The spectator., 1922-06-13
THE GREATEST
By AGNES G. sRocAN
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The town or ByrOn nad always been proud of it's talent. Two noted au- thors and one famous singer came out of Byron.
 It was proud of its continued Byron ancestry; here greatgrandsons now lived in the same old stone houses of their fathers. So in conversation one might hear:
 "Lucy is very like her grandmother at that age" or
 William will never be the man his grandfather was."
 Again, Byron gave promise of send- ing to the world two gifted members. Everyone knew that Phyllis Benson would have musical daughter Phyl- lis herself had been their exhibit at the piano. Now the girl, grown to young womanhood, was going away to study.
 Not yet abroad,' Phyllis mother explained; "she will try first the best teachers in Boston,"
 Close following Phyllis, in'time. was Hattie Mathers' daughter. Mattie's daughter Gwendolin could sing beau tifully. No church social or school en- tertainment was complete without Gwendolin on the program.
 But" Mrs. Mathers explained, i've did not consider Owens voice seri- ously until the glee club director of her college insisted that she have the best possible training. We are send ing her in to the city to learn first from him."
 Mrs. Benson and Mrs. Mathers basked in fame-almost won.
 Then came another qualification. Nancy Leslie's daughter Linnet evinced promise as writer. Byron ites recalled that Linnet had written more or less for various town publica- tions. Her stories in the school maga- zine were commended, her poems re- cited from the school stage But that a story of Linnet's had now actually appeared in a magazine gave certain proof of her calling. Already, in her mothers eyes, Linnet wore the laurels of the towns two famous authors.
 Now, how" asked Linnet, do you ever suppose happened to hit that editor just right?'
 'There was no happening about it. her mother Indignantly replied You have talent-like your Uncle Sidney. l shall send you to the city at once, where you may touch elbows with writer's and learn of them. Your Uncle Sidney is newspaper man, and may be able to direct you.'
 "Oh, mother" said Linnet wistfully Eff you only knew how happy I am," she smiled-'in poverty and obscurity, you would never send me away"
 But Linnet went to the city. and after time paper came to Byron. It had pretty little story, with Lin net Leslie's name beneath it. The newspaper was Uncle Sidney's.
 When the three girls came home for a vacation week, they were feted and exhibited socially. Linnet was pale and thinner; her mother importantly explained that she had been working too hard at her profession. Soon after the Byron paper reported thM Miss Phyllis Benson would be obliged to discontinue for some time her musical studies. She had suffered break down under the strain of many reel tals
 Gwendolin Mathers. unfortunately, had been called home because of her mothers frail health. and would not therefore take her anticipated Journey abroad So Byron was privileged to enjoy its own celebrities in recitals given at home. The new principal of Byron Hill school helped much in the inspiration of these entertainments. He was young. single and good look ing. Moreover, he was said to be at work, In the seclusion of Byron, upOn some wise treatise for publication. Then, suddenly and peacefully, Nancy Leslie died. It was difficult for the neighbors to realize the sad fact. Why, only yesterday she had read to them an encouraging letter from Lin net. Linnet, she said. had sent her twenty-five dollars. "She must make good deal with her storles," the mother had said, ito spare me so much"
 The girl was quiet and very brave when she was summoned home-they had expected that.
 You will go back to the city of course" they said.
 "1 am not going back" she told them gently, because there is no use. l had no talent whatever in writing. Uncle Sidney tried to help me-all of them. IL was not in me. l could not disappoint mother by telling her just then. I have been working in an of flee" added Linnet. She smiled ap- pealinely, begging their pardon for failing.
 "I-never will be great in any way" she deplored.
 From the shadows of the room a man came and took her hand. It was the school principal.
 Miss Leslie" he said, his kind eyes upon her. greatness lies In character and Strpnpth-in trufh So yau o.o