sylvia didn't answer; her
sparkling eyes spoke for her.
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1925-02-05

tied down to wait. There were girls
in plenty, to be sure, but not blue
eyed blond within the radius of his
two days journey.
Then very dainty, slender. young
person, demurely clad in a gray
travelling suit, more than Offset by a
daring little creation of poppy-red,
daintily set on an adorable little
head, seated herself in the opposite
compartment.
Ray stared frankly, with breath
less interest, but the light was ex-
tremely poor. If she would only
take off that hat Shortly after, his
ardor was rewarded. She was TAX
ing it off. though very slowly.
3reathlessly he waited. Just then the
door opened and let in some light.
and he had an unobstructed view of
a perfectly-waved couture of shin
ing iet-black, beneath which spar
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1925-02-05
causes convulsions? wrong food?"

causes commissions? Wrong food?"
Sometimes. Then again it may
be the beginning of something like
scarlet fever or measles" answered
Sylvia in a dull, even voice.
"You don't think-the poor kid,
and we left him for fool dance to-
night. Suppose he had been taken
sick while we were-oh, what's the
use of fretting about that Just the
same. I'm glad we were home"
I'm glad, too, Ralph. I've been
doing some hard thinking for the
last few minutes"
$50 have I, old girl"
do you remember how we
planned our own home and how we
were going to buy one in a few
years? At the rate we are going we
will never even start on it. What do
you say? Shall we look over those
bungalows that the Whites spoke
about down in that suburban place
where they moved that is" with a
tremble in her voice, chat is, if the
boy comes through all right?"
ooh, he will be all right" Ralph
replied, and hoped his voice sounded
more convincing than he felt. ut
won't do any harm to look them
over"
A sharp whirr interrupted their
quiet talk. DR.. Underwood was on
the wire. Could he help them? The
child was sleeping, that was good
thing; but if he woke in the night
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1925-02-05

"Why, Esther Barden! Harvey's
as good as wheat. Isn't he, now?" 81
ooh, yes, better, perhaps" Esther
said with little sigh. "But some
times one looks for few peoples in
the wheat"
1--WE think so much of him in the
family" Blanche went on with a
positive little nod "He is so depend
able; always the same"
II know, Blanche" Esther an
swered YEARLY; "but sometimes one
might like him to be different"
Blanche looked thoughtful-for
her.
Perhaps I ought to tell you, Es-
ther,e OF saw Harvey in at Hunt and
Forsyth's, and he was buying ring.
Wasn't it for you
II suppose it was
"And you mean to refuse it?"
mo, Blanche. 1 can't, after things
have gone so far. But almost wish
l could
"Why, Esther!"
TITS just like this, Blanche. You
know / spent month in Melton
with Anne Golding, and met young
men that are different. They take
you by surprise, even shock you a
little. You don't. always know be-
forehand just what they're going to
do or say next"
"But I'll tell you one thing, Esther
Barden: If you were married to Ned
Golding or any of his bunch, you'd
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1925-02-05
RAglgsl
NGSgSlaNSsu1Sy s12SSSX

air Of valiant knight Of old, ad-
vanced to do battle for his lady.
Some months later, when Ray and
his radiant young bride (the latter
with startling little hame-cplored
turban replacing the poppy hat)
were visiting the East, they CHANGED
to meet certain chum of Rays by
the name of Payson. This gentle
man glanced quizically at Mrs. Car
velle upon being presented, and then,
to her mystihcation and her hus-
bands evident chagrin, murnured:
Blonde, blue-eyed, and at least five
feet six inches tall, with the dispo-
sition of an angel"
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1925-02-05

n RY! but it's good to be in this
M old Summer house with you
again, Esther. And you
haven't changed-just as prim and
pretty and sedate as ever. That gray
dress suits you. Esther. 1t matches
your eyes"
Blanche Avery glanced approving
ly at her friends trim figure clad
with not unbecoming severity.
"And you haven't altered, either,
Blanche-just as pert and mischiev-
Gus and up-to-date as ever"
"Oh, piffe! If you call me up-to-
date I wish you could see the Wood
mansee girls. Their fall suits are a
scream. I came out on the car with
my cousin Harvey and If you could
have seen his face when they got
aboard. Can you imagine it?'
Easily, Blanche"
Blanche laughed with knowing
air.
"Of course. You know him in all
his phases. I've kept track of you,
cherie, and in the car Harvey was
quite confidential. He's expecting a
raise from the bank soon, and he
hopes to be able to announce his en-
gagement. / didn't ask who"
The shadow in Esther's eyes deep
ened.
"But we aren't engaged yet"
"No. But of course you will be-
You are as good as engaged?"
"Or as bad. Blanche
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1925-02-05

won't if you promise not to provoke
him."
"That old man"
"Come, you're worse than he Is,
and you know it. So you just mend
your ways" The doctor drove away,
still laughing. The Newcomes had a
reputation.
The next day as DR.. Locke passed
the farmhouse young girl sat on
the porch, Smelling peas. The doc
tors pulses skipped beat. Big,
brown, heavily-lashed eyes she had,
and shining, wavy hair; a delicate
complexion, and small, regular fea-
lures.
"I'll bet an onion" said the doc
tor, with his genial smile, "that this
is granddaughter. I'm DR.. Locke. "
She smiled. "And I'm Irma New
come"
Grandma Newcome poked her