The New Orleans bulletin., 1876-03-26
HOW THE AUTHOR OF 1HANAT TOP
SIS" GOT A CHOP.
New York SUM-


Stephen Massett, otherwise know as "Jeems
Pines. of Pipesville," fourished in New York
: dozen or more years ago. Old New Workers
will remember his carefully twisted mustache
and vell-oiled locks, not forgetting the curl
which always nestled across his expansive
forehead and peeped beneath his hat rim. He
was always full Of smiles, courted good com-
pany and loved Q good dinner. Often Of .
pleasant afternoon he could be seen with the
late James T. Brady, strolling up Broadway
70 the st. Denis for dinner. After the death
of Brady, Massett, who seemed to have .
mania for the company Of noted men, sought
out the poet Bryant, and by some means
fsscinati0n, fattery or blsndishment-quite
won over the good old gentlemau's heart.
Who of the Evening Post editorial staff Of
eight or ten years ego can not recall Massetts
daily visits to the sanctum? His heels were
forever cooling on the managing editors desk,
upsetting the city editors notes or displacing
the news editors clippings. He was then re-
carded as an insuffsrable bore. endured only
for the good old Rentlemans sake"
One day Massett, attired with more than
his usual scrupulousnese, rushed into the
editorial rooms, knocking over the bulletin
man with his placards, and stepping on the
Office bows tees, in his haste. " Is MI. Bryant
in2" "Yes, Mr.. Bryant Is in. but engaged
just now"
"Tell him that Mr. Iassett awaits" and
Stephen gave his coat another twist and his
flowing cravst push up.
Presently Mr.. Bryant came out and extend.
ed his hand to his visitor, with the salutation
of the day. The two men together presented
striking contrast two could be more un.
like The one was white vi h age, full of
Years and honors, simple in dress and modest
Of speech-the other, middle-sged. v0luble,
gushing and dressed to the flaming point of
"Mr. Bryant, said Msssett, a. he danced
alongside the poet on the way to the lattsr's
private room, "do you like old associa-
tions?"
.sWhy, certainly do, Msssett; but why do
you ask such an odd question Of me2" and
the old man turned an inquiring glance upon
his caller.
"Because, MI. Bryant theresa quaint old
English chop-house down in . lane near Trim
ity Church that's full Of ancient surroundings
and redolent Of antique "reminiscences. Every
thing about the place reminds me Of hum
dred wears ego. And there you can get chop
that even the gods would smile over, and old
Ale that Falstaff would have found even
better word than sack with which to desig-
nate it."
MI. Bryants eyes twinkled over the recital,
and at once said that it would give him great
pleasure to 60 there.
"Then," said Massett "my dear MI. Bry-
ant, be my guest tomorrow at lunch, and he
bowed profoundly.
The invitation was accepted, and Massett
full Of smiles and bows, Withdrew. Straight
wsy he betook himself to old Toms chop
house, in Rector street. Calling the burly old
English proprietor to one side. he whisp cred
in his ear:
"Who do you imagine you are to have here
tomorrow to lunch between and n"
"I can't say" remarked the proprietor, and
he looked anxiously at Massett
"Why, my dear sir, you are to have here IS
my guest NO less person than William Cullen
Bryant, the venerable editor Of the 'Eucning
Post and the greatest living American poet. .
man whose name is known and sung wherever
the English tongue 10 spoken"
The chop house man appeared dazed over
the revelation Of the voluble Stephen.
.'Is that so? Why, bless my hsyes, I must
prepare for him, and he glanced upward at
the oobwebs, and then down ct the seventy
four.year.old mahogany-topped table that
had been oiled and rubbed to the hue of
ebony.
"Get everything up Moe. and we'n be
here at one sharp. Tell al your customers.
And Stephen withdrew. conscious that he
would have . full auditory on the morrow to
Wow ulu0 III tuo cOLop0uy "a = 6sS"s uA"u.
The next day, Massett punotual to his sp-
pointment, appeared ct Mr.. Bryants private
cfice, .eaolent of perfume in . full evening
dress suit, and with iaultless white necktie
Mr.. Bryant had been awaiting his visitor, and
received him gYaciously.
In few moment both left the old building
in Liberty street, arm in arm, followed by the
quizzing gances of the entire staff. from the
manal ing editor down to the office boy.
Arrived at old Toms, the distinguished
pair were received at the door BY the jolly
old keeper of the place with his blandest
smile. He bowed them to the table which had
been prepared and reserved for them. The
room was densely packed by curious throng,
who had been spprised BY the proprietor OF
the expected visit Of the great poet and the
great hnmorist.
Why, what . crowded place! l don't
wonder people come here. remarked the
poet, e he glanced from the Gle tankards to
the nusty paintings and cobweb ceilings.
81. has q very quaint look. Ii the