The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1876-12-29
An Author Cured.

An Author Cured.
It was a costly furnished room that
might be dignifed by the name of Ii
brary, as well-filled bookcases lined
three sides of the wall, the fourth was
occupied by a piano. A center-table
was loaded with the leading newspapers
and periodicals of the day. The appoint
ments of the apartment bespoke refine
ment and good taste. A crimson cush
iOned couch was drawn near one of the
windows on which reclined a young
man in the spring time of life. His
handsome face was sallow, and wore a
languid look. He was in dressing-gown
and slippers, and from his manner
seemed to be Gictating to bright look
ing young girl seated at small stand
near him. She appeared to be waiting
for him to speak. Her eyes were cast
down on a pile of fOolscap, and her pen
was clasped motionless between her fin
gers. The young man lay with closed
eyes and his hand to his brow. AT
length he looked up and in confident
tone commenced.
at was near the close of beautiful
summer day in the Ieafy month of
June"
al believe that is the way Mrs. Ste
phens commences one of her stories,
Mr.. -" softly interrupted the voice of
the amanuensis.
as it? Very we'll. There is no neces-
sity of my borrowing. | never read
Mrs. Stephens or any other wOman's
story. | have had no time or taste for
such amusement. Well, to begin again,
Let me see. "Our story opens on a
wild December night in the little viii
lage of Marblehead, a seaport town on
the shores of the"
"PardOn me, sir. Mrs. Armor's new
story of Cast Away opens in that very
town, also on a wild December night.
II is a curious coincidence" again in-
terrupted the quiet voice of the young
lady. A little shade of color flew to the
young mans face and he changed his
position uneasily as he said.
"Never mind; there are plenty of ways
to begin a story. | would not enroach
on broken ground" He reflected mo-
ment in silence then said as he rose to a
sitting position, "If it is not disagree
able to you, Miss, believe l will smoke.
l feel little heavy.n AS theyOung lady
bowed assent he lit Havana and ap-
preached the open window, and leaning
lstlessly against the casing drew the
smoke from his cigar in dreamy silence
At length casting it aside he again took
his old position on the couch and COM
menced, Near the middle of a sultry
day in the month of August a dust
stained and weary looking traveller
might have been seen approaching 6
rude inn surrounded by few cabins il
the wilderness of Wisconsin. The mar
looked exhausted. He was leading 6
horse, saddled and bridled and"
"As the day was so warm and thu
traveller so weary why not let hin
ride?" suggested the voice of the scribe
Again the color flew into the youni
mans face in deeper shade. Their
was an angry sparkle in his eye as b,
said, "I prefer to situate my character
in accordance with my own judgment
"Certainly, sir" replied the girl, casting
her eyes down demurely.
The disturbed author again fell int,
meditation. His brow was knit will
an impatient scowl. He was evidentl,
ill at ease. He cast an occasional fur
tive glance at this irrepressible critic
but her immovable cOuntenance be
trayed no knowledge of his scrutiny
She was nibbling the top of her pen ap
parently waiting to dip it in the ink
Finally clearing his throat the youn
man again began: "Near the site of oil
Castle Garden in the city of NeN
York"
as not that rapid transit from tn
wilderness of Wisconsin to the city c
New York, and for a weary travele
leading his horse, tOoW asked the gin
in depreciating tone.
Thunder and Lightningw exclaime
the now thoroughly aroused author. H
sprang to his feet and taking two O
rooi1 ha rOOur
snatched the door open and rushed out
Scarcely had he disappeared when
door from the opposite side opened an
a merry, rosy-faced, white-haired oil
gentleman entered, laughing hearth
and rubbing his hands together in evi
dent satisfaction. He was Joined in hi
merriment by the girl who arose an
took his extended hand as be said "CaI
ital, Joe! Capital! l guess we have &c
hold of the right kind of medicine fo
his case. Apply the blisters, use th
caustic and we will bring him out a
right. See, there he goes" continue
the old gentleman with sparkling eye
as be looked out of the window and OF
served our hero rapidly descend th
steps of the entrance and turn down th
street. "Since Charles was a boy,
have never seen him display so niue
anlmdIiOu.
The black eyes of the girl danced wit
glee as she asked, "AbOut how man
more attempts do you think he wi
make, Uncle?'
mot many" returned the old maj
''The cobwebs of romantic fancy al
easily swept away before the hard brus
of practical light"
The young man whose aspirations wei
were thus disposed of in his absence Wa
the only son of a well known Newar
avenue merchant of Jersey City. Libel
ally educated and eminently fitted
carry on the mercantile business that hi
father had established by years of to
and close application, like many othe
young men be lacked ixedness of pul
pose. He was a dreamer. His min
dwelt on dimly defined aspirations, an
one half-formed scheme after anothe
slipt away until finally he thought
would like the career of an author. 81