ey.

The question was put more than half in jest; but Trenchard received it
with a heavy frown.

"Don't let us quarrel about the matter," he said, "I can only tell you
this; and mind, Jack, I mean it. It is my unalterable resolve. Either
the story must proceed upon the lines that I have indicated, or I
cannot go on with it at all. It would be impossible for me to write it
differently."

"And this is collaboration, is it?" exclaimed the other, trying to force
a laugh, though even his good-nature could scarcely stand Trenchard's
trampling demeanour.

"I can't help it. I cannot be inartistic and untrue to Nature even for
the sake of a friend."

"Thank you. Well, I have no desire to ruin your work, Andrew; but it is
really useless for this farce to continue. Do what you like, and let us
make no further pretence of collaborating. I cannot act as a drag upon
such a wheel as yours. I will not any longer be a dead-weight upon you.
Our temperaments evidently unfit us to be fellow-workers; and I feel
that your strength and power are so undeniable that you may, perhaps,
be able to carry this weary tragedy through, and by sheer force make it
palatable to the public. I will protest no more; I will only cease any
longer to pretend to have a finger in this literary pie."

Andrew's morose expression passed away like a cloud. He got up and laid
his hand upon Henley's shoulder.

"You make me feel what a beast I am," he said. "But I can't help it. I
was made so. Do forgive me, Jack. I have taken the bit between my teeth,
I know. But--this story seems to me no fiction; it is a piece of life,
as real to me as those stars I see through the window-pane are real to
me--as my own emotions are real to me. Jack, this book has seized me.
Believe me, if it is written as I wish, it will make an impression upon
the world that will be great. The mind of the world is given to me like
a sheet of blank paper. I will write upon it with my heart's blood.
But"--and here his manner became strangely impressive, and his sombre,
heavy eyes gazed deeply into the eyes of his friend--"remember this!
You will finish this book. I feel that; I know it. I cannot tell you
why. But so it is ordained. Let me write as far as I can, Jack, and let
me write as I will. But do not let us quarrel. The book is ours, not
mine. And--don't--don't take away your friendship from me."

The last words were said with an outburst of emotion that was almost
feminine in intensity