davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-12-23

nave given me--your Soul--no opportu-
NIFTY for growth, but have made me,
as YOU see. thing to be loathed and
uespised. And 1T bowed itself in its
corner with q gesture OF sorrow.
with u zeal that was almost feverish,
lie set about. as far as man could do,
TO RETRY the wrongs, the injustices.
the injuries and the sharp trading of
years: 1t took time and no little grace
and moral courage TO make amends.
ana To do such other things as he
could. but he persevered. And, strang-
est OF All, he found presently. keen
ana satisfying pleasure in his new line
OF action In business and social at
tairs, abroad and at home. he grew
gracious and liberal. Mary and the
girls at home found him companions
anIe and aftectionake. His men at the
yora became familiar with his smile
and kind words.
he did not forget his promise TO the
WiIoW Grogan, and both she and little
Molly profited by the change in at
tairs. as also did many others
Betore many months had passed the
business community. at first incredu-s
lous hau Wholly revised its former,
estimate OF the lumber merchant. He
was no longer "the meanest man" and
me hardest at q bargain. In losing the
ANA-aAk-l1-i ue tlO.tt All
unconsoiously. gained one for qualities
inuch more desirable He loved to help
shose who found themselves in tight
places To the poor of his neighbor-
mood he was n constant benefactor.
The year neared the close. The soul
had grown to be a dear comrade. fair
and well-proportioned, such as the
merchant would have loved the whole
world to see. And when the moment Of
parting came. ne gazed upon the being
who stood beside him and marveleds
FOR, as 1t smiled upon him. he knew
that II was noble and beautiful daz-
ziing IN brightness and in stature like
the angels. ~
The lumber merchant awoke with
start. lie rubbed his eyes. looked al Z
ms watch, and then sat thoughtfullJ
for a little space. he had slept al.
together less than twenty minutes, but
he had lived year and learned the
lesson, of a lifetime A shade Of regret
passed over his face rs he looked int
the corner where had appeared the
visitor of his dream and found j
empty. Then he put on his oyercoat
locked the door and went home.
And the dream came true.
G. III 8.
Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-12-23

get my wife to come down and see
YOU, Mrs. Grogan. and see il We can
not make ii easier for you ana little
Molly. Eth. Molly!"
The child smiled in his face, but still
chung to her mothers sleeve. He turn-
bled in his vest pocket-it was a
strange thing that he was prompted to
do but he did it, Generosity had never
been Weakness of the money maker.
but this, he felt, was a special case.
II was his doing, all this misery and
suffering. He handed Il zen dollar bill
10 the widow.
Now, here is something 70 keep the
pot boiling, anyway and don't you
fear but we will call" he said cordially
THAT is all wanted to see YOU about.
Mrs Grogan. Good night, little Molly"
Then the pene-up emotion broke out
beyond all control. The poor widow
was overwhelmed With such kindness,
ANA she fairly broke down.
May the Lord bless We. sor, Oh
may lie bless you and yours foreveri
lndade, it's q good man you are. the
day. 10 me an Molly. and Well pray
Tor you VERY day of our lives-that we
Will. It's kind heart you have. in
dade IL is"
"Hushl Don't say such things" said
the lumber dealer husllily, and his own
voice trembled. You can find your
the car
oh indade. Wen walk" she said,
smiling, While the tears still dropped.
Il feel like nyin'.'
lie heard their steps going down the
stars, the patter of the child keeping
accompaniment to the heavier football
OF the mother. Both were smiling with
JOY and happiness.
With his own eyes strangely moist
with the suspicion of tears, he turned
from the window and looked toward
the Swallowed corner of the room The
soul seemed to smile at him with a
gentle expression. which ne had moi
observed before
Inc hours that followed were event
iui ones Tor the lumber merchant Long
ne sat and at intervals he conversed
win ms strange companion. The com
pete record of his career unrolled it
self before him. He saw in a new and
unfamiliar light many of the events
winch he had recorded as triumphs: he
recalled a thousand Instances wnerc he
had been harsh. where he had re
pressed noble impulses and sacrificed
rove ana affection in order that he
might be unhampered in his struggle
for wealth: where he had driven hard
bargains and been guilty of what now
seemed inonstrous injustice though the
Worio called IL shrewd trading. And
lhen, with this reelection. he looked
again at his dark and diminutive visi-
tor.
You forgot that these men We're
your brothers, said the voice from the
corner answering his unspoken
thoughts. You showed them no mercy:
you made no allowances; you took the
iuil measure OF your rights as you
understood them and gave no quarter
iheir broken fortunes and blighted
hopes you made stepping stones 30
your own success. You have trodden
all the way upon hearts, even the
hearts of your own dear ones. You
Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-12-23

