Year: 1878

Come inl F"


After twisting and turning the knob,
and showing against it with all my might,
the door came suddenly open, and was
pTecipitated ON my all-fours into the
middle of the room.


Take seat, said the occupant, who
was seated at a table with his back
turned towards me, so intensely engaged
with writing that even my hasty en-
trance did not cause him to look up.


This reception did not in the least sur
prise me, for l knew the individual be-
fore me just about as well as he knew
himself, If not better. Three years pre-
vious Barry Creswell, when We were at
college together, had become my fast
friend, and though two persens more un-
like were never born, he had declared IN
his odd, straightforward way that we
were boon spirits, and fate itself had
destined US to be friends. Barry was a
curiosity, kind hearted, imaginative,
and talented as everybody admitted, but
so universally talented that Barry him
self could never decide what particular
profession, occupation or calling he was
best suited to, and what road was the
quickest to fortune and fame. Like q
child, chasing each golden butterfly OF
his Imagination, and in turn relinquiSh-
ing them one by one, as he Wearied OF
the chase, or a newer would Fit by which
seemed easier to grasp, and brighter, on
account of its novelty. He had studied
law for six months, and then threw his
books aside with the conclusion that he
was not cut out for a lawyer. Next he
attempted medicine, bat the dissecting
room affected him and he gave that up in
disgust. At revival he had been con-
verted, and with the desire burning in
his generous breast of converting souls,
had gone to a theological seminary te
study for the ministry; but st the end
three months got on 4 spree and was
sent home in disgrace. If he went to q
theatre, it would turn him into an acter
reading an exciting novel would cause
him to model after its hero; and meet
ing pretty girl would instantaneously
convert him into an ardent lover and if
he had one tranEcendant weakness, 1t
was in making himself tie slave of every
handsome girl he met. But fortunately
for him, the duration of his love spells
were generally as short as they were
ardent. And so after squandering much
valuable time in fruitless experiments
planning great castles, and laying the
W AtACI
through limited supply of funds, had
found himself, just as found him to-
night, with no fixed resolutions, clerking
through necessity in dry goods store,
and as I supposed from his mysterious
manner, deep in the merits of some
wild goose chase"


sat down and waited very patiently,
knowing full well that whatever the
scheme was, would soon get the benefit
of it; for never a circumstance trans
pired, or 8 plan originated with my
erratic friend, that it was not presented
for my consideration and advice
which usually amounted to the
same thing--tO continue at one
aim until he had accomplished
something, start fewer new schemes, and
not fall in love until he was able to
marry.


After scratching away a while longer,
Barry laid down his pen, ran his fingers
through his hair, and turning around IN
his chair, eyed me with countenance &c
serious, th& knowing as I did what was
coming, began to laugh.


Barry colored, and said: Well
what the deuce are you laughing atP''


Haven't right, " said 1, to laugh
! if feel like it ?''


at is strange" he replied. "that
whenever am in a serious humor, you
must always be in such jovisl one"


"WeII, 10 tell the truth Barry, it il
such an unusual thing to see you lOol
serious; but pray tell me what is it thaf
pOrtends"


Barry wriggled in his chair, crossed OFT
leg over the other, and said Did yOI
ever think had any talent for writing 2


"Why, yes Barry; I think youd'd writ'
a very good hand with the proper prac
tice."


"Oh, pooh not that sort of writing
do YOU think I would ever make al
author The fact is" he continues
without waiting for reply, "you ma.


not have known 1t, I have concluded


that is, am attempting thought


would try and zee if couldn't write


story"


I couldn't help it; laughed again.


'fConfound itf' exclaimed Barry, be
ginning to look chagrined, +" wish nov
Il hadn't told you, if that's the wa
you're going to take it. !"


"I beg your pardon" I said, reaH


didn't mean it, my boy; but you locke
so solemn, that thought you must b


writing farewell letters in anticipation


of committing suicide"


Barry drew a sigh. "Well, to b
candid, l sometimes think it would b


happy relief to sleep quietly in Letbe'


stream and if it were not for m
mother and yourself, life would hav
| but tfew attractions. Ny dear friend, " sal
: he, with tragicai look" SHE has gon
! back on me-"


I came very near smiling again,
think how probably in a months tim
: he would be making love to some oths
, girl; but said ymPathetically, Cor
: back on You why how is that ?"
'' Yes, it is q sad fact, and that is VIZ
) you find me engaged as am. You kno


an author almost always exhibits b