Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1900-02-07
AN EARLY ISSUE

the oak around which she should Irvine in
good old fashioned style.
Jean. however, had become imbued
with more moiGn ideas. She detested
clnging, dependent womankind and burn
ed with fierce desire to demonstrate to
Jack that his ideas were erroneous.
"Of course" she said TO him patiently
after one of their frequent discussions, II
make excuses for you. as you were born
in the south. where people still think wo-
men ought to be a piaything or pet and
never do anything more serious than to
dance or sit ON cushion. sew up n seam
and feed on straw berries. sugar and
cream But think every girl should be
90 educated that IL 1t becomes necessary
she can earn her own living"
.How would you. for instance. start
about making your living2" he asked. in
q soft voice, with a suspicion OF mockery
behind the softness.
.sweil." she replied. flushing. but de-
FAINT. Il could write. you know"
"Ah.
''Yes. could and CAM How glad she
was that she could now put her hand in
her pocket and as a sort OF grand climax
bring out the letter she had been finger
ing during the interview
Now. read this. You see. I can earn
my living. and what Is more l intend to.
Marriage. dependence upon n man for ev-
erything. is nothing in comparison with
doing for yourself"
Surprised at this unexpected TRADE.
Jack took the letter she held out to him
and read:
Dear Mia-your story, "a Romance Of Ro-
manecs." Ia accepted and will appear in an early
issue Of magazine. Payment will be made
upoa publication. Yours truly.
EprsoR o, -.
"weli." he asked, what does this
proven
"You are stupid" she retorted petu-
lantly. st proves that I have started
out on n money making career and that
/ will make vigorous use OF my talent
hereafter instead OF hiding 1t under
bushe.'
"Your Scriptural quotations are rather
weak. my dear. l hope you will not use
any for publication without looking them
up" said Jack mildly.
After this conversation there was a lit
tie GOODNESS between the lovers. They still
continued lovers, but Jack ceased to urge
an early marriage. and Jean seemed to
have but little time to devote to him, rs
she was writing feverishly on n new tale.
In the meantime the magazine to which
she had sold her first story came out. The
story was not in II. as she half hoped it
might DC. puL sue tOiu herself u WOuIu
surely be in the next number. On the
strength OF this hope she succumbed to
temptation and bought an extravagant
hat. French Importation. vastly becom-
ing. IL dear.
'I'll show Jack that l can buy my own
things. and pay for them. too" she
thought proudly, and the next time he
took her out she pointed to the little
structure of lace. straw and flowers and
said that was what "A Romance of Ro-
mances" had bought.
$50 it is outr' he asked. .-I must stop
at the news stand and get it,"
..Well. no." she replied. n little con-
fused. but IL will be out next month-at
least they said in an early issue and
Nine. Brule is quite willing to wait"
"Hum," remarked Jack provokingiy,
but Jean was uncertain what that ex-
ciamation might mean she changed the
conversation.
She kept on braveiy with her work. al.
though the phenomenal success OF her
first manuscript was not followed by any
more acceptances. The first of the next
month Jean looked for the check which
was to pay Nine. Brute. but the allotted
days having passed without bringing it.
she sought copy of the ma gazine and
eagerly ran over the contents hoping the
story was in 1t and payment had been
overlooked.
Alas. 1t was not there. and madame
had already sent in her bill twice. II
WAS humiliating TO have to call and ex-
plain to the fashionable milliner that the
money upon which she depended for the
payment of her bill had not yet reached
her.
Madame was by no means as sweet and
gracious rs she had been when the sale
was effected
The story did not come out, but at last
she yielded to Jacks entrcaties and mar
ried him. But will not be a vine. Jack.
and you needn't expect it, she declared.
"But no more depending upon magazine
editors for hats. my dear" said her hus-
band, laughing as he handed her re-
ceipt from Nine. Brule; for the bill. I'M
paid at the time OF their marriage. had
fallen by accident into his hands.
''Oh. dear" Jean cried, annoyed and
yet relieved for that bill had haunted
even her dreams.
"Bu, | will pay you back. Jack. when
how. don't laugh. darling. for it will be
published some time-my story comes
out"
As a matter of fact the "early issue"
occurred exactly eight months after ac-
ceptance, and Jack happened to be with
the aspiring authoress when she received
her check.
Alas. again. for human hopes! The
check eIualed but half the amount of the
price OF the hat.
1t was blow to Jeans pride which so
nearly staggered her that Jack corbore
to tease.
"Never mind. dearest" he said kindly.
swell go and get your check cashed and
have a jolly little outing with the money
"a supper at the St. Nick aad the thea
ter after"
"All right" Jean said. Frightening up;
'but I've learned a lesson, Jack, that I'll
not forget. III never count my chickens