The young man laid open the manuscript so that the title-page, written out very handsomely in his own hand, should win the eye of the publisher.
BLOSSOMS OF THE SOUL.
A WREATH OF VERSE; Original.
By Gifted Hopkins.
"A youth to Fortune and to Fame unknown."
Gray.
"Shall I read you some of the rhymed pieces first, or some of the blank-verse poems, sir?" Gifted asked.
"Read what you think is best,—a specimen of your first-class style of composition."
"I will read you the very last poem I have written," he said, and began:—