davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-10-23
N1T2CIA ! 1ffA ,2n22n

T@ 0 THIS day no one has ever >ques-
 toned the miracle at Little Ca
 naan, and that of itself in this sceptical age is a marvel
 Out of the mouths of thousand peo- pie was it's genuineness confirmed. They had witnessed 1t fin the broad light of day. their every sense alert. and by nightfall through that mysterious means of communication that exists among Eouthern negroes who use neither tele- graph nor telephone the news had spread through all the countryside that the con- gregation at Little Canaan had been privileged ito witness one of those etrange, supernatural phenomena for which they had hungered and thirsted so long.
 But wonderful as the miracle was, still knore wonderful was that fact that Sis Hannah had been the humble instru- ment chosen for it's manifestation, for she was no Mother Israel, whose long service in the cause of righteousness might have entitled her to some special dispensation of grace. but sinner who had just been gathered Into the fold-a brand snatehed. as it were. from the burning.
 s.De reason dat Sis Hannah was picken and chosen as dc vessel for dis merracie." |" said Brer Jenkins. who had long consid- cred himself as spokesman for the Al- mighty, 'is des as plain as do nose on your face. When de Lord starts out to do a merFacle He aint huntin' for none desc here easy jobs whut He can do wid His Ief hand No, sir He don't say, 1'll tranehlate ole Ailsy, whut's been de prop of de amen corRer and walked do straight and narrow way for fifty years, case he knows we done see ole Ailsy' s pin feathers q sproutin' in her angel wings. No, sir. He says, I'll work a real first-elass meFraele dat will wake up de onbelievers down defe at Little Ca nah, whut's jest got her first holt on de throne ef grace. fishes feet SO she can walk de waters"
 It was even as Brer Jenkins had said In the long years preceding the miracle Ss' Hannah had been the only one oi her race and color in the neighborhood who had not been a member of the Little Canaan Church. and this had made hel a marked figure in the community. This was, indeed, no fault of her own. sh, was no ss Fnful inhdel or unbondIns aenostic, but a humble seeker after trutE and righteousness. who somehow lacked a guiding star, but nonetheless it wal felt that the gay bandana handkerchieI that covered her black brow concealed . the very mark of Cain. and that for al her blameless life and good deeds shs was a doomed creature,
 'De trubble wid me, Sis May Jane, she would say to the friend who cam' to talk with her, de trubble wid me il dat ! ain't had no call, an de spirri amt move me. Dere's Sis Dilsey, she cone gone off in trance an seed sights
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-10-23

I sinner whut done stold an been in tht chain gang. you know where he is. but 2 sinner lak Sis Hannah what's de bes woman in de country, where is she?"
 It was beyond Brer Jenkins philosophy to answer. but at last Sis Hannah's long seeking was to have an end. and the peace she courted was to be hers. She fell i'll of a low fever, and what with the malady and the long breeding over one subject there came to her at length the vision for which she had waited for So long, During tho weeks Of convaiescence she was visited continually by her friends, and to them she told over and over the blessed story.
 "One night" she said, 'T was alayin' here on my bed. just as cam an satr- fled, an 1t seemed to me like could hear the wash of the river of death, but seemed like I wasn't no ways afraid or uneasy. just say:
 Lawd, der old nigger's time Is done come. an you aint sent her no sign, nor give her no call, dough all de years she was just wearyln' an waitin' for it. Yer jest lef' her to stumble along in de park, an she couldn't see no further dan jest day or maybe an hour, or a minute befo' her, an all dat she could do was to jest do do fus' thing that come to her mind.
 Maybe 1t was cookin or maybe wash n';-but ole Hannah's clothes was always de whitest. an her rolls de Iightest, an her chicken de tasties' in de neighbor- hood. It ain't no ways suitable for me to say it, but-Lawd, you'n forgive ole Hannah, her bein' ignut ole nigger whut aint never had no book larnin'- but many an manys de time when was a-bendin over dc cook stove or de wash tub, I'd say ''I'n des wash dis like I'd wash my Lawd's robe if he was on earth again. or 'I'n cook dis like I'd cook 1t ef my Lawd was to come to ole Hannah, DO an friendless an ask her for somethin to eat."'
 Oats do way my mind run on, an all de time de peace come a-stealin' on my soul, and I heard de wash of de dark river an dc cold waves reach almost uE to my feet Den all of a student 1t seem like star begin to tremble in de sky I an de wash of de river get far off. stead of near, an voice cry out Hannah. an l answer Yes, Lawd,' for l know wh,
 was calllR' me. an de voice say: Imas much as thou hast done it unto me an
 den I knowed l done got my call a l last, and the old woman put her thin
 iard old hands before her face while tn,
 happy tears ran down her furroweC
 black cheeNs.
 When Sis Hannah was admitted int,
 the church it was an event of most un
 usual solemnity and importance. Ere Jenkins fairly "wrastled with the sperrit,
 as he declared, and Sis Hannah gave II
 her experience to hushed and breath
 less audience The main event of tn
 day, however, was the baptism which wa to take place in q neghboring river. fo no matter to what particular creed the.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-10-23

