The Arkansaw traveler., 1884-10-18

ks not been told his profession, would have recognized himto be aman Of note His hat was carelessly showed back. and l could see his calm, thoughtful brov. @Ah," !" thought I, "that place of intellectual se- renity is the source of the strange endear- ments-the cold gray mists, the fiouncing salmon, the screeching pipes and cheerful 6reside of " A Princess of Thule" lhad tallen into a reverie of admiration when Mir. Haphreys startled ne by saying:
 "Should you not like to form his acquaintance r'
 began to stammer. @Oh," said my companion, "you need feel no hesi- tancy in meeting him for he is one of the most sociable of men. I'll speak to him" l"
 He approached the novelist, bowed and extended his hand, which Mir Black shook heartily. My heart leaped as they turned toward me.
 "Mr B!edsee, this is Mir. William Black"
 A momen, after the introduction, was quite at ease, for the novelist instead of awing me with his superior mind stepped down gracefully to my level.
 " MT. Bledsoe.r said the newspaper man, lis something of an author him. sell, having written one book, which though he assures me did not create a sensation, was we'll receive. j."
 First attempts rarely create a sem sa,ion," Mir. Black replied. The public is caprieious. It does not like to be as- tonished. The literary ascent is steep and difficult, and i, is few men that while climbing, dislodge the large rock that rolls d4~n and creates a commosion be- loS. The best of us are content with"
 Throwing dust in the eyes of those belo~," said the reporter.
 Mir. Black laughed, and seeing him laugh, l laughed.
 Yes" continued the novelist, and many Of us do not even kick up dust. The qualifications necessary to a literary pursuit cannot be enumerated. Highest culture and profound learning often fail, where the man of half education seems to have but little trouble; and then, the Ean with great genius and half education offen fails. am somewhat Calvinistic in my literary belief. believe that lite rary men are elected but it is surely no great elevation, for the literary life is not the most pleasant one. By the way, Haphreys, it is time we were going to the club. Perhaps our American friend would like to accompany us."
 "lt would give us much pleasure" said the reporter. Although l am an on- locker instead of a member, yet feel assured that the distinguished gentlemen would be pleased to mcet you. Perhaps you may meet one of your own country men-Mr. Bpet Harte."
 accompanied them. Entering a cab, VIC rode briskly for some time and then alighsed in busy neighborhood, where life streamed and rushed in a Niagara of hurry. We entered large building and were shown by polite attendant into room glaring with expensive furniture. Several gentlemen who were lounging around, reading, arose as we entered Mir. Black, taking me by the arm, con- ducted me forward and began series of iniroductions, each one of which startled me.
 "Mr. Bledsoe, this is MT Labouchere, of Tysti; Mir. Edmond Yates, of the Woyid; Mir. Bret Harte- couptryman of yours by the way-Mr. Wilkie Collins, and this-as a gentleman with a large head approached-is Mir. Archibald Forbes, tle var correspondent. Gentle men, " continued Mir. Black, "Mr. Bledsoe is not unknown to literature. having written we'll received novel. Make yourself at home, Mir. Bledsoe. You will find no ceremony here. We come hither to escape it,"
 l could scarcely believe my eyes. There 1 sat, talking freely with men of interna- tional reputation yet my near approach, 10 my mind did not dim their faster. Each word they said, though sometimes uttered lightly and in sparkling jest, l treasured up as rare coin. How l would liked to have been stensgrapher. By the time supper was brought in and spread upon great mahogany table, we had made such progress, with friendly talk and wine, that found my hand resting familiarly on Labouchere's shoul- der. The supper was excellent; the wine inspiring.
 "These meetings," said Black, who sat on my right, s are quite informal.