The Washington times., 1903-08-02


'Why?" asked the Author with con-
siderable curiosity.
Because I've never had a proposal
from All author-and suppose you'd ad-
wise me to wait for one?"
oh" remarked her listener. coldlv
having noted the finger computation
with jealous eye. 'if you want a pro-
posal from an author merely to com
plete your collection =
But it's pity" interrupted the Fair
Philosopher. rather hastily and. as usu-
al. apropos of nothing at all, that your
literary efforts met with success from
the start
The Author look at her inquiringly.
Because" she replied, in answer TO
his look, that fact in itself will prevent
you from ever being really great. you
know. The experience OF genius has al
ways been the same in all ages. from
Shakespeare to kipling."
And that experience is?''
The Fair Philosopher fixed her eyes
on the Authors, and, emphasizing each
item with a tap of her pencil on the
desk. she began:
Well, in the first place, a genius al
ways goes from publisher to publisher,
his manuscript under his arm, meeting
Encouragement at every turn. You
never did that"
NO" said the Author apologetically.
out at elbows. while your attention to
dress with severity borders on dandy
ism"
''wen?"
Then they always live in a garrett.
while you"
Have two rooms and bath" the
Author admitted. sadly.
And the bath" she concluded, sum-
ming up the evidence against him, as
But perhaps" suggested the Author
hopefully. 81 might become great in
some other way"
Perhaps" said the Fair Philosopher
doubtfully. but in that case. Have
you-ever gone barefoot?" she asked, re-
Stunning her catechism.
Never" sighed the Author
Not even when you were very
young?" she persisted.
No" replied the Author. with in
creasing detection I'm afraid began
life in wooden socks"
Nor split rails?"
NO; hairs sometimes. but never
rails
"Or driven a horse on the towpath of
a canaI?"
mo" (his hope gradually dwindling)
Then" she concluded pityingly. you
can't even be President
True" said the Author, lighting an
other cigar; even that trifie is denied
me in decreei=g that should be born
to the purple. Who ever heard of a |
genius-or even a President-whose hair
was curled in infancy by a French |
nurse?"
"A French nurse," echoed the Fair |
Philosopher in dismay. THAT settles it; |
that is even more damaging than the
bath. However" she added by way OF |
encouragement, you havo at least one
Of the eccentrieities of genius-you are
very absent-minded
The Fair Philosopher was leaning her /
elbows on the desk, her chin in her
hands-hcr favorite attitude, and one in
which she lsoks so tantaIizingly pretty
that the Author was tempted lowell |
be merely remarked upon that fact.
You forget yourself she said Sc
verely.
The Author apologized. It's my ab-
-mindedness, you know. even for
get myself. Forgive me and pity my
81
I'm studying to be an old maid" an
lounced the Fair Philosopher one day.
The Author leaned back in his chair.
put his pencil behind his ear and pre-
pared TO be entertained. The Fair Phil
1sopher's remarks are usually worth
listening TO.
Does it require any particular course
IF study" he inquired. do you have
o take a degree in st-tne degree of
permanent spinster. for instance? By
love-" he added, what an appropriate
legree that would be for a woman" He
ooked at the Fair Philosopher out of
he corner OF his eye. She is never so
Pretty as when she is defending Woman,
With a capital W. and the Author loses
10 opportunity of attacking the sex.
Why" she asked, rising beautifully
o the bait, as usual