Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1843-07-28

however, did not, Or.wOuld not notice it.
By the by he resumed, let me tell you
a good Joke. | can hardly help laughing
Only think; Webb, the grocer, the dealer in
figs, actually took upon himself TO lecture me
about literature 1t really was rich to hear
hun. Such nonsense, too, as he talked. OF
course nothing else could be expected; for
what can he know about poetry fellow
that sticks himself behind his desk from Mon
day morning till Saturday night all the year
round: and as TO literature, never, suppose,
went beyond Watts hymns or Scots nov
els. might have minded his lecture had he
been any great literary man, who really
knew what he was talking about. such as
Byron or Moore, or the wonderful genius
who has lately burst forth under the assumed
name of Alpha but a commonplace trades
man-psha! =
George look round for some marks Of as
sent or appreciation for this fine Grafton but
his manner and discourse had filled the hearts
of his hearers too full of grief, 70 enable eth
err of them to speak. Pho he said TO him
self, am talking Greek to these people,
| ought to have known they have no ideas
above knitting stockings and adding up sums.
uIlI HC
finding the silence continued; | only just
dropped in to TASK how Bessie got on with
Webb's wife 2
Most comfortably replied Mrs. Cooper.
Besides teaching the children, Mr.. Webb,
hearing that she was clever at figures, gives
her accounts to do at home. You see we are
both very busy
Ha, ha see, replied Selden, rising !;
l can take hint. Well, good bye; if you
read the public prints, you'll hear Of me soon,
in way that will astonish you. Goodbye !
AS George Selden descended the stairs, he
could not help accusing himself of cruelty to
that unhappy girl. But really it cannot be
helped. Pity she has no soul-poor thing,
; murmured the genius, as he slammed the
street door
/ Daring the following week, Mr.. George
Selden having become gentleman at large,
revealed in all the luxaries of laziness and
literature. lie lay in bed till twelve O'Clock
every day, and having performed the duties
of the toilet (Which were now rather onerous,
for his long hair took good deal of brush
ing he sailed forth to neighboring coffee
shop, where he could read the papers and
magazines over his breakfast. He then loun.
ged to the lodging of some new literary friend
to talk sublimity and poetical me,aphy sizes
AT length he went tn the theatre TO criIlciSe
the play, and to condemn it, as infinitely in.
terior to his own tragedy; or else to attend
debating club he had joined. But he never
, missed meeting of the select society of un.
acted dramatists.
Meantime he became traitor to the cause
nfi I,, ctn1 lr,p,, Co.. bo l.:
play to one Of the managers feeling assured
that its acceptance and production would fol.
low as matter of couNN 1t was, however
decreed, that with all q intention of being
a renegade, he was still 10 remain, in reality
true to the Enacted cause, for his play wa.
sent back in about month with very deci
ded negative. While musing upon the ex.
IRENE stupidity of manager who did no
know his own interest, Selden received not,
from Messrs. Williams and Webb, desiring
his immediate attendance upon them. TIL,
dignity of the genius was much damaged b,
the peremptory terms in which the missiv,
was couchcd, and he determined to show tn,
sendcrs what was due to a literary character
, He therefore sent back the following not,
written upon polished post, and enclosed il
an elegant envelope.
'Mr George Selden presents compliment,
to Messrs. Williams and Webb, and begs I,
state that his literary advocalions proven
him from attending upon them at present.
Abou, this period the Alpha' before men
toned was making great sensation in tin
i reading world as magazine writer and pc
), ct. Indeed his talents procured for him tn,
f honorable patronage of George Selden's de
a batting club, and one of their subjects of dis
n cussion was. THE literary capabilities o
a Alpha, with reference to comparison be
Q tween modern and ancient genius Seldel
dressed himself with peculiar care, for OF
that evening ladies were admitted to hea
n the debate. His collar was turned carfull
!, down in imitation of the Byron portraits
$ A large pin was fastened into his stock
| which, with his silk waistcoat and long hair
n gave him, he thought, rather distinguishes
+. appearance. Before, however, he coul
: leave his lodging, it was intimated that per
son wished to see him. That person i'm
i mediately made his appearance, and havin
II shut the door, sat down near it.
k your name is George Selden believe
! said the stranger.
1T is. What syour pleasure
If Il am sorry to say hold warrant agin,
5 you.'
h Selden trembled, and turned pale. 8!
warrant = he faltered out.
n 'Yes.' continued the police officer, risin
e and touching the wretched young mans arm
d you are my prisoner
is Unable to speak, or to enquire with wha
h he was charged, Selden was half led, ha
dragged into cab which awaited them i
:. the street.-Arrived at the station house, |,
e heard the charge made to the Inspector. II
!. was accused of embezzing sum Of money
m the property of his late employers, and sus
pected of further defalcations.
J. After passing the night in cherries eel
r. s,ung and tortured by the mos, hitter an
}. humiating reflection, George Selden wa
the next morning placed as felon a, the ba
n, Of one of the city police Offices. His wal
10 haggard countenance, contrasied painful
with the gaudy hnery in which he was attirc'
r, His appearance was not calculated to operat
= in his favor; for the style Of his dress led