A PATHETIC STORY.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume VI, Issue 35, 30 August 1890, Page 9

A PATHETIC STORY.

Almost two years ago a short story of considerable merit had been submitted to a magazine by a young woman quite unknown to fame, and had been accepted and paid for. It was tiled away with other accepted articles to be used when its turn came. A short time ago there came a letter from the young girl asking modestly if the story might not be printed soon, but giving no reasons for the request. Two months went on, and then came a second letter written in the same hand, but in weaker and fainter characters, as if the hand that held the pen were scarcely able to guide it. This letter asked again that the story might be printed soon if possible. ‘My physician tells me,’ it said, • that I can live but a few months at the farthest. I had hoped to live to do a great deal of good work of this kind, but you have my first and last piece. I have cared so much for it that I think I could be happier in dying if I might see it in print before 1 go. The magazine for the coming month was bound, so nothing could be done with that. The sheets for the second month were printed and ready for binding, and the matter for the third magazine was well underway. A short consultation was held the result of which was that the story was set up, and the sheets containing it substituted for certain sheets In the magazine for the second month. It was no small matter to make the change so late in the day, but the letter of thanks received from the young yirl who died shortly afterwards more than repaid the manipulators of the alteration.