The daily Alaskan., 1914-11-24
A Nestor
 Of Criticism By LOUISE B. CUMMINGS

The woman's club of Medbury was divided into departments of art, sci ences, music and other subjects, and for each department q night was sci apart. One evening when the depart, ment of literature met for chat on lit. erary subjects 1t was announced be- forehand that Miss Emma Alden Hinckley, a celebrated litterateur,would be present. Miss Hinckley had not written very much herself, but her opinion on books was looked upon as final.
 During the evening girl of nine teen, sitting in q corner where she would run no risk of being run down by the intellectual autos that were flashing their lights hither and thither, seemed to take juvenile pleasure in observing them.
 Nellie" said lady, stepping up to her, what are you doing in this cor ner? You should be making hay while the sun shines. know you are scrib- bling, and there are persons here who can give you points that will doubtless help you. Come; wish to introduce you to Miss Hlnckley."
 The girl looked as though she would rather miss the opportunity than leave her corner, but was, nevertheless, dragged out of it and presented to the liOneSs of the evening.
 "This is Miss Ellen Acton,' said the introducer. "She is beginning to scrib- ble a little. and l am quite sure you can give her a few valuable points on how to proceed"
 Miss HincIlley looked a bit fright ened She could he very decided with young authors In her office as editor in chief of the -- Magazine, but she didn't like to tackle one of them in a social way. However, she resigned herself to an ordeal.
 q should like to ask you one or two questions, Miss Hinckley." said Miss Acton. "after which I will not trespass on your good nature further. Do you think Tn old enough tO write a novel? I'm nineteen"
 "No. you are not. There has been but one successful novel ever written by q young girl"
 Have you read novel recently published called An Unfortunate Blun- der:"
 'I have skinned it in order to make mention of 1t in our book notices"
 What do you think of it?'
 ''It is worthless"
 Thank you. I'll not trouble you any further"
 Miss Acton slunk back to her corner, giving place to several ladies who ad- vanced to do honor to the literary light
 
 A reception is in progress at the Women'S club of Medbury. It Is giv- en for the authOreSs of a novel which appeared a year ago and has slowly been making it's way into public favor. It was published under an assumed name. There were many faults ill Its construction. but there was something In it that held the readers attention and produced peculiar effect. It was not written for any particular class. Persons of acknowledged literary taste approved and condemned it. It was read by both the old and the young. Those who liked it could not see why others did not like it. Those who con demned it said that those who ap- proved 1t were devoid of literary taste
 When Miss Hincklcy received an in vitatiOn to be present to do honor to the new literary light she threw the invitation into the waSteba&ket. Then she tished 1t out and noted the date. She was curious to see the authOreSS who had fooled persons of good lit erary taste with a worthless book. She would attend the reception.
 When Miss Hinckley entered the club she saw q promiscuouS gathering of men and women. She looked about for a group within which would be the lioneSs of the evening. Not seeing her, she applled tO luemDef OL Iuc Clup to learn where She was.
 "Oh, we cant dO anything with her. It was intended that she should receive the guests with the reception commit tee, but shes goue into obscurity, and We can't get her out. l will be pleased to take you to her"
 Miss Hinckley was led to the very corner from which year before little Miss Acton had been dragged to be in- troduced to her. and there sat Miss ActOn between two large women, whom she was using for screen pur- poses.
 Great heavens!" exclaimed Miss Hinckley.
 At the same moment an old gentle man with fine white hair advanced to greet the young authoress.
 MT. Barrows," said Miss Hinckley, "a year ago I told this young lady that she was too young to write a novel. She had already written one. l had criticised it unfavorably. I supposed knew something about literary work" "
 "So did I, madam, twenty years ago, and do know something about it for myself, but for no one else. This young lady in writing her story wrote to me- but not to you. At another time she may write to you and not to me.