"And-and does it fit the case?" he asked
 Exactly" replied the young woman. And it fits all the closer because 1t was done unconsciously."
 And the man will not suspect that a mistake has been made?'
 Not for a moment
 Russell shook his head ruefully.
 tPd awfully hate to deserve a reply like that" he said. T don't believe
 There Is no sentiment about offers of this sort" she said. They are simply unimportant business details Russell laughed as much at the way In which the young woman said this as he did at. the idea.
 Then if I made proposal of marriage to Miss Hammond" he went on, q could expect that you would answer it?"
 Most assuredly," replied the young woman. That is, unless 1t went by mis- take to some puzzled dealer in property. !, Well. there is no immediate danger, said Russell. But this brings me back to business. Of course I am to under stand that my offer for the lot is re- jected?" H
 '.Of course." said the young woman You know the lot Is worth much more, . she said.
 "Yes," he replied. 'Tt is worth more Aou uHueTstdHu that l was simply the agent of other parties
 NO doubt you thought that here was chance to obtain bargain from a simple and quite unsophisticated woman. who might be glad to jump at the chance oi securing such sum in cash"
 "No," said Russell T didn't think any thing of the kind. simply tried to ex- ecute the commission that was given me l would do the same if you intrusted me with similar piece of business"
 Very we'll" said the young woman. "As proof of your good faith you may take that same lot of land and let US see how good a price you can get for it."
 Docs Miss Hammond authorize this?' Russell inquired.
 "If the price Is right" said the young woman, "she can be persuaded"
 Russell took his hat.
 'I will report in few days' he said He hesitated. "As l am apparently tc transact this business with you, would 1t be presumption to ask your name?'
 Not at all" replied the young woman "I am Miss Vane."
 Good morning, Miss Vane," said Rus sell, and was gone.
 He smiled over his singular adventure all the way back to the office. What 6 bright and charming girl that Miss VanC was. He wasn't quite sure that he had ever heard a woman's unrestrained laugh, ter that was at all pleasant before. She must be a delightful companion; no mat ter how crotchety her old maid employe
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-10-23

