The Holbrook news., 1910-09-16
FRANK VERNON'S QUEST of the MUSE
By JANE osBoR RN
(copyright. 1910. by Associated Literary Press.)

his masterpiece. Plot, character and incident had all shaped themselves in his mind, and he was sure that two of three months of uninterrupted work would see the book ready for the publishers.
 But I can't write the thing here," he said to the young man who shared his small boarding house room. He gazed disconsolately at the assort- ment of cravats, ink bottles, pipes, slippers. books. pencils and shaving mugs that cluttered chairs, beds. bureaus, desk and table. Some of stuff lived in garrets, but I'll bet you the price of a good lunch that the garrets didn't have much in them"
 You ought to get married, old man." said Jimmy, his roommate, cheerfully, as he searched energetic ally for a handkerchief in the book case. "It's great the way girl can keep things in order"
 T couldn't afford 1t, and, besides, don't want to. But really, Jimmy, I'm in earnest I want to get out in the country. away from all distrac- tions, and in the cool green quiet of the fragrant woods pursue the feet ing muse of literature. If I can't catch her I'll come back and take that position the Daily Courier peo- pie said would be ready for me next fall"
 Jimmy laughed. 'T know just the place for you to go," he said. "A quiet farmhouse on the edge of wooded hill Two of the quietest peo- pie in the world live there and take boarders In summer"
 That's all right, excepting the other boarders. They'd be distrac- ton as bad as cravats and slippers all over the furniture"
 '1 can fix that up," announced Jimmy, confidently. My little sisters staying there. and I'll write her a letter and tell her a friend of mine, who's engaged to a girl who's travel ing in Europe. is coming down to seek peace and comfort in solitude. I'll ask her to put the others on, so they'll let you alone"
 Thus 1t was that, couple of weeks later. Frank Vernon, with two suitcases containing a minimum of cravats and a maximum of pads, pencils and pens, reached the peace full. comfortable farmhouse where MT. and Mrs. Gray took summer board CTS.
 The first evening of his stay, Frank met Patricia, Jimmy's sister, a tall, slim young woman, with soft hair and deep, dark eyes.
 The next day Frank started forth in quest of the muse. his pockets bulging comfortably with pipe and paper, and bundle of sandwiches. He struck joyfully from the road. up the wooded hill, determined to seek out a comfortable spot where he could come every day to work
 Almost at the crest of the little hill he came to the very spot he was seeking A great powder, jutting over the edge of the hill formed a small platform or outlook, giving a charming view up and down the val ley.
 Frank climbed up to the flat sur face of the rock. From Assure in the middle of 1t grew a plucky little pine tree, and in its shade he threw himself down on the soft carpet of moss and cones. The distant tinkle of cowbells sounded from the pas lures below. Bird calls came from the branches above, gentle breeze rustled through the trees. and a near by brook muttered pleasantly.
 If the muse I'm seeking lives in these parts at all,' said Frank, as he sprawled in the sunshine, 'T'm sure she lives here. Hello," Le said, sud denly sitting up. There she comes nowi"
 Mingled with the sound of bird and brook and rustling leaves came a girls clear voice, singing. Presently over the powder edge appeared a brown cap, a stray curl or two. and then two surprised, dark eyes.
 The voice stopped suddenly as Jim my's sister recognized Frank. Well. how did you find 1t? It's mine," she said
 I'm in search of muse and thought she might live here.'
 I'm the only muse that lives here. If I'm not the muse you're looking for you can go. I shan't, for this Is my house and come here every day"
 She unpinned her cap and fastened 1t to one of the branches above her, deposited a basket of fruit and bis cults at the foot of the tree and sat down.
 I'll keep you from getting lone some, if you're going to stay" she announced. Whats her name?"
 Whose name?"
 "Oh. Jimmy told me about her. you know"
 "Oh. of course" said Frank. flush Ing as he recalled his role of engaged man. 'Its-oh, it's Angelina"
 Beautiful! Is she little or big?"
 "Um-why, Arabella's not exactly either; sort of both." said Frank. des- perately.