Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-11-27

valiantly defended themselves, some
times much to the amusement OF
lookers-on, who still relate the incidents.
Both were like most other lads and en-
joyed climbing on earth carts and passing
! wagons quite as much as the average small
bov. Of course they were often mischiev-
Gus; and Vivian, it has been insinuated,
! was even sometimes known as "terror"-
something, indeed, he is very far from being
now.
As has been intimated, he finds great
pleasure in the association of his young
friends. He forms one of set of four who
call themselves 'The Committee. The
"Committee," although friendly to all the
boys, is somewhat exclusive, and does not
like to have its inner circle intruded upon
except at regulation times The mem Der
of the Committee" are his intimates, with
whom, to use his expression, 81 quarrel and
make up, just like my brother"
A Talent for Invention.
He is thoroughly American, has some-
thing of talent for invention, and already
has a share in one or two patents which, for
a boy of 16, is saying considerable. 1t is
his object to invent something or do some
thing that will make the world better-a
worthy ambition for any boy! He is also
interested in photography, and as an ANA
teur has had quite an experience. His
latest venture is in the line of printing. He
has fine outfit, and there will soon be
issued from his press, in book form, one of
his mothers recent productions, which late
ly appeared in Scribner's Magazine under the
title of "The Drury Lane Boys Club, an
account of an institution for newsboys
founded by Mrs. Burnett in London during
her late sojourn abroad as memorial to
her son, Lionel. His chums are his assist
ant printers, and a busy time they have
been having of it on Saturdays and out Of
school hours.
Being conscientious about it, his school
work keeps him pretty constantly employed.
DR.. Burnett says of his son, that he "has
the knack of sticking to a thing" and when
deep in his Latin in vain for him may the
boys outside whistle and his chums ring. the
door bell. He is oblivious of it all until
the lesson is finished. He has great liking
for language studies, and is already quite
proficient in French. He is particularly
fond of studies in literature and of his tory,
but he has q decided aversion to mathe-
matics He has great taste for the an
tique, old and rare books being specially,
ane he knows how to appreciate the value
this line.
He is a good pianist and has fine ap-
probation of the beautiful 1t is delightful
to see his enjoyment of nature in bit OF
waterfall or the quiet river-not
only enjoying it, but analyzing it, noting
curious effects, and seeking to share his
pleasure with Yourself He likes to analyze
his moods and feelings have seldom seen
q boy more happy than when, at the end of
a school year, with the removal of its strain,
he found himself promoted without single |
condition. 1t was Just like him to try to !
analyze his pleasure to discover why he was |
10 happy.
Illustrated From His Photograph.
But 1 think I hear you asking: Gust in |
how far is he the original of 'Fauntleroy"
Let the "Little Lord" speak for himself |
The account is not long, and, in his own |
words, is about as follows:
"When I was about I said one day: |
'Momma, 1t is a long time since you have
written q good story for children: won't you
write one?' Yes, she said, I will tell you !
,bout little lord She told ME some Of it.
Afterward she wrote it, adding much more
10 it. She read good deal of it to me, so
.he world has me to thank for that story"
The wonderful story was not written in a
lay, however; several months elapsed be-
rore Mrs. Burnett allowed it to pass from
her hands to the public.
The illustrations were taken from Vivian's
,wn photograph, and represent him exactly
Is he appeared at that age. He will still
how you the drawing of himself from
which the engraving was made which rep
esents "Fauntleroy" standing beside the
zig dog.
This is about the extent to which Vivian
will admit his originality of the character;
,ut 1 think the gifted lady, his mother,
would tell you that, while the story is
purely a creation, she in il portrayed the
beautiful ingenuousness and simple good
less of heart of her boy-a simplicity OF
GOODNESS which is still his, and which e1-
libits itself in many ways
W. Edwin PRrns1
Central High School, Warrington