the power of the Press largely in their
own hands, whilst at the same time publicity is the breath of their
nostrils, is perhaps an open question. But of Sir Walter Besant's
single-mindedness in this voluntary work there is no shadow of doubt.
Remembering his popularity with the public, and the price he can command
for his work, it is evident that he has expended in the pursuit of his
ideal time which would have been worth some thousands of pounds to him.
He has striven in all ways to do honour to letters, and the esteem
in which he is held is a just payment for high purpose and unselfish
labour.

XI.--MISS MARIE CORELLI

In an article intended for this series and set under this lady's name
(an article now suppressed, and therefore to be re-written), I fell into
an error which appears to have been shared by several of the critics
who dealt with what was then the latest of her books, 'The Sorrows of
Satan,' I assumed Miss Corelli to have drawn her own portrait, as she
sees things, in the character of 'Mavis Clare.' This belief has been
expressed--so it turns out--by other people, and I learn that Miss
Corelli has authoritatively denied it 'She objects very strongly,' so
says an inspired defender, 'to a notion which was started by one of
the most distinguished of her interviewers, and absolutely denies the
assertion that she described herself as "Mavis Clare" in "The Sorrows
of Satan."' Miss Corelli, of course, knows the truth about this matter,
and nobody else can possibly know it, but it is at least permissible to
examine the evidence which led many separate people to the same false
conclusion. 'Mavis Clare' and Marie Corelli own the same initials, and
until the fact that this was a mere fortuitous chance was made clear by
Miss Corelli herself it seemed natural to suppose that an identity was
coyly hinted at. 'Mavis Clare' is a novelist, and so is Miss Corelli.
'Mavis Clare' is _mignonne_ and fair, 'is pretty, and knows how to dress
besides,' is a 'most independent creature, too; quite indifferent to
opinions,' All these things, as we learn from many sources, are true of
Miss Corelli also. It is said of Miss Corelli herself that 'dauntless
courage, a clear head, and a tremendous power of working hard without
hurting herself have helped her to make a successful use of her great
gift. She is not afraid of anything. She "insists on herself," and is
unique,' It is to be noted that all this is said by Miss Corelli o