Smyrna times., 1885-08-12
Patty'S Literary Experiences.

DAO 9nO was JUST ttS nice, cOmpre-
hensive adjective. She had a private
conviction that she was a genius, but
can conscientiOusly affirm that l never
knew of the opinion being shared by
any one il our village.
She did not consider that music was
her strong point, though she played
dances very we'll, and sang Robin
AdaT, Gathering Up the Shells by
the Sea-Shore," " and kindred melodies
very prettily in bOarding-school voice.
Art needle-work 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 shingle her fathers
house as unimpeachable witnesses of her
skill No, Patty's soul scared above
these. She was poet She felt destined
for career.
She had not published much at the
time our story opens. Nothing, in fact,
but some acrOstics, and poem on
Romulus and Remus but she had a
number of fine manuscript poems, with
which she sometimes favored the Mutual
Aid Literary and Musical Society when
called on to read, to say nothing of
halt-tnished tragedy, which the family
felt sure would work revolution in
dramatic circles when she got it compile
ted.
Somebody has been wise enough to
say that we cannot make our oppor-
tunltles, we must wait for them to come
but if we are wise we will not let them
pass by. This Patty considered an
aphorism worth remembering when Col.
McFad, the editor of the DAILY Chan
ticleer, called her into his office one
day, 'and announced that he wished to
talk business. She felt slightly per-
tmbed at first, thinking more of the
gallant colonel in the role of widower
than MS a disseminator of facts and
ideas. His first words however were re-
assuring.
" Miss Patty, he began 81 am about
to add new feature to the attractions
which have made the "Chanticleer so
deservedly popular. Our village is
beginning to assume urban proportions,
and it behOOves us to emulate the spirit
of progress exhibited by metropolitan
journals. With this object in view 1
have decided to publish social column
in each Sundays issue Knowing vour
ability as a writer, and your intimate
acquaintance with the egits of Higgins
vile, l decided ut once to ask your CO.
operation. In other words would Won
be willing to run the social for a while?"
"I-that ally-perhaps," stam-
mered poor Patty.
The remuneration will not be great at
first continued the colonel, 'but in
time we could doubtless increase it,"
I never did any reporting" said
Patty, tempted, but still hesitating.
My dear young lady, said the colo
nel with superior smile, "you must
excuse me for contradicting you.
you not report every entertainment.
Higginsville to your family, from -.
the number of spoons on the table. to
the fancy spots on the ladies' dresses?"
" No, 1 do not" said Patty. "Mv
brothers are not fond of amusements. so
that it does not always lie in my power
to be present Mt our entertainments.
" As to that, I'd take you myself"
said Col. McFad magnanimouslv.
"That need not deter You. You had
better join me in this undertaking. i"
continued the colonel, impressively.
" Remember this is the first rung in the
ladder of fame. 1t will give You prae.
tice, and polish your style. Itwill-abl
-ahem!- 1 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-"
Patty's excitement lent wings to her
feet.
II have agreed to write society items
for the Ladder, she exclaimed, burst
ing into the family sitting-room. 1T
is the first rung in the ''Chanticleer.
and l am to go to him whenever am in
doubt"
" Mercy, child. what do you mean ?"
queried her mother, anxiously.
"Too much learning hath made thee
mad, gtavely quoted her brother Will
II meap," said Patty, recovering her
breath, and nOtdeigning to look at Win
" that / am to write for the 'Chanti.
cleer. It is to have a social column
Just like city paper, and 1 am to con.
duct it.
Hadn't you better consult your pa
md the boys. Pattyi" asked Mrs.
Brown. 1T seems like bold step for
q girl"
Nonsense, ma What do they know
about 1t l must make a beginning in
literature some time 1 think this is
just the thing. I've already promised
to describe the costumes at Mrs. Grin.
der's party tomorrow night"
" I'm no. going, said Will, PROMPTLY
" l fan to appreciate her cheap suppers