Waterbury evening Democrat., 1893-02-01

with a highly complimentary letter
from the editor, in which that gentle
man bestowed great praise on
Brownriggs effort and expressed his
conviction that it would be favorably
received by the public. The young poet.
elated thereby beyond all description,
read the proof through with loving
eyes at least hundred times. l don't
think he altered anything except one
printers error; in the first place, be-
cause the verses seemed to him perfect
as they stood; in the next, because this
first proof had n sort of sanctity in his
eyes, which would made it appear next
door to sacrilegious to cut it about with
pen and ink.
1t is needless to say that he secured
a copy of Mayfair at the earliest posi-
bic moment after its publication and
carried it about all day-to the great
detriment of his work in his fathers
counting-room. But the rebul1es which
he incurred for his absurd mistakes in
business glided off him as easily as
water from n ducks back. For was
not his fame as poet now won? And
would he not soon be able to turn his
back on mercantile pursuits forever?
Next morning, on coming down to
letter from the editor of Mayfair.
Doubtless it was to congratulate him
on the success of his ode or, perhaps,
| to solicit contribution for the next is
sue of the magazine. He opened it
eagerly AS he read. the look of self
satisfaction at once faded from his coun-
tenancc, giving place to an expression
of mingled bcwilderment and dismay.
The communication ran thus:
| ~ T. A. BROwNRIGG, EsQ.-Dear Sir: have
| Just received Il letter from the editor of the
Monthly Critic requesting me to inform him
how it that l have published in Mayfair,
over your name, precisely the same verses on
| the subject which Oliver Lowell, the wcll-known
poet, has contributed to the Critic for the same
month? l hardly think that you have In
| tentionally made n fool of me. But as the mat
ter is serious one, be good enough to let me
| have your explanation Mt once. Yours faith
| fully, HORATIo SINKINs."
Naturally poor Brownrigg could not
make head or tail Of this astonishing
epistle. So, instead of going to bust
ness that morning, he obtained leave of
| absence from his father and betook
himself in n fine state of mind to the
editorial Office of the Mayfair. On
sending up his card he was told that
Mr.. Sinkins was just then engaged, but
would sec him shortly. After a quar-
ter Of an hours waiting he was ushered
into that gentlcnan's presence.
"Good morning, Mr.. BrownriGG,"
said the latter, stifly. I'm glad you
are como. I've just had call from
Mr.. Lowell, who is waiting in the next
room now. But before you make your
apologies to him just tell me candidly
how you camc to do such thing!"
"I-I-composedt tho verses myself,
did upon my honor" stammcred out
the young man, eagerly. And I can
assure you l am quite as much sur
prised at what has happened as you are
yourself"
''Comc, Gomez was the gravely in
credulous reply. at is serious matter,
Mr.. Brownrigg; and promise you that
your best way out of it will be can
did admission of the truth and full
explanation of everything"
"Eut l have nothing to admit and
nothing to explain" Brownrigg pro-
tested, earnestly, almost crying with
injured innocence. II wrote the verses
myself, without any sort Of assistance;
l swear l did"
"Well," said the editor, after a short
pause, during which he had keenly
scrutinized Brownrigg's excited face,
"if you have no better explanation to
give me l shall leave you to settle
matters with Mr.. Lowell yourself"
So saying he opened the door of an
adjoining office, and requesting Brown
rigg to follow him, briefly introduced
him to Lowell, and then left the rival
poets to fight it out.
Oliver Lowell, ficry-looking little
man at all times, was now rendered I'M
usually fierce of appearance by the ex,
element and wrath which possessed
him He glowcrcd at Brownrigg fol
some moments in whitening silence
then burst out with:
NOW. young man, you will kindly
tell me, please, how the devil you OBJ
tanned copy of my verses"
I-I-didn't; l composed them my
self" rctorted Brownrigg, whose heac
was literally swimming with bewilder
ment.
"Oh, indccd," cried the other, laugh
ing savaGely sarcastic laugh. Per
haps you'll tell me next that you com
posed yours first, and that l COPIED
) | thcm-ch?"
IL don't know when you composed
r yours" our young friend answered
| But l can tell you exactly when
| composed mine. 1t was last Saturda,
| evening in the train, as l was goinI
down to Ealing, and"
'In the train-going to Ealing!" in
terposed Lowell, with n sudden start
' and speaking very eagerly. "Eh!"
YES" said Brownrigg. And then h
: proceeded with many protestations O
/ sincerity to give full and particula
o account, which our readers have a.
u ready heard described.
Il Long before he had finished ligh
+ broke on Lovelrs countcnance, and dis
PEELED the lowering clouds of wrathfu
Il indignation. He burst into n heart
fit of laughter, and, whea at length
could speak, exclaimed:
"By Jove! l SEQ it all now.
wasn't your fault; though, to be sure
: it's rather risky thing to fall int
IS such lethargy that you can't di
= tinguish other peoples voices frol
- your own impressions. Bat it's m
- fault mostly, for reciting my verse