She Meant Well.

Otago Witness, Issue 2317, 28 July 1898, Page 61

She Meant Well.

Author have to listen to many dubious compliments as well as to those which uco wholly acceptable. Not. long ago an effusive young woman was seated next lo a man who hat! recently published his first book, which h.«] received many favourable criticisms. A dinner was in progress, and at the first opportunity rhe young woman turned to her neighbour, saying: " Oh > ] «m so glad to see you! To think that I can really talk to an author ! 1 think it is so wonderful that you should have written ' The Hawk's Nest ' ! What I mean," phe went on, hastily correcting herself, I% 'ia that it is so wonderful to think you could have written anything." The author's face probably showed some signs of las mental attitudo in regard to tl is statement, for the young woman once more attempted to make her feelings clear. "Of course, yon understand," she said,, with un uncertain smile and an anxious noto in her voice, "that I mean it always seems perfectly wonderful to me that anybody can write anything, no matter how poor it is; that is, you know, even if it isn't very good ; though, of couree, in this case " Here she abandoned the field, and with crimson cheeks turned to answer a question from the neighbour on her other side, who happily occupied her attention during thu rest of the meal, and left the author free to ponder this his latest compliment.