"c NHIiStidil herald, New York;
He permitted to enter into man. and
IL you could only see it"
But his talk was suddenly cut short
by threatening movement of Mr.
Greene. who pushed him out of the
oflce and slammed the door violently
COMPOUNDED impudence, l call it,"
sald the lumber merchant on regainng
ms scat: Why, hung the rerfoW.- T
trusted him and trusted him. I'm
fairly sick of his whining talk and
poverty stricken ways. To insult me
by referring to my soul. What does
he know about ii, anyway" and he
rose and paced the floor of the little
Office. He said | had the meanest
soul" he unused. but who ever heard
Of anyone seeing a soul?" And then
he sat down again, and rubbed his chin
meditatively. He rested his head upon
his hands. Somehow those words bur
rowed and buzzed in his brain. The
world.of business seemed to slip away
into shadow and silence.
MY soul-well. l wish 1 could see it,
7 am sure that fellow is wrong. Any
how. he knows nothing about 1t. L
wish"
Here L am" piped up a little. thin
voice. somewhere on the floor behind
him.
"what-what's that?" he asked
quickly.
Here I am" repeated the thin voice
WHO? Where?"
Right behind YOU"
The lumber merchant turned in as
constituent, and looked in the direction
indicated. There, in corner. and in
the shadow of the leather covered
lounge, was a little, impish, dwarf
looking figure, like n shriveled Filipino.
The merchant shrank back in amaze
ment.
who are you anyway?' he gasped.
II am your soul" piped the black
looking little imp in the corner.
"My soul.' He shook himself to-
gether as if disbelieving his senses.
Utter nonsensel Why. with a touch
of this button | can summon police
man"
Still l am your soul" said the little
black one. Yours and nobody else's."
How did you come into my ofice?"
nterrogated the merchant.
II was permitted to come as you
wished" said the black thing, land |
mus stay until the time of my permis-
sion ends
"Confound it, persisted Mr. Greene.
you don't mean to say that you are
going to stick right here. in my Office"
Wherever you go, ] 60" piped the
voice. Il am part OF you and you
canno; be without me-.
But" stammered the merchant,
with an inward shudder, "how am /
ever 10 get along with you sitting
around?" Het-Ment-over fcarfully to-
ward the door and slipped the spring
lock. why. this is ridiculous. Every
body who meets us will remark"
Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-12-23

Mr.. Samuel Green the leading lum-
was known as one OF The most pros
porous men in this section of the State.
He had acquired his wealth by hard
trading and close bargaining Few
people could get ahead Of him, and
though it was his frequent remark that
every dollar he owned was honestly
made In trade his customers and his
tenants knew him only as a hard man,
not INSCRIPTIONS, but disposed 10 eX-
act the last dime. AT home or in
church Ito which he went occasionally
his thoughts were too much occupied
with schemes of money making to az
ford any spare room for affection or
religious feeling, His business ac-
quaintances rather enved him. as one
who had conquered the secret of sue
cess.
The lumber merchant sat in his lit
tie office at the close of an October
day. Ii had been day full of bust
ness ana its aggravations. He was
thinking of going home, when there
suddenly came Il rat-tat at the door.
Come I'M" called Mr.. Greene,
gruffiy. "Oh, it's you. Simmons. Well
now, what's wanted?"
MIR. Greene, SAID the new conner,
u sturdily- built, honest looking man
of middle age, I've come to see if you
won't let me have another bill of lum-
ber-some Michigan pine l need for
that contract | have on the east side
mo, Simmons, you can't have an
other foot of lumber from my yard,
that's fiat" said Mr.. Greene harshly.
"As soon as you pay up what you owe
you can get more; not till then
But. MIR. Greene" protested Sim
mons, "this is n serious matter TO me.
Why, Eve paid you hundreds and hun
dreds of dollars. good money, for your
lumber. and as soon as this job is
through you will be the first to get
your money. You don't surely mean
TO say you refuse?"
Thats just what / do mean, snap
ped Greene. but I've no time to talk
about ii. You can take your choice;
pay up your last bill or go without"
ut simply means ruin. that's what
1t does said the man advancing into
the room. Why, good heavens Mr..
Greene, you cannot mean what you
say! 1t would be the meanest-"
Get OUT" Numbered the lumber
merchant. advancing toward him, his
huge bulk now quivering with anger.
"Out of here, say! You shall never
get a foot of lumber from me as long
as I live"
Simmons retreated a step or two.
then. still with hat in hand. he turned
towards the excited man. Mr.. Greene -
he said in deep tones, may the Lord
forgive me for saying 1t, but I think
you have the meanest soul that ever
Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-12-23

