The Writings of Harriet Beecher Stowe, with Biographical Introductions, Portraits, and Other Illustrations (Volume 12) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1896. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XII BACHELOR COMRADES I Soon became well acquainted with my collaborators on the paper. It was a pleasant surprise to be greeted in the foreground by the familiar face of Jim Fellows, my old college classmate. Jim was an agreeable creature, born with a decided genius for gossip. He had in perfection the faculty which phrenologists call individuality. He was statistical in the very marrow of his bones, apparently imbibing all the external facts of every person and everything around him by a kind of rapid instinct. In college, Jim always knew all about every student; he knew all about everybody in the little town where the college was situated, their name, history, character, business, their front-door and their back-door affairs. No birth, marriage, or death ever took Jim by surprise; he always knew all about it long ago. Now, as a newspaper is a gossip market on a large scale, this species of talent often goes farther in our modern literary life than the deepest reflection or the highest culture. Jim was the best-natured fellow breathing; it was impossible to ruffle or disturb the easy, rattling, chattering flow of his animal spirits. He was like a Frenchman in his power of bright, airy adaptation to circumstances and determination and ability to make the most of them. "How lucky " he said, the morning I first shook hands with him at the office of the "Great Democracy "; "you are just on the minute; the very lodging you want has been vacated this morning by old Styles; sunny room -- south windows -- close by here -- water, gas, and so on, all correct; and, best of all, me for your opposite neighbor." I went round with him, looked, approved, and was settled at once, Jim helping me with all the good-natured handiness and activity of old college days. We ha...