The Brookhaven ledger. (Brookhaven, Miss.) 1875-1883, 1880-11-25
MARK TWAIN.

MARK TWAIN.
When Mark Twain was q reporter
Oh the San Francisco Moring Call
he was at one time not little fond
Of a certain young lady in the city
This young lady was not only very
beautiful, but also brilliant con-
versationalist, very ambitious and
something of a fiirt Marks droll
stories AID crisp satirical remarks on
men and things pleased and amused
the young lady, and she was fond
Of his company; but as his financial
prospects were not very brilliant
she carefully guarded her heart.
While evidently much pleased with
Mark, and greatly enjoying his
society, the young lady at times ex-
hihited n restlessness that he did
not like to see. Even when he was
relating some Of his drollcst sto-
ries. at ball or parry, he observed
I'll at hs companion was occasionally
inattentive, and that her eyes fire.
|quently wandered toward groups in
which were men Of reputed wealth,
and that when recalled to a con-
sciousncss Of his presence the little
start she gave, aud momentary be-
wilderment exhibited, showed her
thoughts to have been far away.
AS tine passed these fits of alb
scnt-mindedness in his company
increased rather than diminished,
and at length it became painfully
apparent to Mark that the young
lady's thoughts were more and
more passing away from and reach
ing out beyond him. True, they
seemed to be fixed on no particular
object. but that made him none the
less uneasy.
Thus stood matters between him
and his love, when a brilliant ball
was given in Oakly. Early in the
evening, while Mark was in the
midst of one of his most brilliant
conversational flights, the eye of
the young lady fell upon a gpntle-
man fashionably dressed and OF
decidedly distinguished appearance
and courtly manner
"Oh, Mr.. Clemens.' cried the
Young lady, interrupting and cut
ting in two one of Marks most
brilliant sentences. "who is that
very elegant gentleman standing by
that large vase of flowers just across
the room? Do YOU know him?
What a fine diamond spqrkles in
his shirt front"
Mark turned his eyes upon the
gentleman pointed out. He knew
he was an officer of q British man
of war that had arrived in San
Francisco a week before. He knew
this. as he had been abroad the
vessel soon after her arrival in his
CAPACITY of reporter.
Il have never seen the man be-
FORE said Mark. in his most truth,
| ful tone. 'but he is certainly gen
tleman of distinction.
Il am sure Of it, said the lady
who can it be?
Mark saw that his tair friend hat
now neither eyes nor thought loI
anv on but the gentleman whos'
fine air and figure had captured ne
fancy, and he had felt cut to th'
heart, but prctcnfed to be great.
pleased with and interested in TIN
stranger. :.
q can. no doubt, easily ascertain
who he is said Mark; and if yo'
would like it, will manage t
have him introduced to you IN
few minutes. :,
Thank you, | would be much ob
liged. He really seems persol
worth knowing, and the eyes OF tn
ambitions young lady sparkled wit
pleasure. :.
Mark sanctured OFF among hi
gentlemen acquaintances. and afte
being seen in conversation wit
them for short time, returned
his delcinea with radiant face.
i have found out who he is sal
Mark; he is spoken of as being
VERY good sort of fellow-a littl
fopp,sh, perhaps, but all right |
other respects. There will be n
trouble about the introduction.
have it all arranged with 10. Law
ence, and will bring him aroun
whenever it is your pleasure.
THANK you! thank you! But 20
Lave not yet told me who he is
@, true enoughr said Mar
. .Well. he is a barber from San Jos
/ and his name is bliffkins-Blivel
-Blift, Blaxter-bless me
, believe I've forgotten his name a
) ready but I'll find out-Pll go rigl
5 ,way and find ont. They say
: ,wns the leading barber shop-to
4 orial boudoir. they call it-in 81
q lose and is well oti-quite ricl
!, ne seems quite above his poslti'
!. IN life, and I'm sure he's Wort
}. Snowing,' said Mark, quite ei
: Enthusiastically; 'Pll manage the u
reduction
= No; never mind. After all ne
!. doubtless ridulous creature; Il
!, deed | am sure OF it, or he Won
/ not be wearing that great paste P
lin his shirt front. How he cou
: have the impudence to come nc
! I cannot understand, and the no
of that young. lady was for a n
ment tossed aloft.
4 During the remainder Of
) evening Mark found no difficulty
j holding the attention of his 4