an heered sounds, but me, aint had no speriunce by day. nor seed no vision by night dat couldn't trace plum back to eatin gumbo for supper"
 Yer got to trample der Ole Boy under foot" remarked Sis May Jane. diplo- maticaily and vaguely.
 "Yassum, dat you is." agreed Sis Han nah, with added gloom, and then she went on with increasing melancholy. ''an', furdermo'. I is mighty given up to de vanities of dis worr. Seems to me when I go to ehu'ch I can't take my mind off de set of my new puff sleeves, an I knows dat de onrighteous pride I takes in de upStandin' of de fedder in my bon- net has well-nigh sent my soul to hell. An dat aint all, Sis May Jane, Is a cook. I spends my time commissioning to. an pomeprin' up of de carnal appe- tite. as Bre'r Jenkins says, an SO far from repentin' of my cose jest glorles in it, an cooks better an better every day, an lays a heavier hand upon the seasoning"
 sis' May Jane could offer no other re- ply to this revelation except a hollow sroan. and when she departed Sis Han nah flung her blue checked apron over her head and rocked back and forth in epeeehless misery.
 1t was, indeed, the tragedy of lost soul. In the distorted ideal of religion that Sis Hannah shared in common with her race. she believed that Christianity but Of feeling. What society, with its amusements-its theateFs and balls and Operas-is to the white man. the church Is to the negro. For the colored race, ex- oept in cities, life Is one continued and mOnotonous round of mechanical duties. They are forever planting cotton. and hoe ing cotton. and picking cotton, washing, and sweeping, and baking; fin an endless round of toll that has no feature to break the dead level of the commonplace It is no wonder that in this arid desert tho l starved magination of those who are but few generations removed from pictures que savagery cries out for a vent. and this the negro finds in religion. With him it is not often seeking after infinite perfection. or even always common hon. esty and morality, It is companlonship, movement, excitement. something that stirs the blood and fills the heart-it is drama.
 To Sis Hannah, as to her fellows, re- ligion meant emotion, and she had felt nothing, She waited for the whisper of 1 supernatural voices calling her to repent ance, and no sound penetrated her con- sciousness. Therefore. she bemoaned her fate as one of the lost. It never occurred to her that when she spent long vigils | by the bedside of some sufferer, or di- vided out of her poverty with one need fer than herself, or that the very faith fulness of her daily service could be ! counted unto her for righteousness. These things were as nothing tc her faith. She was one standing accurst, outside of the gate, waiting patiently and despairingly for sign that she might enter, and nc
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-10-23
HINTS TO THE HOUSEWIVES.
A~@A=+s=sD@~@A@~&<

~ E charitable, not only with your H purse. but in your opinions.
 H Remember that flour thrown on
 burning kerosene or gasoline will eXtinguish the flame.
 Oilcloth tackled across the bottom of a screen door will strehgthen the netting and prevent rain beating in.
 A candle protected by glass chimney made for the purpose is much safer to carry about the house than q lighted lamp.
 Keep good-sized piece of charcoal in the refrigerator until frost comes. re- moving the charcoal cvery len days or two weeks
 Have all plumbing painted we'll with white enamel. not only for sanitary req sons but to Tighten the work of tho house. keeper.
 Keep a lump of washing soda over the sink pipe as 1t will neutralize the grease In the wash water and so prevent the pipe clogging.
 Men are born with two eyes, but with one tongue, in order that they should see twice as much as they speak, Quaint Proverbs.
 Unique match holders for the summeI cottage are made by csrefullv saTv'r~ 2 cocoanut in half and screwing the dry shell to the wall. A clever woman traveller lnended d rent in Ter gown by using a hair from hei head as thread for the needle she always carries ii her purse.
 If a paper bag Is slipped over the hand before the cloth or brush is taken tt clean the stove the finger-tips and nails will be saved contact with the grime.
 Pongee silk to be successfully laun dered must be hung on the line without wringtng the water out and allowed t6 thoroughly dry. Press with moderate ly warm iron without sprinking. A poultice of finely scraped garder beets is well recommended for cuts witt glass or wounds from rusty iron. | should be frequently renewed in oFdel to keep tthe wound moist for severa hours.
 A correspondent suggests a use for ole denim-either oVeralls or that which ha; seen service on the stairs-by hraidinl into rugs for use in the kitchen. Tn, denim should be washed before cut. Oncc in ten days thoroughly wash tn. carpet broom in hot soapsuds. shake til nearly dry and hang where the straw vii dry quickly Not only will the broom las longer, but 1t will clean carpets better One ingenious woman launders her lit tie turnover collars during the summer outing in the wash bowl and dries then by wrapping them around u glass frui jar. pressing each little point out smooth ly while wet-Kathariae Kay in The Pil grim.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-10-23

