The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1878-02-21
The WOmen's View Of the Whittier
Dinner.

We are glad to learn that the lady con-
tributors to the atlantic who did not
attend the Whittier dinner were not dis
appointed. Indeed, they had intended all
along not to be present, and they SO indi-
Gated to Mr.. Huughton in letters written
the very day before the dinner. II hear
it intimsted," writes Mrs. Stowe, "that
I'm to be selected to sit at the right hand
of MIR. Whittier Now, my dear Mr.
Houghton, while l am deeply grateful
for the mpliment, cannot accept.
believe in the largest freedom for every
body, and am sure the gentlemen who
participate in the festivities would not
be pleased to have their programme EN-
barrassed by the presence of ladies. He,
He! | suppose you know what | mean.
One of these days perhaps the ladies of
the atlantic will have dinner, and |
think they are selfish enough to desire to
be alone
Mr.. Houghton read the letter, and
said, passing his hand through his hair,
II think have forgotten something. l
detect sarcasm in this"
II am 50 glad, Mr., Houghton," wrote
Harriet Prescott Spotf 'rd, "that you
have decided not to call the ladies from
their sylvan solitude. | am deeply en-
gagged in studying the pecuiarities Of
some rushes that grow upon the banks
of the beautiful river that rolls by my
door, crystallized at present, by the way
i mean the river-in the mellowest
moonlight that ever sifted It's gold upon
beautiful world; so | couldn't attend
anyhow. Thank you for sending no in
vitation. 1t would have embarrassed
me greatly. Have you heard that Mrs.
Stowe is about to give a dinneri Are
you aware that there is to be new
ladies magazinel But l cannot write
any more. Thank you again, and good
bye"
II am quite confident" said Mr..
Houghton, looking worried, "that there
is an inadvertency somewhere. It's very
singular that | didn't think of these
ladies before" He turned YEARLY and
opened letter from Gail Hamilton.
well, my boy" wrote this lady, $50
you're going TO give dinner, are you,
TO Mr.. Whittier, the dearest and the bes,
and he for whom my soul longethi And
without US! l didn'tthink it OF you, Mr.
Hough ton. | was about to say that
didn't think anything of you, but
won't. You can thank your true good.
ness for that-to say nothing of the
last cheque. Seriously, however, | don 7
blame you. If there's anything IN
pleasant in this world it is woman in
wide house, mean in banque hall.
l will not stop 10 argue the wins question
-lhave no liquid 10y me, so it would do
no good, either-you men are deter
mined 10 have your own way Away. and
ours as often as possible. | write to say
that | won't come, and insist that Mr..
Whittier and the rest shall not break
their hearts over it. Sufficient is it on
these occasions TO break bread AID per-
haps few heads. | have just seen a
circular in behalf of new ladies
magazine. Have you seen III Excuse
me, now. | have an engagement 10
spank the Administration at this very
moment. Do you know, by the way,
that Mrs. Spofford is to give a grand
dinner to the lady contributors Of the
Atldnticl'
Alas, for nay stupidityI' remarked
Mr.. Houghton, his face growing pale
and his knees knocking together. This
great moral earthquake will be after me
next"
"Oh, Mr.. Houghtonr' wrote al H.,
enthusiastically, II am 50 pleased to
hear of the proposed honor 10 old Mr.
Whittier. My pleasure is only exceeded
by my JOY that | am not to be there
l should be highly honored by being
permitted to be in such company, Of
course; but am timid, and | fear thai
literary men do cut up dreadfully-you
will pardon the expression-on these oc
casions. Do you know, Mr. Houghton
that Gail Hamilton talks of starting
maeszinef And they do say that ther,
is to he grand literary reunion at he
house, or rather the house of Mr.. Blaine
l shall not be able to send you any
thing for some time to come"
"Merciful heavens exclaimed Mr.
Houghton. This must be conspiracy