Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1883-11-29
A Portrait Of Pansy.

We have received a copy of the beautiful
photographic portrait of Pansy Mrs. q. X.
Alden), and it seems only proper in this con-
neetion to give few interesting points Of the
history of this widely-known author, whose
books have larger sale than thoss of any 9th
er living American writer.
Personal information respecting popular
authors has peculiar interest for readers OF
all classes. How they look: what they say
the circumstances under which their books are
written; and the history of their various liter
ary experiences, all are topics of lively and
never-ending interest. An editor, spending an
evening in the society of Mrs. Alden, thus
pleasantly describes it.
Not long since we spent a very pleas
ant evening with Mrs. g. X. Alden, who is
sy.' little gathering was held in her honor
at the house of DR.. Gray of the Interior. A
basket of beautiful pansies was sent, and
adorned the centre-table, and nearly every
invited guest brought in as a tribute u small
bouquet of the modest flowers.
Mrs. Alden's pseudonym, with its slIgges-
tion of unobstrusive beauty, is very apprOpri-
ate both as TO her writings and herself She
is self-poSseSsed. charming in conversation.
but quiet and unassuming. Her adoption of
the title by which she is known, is an interest
ing bit of history. In her Young girl davs the
old clock in her fathers house stoppcd-a thing
so unusual that it made an impression on the
whole household, and especially on her. She
wrote an essay in regard to that faithful house
mold monitor, which pleased her father very
much. lie said it must be published in the
paper conducted by her brother. But said
he, we don't wish any one to know that YOU
wrote il, and so we will sign it ''Pansy,' for
pansy means tender and pleasant thoughts, and
you have given me some thoughts that are ten
der and pleasant
1T is no wonder when she came to write for
the public, that she should adopt for Il nom de
plume the name which had for her such n ten
der association. Her father died during the
writing of the closing chapters of Ester Rled
"a book in which he took the greatest inter-
est. and in regard to which he prayed that it
might he a blessing to some Young life. That
prayer has been answered over and over again
Mrs. Alden writes us 1t was while the tears
were gathering thick in my eyes as looked
out upon his grave. that | wrote the last chap
ter of the book, feeling that my closest. strong
est friend and critic. and wisest helper had
gone from me- And now that these facts are
made known. we feel sure that her pseudonym
will be to many. more fragrant and beautiful
than ever
"Pan>y" possesses magnetic force that
touches all hearts, and keen pencil TO strike
into life those salient points in human nature
that make Us all akin Ii il impossible to de-
scribe the effect of her books. They particu-
larry impress themselves on Young kris and
those leaving early womanhood, giving Il slim
ulus toward mental and moral development, IT
not easily forgotten.
Pan>y's first book, "Bcrnie's White Chick
en-, was written when she was sixteen years
old. and won the prize offered to competing
authors. Ester Ried" and -Four Girls at
Chautauqua" have made her name known and
loved in every town and hamlet of our land.
\ new book, Ester Ried yet Speaking" is in
press for early publication.
Her books for older readers number thirty
six volumes: while the little folks have about
as many from her pen.
Mrs. Alden finds time in her busy life to fill
the editorial chair of The Pdnsy, the popular
pictorial magazine (weekly) for Young people
which is published at - cents year, by u.
Lothrop Il Co., Boston.
We learn that any one desiring this beautiful
portrait can obtain it free by sending Sl.50 for
two new subscriptions to The Pansy, to u.
Lothrop Il Co., Boston. Mass.
We would like to call attention to the hum
dreds Of Delightful New Books Me>Srs. d.
l.othrop n Co.. are issuing for the Holidays
The Older aS we'll as the younger folks will find
rich treats in them. At present we can only
advise purchasers to ask their booksellers for
these publications and to send to ID. Lothrop 4
Co., Boston, for Il full catalogue of their books
and magazines. They will send anv book or
magazine po,tagc-paid, on receipt Of price.