The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1891-08-23
MORNING SUNDAY, AUGUST 1s91TwELvE

above proves that the majority come to the
work with great determination ard en-
tausasm. They are bound to succeed, and
in many cases have sacrificed assured posi-
tions that they might more practically
pursue the profession OF literature. This is
an exceedingly unwtss thing 10 do as sew
eral who have tried it aud failed have suose-
quently confessed. There is nothing on
earth SO uncertain as fugitive work of this
kind. A story may be very good, indeed it
may be excellent, but it often takes a good
deal Of time to place it satisfactorily. LIE.
me illustrate with an experience of my
own, and trust the DER true tale may be
of help to those who are anxious to become
authors. 1t happened some years ago and
at time when l could i'll aft, I'd to wait for
compensation for my work. 1t
was this WY: 1 awoke early one
morning with what seemed to
me a well-defned and really unique plot for
short story. | attacked it With all my
might, aud as Fanny Fern once said of one
OF her stories, II thought it was splendid"
But was very soon made aware that no
body else thought so. II went at first, of
course TO all the big5nontnlies-l Yves very
green at that time-and then | came down
peg and dispatched it to the best weeklies
But back it came with a regular
ity and dispatch which seemed TO me to
have something diabolical in it. l kept up
my spirits as we'll as l could and invariably
started the thing off as sool after it entered
the house as was compatible with
having usually to copy the
first page and not infrequently the
last. After two or three months
of this literary battIedore and shuttlecock
business l found myself at the end of my
resources. Tho story seemed to have been
returned from every place where stories
were ever accepted. looked over Rowell's
lists in despair and disgust, and, l am not
ashamed to confess, with an
occasional tear in nv eve
for this story was my pet, and q cuff on the
ear could not have been any more humiliat-
ing than the notes which accompanied this
child Of my brain from the various editors
who wanted, as thought, to "let me down
easy.n
One morning it suddenly flashed into my
mind that there was one more place. This
was PeteTS3n'S Magazine, forgotten by me
until that moment. Again the unfortunate
child was tidied up and dispatched. Three
or four days later a small satin envelope
directed in the most charming hand writing,
and sending forth a subtle and exquisite
fragrance, was put into my hands. The
poStnark was Philadelphia. and, notwith
standing the unusual elegance Of the docu-
ment. communicated an official
impression. Well, after few
moments of pleasant wonderment
slit the cover end found not only q check
for SIS, but charming note of apprecia-
ton. Now, there was nothing under the
sun the matter with that story. In fact,
my first feeling about it was perfectly cor
rect, as its cordial acceptance and frequent
copying abundantly testified. Some or the
offices where | had sent it were already
stocked with short stories. In others it did
not meet the immediate want and 50 on.
But here is the point Suppostng l had no
other occupation at that time than sending
my literary wares from place to place? l
should have starved, or begged.
So to those who think of leaving remun-
erative employment to take up fugitive
literature, | can say from very wide OBJ
servation and experience-don't. Keep
hold of what you have and practice writ
ing at odd hours. II you are really in ear
nest and really in love with the work you
will find opportunities for cultivation.
Those who write from love Of writing and
are not hamperei by cruel necessity require
no such advice. But even these need en-
enlargement, for their work will return to
them again and again, and not always be-
cause it is unworthy, as l have striven to
show.
Boston, we are informed, is to make the
first public exhibition of the new street
costume. Something over 300 of the most
l pull on and button up the pretty and
comfortable street boots, reaching more
than half way to the knee. and dress skirt
that just grazes the top Of the boots.
There will be no petticoats worn on this
occasion or ever afterward. Soft wooden
combination undergarments, equestrienne
tights and Delsarte waists will comprise the
new and certainly improved suit. Every
thing will hang from the shoulders and the
weight of the costume will be slight.
Longer skirts will be worn at home if one
wishes, but petticoats will not be required.
"Will you adopt this dressp Baltimor
lady asks me.
Well, as | am both radical and conser va
tive, shall, think, effect a small compro-
mise. I never wear heavy skirts, nor do
these garments ever touch the ground.
am not now compelled to lift them to keep
them out of the mud and then l have worn
combination suits and tights for some time.
I should not feel comfortable with very
short dress skirt, and as | desire above all
things not to think of myself or my appear
ance when | am taking my walks abroad
| should defeat the main purpose Of exist
ence by being conscious of my personal ap-
pearance. l reformed my dress some time
ago, and have pretty generally practiced
what preach. The new costume, however,
bids fair to be very graceful and very
modest as well as very pretty.
ELEANOR KIRK.
LEMON ELIXIR.