Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1902-06-26

dictated his stories-his daughter be
ing his amanuensis, but when he came
to critical point, he would send hi
secretary away and write for himself
saying that he could think best with
pen in his hand. "a pen to the au'
thor is like the wand of the necroman'
GER, it compels the SPELL"
Washington Irving was equal tC
the seven sleepers-always being able
to fall asleep on the slightest provoca,
ton, while writing, or even when din
ing out in company he usually fell
asleep at the dinner table; this Oc-
currence indeed was so common with
him that the guests usually only no.
ticed it with a smile. After a nap OF
some ten minutes he would open his
eyes and take part in the conversation
apparently unconscious of having been
asleep.
George Eliot always dressed with
great care befor sitting down at her
desk. Hannah More was fond of sea
green silk, and most of her tales
were written with the authoress garbed
in a gown of this hue. George Sand,
when writing, wore "pretty yellow
slippers, smart stockings and red PAN
falcons"
When Frances Hodgson Burnett
Townsend illustrates in her hsroines
as to clothes and surroundings she
practices on herself. Few writers,
perhaps, have spent more on their
gowns, and few are more sensitive to
their environments; it is impossible
for her to write at ease, whether at
home or on ship board, unless sur
rounded by an atmosphere of refined
luxury. A story is told that Mr.. Ed
mund Russell, of Delsarte memory, was
once consulted by the author of"That
Lass o Lowries" regarding a certain
gown. The material chosen was a
large figured brocade, which on her
short person did not promise results
thas were alluring. (Which is the
right side of this fabric?" asked Mr..
Russell. This" said the novelist,
indicating it to him. "You are mis-
taken, madam, )" rejoined Mr.. Russell.
"That side is prose, the other ls poet
ry." His hint or suggestion, how
ever, was not needed, and the dress
was made up with its right side
turned outward to the world.
Amelie Rives, in the fret days of
her fame, studied her glass carefully
and spent much thought, time and
money on her gowns, which were La
Tosca in design or directoire, or en-
pire, by turns. She could write most
at her ease when clothed in certain
pale rose-colored gown with Persian
sash. India silk peignoirs and Worth
gowns galore were seen in her ward
robe. Her instructions to her modiste
were usually wound up with the ad-
monition make me look as slim as
possible" Her gowns were stunning
they amazed Newport, and wrought
confusion to the fashion writers when
Amelia Rives was the sensation of
the hour.
Her clothes are also affairs of prime
importance to "Ouida. j" She always
dresses with elaborate care and usual
ly in rather fantastic fashion, being
able to compose in more glowing style
if attired in draperies like unto those
with which she clothes her heroines.
Three spitz dogs are her constant
companions even when she is writing.
The presence of animals is source Of
inspiration to other writers-Fran-
co.'s Coppee among the number, also
Gantier, Scaccini and Bandelaire.
Montague also kept his black cat be-
side him when writing, and whenever
puzzled for word would stroke its
fur.