Adventures and Lette 第2章 COLLEGE DAYS(14/16)

h under your own name for a little while.Dr.Holland--who had lots of literary shrewdness both as writer and publisher--used to say for a young man or woman to rush into print was sure ruin to their lasting fame.They either compromised their reputations by inferior work or they made a great hit and never played up to it,afterwards,in public opinion.

Now my dear old man this sounds like awfully cold comfort.

But it is the wisest idea your mother has got.I confess I have GREAT faith in you--and I try to judge you as if you were not my son.I think you are going to take a high place among American authors,but I do not think you are going to do it by articles like that you sent to The Current.The qualities which I think will bring it to you,you don't seem to value at all.They are your dramatic eye.

I mean your quick perception of character and of the way character shows itself in looks,tones,dress,etc.,and in your keen sympathy--with all kinds of people--Now,these are the requisites for a novelist.Added to that your humour.

You ought to make a novelist of the first class.But you must not expect to do it this week or next.A lasting,real success takes time,and patient,steady work.Read Boz's first sketches of "London Life"and compare them with "Sydney Carton"or "David Copperfield"and you will see what time and hard work will do to develop genius.

I suppose you will wonder why I am moved to say all this?It is,I think,because of your saying "the a-->>

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