The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1909-02-04


| bum with scraps of verse, which set
forth in rime and unreason the va
rious longings and grievings with
which the heart of youth is supposed
to be filled. There was a rondeau
on violets, and (tell 1t not in Bohe-
mia) there was one, only one, ode to
spring. There was a heartbroken
poem entitled "If Death Would
Come" and there were various lyrics
OF the "Vanitas Vanitatum" order.
1t was all very well for q hapless
monarch OF Israel, burdened with the
domestic worries of 700 Mrs. Solo
mons, to sit down some centuries ago
and record his blase views in the
first chapter of Ecclesiastes. But
why healthy girl, whose digestive
organs had never known a pang, and
who had seen only the brightest side
OF nineteenth century civilization.
should sigh for a quiet tomb and in
weigh against the hollowness of
things in general, is a problem that
no weak man will ever solve. Helen
Roberts was woman of liberal edu-
cation and good literary taste. But
she was neither born nor made a
poet, and while her guardian angel
had his back turned she sent her
small collection of verse to New York
and paid substantial sum for hav-
ing the said collection published. The
book, in exterior, was all that could
be desired. The cover was delicate
cream in hue, and a bunch of purple
violets was scattered artistically in
the right-hand corner, while in heavy
letters of gold was the word "Rever-
ies." The publication of this volume
was a profound secret, and Helen in
tended to wait for the plaudits of the
critics before she revealed herself as
the brilliant young author whose
impassioned and lofty verse has lifted
her suddenly into fame"
On that afternoon in October she
had recognized with many a futter
a short notice of her volume under
Book Notices" in the Stiletto. She
had taken the review to her own
room and there had read what
seemed to her most ruthless judg-
ment. The critic, in two brief para
graphs, had mercilessly ridiculed the
"Reveries," while he had insultingly
praised the paper, the type and the
pretty cover, not forgetting to notice
the realistic effect of the violets.
"The writer has screened herself
behind the name 'veritas.' We say
herself advisedly, because a woman.
and one not far from the romantic
friendships of school days, is evident
ly the writer of these touching STAN
zas. There is no real passion in the
sonnet My Hero but the last four
lines dwindle into sickly sentiment.
The author is plainly victim of the
tender passion, but the object of her
regard Is to be pitied, If her CONVEX
sation Is after the loving manner of
her verse;"
Helen felt as IL she could never
take pleasure in life again, but when
3 o'clock struck she raised her head
from the tear-stained pillow and re-
membered that Harvey was to take
dinner with them.
After dinner DR.. Roberts hurried
away, and Mrs. Roberts excused her
self on the plea of a visit to a sick
friend. So Helen and her lover had
the library to themselves, and Har-
vey, as he settled himself in a large
armchair, thought that he was indeed
a fortunate man in having such a
chair. such a crate fire and such a
sweetheart. After they had been
talking for some time he took I'D the
Stiletto, which had been lying on
the table. Helen had carried 1t down
stairs before dinner, holding it at
arms length.
rs there anything good in the
Stiletto this month";"
1T is a magazine that I do not Of
ten read" said Helen, stifiy.
Harvey looked a little surprised
at her chilly tone and said:
Il thought it had usually some
good articles. A friend of mine is
managing editor, and l may as well
confide to you a little secret. The
man who usually writes the column
OF book reviews was sick this time
and Jameson, the manager, asked
me to take the work"
Helens usually we'll controlled
heart gave a bound, and, after fiuctu-
ating for Ave seconds, settled in her
throat.
II consented, and have not seen
the print yet. It was no stupendous
work. and rather enjoyed it. There
was very little in the books which
they sent me that was worth review
ing. What is the matter. Helen?
You are looking very pale"
Nothing" came very unsteadily;
won't you'read that part of the mag
azine for me?"
Certainly. But you are sure that
you are well? You seemed very tired
at dinner, but now you look like
fainting."
Helen clenched her hands, and
then fell back on the old pitifui COM
plaint-that l am sure Mother Eve
must have used in the bowers of
Eden--the complaint that has COW
cred SO much mortified vanity and
so many aching hearts:
Il have headache, but 1t Is not
bad. Please go on with the read
ing"
So Harvey opened the deadly Sti-
letto, and, all unknowing. began to
read the pages Of book notices. He
read well. When he came to "Rever-
lrg InI