ain, the rule is--great
discretion.

It is well to remember that you have one great advantage over the writer
of stories. The writer must present a clear image and make a vivid
impression,--all with words. The teller has face, and voice, and body to
do it with. The teller needs, consequently, but one swiftly incisive verb
to the writer's two; but one expressive adjective to his three. Often,
indeed, a pause and an expressive gesture do the whole thing.

It may be said here that it is a good trick of description to repeat an
epithet or phrase once used, when referring again to the same thing. The
recurrent adjectives of Homer were the device of one who entertained a
childlike audience. His trick is unconscious and instinctive with people
who have a natural gift for children's stories. Of course this matter also
demands common sense in the degree of its use; in moderation it is a most
successful device.

Brevity, close logical sequence, exclusion of foreign matter, unhesitant
speech,--to use these is to tell a story directly.

After simplicity and directness, comes that quality which to advise, is to
become a rock of offence to many. It is the suggestion, "Tell the story
_dramatically_." Yet when we quite understand each other as to the meaning
of "dramatically," I think you will agree with me that a good
story-teller includes this in his qualities of manner. It means, not in
the manner of the elocutionist, not excitably, not any of the things which
are incompatible with simplicity and sincerity; but with a whole-hearted
throwing of oneself into the game, which identifies one in a manner with
the character or situation of the moment. It means responsively, vividly,
without interposing a blank wall of solid self between the drama of the
tale and the mind's eye of the audience.

It is such fun, pure and simple, so to throw oneself into it, and to see
the answering expressions mimic one's own, that it seems superfluous to
urge it. Yet many persons do find it difficult. The instant, slight but
suggestive change of voice, the use of onomatopoetic words, the response
of eyes and hands, which are all immediate and spontaneous with some
temperaments, are to others a matter of shamefacedness and labour. To
those, to all who are not by nature bodily expressive, I would reiterate
the injunction already given,--not to pretend. Do nothing you cannot do
naturally and happily. But lay your stress on the inner and spiritual
effort t