Democratic Sentinel, Volume 16, Number 6, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 February 1892 — Snubbed. [ARTICLE]

Snubbed.

Tennyson has been accused of a certain surliness in his manner of receiving visitors; but who can wonder at that, when four-fifths of the number are lion hunters or newspaper people in search of facts? One of these double-barrelled bores has been so foolish as to write an account of his interview, telling just how he was snubbed by bis patient host. This is his description of the beginning of the affair: “He laid down the book he was reading and eyed me through his glasses with a searching, scrutinizing glance, as he is extremely shortsighted. Then he nodded. ‘Pray sit down,’ while his frail white fingers toyed absent-mindedly with the papercutter. ‘Have you also taken the trouble to come out here, simply to tell me that I am a great author? Pardon me; but be assured that the honorary visits of a grateful public can reach incredible dimensions.’ The beginning of our interview was not very encouraging." Quite undismayed by this palpable fact, the unwelcome visitor remained and teased the old poet with questions. Tl)e report continues in this strain: “I thought it time to leave, and rose. ‘I hope I have not disturbed you.’ ‘Not In the least, but you will oblige me by leaving now,’ he replied. ‘Would you allow me to call again?’ ‘You will be welcome if you have anything particular to communicate to me, but otherwise it would, most likely, be unprofitable to both of us. Do you think you can find your way? Oblige me by ringing the bell.’ Then a dapper servant, with a set smile and faultlessly brushed hair noiselessly made his appearance. ‘Show this gentleman the nearest way to the railroad station.”’ Dike Mark Meddle, this “gentleman” will not be satisfied until he has received the kick he courts.