No eye but yours can see me- was
the reply from the corner
We'll, that's one consolation" said
Greene, drawing long breath. My
soul! Mine! This is the first time
anybody ever heard of such a thing"
He touched a bell to summon his
foreman.
Half" he said, I'm going home
Everything all right?"
Yes. sir" replied the foreman
you?"
Certainly, sir"
1t was with n strange trepidation
=that-M ene-hnlinned- -l,ls.-14aaI
and closed the door of his Office that
evening. He felt somehow as though
he was bidding the old place good bye
and might never come back. He noted
with satisfaction that the coach lamps
were unlit. Looking down he saw,
moving lightly by his side. the dark.
little impish figure. He opened the
coach door and stepped aside 10 give
the Soul the right of way Then he en-
tered
How shall l ever be able to meet
Mary and tt" girls in this fix?'' he said
ITS awful! awful Something must
have happened in my brain" and he
turned again toward the little figure
whose presence and appearance seemed
to put the question of hallucination be-
yond all doubt.
On reaching his home he stepped
quickly to the door, opened 1t with his
own private key and les, himself into
the hall unobseryed Up the stairs
to his room he went noiselessly. Once
safe within, he locked the door and
sank down. exhausted, in large. EASY
chair.
He said l had the meanest soul the
Lord ever permitted to be in q man
that's what he said. | remember every
word distinctly" and he looked around
once more at the dwarfish creature who
sat on chair almost opposite "And
you are that soul that came in ODE
dience to some strange summons, Now. .
SAID the merchant. II want to think
about this. Let us ask, what is the
cause of that dingy color-that elfsh
blackness?"
Il am what you have made me-" said
the Soul. Il was not always so dark.
The meanest soul" repeated Greene.
the words lingering in his brain like
the refrain of a song. THE meanest
soul! Wen. if | have blackencd my
soul. pray God to help me. for no
one else can"
tap at the door interrupted his
thoughts. He turned sharply to the
little figure.
YOU are sure no one can see you?'
None but you" was the reply.
He opened the door.
sam. Sam!" said the gentle voice of
his wife. what's the matter? We saw
you go up, and we haven't heard from
you since you came home" She ner-
vously grasped his hands in her own
which We're trembling.
Nothing. Mary" said the lumber
merchant hurriedly. "Nothings the
matter, only l wish you would send me
UP a cup of tea-a cup of good strong
tea. want TO take it here in my room.
have something on my mind: moth
Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-12-23

didn't get that lumber. You've saved
me. You've saved my business.
Not another word" said Mr..
Greene. Here. simmons, here's me
order Good night. and Whenever you
want any more lumber come and see
me-"
still utterng his thanks, ana greatly
astonished at the turn affairs had
taken, the CARPENTER withdrew.
The lumber merchant stood for n
minute with strange smile on his
face. AS he heard the footsteps die
away, his eye fell upon the little figure
in its pook-and il seemed to him-ai-
though ii might only have been imagi-
nation-that ii had grown a shade
WEitcr.
a liEtle later The widow Grogan was
brought in by little Edith The widow.
was accom- anicd by her little daugh-
ter of seven. showed II tear-stnincd
face. She had evidently been antici-
pating some new misfortune as the re-
suit of this summons from her land
lord.
Now" said Edith reassurlngly,
you just step right ill., and papa will
zee you.
An, Mrs Grogjn." said the mcr-
chant. Il am glad you've come"
"Oh. Mr. Greene" began the widow
in piteous tones. .if- it's the rint. /
told the agent that would thry to
have it for him next month. I've done
the hes; could; but it's the hard
items we've had"
HAS that rascally agent of mine
been bothering you, Mrs. Grogan."
"Indadc, the man only wanted your
rint, sor. an told him
Never mind what YOU told him.
Mrs Grogan So this is Molly. is 1T?
Little Molly. How old is she?"
Siven. sor. Speak 10 the jintieman,
Molly dear
Now. Molly" and he produced a sill
yer coin from his vest pocket. II am
going to give this to your mother and
she is going 10 buy you the biggest red
apple you ever saw. Mind you do it.
Mrs. Grogan. Now about that rent
How long have YOU been living in that
house of nine
Eleven years. sor.'
"Why. it seems 10 me that you have
been a pretty steady tenant
Il got this nc,icc day before yister-
day sor." and she handed him notice
of dispossessiOn.
The lumber merchant scowled. And
this" he muttercd lis done in my
name. All the hardships that are in
ficted upon these poor souls. who have
paid rent for eleven years. | have to
stand sponsor for.
Nov. Mrs Grogan." he said turn
ing 10 the widow. who was wiping her
eyes with a corner of her dress IL am
going to give you note 10 the agent
which will fix you all right. so far as
the next quarters rent is concerned
and I'll see you before then. You've
had pretty hard luck since Patrick
died?"
"Indade. very hard. sor Many's the
meal hour there's neither bite nor sup
in the house"
TOO bad! Too bad! But we must
try to help you in some way. Will
Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-12-23
Eyes Examined Free.

