human
Will you? And Lady Carbury clasped her hands together as she poured forth the words of her prayer.
gpt
I never asked you to do anything for me as long as you were editing the paper. Did I? I did not think it right, and I would not do it. I took my chance like others, and I am sure you must own that I bore what was said of me with a good grace. I never complained. Did I?
human
Certainly not.
gpt
But now that you have left it yourself,--if you would have the 'Wheel of Fortune' done for me,--really well done!
human
The 'Wheel of Fortune'!
gpt
That is the name of my novel, said Lady Carbury, putting her hand softly upon the manuscript.
human
Just at this moment it would be the making of a fortune for me! And, oh, Mr. Alf, if you could but know how I want such assistance!
gpt
I have nothing further to do with the editorial management, Lady Carbury.
human
Of course you could get it done. A word from you would make it certain. A novel is different from an historical work, you know. I have taken so much pains with it.
gpt
Then no doubt it will be praised on its own merits.
human
Don't say that, Mr. Alf. The 'Evening Pulpit' is like,--oh, it is like,--like,--like the throne of heaven! Who can be justified before it? Don't talk about its own merits, but say that you will have it done. It couldn't do any man any harm, and it would sell five hundred copies at once,--that is if it were done really con amore. Mr. Alf looked at her almost piteously, and shook his head.
gpt
The paper stands so high, it can't hurt it to do that kind of thing once. A woman is asking you, Mr. Alf. It is for my children that I am struggling. The thing is done every day of the week, with much less noble motives.
human
I do not think that it has ever been done by the 'Evening Pulpit.'
gpt
I have seen books praised.
human
Of course you have.
gpt
I think I saw a novel spoken highly of.
human
Why not? You do not suppose that it is the object of the 'Pulpit' to cry down novels?
gpt
I thought it was; but I thought you might make an exception here. I would be so thankful;--so grateful.
human
My dear Lady Carbury, pray believe me when I say that I have nothing to do with it. I need not preach to you sermons about literary virtue.
gpt
Oh, no,
human
The sceptre has passed from my hands, and I need not vindicate the justice of my successor.
gpt
I shall never know your successor.
human
But I must assure you that on no account should I think of meddling with the literary arrangement of the paper. I would not do it for my sister. Lady Carbury looked greatly pained.
gpt
Send the book out, and let it take its chance. How much prouder you will be to have it praised because it deserves praise, than to know that it has been eulogised as a mark of friendship.
human
No, I shan't, said Lady Carbury.
gpt
I don't believe that anything like real selling praise is ever given to anybody, except to friends. I don't know how they manage it, but they do. Mr. Alf shook his head.
human
Oh yes; that is all very well from you. Of course you have been a dragon of virtue; but they tell me that the authoress of the 'New Cleopatra' is a very handsome woman.