one bade her come within. What miracle was to happen to her. what the sign was to be, she did not even venture to guess, All that she knew was that no wonder of so that she might know that she had been called to grace.
 At Little Canaan the protracted meet ing went on from year to year without cessation. Winter and summer the vel low lights flared out from It's unshuttered windows across the fields, and travellers passing by heard the hoarse shouts of the mourners and the shrill cry of the preacher as he exhorted sinners to re- pentance. Now and then a woman's hys- terical scream would cut the air like a knife, and mans voice would break out with a deep ejaculation, Bless Cord. dats so"' Come, now, Lord Jesus? fol- lowed by wild chorus of Amen" as the exhorter's voice stirred some sym pathetic chord.
 Around the rude pulpit was a circular bench, on which huddled the seekers '' and about it circled the deacons and praying in rapt frenzy. Every now and then wild and disheveied figure would spring up. and with sodden face and toss- ing arms and waving hands cry, T done come through! I done made my peace!' and then a dense swaying throng would ,Io s,, N,... somewhere in the crowd a voice would break into a ringing hymn that would be caught up by the entire congregation; an other, and yet another of the mourners would join their cry of wailing or rejoic- ing to the tumult of emotion; sometimes a child cried out in terror. sometimes a woman tainted. No one noticed. For the | time being all were caught up in 0 frenzy of religious excitement that rendered them oblivlous of all else.
 Alone. unmoved. in the very heart oi this orgy sat Sis Hannah.
 "oh, my DO los Sister. don't you love de Lawd?" asked. one of the deacons bending over as she sat apart.
 Fl aInt got nothin' agin Him." re- piled Sls' Hannah. and then. while the congregation shouted and sang, she crept out into the night. silent and ashamed an outcast and an alien, for her. to heI alone, had been given no call.
 Time and again had Brer Jenkins Ia bored with her It is not in the heart O man to judge harshly q woman who is th' best cook in the neighborhood, and ther were times when Brer Jenkins sat at tn corner of Sis IIannah's clean kitchel table and partook of fricasseed chickel and beaten biscuit. when he felt tha there might be possibilities in the wide ness of divine mercy for cook with sncl a knack of seasoning, but when he wen
 his way and the soothing effects of tn
 dinner waned, he could deal with tn
 subject with the justice it demanded.
 Isis Hannah sholy is in jubious state,
 he would remark oracularly, ''an' furder
 mo, it's a case where you don't lno' | zactly what to do. 'Cose Sis Hannah is
 sinner. but dere's sinners an sinners. D
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-10-23

"Six months. I believe" Russell went back to his office with heavy heart. Could he endure 1t to forego seeing that charming face for six months? He didn't think he could. Then he plucked up his courage and sat down and wrote Miss Vane . love letter that was also an offer of marriage. 1t was a long letter. He told her about him. self. his plans. his hopes, his present standing. He told her how she had come Into his life like a ray of sunshine and how his admiration and respect and grati- tude had all merged into love. ILeirs was a brief acquaintance, he admitted, but they were both free and independent, and had but themselves to please. ! It was nice letter, a tender, earnest letter. yet Russell dropped it in the lette- box with fear and trembling, and how eagerly he seized his post the next morn ing and ran through the letters. There vas just the briefest note in the familiar kandwriting- /''To avoid any possibility of further mistakes. will Mir. Webster call in per- son for reply to his propositior?" There was no name signed to this, and Russell turned 1t over blankly. Then he took bis hat and started to learn his fate.
 Miss vane received him with grave courtesy. which was quite unlike her l usual manner. He noticed that her cheeks
 were little flushed and that there was a | rose in her pretty hair. 'tSit down. MT Webster" she said. and fixed her gentle eyes upon him. Miss Hammond" she began with aPlittle hes l itation, twas much pleased with your letter."
 Miss Hammond?' "she liked its manly ring, and, of course, was highly gratified by the conn pliment it paid her.v Miss Hammond, did you say?" Miss Vane took no notice of the inter- ruption, but went on speaking. "She was even inclined to look upon your offer with favor, but wanted first to secure personal interview" Russell looked about him in an agony of apprehension. Miss Hammond" he murmured. Heavens, has there been another blun- der?"
 His troubled glance fell upon Miss Vane. She was silently laughing and her eyes were moist as they met Russells No" she softly said "therc is no mis- take this time, dear friend. Cicely Vane Hammond-Cicely Vane. until at her
 uncle's last request. she toCe1 the name | of Hammond-approves in person of your l latest and best effort to advance her dearest interest"
 And with tender smile she extended
 both her hands.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-10-23