Dr.. A. Week manager OF the optical
department. OF the Gale Jewelry Cons
fective vision and complicated casey
specially invited to call. tsasrtt
Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-12-23

Tickets on sale for everybody for the
Christmas Holidays. on Seaboard Air
Line Railway December ed ga, oath,
25th. and also December 3oth and aist.
1900 and January LIST. 1901, good until
January 4th, inclusive. deal
Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-12-23
Xmas Pictures Half Price.

$50 FINE GOLD AND OAK FRAME
PICTURES. BEAUTIFUL SUBJECTS
FOR LESS THAN COST OF FRAMING.
$i5o PICTURES FOR 75c 500 PIC
TUREs FOR $780, $3.50 PICTURES FOR
SIPS; $500 PICTURES FOR s1.5O; SOC
PICTURES FOR % c: Toe PICTURES
FOR i9c. THESE ARE GREAT BAR
GAINS.
Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-12-23

Travel via the ocean View route ia
Old Point, Time. IS minutes. dsie,tS
Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-12-23
Mackintoshes for Xmas.

WackintOshes fot Xmas.
A Rain Coat that will keep out the
the rain-al appropriate Gift.
sp1' ~ intoshes. Velvet Collar. Sepurate
Capes; worth $500.
% 90 For Ladies' Fine Serge Double
% ~ Texture Mackintoshcs double
breast Velvet Collar Cape: worth 81
finer grades, $500 and $500 each.
Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-12-23
Fine 81 $50 Black Crepons for CSC. a ward

VERY APPROPRIATE AND
ok SISTER is 81
LESS THAN HALE REGULAR Cuocr or
TTBtNs SOC ~ - > i1N
'' A-' 1Nr'i'o-
Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-12-23

Fine 36-inch Moirc PercalineO III .
Dress Lining. worth Pee, for. .....1/SC
Heavy Black Canvas Dress Fac-77ho
ihgs, worth lOc, for. /SC
Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-12-23
Xmas Lining Sale.

=. Best lid Finish &c Dressmnlcrs zhc
Cambria. all shades. /SC
e Heavy, yard-wde French Twlllcd7 II =
Silesia, 10c. ones observation-disclosures. IS 1
Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-12-23
Xmas Umbrellas -BeStv IN Norfolk

81 20 For Ladies' Fine Umbrellas.
PS. worth s400 30 of these Ia he
sold Steel rods. patent frame, Invinci-
pie SILK and have Silver and Pearl
Princess handles stylish and durable
Monday only $259.
"a oS Ladies' and Mems 26-inch Mcr-
80 ccrized Serge Umbrellas. Silver
are worth Sl75 each
Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-12-23

4Oc Good Serviceable 26-inch Gloria
use, worth zoe.
0Oc \ Ladies' Fine 26-inch Merccri-
w zed Serge Umbrella. worth Si.Oo
GIVE HIM AN UMBRELLA.
II will please him. we have n full line of
Gents Umbrellas ut Il low range in
prices, M.e0up 10 $3.50. You can be SUITED.
Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-12-23
Colored Dress Goods.


doc Fine Twill Atwood Venetian
~ Cloth in all the new colors ''''''
SoCwde, in oil light and dark colors s''
o3c 20 Pieces French Atwood s6-inch
Serge regular soc grade.
4Oc Black and all colors Light and
~ Dark Fine French Henriettas
6Oc 52-inch Atwood Venetian, Reds.
~ and Browns. Our Sl.0O grade.
30c % Pieces Imported colored Dress
- Goods; all 75c values.
oOc q Pieces Heavy Wool Plaids.
~ These we sold for soc. Monday, 29c.
2Oc 10 Pieces Atwood 5O-inch Ladies,
~ Sucking Cloth, worth CSC
iOI% r. Pieces Fancy Corded Plaids
n for children'c dresses. we sold
these all for 19c n yard
Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-12-23
Xmas Sale Heavy Underwear.

