The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-08-23

But here Miss Henrietta was firm. II
won't write under my own name. yet" she
said. I
'Oh. well. a pseudonym will do Just as
well. Now, what shall it be-" and Beatrice
stared into space and pulled short curl
on her forehead to facilitate thought.
II have it!'' she cried. George Eliot and
Currer Bell are masculine pen names; sup
pose you take Jack Spratt.' Now you are
completely disguised. No one could possibly
find you out" and for moment Beatrice
whirled gracefully around the room, wind
ing up with a sweeping curtsey, In front
OF her astonished and bewildered relative.
A few days later the Clayton carriage
stopped in front Of the huge building in
which were located the Offices Of Dudley.
Fordham & Co., and Beatrice, daintlly
gowned. with most bewitching fur boa
and soul-stirring hat. trippcd out, and with
bold front advanced upon the elevator boy.
mr.. Dudley. of Dudley. Fordham & Coz"
she said. in voice that was the elevator
boys undoing
Sixth floor" he answered in trembling
tones. unconsciously slackening speed.
Third door to your right" was his part
Ing direction: INC. 6l3"
Beatrice tapped at No. 615 The door was
opened by dirninutive buttons TO whom
she handed her card. II wish to see Mr..
Dudley" she said.
Hes busy" was tho laconic reply.
"Please give him that card and tell him
wish to see him at once" and Beatrice
spoke in a tone which sent tho small boy
bounding to an inner sanctum. He returned
In ffve minutes' time.
HE says-please to be seated-he'll sec
you presently" and, placing a chair for her,
buttons" retired discreetly.
Beatrice was hot with anger. Accustomed
to see meE hasten at her call, accustomed
til ~.
her every word, his conduct in this instance
was abominable. She sat, inwardly tuning.
for at least fifteen minutes, when the door
OF the office marked Private was openea,
and two gentlemen came out. Ono was Ar
thur Dudley. who hastened toward her with
an apologetic air and outstretched hand.
II am sorry to have kept you. Miss Clay
ton; Just step back into my Office"
IT came only on business" returned Be
atrfce. following him. but ignoring his hand.
By this time she had brought Miss Henri
etta's poems from their place of conceal
ment. Il have something to submit to you
for publication" she began. coldly. IA
friend OF mine she paused. . sudden
embarrassment coming over her, and held
out the manuscript
Dudley took It from har with . faint
smile 30 many embryo authors had tai
sntsd friends" He opened Il and glanced
through 1t with = professional eye, whila
6eetr1c0 went on:
NY friend 10 anxious 70 have your hon.
ct criticism. OF course"
The acceptance or rejection OF q manu-
script y al the criticism Ne allow our
selves. Miss Clayton. It's q mere matter Of
business. you see"
But my friend does not mind the money.
The expenses OF publication would. Of
course. b betrayed. suppose that Il GUS
temaryr'
well, IN, exceptional Gases" answered
Dudley. bending over the manuscript to
hide his amusement.
'sThen make this case the exception: CON-
sider that Fart Of the compact / wouldn't
allow you TO assume any unnecessary risks
-my-my friend would not bs wll.ing.''
How would you like this pubiished-in
book formf" inquired Dudley, looking
doubtSally At the meagsr manuscript,
"Oh. yesl little book think u It were
attractive It might SELL and she-my friend,
i I mean Beatrice caught herself with 4
stumhls. and blushsd adorably,
"Of course. Jack Spratt y pssudonym,' .
she confessed.
at did look suspicious" commented Dud.
ley. Eravely.
sWell. anyway. my friend II anxious only
TOR fame; she doesn't care bit for this
money"
II See" he said. musingly. Nov. in case
I should decide to accept thia about how
many would you like for first edition r.
She thought deeply for a moment.
Ishould say i've hundred or Thousand. al
tlsast-I-I-mean. my friend-wlshes nc
i limit to the circulation"