"As I have said" remarked Russell. T am very glad you can take 1t this way. It struck me as having an amusing side. Yet at the same time I can't help feeling little anxious about the other fellow"
 At this the young woman suddenly stopped laughing and opened her eyes very wide indeed. Then she hastily hur- ried to the most distant window and star. ed out for several moments And Rus sell felt sure she was laughing again When she looked around her eyes were still wet.
 q beg your pardon for being so hyster- ical" she said. but you see really couldn't help 1t. That last remark of yours quite capped the climax"
 Then am I to understand that Miss Hammond's answer to my offer was also in the nature of a refusal7" said Russell
 Tt was" the young woman replied with a quick catch in her voice.
 Would 1t be asking too much if re. quested to know the exact wording ot Miss Hammond's letter to meT' Russell asked.
 The young woman hesitated.
 circumstances have somewhat altered the situation" she said. 'and yet thint 1t is your right to receive what was orig. inally intended for you" h
 T agree with you" said Russell. "Bu, OA N0eA Sy tA1 OhASAAtht NaAuOl D6 TtCdIleQ It may be possible. however, that the re- ceiver will come here just as have done to find out what 1t all means"
 The girl shook her head.
 No" she said, .'he will do nothing ot the sort. think you will understand why when you see a copy of the letter that was intended for you. Here 1t is"
 She opened q book lying on the table and turned back a few pages. Russell came forward. V,
 Tt Is just a penciied draft" she said Out 1t was copied word for word.'
 Russell read it aloud:
 Your communication with offer is at hand. At present I have no intention O, letting any of my property pass out of my hands. Very truly yours" Russell looked around at the youna woman. could" He looked at the young woman sharply. 'T beg your pardon" he added put It appears to me that you are or extremely confidential terms with Miss Hammond"
 That is true" said the young woman. T wasn't aware that answers to offers of marriage were usually left in the hands or secretaries" Russell went on The young woman laughed. Can you bIame me for IaughinsP'' she said Isn't that about the cutest thing you ever saw in the way of refusal of s marriage offer?'
 Russell nodded.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-10-23

U% HE postman tossed half dozen
 letters on Russell Websters
 desk and passed along. Russell
 dropped the morning paper and picked up the letters. He hurried through the inclosures until he reached the last one. Then he raised the heavy white en- , yelope and looked hard at the dainty ad- dress. He was still staring at it as he ripped of the end of the envelope and drew out the sheet within. Half moment later he softly whistied The letter began;
 t.Sir-Your extraordinary communica- ton is to hand. can think of no reason that could possibly prompt the declaration you have made. do not look upon you even as friend. What you ask is simply Impossible, and I beg you will never ai- aude to the matter again. Yours very truly, CICELY HAMMOND" A smile suddenly spread across the at- kractive face of the reader.
 ssWell," he ,murmured. that's decidedly a peculiar way in which to answer sin- pie offer for a piece of property. Hanged if it isn't serious enough to be the re- fusal of proposal of marriage. By jove. that's exactly what 1t is. Is anything the matter with me? Have been proposing to some indignant maiden unawares? |? where's my letter book?"
 lie Iounu the Vokufnes ana tufned pAek the fiimsy pages.
 Here 1t is," he murmured, and read the copy aloud:
 s.Miss Ciceiy Hammond:
 Dear Madam--I am authorized to offer gou 2.000 pounds for your lot at the cor ner of Hayes avenue and Miliburn street, cash payment in full to be made at time of transfer An early reply will obiige yours very truly,
 RUSSELL WEBSTER" He held the book away from him and Stared hard at the copy. Then he laugh ed.
 sThe most anxious old maid that ever 5onged to change her name couldn ntfmis- take that for proposal" he chuckled. ssNo, there's some blunder, but 1t isn't mine. I'll go up there at once and see the lady and tell her about 1t. It's the gentlemanly thing to do. I can easily see that its no joke from her point of view. A little later, as he sat back In a for ward corner of the electric car, he tried to recall all he had heard about the lady. She had very lately taken up her resi- dence in one of the fashionable suburbs She had come into possession of the property of deceased citizen, and was reputed very wealthy.
 He pictured her as woman of mature age. of presumable intelligence and refine- ment, and with distaste for the de- mands of active society. And while he