Ladies' Heavy Fleece Ribbed yests.
worth isc. Monday oniy...........tt II 4
Ladies' Heavy Woo, Fieeced ar
shirts ana Drawers. worth SOC az
Our soc Wool Fleeced Pants, and TO-
vests, worth soc, for,.......,....... JIG
y Ladies f;nod Red, Gray and White 7Sc
Childrens Heavy Winter Vests d.
ana Pants, bOc. soc, 25c and......,., IoC
Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-12-23
$1.OO for 81. SO Wrappers.

On sale again Monday, 500 Heavy Elan
mel Wrappers. well made and trimmed
full Gu, and sells regularly for $3.50. Mon
day. sico:
Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-12-23
Rugs, Druggets and Curtains.

Granite Foor Druggets, 2h
yards wide. yadrs long. 5000
Worth Sl00......... .......... SZ.OS
Granite Floor Drugets,
yards wide, 3la yards long. Go 90
Worth $3.50. .................. P2.IO
Granite Floor Druggcts,
yards wide and 4 yards long. TT %
Worth S6.50........ ......... :. ,pf.OI
All Wool Smyrna Rugs, 2M 60 m
foot wide, fooot long......... pL.OO
Fine, Atwood Rugs, 3 foot e. en-
Large Smyrna Rugs, 2h "a ~
foot wide. foot long. $500. PLY
Very large Reversible Smyr- ca Oh
ma Rugs, beautiful colors...... PI.OI
Heavy Chenille Curtins. % oo
bright colorings. Worth $3.50. !9Z.ES
Heavy Tapestry Curtains, eto ~
In old rose, blue and trown.... {pZ./1
Extra great values Fine
White and cream Lace Curtins cno
va, Sl'9, $l.19 and. NV
Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-12-23
Sterling Silver Novelties. &c, Csc, Soc, 69c.

50 90 Heavy Silver Plated Butter
- - Dishes, Fruit and Cake Baskets.
PITCHERS; Sugar Bowls. all worth 81 On
ana warranted for 10 years hard wear.
New-York tribune., 1900-05-27

pr, sideacy Of the college. This position he hea
for thirty-four years. with the dignity. power
and majesty which made MS name reverence'
among the men who knew him AID felt his III
huence. His death took away one Of TIE niOS'
imposing figures the educational world OF Ane1'
lea has ever known
Sibley Hall, a gift of the late Hiram SibteF'
of Rochester. was completed in 1871 1t houses
the library. containing more than thlrty-H
thousand volumes. and the museum. also u
great Importance The Chemical Lab Jratory vs.
built by the late Mortimer F. Reynolds IN 100"
1t is like the other buildings except the gym
nasium-of brownStone, and covered no" VIZ.
the same ivy which hides the massive walls y
the library ana Anderson Hall
The gymnasium, which will be completed J."
time for the commencement. is the last oulluins
to be erected the campus. Ii is two s'oiS'
high, built of light brick and gray stone ''
gift OF the alumni
The most marked advancement made oy 'H'
university in the last ten years has taken p'1e,
in the technical departments The phSsNa'
laboratory, fitted up like CorneIis. WIFE worn
shops and complete electric wiring and power
is one of the most complete in the country IL
in charge of Professor Henry r. Lawrence Co
The biological laboratory is IN charge OF fiV
fessor Charles w. Dodge. who has made II Oh -
much value not only to the university, put S
to the public. that the city has relied upon !" "
furnish assistance in the Health Department"
The successor of DIR. Anderson was pr- Jaw
Jayne Hill He resigned in 1890, and now ho11
the place of First Assistant Secretary OF S'S.'
in the present Administration. The presiHsn''
chair professionally occupied by Ut . =
baltimore for two years. and then by fr0ieS'
Henry F. Burton for the two succeeding va
Both men devoted all their energies and time y
the furthering of the institutions interests 50
reputation. and their success was rewardeu
the highest praise from the trustees and aiuiN
The election and acceptance of the Rev hU'
Rhees TO the vacant office has caused nus
qualification To the friends of the university A
will assume his duties next fall at the opeh"S
of the college year
The future Of the university seems orisn
than ever before. Young men. strong. a.
and energetic. have put their hands 10 the ia'
The people Of the city are awakening " %
needs of the college which is within their s''
The next five years. II is confidently eNpee''N
will see a marvellous advance.
Two years ago the trustees voted To ailo" ~
entrance OF women on an equal footing
men into the colleges courses OF insru'., =,
fhA sum OF $150.00O had first to be raisea 80