publisher, hoping to win his approbation and
assistance in bringing it before the public.

Dressing herself plainly, but with taste, she started out one morning with
her treasures, and presenting herself at the publishing house referred to,
asked to see the proprietor.

The gentlemanly clerk led her to a private office, where she found a
pleasant-looking, elderly gentleman who regarded her a trifle curiously,
but greeted her courteously, and then politely asked her business with
him.

"Some time ago I saw an advertisement in your name, relating to Christmas
souvenirs," Virgie began, "and as this is the date on which they were
required to be delivered I have brought my contribution for your
inspection."

The gentleman bowed, but hesitated a moment before replying.

Virgie's manner and language told him that she was a lady, and he did not
like to say anything to wound her; but the advertisement to which she
referred had distinctly stated that competitors were, under no
consideration to expect a personal interview regarding their
contributions. They were either to be sent by mail or left at the office
until an examination by the proprietor should decide who the fortunate
winner of the prize might be.

"Ah!" he began, "I understand you desire to leave the specimens of your
work with me."

Virgie flushed, for his tone was rather frigid. Then she recovered
herself, and her face lighted with her rare, beautiful smile, which went
directly to the publisher's heart.

"Yes, sir," she answered, laying a package upon his desk. "Of course I
understand that I am not to expect a private examination of my work. I had
no intention of annoying you with the matter. I am willing to take my
chance with others. But there is another matter upon which I would like to
consult with you if you can spare me a little time."

She now drew forth a more bulky package from her bag.

"Some manuscript, perhaps, which you would like examined?" responded the
gentleman, glancing at it, but speaking indifferently.

"No, not manuscript according to the common acceptation of the term; and
yet, in reality, I suppose it is."

"Can you not leave it with me? I will look at it with pleasure later;" but
his tone was not very encouraging.

"I should prefer not to do so, because there is not very much time between
now and Christmas, and if you do not approve of it I shall like to take it
elsewhere," Virgie replied, untying the dainty ribbon which bound