It is a wonder how Number Five can find the time to be so much to so
many friends of both sexes, in spite of the fact that she is one of the
most insatiable of readers. She not only reads, but she remembers; she
not only remembers, but she records, for her own use and pleasure, and
for the delight and profit of those who are privileged to look over
her note-books. Number Five, as I think I have said before, has not the
ambition to figure as an authoress. That she could write most agreeably
is certain. I have seen letters of hers to friends which prove that
clearly enough. Whether she would find prose or verse the most natural
mode of expression I cannot say, but I know she is passionately fond of
poetry, and I should not be surprised if, laid away among the pressed
pansies and roses of past summers, there were poems, songs, perhaps, of
her own, which she sings to herself with her fingers touching the piano;
for to that she tells her secrets in tones sweet as the ring-dove's call
to her mate.
I am afraid it may be suggested that I am drawing Number Five's portrait
too nearly after some model who is unconsciously sitting for it;
but have n't I told you that you must not look for flesh and blood
personalities behind or beneath my Teacups? I am not going to make
these so lifelike that you will be saying, This is Mr. or Miss, or Mrs.
So-and-So. My readers must remember that there are very many pretty,
sweet, amiable girls and women sitting at their pianos, and finding
chords to the music of their heart-strings. If I have pictured Number
Five as one of her lambs might do it, I have succeeded in what I wanted
to accomplish. Why don't I describe her person? If I do, some gossip
or other will be sure to say, “Oh, he means her, of course,” and find a
name to match the pronoun.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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