Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1878-08-09
letter from uoston.


DosroN. Aug 3, 1873.
have been reading Mr. G.. p. Lothrop's
story Somebody Else which has just been
published by Roberts Bros, aud find it very
'clever and bright, and extremely amusing. A
June day comedy, somebody calls it, and
that's a very good description of it, Two
college friends have brought up their children
a boy and girl-with very romantic no
tons concerning each other. They have new
or met, but each has an ideal Of the other and
are mutually in love with the creations. A
friend of the young lady, the practical joker
Of the storytelling Somewhat piqucd with
the young lady in question, on account Of her
having repeated to him an uncomplimcntary
remark made by the girl whom he Hdorcs
but who hasn't discovered that she alorys
him determines to play joke on her to re-
venge himself, and induces Il friend of his TO
personate the gentleman Of whose ideal Miss
fleetwood is enamoured. In his assumed
character, he calls at her house, and meets
not Miss Litchwood but her cousin, whom he
supposes to be the one whom he is sent to
visit. The young lady, on mischief bent,
seeing his mistake. does not enlighten him,
and the game at cross purposes commences.
In the mean time, the real person arrives in
Boston and makes his first call on the practi-
cal joker lie is non-pussed, but finally in
duces young Southgate to appear before his
unknown imitator under an assumed name,
so as the better to study her character. He is
given the name of the gentleman who is per
sonatng him, goes with his friend to garden
party as Mr. Bacom, and by the hostess. who
is in the girls secret but is not in the gentle
mems confd nee. is introduced to Miss Itch
wood under lcr cousins name, and vice versa.
The fun thai was Just commenced, grew fast
and furious for those who were in the secret.
But it all came out in the end as it should /;
for under the g1ise of the cousin, the real
Southgate loved the real Miss fleetwood, and
Harry Balcom and Madeline Robb found that
playing love making wasn't half nice rs
love making in earnest and best Of all for
we all like the miscellaneous fellow in spite Of
his prnnks-the practical joker found his
alteration returned and married the girl of his
heart in spite of her uncomplimcntary testing
Mt his expense.
It's CHEEKY little book with nothing NOR
bid in it from cover to cover. Fresh and
original in idea, the simple plot is well dovcl-
oped, and there's an evonness about it that is
very pleasing. Altogether it is n charming
book, although by no means an ambitious
one.
The Masque of Poets, which is promised
for October, would have been issued earlier,
but has been delayed on account Of the late
arrival of some of the contributions of the
English poets who are to he represented.
This volume will be by far the most puzzling
of any in the mo Name series. The lead
ing American and English poets are to have a
hand in it, and the public are to find out-if
they can-who the authors are and which
their contributions. There is a great deal of
curiosity felt regarding it already, and much
Impotence for its appearance.
Mr.. Willie Edonin has accepted the oper-
alta of "Alhambra." the joint work of Dexter
Smith and Mr.. Wooson Morse, and it will
probably be produced in Boston by the Col
vile Folly Company about Christmas. 1t is
very bright and sparkling and ought to be
and will probably -make a great success.
Has it occurred to you in how much higher
repute the drama is held than ever before
As profession it ranks with any of its sister
| professions, and young man or woman who
is starting in life, has that as an open way in
which an honest, honorable livelihood may be
gained, and in which grand career may be
made. There are no longer the barriers of
social prejudice to be beaten down there is
no longer warfare to be waged with Mrs.
Grundy and her followers. The world nc
longer opens its eyes and holds up its hands
in holy horror, when person chooses the
stage rs means of support. know young
girl who has just graduated at the Boston
Normal school, who enters the profession this
season. She is talented. ambitious, and
bound to succeed She is willing to com
nience on the lower round of the ladder and
work her up serve her apprenticeship and
make herself mistress of her profession.
Among the stock company at the Boston
theatre this season, will be Miss Annie Story
a young lady from Washington, who has al
ready achieved considerable success. She il
from fine family, and went on the stage be-
cause she had talents and wanted to us,
them. l heard her read, two years ago, il
the Rodpath lecture course one evening, ant
was perfectly charmed with her. She SHOWED
a good deal of power and was equally goot
in interpreting pathos or comedy. Iremem.
Der how struck | was with her rendering o
the "courtship scene" from King Henry V
Her conception of the character was yer,
like George Reynolds, and l supposed she haC
mad him her model. What was my surpris,
on arning that she had never seen the play
but HAT the idea was her own. l suggesto,
at the time that the stage was her prope
place, and saw the enthusiasm the though
kindled, so ! wasn't surprised when in Wash
ington, last winter to hear that she had Civ
en- up the platform for the dramatic profes
sion, and was quite prepared TO be told tina
her valentine" in A Celebrdted Case, was
wonderful piece of acting.
And now, good friends, l am going to rui
away from pens, ink and paper for awhile
and when come back, may 1 ask for a wei
come at your hands? Win you miss my chat
ter2 For three weeks then, an rerOir.
SALLH JOY WHITE.
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Our New York Letter.