The Monitor., 1885-06-26
PATTY'S LITERARY EXPERIENCE.

Patty was not pretty-She knew that
but she was just mice comprehen-
sive adjective. She had private convic-
ton that she was genius, but can con-
scientiously affirm that ! never knew of the
opinion being shared by anyone in our viii
lage.
She did not consider that music was her
strong point, though she played dances
very well. and sang ''Robin Adair,"
and Gathering mp the Shells by the Sea-
shore very prettily in boarding school
voice.
Art needlework was not her speciality,
though she embroidered suspenders for her
seven brothers. and undertook kensington
stitch, and Arrasene Painting was not.
though she had plaques enough to shinge
her fathers house as unimpeachable wit
nesses of herskill. No, Patty's soul scared
above these. She was a poet. She felt
destined for career.
She had not published much at the time
our story opens. Nothing, in fact, but
some acrostics, and a poem on Romulus
and Remus; but she had a number of fine
manuscript poems, with which she some
times favored tie Mutual Aid Literary and
Musical Society when called ON to read, to
say nothing of a half-finshed tragedy,
which the family felt sure would work a
revolution in dramatic circles when she got
it completed
Hy hac taJ, IN
that we cannot make our opportunities, we
must wait for them to come but if we are
wise we will not let them pass by. This
Patty considered an aphorsm worth re-
of the Dailg GhdnhclCer. called her into
his office one day. and announced that he
wished to talk business. She felt slightly
perturbed at first, thinking more of the
us dssemmator of facts and ideas. His
first words, however, were reassuring.
Miss Patty he began, II am about to
add new feature to the attractions which
have made the Chdntcleer so desevedly
popular. Our village is beginning to as
sumo urban proportions, and it behooves
US to emulate the spirit of progress emu
lated by metropolitan journals. With this
object in view | have decided to publish a
social column in each Sundays issue.
Knowing your ability as a writer, and your
intimate acquaintance with the elite of Hg-
ginsville, | decided at once to ask your CO.
operation. In other words would you be
willing to run the social for a while?"
''I-that is-really perhaps" STAN
mered poor Patty.
"The remuneration will not be great at
first, continued the colonel. ''but i'll time
we could doubtless increase it.
Il never did any reporting" said Patty,
tempted. but still hesitating.
''My dear young lady," said the colonel,
with a superior smile, ''you must excuse
me for contradicting you. Do you not re-
port every entertainment in Higginsville,
to your family, from the number of spoons
on the table, to the fancy spots on the
ladies' dresses?"
''No, l do not, " said Patty. ''My brothers
are not so fond of amusement. so that it
does not lie in my power to be present at
all our entertainments.
Gas to that. I'd take You myself" said
Colonel McFad. magnanimously. THAT
need not deter you. You had better join
me in this undertaking, continued the
colonel, impressively. Remember this is
the first rung in the ladder of fame. 1t
will give you practice, and polish your
style. 1t -ah!-ahem! | will be glad
to drop in from time To time TO give you
points, and advice. and when you are in
doubt come to me.
Pattys excitement lent wings to her
feet.
Il have agreed to write society items
for the Ladder, she exclaimed. bursting
into the family sitting at is the
first rung in the Chdnhcleer. and | am
to 90 to him whenever am in doubt"
''Mercy, child, what do you mean ,"
queried her mother. anxiously.
''roo much learning hath made thee
mad" gravely quoted her brother Will.
Il mean, said Patty, recovering her
breath, and not deigning to look at VIII,
''that | am to write for the 6hanticleer.
1t is to have a social column just like city
paper and am conduct it.
Hadn't you better consult your papa
and the boys, Patty?" asked Mrs. Brown.
SIT seems like bold step for girl.
s'Nonsense, ma, What do they know
about it? must make beginning in lit
erature some time. I think this is just the
thing. I've already promised to describe
the costumes at Mrs. Grinders party to-
morrow night
I'm not going" said VIII, promptly.
Il fail to appreciate her cheap suppers in
fine Dishes
THAT makes no difference to me, re-
torted Patty ''Col. McFad is going to
escort me- :
.Whew, are you going to take Sammy
and the twins along?'
Don't be ridiculous viii. We are go
ing professionally. not as frivolous pleas
ure-seekers.
beg pardon. OF course that alters the
case, . said VIII. winking solemnly at his
mother. with the eye farthest away from