The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1914-12-12
A Nestor
OF Criticism
By LOUISE B. CUMMINGS

erary subjects 1t was announced be
forehand that Miss Emma Alden
Hinckley, celebrated litterateur,w would
be present. Miss Hinckley had no,
written very much herself, but her
opinion on books was looked upon as
final.
During the, evening a girl of nine
teen, sitting In 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 Hinckley."
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-
bic little, and | am quite sure you
can give her few valuable points on
how to proceed"
Miss Hinckley looked bit fright
ened. She could be 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
II should like to ask you one or two
questions, Miss Hinckley." said Miss
Acton, latter which will not trespass
on your good nature further. Do you
think I'm old enough to write novel?
I'm nineteen"
mo, you are not There has been
but one successful novel ever written
by young girl"
"Have you read a novel recently
published called AN Unfortunate Blum
der?"
Il have skinned it in order to make
mention of it in our book notices"
What do you think of it,"
at is worthless"
"Thank you. I'll not trouble you any |
further"
Miss Acton skunk back to her corner,
giving place to several ladies who adj
vanced to do honor TO the literary light.
A reception is in progress at the
Women's club of Medbury. 1t Is Civ
en- for the authoress Of a novel which
been making its way into public favor.
1t was published under an assumed
name. There were many faults in its
construction, but there was something
in 1t that held the readers attention
and produced peculiar effect. 1t was
not written for any particular class.
Persons of acknowledged literary taste
and condemned it. IL was
read by both the old and the young. d
Those who liked II could not see why {
others did not like It, Those who con-
demned it said that those who APP
proved it were devoid Of literary taste.
When Miss Hinckley received an in
vitation to be present to do honor TO /,
the new literary light she threw the
invitation into the wastebasket. Then
she fished IL out and noted the date
She was curious TO see the authoress
who had fooled persons of good lit I
erary taste with a worthless book. She
would attend the reception.
When Miss Hinckley entered the club
he saw promiscuous gathering Of :
men and women. She looked about for
/ group within which would be the
ioness Of the evening. Not seeing her. .
he applied 10 a member Of the club 81.
o learn where she was. "a
ooh. We can't do anything with her "
( was intended that she should receive Il
he guests with the reception commit. Z,
ee. but she's gone into obscurity. and q
We can't get her out. will be pleased ]
o take you 20 her" L
Miss Hinckley was led 20 the very n
orner from which a year before little o.
iiss Acton had been dragged 70 be in I,
reduced TO her. and there sat Miss
acton between two large women,
whom she was using for screen pur-
Oses.
"Great heavens" exclaimed Miss ,
~,
At the same moment an old gentle
lan with fine white hair advanced 10 Al
rect the young authoress lte
"Mr. Barr0ws." said Miss Hinckiey. al
n year ago told this young lady that "
be was too young 20 write a novel ~
BE- had already written one. had 81
Il unfsvorabiy ! supposed T.
knew something about literary work" =.
so did I. madam. twenty years ago.
N ! DO know something about Il Tor 4,
.yseif. but for no one else This young
az On writing her story wrote % me. N
No not 10 yUu. A another time she n
.ny write % you and not o. me. I H.
Nd 90 crfficise books On uhaf : sup I'D
1se1 was tieIr merit In my cd see g.
realize thaf q hoqk D. Ike he'll sI
here cnn - NJ sound IN an unInhab- vi
"a island. fgr there b be ear there % of
.hr So win q book Each intellect
ceires q far ftseif and fot anatbar.7
@Oh Hr. Barr1wst Sou ~ say fhaf
b. in Tuur day uus considered
.n-r angnz critics. srclalusad Miss !,
in~tisv. ~