Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1893-03-02

printers crrorslu tae urst p;urc, pc. |
cause tho verses seemed to him perfect |
as they stool; in the next, because this |
first proof had sort OF sductity in his
eyes, which would made II appear next
door 70 sac.ilcgious 10 cut II about with
pen and inl,
IL Is needless to say that he secured
a copy of Mayfair at the earliest posi-.
bic moment after its publication and
carried IL about all day--to tho great
detriment OF his work in his fathers
couuting.room. But the rebulSes which
he incurred for his bsurd mistakes in
business glided Oft him rs easily as
water from a ducks back. For was
not his fame rs Il poet now woup And
would he not soon be able to turn his
back on mercantile pursuits forever
Next morning, ON coming down TO
breakfast, he found living on his plate
n letter from tho editor of Mayfair
Doubtless II was TO congratulate him
on the success OF his ode or, perhaps,
to solicit contribution for the next is
sue OF the magazine. lilo opened II
eagerly. As he read. tho look OF self
sati,faction at once faded from his couu.
tenaucc, giving place to an expression
OF mingled bewildcrment and dismay.
The communication ran thus:
~ T. A. BnowNWGG, ESQ eur siri have
Just received letter from the cdi or Of the
Monthly Critic requesting mo to inform him
how II was that | have published I'm Mayfair,
over your name, precisely tho same verses on
tho subject which Oliver Lowell the wrll.knowu
poet has contributed to the Critic for the same
month"; I can hardly think that you have IN.
tent onally made q fool OF mo Bit rs the mat.
| ter is "A SERIOUS one be good enough to let me
have your explanation AZ once. Yours faith.
fully HoHArio SiSKINs."
Naturally poor Brownrigg could not
make head or tail Of this astonishing
epistls. So, instead Of going TO busi-
ness that morninr, he obtained leave Of
absence from his father anil hetook
himself In fine state of mind to tho
editorial Office OF the Mayfair. On
sending up his card he was told that
Mr.. Sinlsins was just then engaged, but
would see him shortly. After u quar-
ter OF an hours waiting he was ushcred
into that gcntl'man's presence.
Good morning. Mr. Brownrigg,"
said the latter, stifilv. I'm glad you
Mr. Lowell, who Is waiting in the next
room now. But before you make your
apologies to him just tell me candidly
how you came to do such n thingl"
"l-l-conpose the verses myself I
did upon my honor" stammercd out
the young man, eagerly. "And can
assure you | am quito as much sur.
priseG ut what has happened as you are
yourself"
Come, comet" was the gravcly in
crcdulous repy. at Is q serious matter,
MIR. Brownrigg; and promise you that
your best way out OF IL will b. can
did admission Of tho truth and full
explanation OF everything"
But | have nothing to admit and
nothing 10 ex0lnin," Brownrigg pro-
tested, earnestly, almost crying with
injured innocence. 81 wrote the verses
myself, without any sort Of assistance
| swear did"
"Well," said the editor, after short
pause, during which no had kecnly
scrutinized Drownrigg's excited face,
\ III you have no better explanation to
give me ! shall leave you to settle
matters with Mr. Lowell yourself"
So saying he opened tho door OF m
adjoining office, and requesting Brown
rigg 10 follow him, briefly introduced
him tn Lowell, and then left the rival
poets to flyht IL out
Oliver Lowell, n fery.looking little
man ut all times, was now rendered un,
usually fierce Of appearance by the ex.
element and wrath which possessed
him. lie glowered at Brownigg for
nome moments in whitening silence,
then burst out withi
Now, young man, you will kindly
tell me, please, how the devil you oh.
tanned copy Of my verses?"
"I-I-didn't, composed them my,
self" retorted Brownrigg, whose head
was literally swimming with bewilder
mont
"0h, indeed" cried the other laugh
ing a savagely sarcastic laugh. per
, haps you'll tell mo next that you com
posed yours hrst, and that copied
them--eh2"
~ don't know when you composed
yours" our young friend answered
But | can tell you exactly when
, composed mine. 1t was last Saturday
evening In the train, as | was going
down to Ealing, and"
I'm tho trnin-going To EalinRl" In
terposed Lowell, with sudden start
and speaking very eagerly. "Ehi"
Yes" said BrownrigR. And then hs
proceeded with many protestations Of
sincerity to give a full and particular
account which our readers have al
4 ready heard described.
/, Long before he had finished light
I broke on Lovell's countenanos, and dis
4 PEELED the lowering clouds Of wrathfuI
= indignation. lie burst into a hearty
, fit Of laughter, and, when NJ length ht
u could speak, exclaimed:
by Jovel see IL all now. Il
D wasn't your fault; though, 10 be sure
. it's rather a risky thing to fall int,
I such lethargy that you can't dis
a tinguish other peoples voices from
q your own impressions. But it's mi
4 fault mostly, for reciting my verse;
p aloud in railway carriage. And thu
company's," he added, with chuckle
y 'for having their compartments opeI
at the topr'-London Truth.
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