Cupid is their prime minister, and we all know that prime ministers are the power behind the throne of rulers.

When you sent out your eager thoughts for “something to happen,” to change the monotony of your existence, I knew the Fate sisters were quite likely telegraphing Cupid that his assistance was needed to quiet a small riot in the human family.

Once they set Cupid busy with a human heart, the Fates need give it no further attention.  When Cupid reports that his work with the heart is finished, then the Angel of Resignation or the Angel of Death must finish the task.

Knowing you to be particularly fond of the theatre as a distraction, I had thought you might essay the role of society actress, confounding appreciation for talent, as so many women do; and when your letter opened with the announcement that you were about to give me a great surprise, I was prepared to hear that you were billed to appear in a walking role, with a road company, next season, with promises of greater things “soon afterward.”

But I confess to absolute surprise, as I read on, and learned that your career was to lead you, not through Lovers’ Lane, not before the footlights, but along the hurly-burly byways and highways of American newspaper work, beginning with interviews and reporting.  Allow me to quote from your letter before me.

“I do not imagine I have talent save the talent for work.  I am, as you know, well educated, as that expression goes to-day.  I have always found expression with the pen an easy mode of communicating my impressions and ideas.

“I am observing, and I have a keen sense of humour, and I have (so people tell me) an agreeable personality.  I know the value of correct dressing, and I am not oversensitive.  That is, I am not one who will go down at the first rebuff.  I have the real American spirit, which makes me believe myself as good as anybody, and you know my family name is one to buoy up that impression.  Therefore, it seems to me I cannot fail to attain some degree of success.  I am sure to obtain entree to people and functions, and I can describe what I see and hear in attractive form.  I shall shrink at no task, however difficult, and stop at no obstacle.

“I am determined to make a success as a reporter and a correspondent, and after I have achieved something in that line I may look to an editorial position; and who knows but my fertile imagination, coupled with the experiences sure to come to me, may develop the great American novelist the world is waiting?”

This is all interesting and admirable reasoning.

But, having seen much of the world, and known much of the various types of young women writers and reporters and correspondents, I feel like discussing the subject of your profession with you.  At the instigation, perhaps, of some editor who makes the mistake of thinking success must be reached through sensationalism, you may be tempted to make your pen, not mightier, but more cruel than the sword.