The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1889-06-15
THE POETIC FEVER.

McSwat. s'but can't keep it secret
any longer"
''ls it possible Lobelia," exclaimed
Billiger, incredulously, ''that you have
been able to keep secret at alp"
ut is. And you would never guess
it, either
''Been making me . dressing-gown
or an embroidered nigbt-capp"
"No."
''You haven't been running up bill
at Spotcash & Co. 'sP" he inquired,
with suspicious look and cold feel
ing in the region of his spine.
"Guess again."
'Been taking lessons at a cooking
school?' he asked. paling visibly.
mo. Guess again"
A clammy perspiration broke out all
over him and he leaned against the
mantel for support as he gasped:
'Lobelia, is Aunt Jubilee coming to
spend the summer with usP''
The young wife laughed gleefully.
NO" she answered. You'll have
to try again, Billiger."
''rell me what it is" he said, with
returning self-command. Il feel as If
Il could stand any disclosure now"
II think you're real mean. Billiger,
but I'll tell you. A little poem of mine
is going to be published in the next
Century Magazine.
"Whewr'
(This is the time-honored way in
which long, low whistle of astonish-
ment has always been represented in
print by the most successful wrestlers
with the language, from the Old Mas
tiers down to H. Rider Haggard. The
reader, therefore, will kindly under
stand that Mr.. Billiger McSwat gave
utterance to long. low whistle.)
''In the days of our courtship, Lo-
Bella" he continued, staring hard at
the ceiling. ''you never told me you
wrote poetry. i didn't know you were
addicted to it, Or"
''Or whatP" she demanded, with some
asperity.
Nothing nothingr' he exclaimed,
hastily. .'And so you are to have a
contribution in the next Century! How
much is the editor to pay you for it,
Lobelia?"
II don't know. haven't heard from
him yet"
Then how do you know he is going
to print it?"
How do l know? Because he hasn't
returned it. sent it to him nearly two
weeks ago."
20. You did! You inclosed stamps
for return postage, of course?"
why, no, Billiger. l never thought
of that. Is it customaryP"
"Er--no! That is, not always" re-
piled the young husband, mastering
his emotion by desperate effort. ut
probably wasn't necessary in the case
Of your poem. Lobelia. And you have
saved at least two centsr'
Mrs. McSwat was not exactly sure
whether he was in earnest or not. She
looked at him with some suspicion, but
his countenance wore that look of UNI
earthly gravity and innocence that
may sometimes be seen on the face OF a
boy at school just after he had rolled a
double handful of bird-shot over the
floor.
ssLobelia," he said. after a pause,
''you haven't spoken of this-this poem
OF yours that is-er-ah-going to be
printed next month to any body else
besides me. have you?"
mo"
''Then don't do it, Lobelia," he said.
IF you can manage to hold in till the
poem is printed, which'-and Billiger
held his handkerchief to his face and
coughed convulsively in it for a few
moments-''which will be only two
weeks longer, you know it will be all
the greater surprise to every body.
And when that poem is printed in the
magazine. my dear. I'll make you a
present of a pair of diamond ear rings"
The trusting young wife pillowed her
head on his bosom in an ecstasy OF
gratitude, and as Billiger McSwat
smoothed her golden hair and MUIR
INJURED in her ear soft assurances of his
willingness to bankrupt himself if nee
essary. in order to give her costly
presents ~ a token of his pride and |
admiration--as soon as the poem APP
peared-he could feel himself growing
meaner. and smaller and more despic-
able every moment.
o young wives! Be warned in time
When temptations TO write poetry for
ths magazines assail your souls do not
yield. Resist them. 1t is terrible
thing to do any thing that causes young
husbands to feel themselves growing
smaller than they are already.-Ex-
tract from ''Frightful Warnings OF His
tory" from the French of Dennis
in Chicago Tribune.