, 1878-03-01
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. Houghton 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 Mr.. Whittier Now, my dear Mr..
Houghton, while I am deeply grateful
for the compliment, l 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,
Hell suppose you know what l mean.
One of these days perhaps the ladies of
tho 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 l have forgotten something. l
detect sarcasm in this"
~ am 50 glad, Mr.. Houghton," wrote
Harriet Prescott Spoff 'rd, shat 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
Il mean the river--in the melowest
moonlight that ever sifted its gold upon
beautiful world; so couldn't attend
anyhow. Thank you for sending no in
vitstion. 1t would have embarrassed
me greatly. Have you heard that Mrs.
Stowe is about to give dinneri Are
you aware that there is to be new
ladies' magazine2 But I cannot write
any more. Thank you again, and good
bye"
~ am quite confident" said Mr..
Houghton, looking worried, "that there
is aninadvertency somewhere. It's very
singular that l didn't think of these
ladies before" He turned wearily and
opened letter from Gail Hamilton.
swell, my boy" wrote this lady, $50
you're going to give dinner, are you,
to Mr.. Whittier, the dearest and the best
and he for whom my soul longeth2 And
without usl didu't think it OF you, Mr..
Houghton. / 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 t
blame you. If there's anything un-
pleasant in this world it is woman in
a wide house-I mean in q banquet hall.
will not stop to argue the wins question
--Ihave no liquid by me, so it would do
no good, either-you men are deter
mined to have your own way always, ,and
ours as often as possible. l 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 aad per.
haps few heads. have just seen a
circular in behalf of a new ladies'
magazine. Have you seen it2 Excuse
me, now. l have on engagement to
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
AtLdntiel"
@SAlas, for nay stupidityW remarked
Mr Houghton, his face growing pale
andh knees knocking together. "Thi:
great moral earthquake will be after mt
next"
"oh, Mr.. Houghtonr' wrote "H. H.
enthusiastically, 81 am 80 pleased t.
hear of the proposed honor to old Mr.
Whittier. Ny pleasureis is only exceeded
by my joy that l am not 10 be there
should be highly houored by being
permitted to be in such company, O
course; but am timid, and | fear tha
literary men do cut up dreadfully-yor
Will pardon the expression-on these oc
casions. Do you know, Mr.. Houghton
that Gail Hamilton talks of starting
magszine2 And they do say that ther,
Is to be q grand literary reunion at he
house, or rather the house of Mr. Blaine
shall not be able to send you any
thing Tor some time to come"
"Merciful heavens" exclaimed MI
Houghton. "This must be q conspiracy y