The Newtown bee., 1879-08-13

J man to snore--I felt that my reputation asa novelist with Arabella was 2 one.
 However, we reached Swindon with out his committing himself to that full extent; but. under the influence of lunch I felt certain it would happen unless something was done in the meantime, and I resolved to do it.
 We all got out to have soup, and found my opportunity of speaking to the old gentleman.
 were reading coming. along, or you would never have. nodded your head over it"
 What do you mean, my lad? l was reading my own book-the Brigand of something or other. I bought it at Pad dington. It is rather a."
 Hush! But you didn't write it; that's the point. That young woman in the carriage with us wrote it."
 What, the pretty girl who sat oppo- site to youP"
 "Yes, next you" (This I said with significant reproach. "She couldn't help seeing you nod, and it pained her"
 'FShe wrote that book-she" "Yes; she is exceedingly clever"
 ' Very lize.y; but 1t seems so strange that woman should have written such book at all,n he murmured. It's so sensational, so full of scenes. Dear men'
 She's girl of genius, my dear sir"
 "No doubt, no doubt" he said. How very unfortunate: Did l nodP If did so, it was in adhesion
 sentiments. I remember now that some of them struck me as very beautiful"
 They are beautiful" said I; "it is a noble book But she would not have you know she wrote it for any money. It was published anonymously because | she was too modest to put her name to it.. You must not hint at what l have told you; only you had better alter your manner"
 "Thank you; I will, of course. I | have sincere admiration tor the book, and I shall show it.n
 "Only, don't excite her suspicion; be careful about that"
 He nodded till I thought he would have nodded his old head off; and we returned to the carriage very amicably and resumed our journey.
 II always feel sleepy after luncheon, y said Arabella's aunt, by way of excuse for the forty winks in which she felt herself about to indulge.
 ''So do 1 in general way" said the old gentleman; but I have a book here ]
 I saw Arabella's eyes light up with pleasure, then hid myself behind a news paper which I had just purchased for that very purpose; l was very young man, and my tender conscience re- preached me for my little duplicity. ] had not the hardihood to look; I only listened, which, fortunately, my darling took not for remorse, but modesty.
 "I thought you didn't seem to like it, , l la1 ato hn rOla in. spoken person. -e-
 'EOn the contrary, l am delighted with it; it is not often one buys a book at a yenture-for I confess 1 never heard of the work betore-and finds one has drawn such prize. am not mysel much of novel-reader, but hencefortl I shall look for a book by the author O the Brigand of the -'"
 Would it be credited that he had tc look at the title page before he said ;nS,AtnqRninns IA p'' utsuch is the "outsidt
 1.-The 'Brigand of the Apennines! E exclaimed the old, lady in great excite. | ment. "Why, that's-n Here, thank I goodness, she was stopped by a cross volley of reproachful glances from hel niece and me. - s....=z-z.. .a-......
 Arabella was very anxious that her aunt should not reveal the authorship on account of her craze for an "inde pendent opinion" and of course l was still more solieitous not to have my in nocent little artitice exposed. Oul united efforts had the happiest effect they sealed the old lady's lips, and con. i vinced the stranger that Arabella was 1 the real Simon Pure. ..,sta us.
 There is strength and vigor abou | this book" '" continued the old gentleman "that keeps one's attention at the fulles stretch; one has only to lay it down anC close ones eyes to feel one's self one O the dransatis persong. Have you evel read it, sirp" And the hypocritica wretch actually addressed himself to me
 Yes" I said; .' it is good story and, as you suggest" for l determined to pay him out for his audacity), " sin gularly masculine in style"
 May, I didn't say that, he answered hurriedly;" ?" it has the vigor of a malt writer, but there is delicacy, a purity a-dear mel what shall call itp-a per ception of the niceties of female nature in it, in which l seeem to recognize { lady's hand"
 Here Arabella, shaking with laughter put up her huff before her. eyes, and took advantage of the circumstance tc | give the man warning glance that ht was going too far. My fear was that be- | fore we got to Exeter there would be ar eclairctsse,nent of some kind; but to my immense satisfaction and relief, he Jeff the train at Bath.
 z. I have no friends here, and am going l to stay at a hotel,n said our fellow pas senger at parting; but while have this book unfinished l shall not find the time hang heavy on my hands. "HsA #o I "Upon my life,n said Arabella's aunt, as we steamed away, tone would think, I James, that you had told the man you had written the bookn
 5"'' Upon my word and honor," said I, fervently, 1T told him nothing of the l kind. .'' lo sfas .
 r '' I am quite sure he didn't,'' cried Arabella, indignantly; James is inca pablo of such underhand conduct. And l must say the independent praise of that gentleman is very satisfactory and con | uincinn I raallu hanar tn fnar at fi1.ct