eed happy to meet you."

"The fact that you are a man of letters interests me greatly, for I too
have dabbled a little with the pen, and Laysford is a dull place for the
literary man, as everybody seems bent on money-grubbing."

"My own occupation is, I fear, not unsuited to an industrial town. Pray
sit down and make yourself comfortable."

"Still, journalism is at least a province of literature," said the
visitor, smiling.

He helped himself to a cigarette, and took the easy-chair Henry had
moved forward to the fire.

"A sphere of influence, perhaps, if not quite a province," Henry
replied, catching something of Mr. P.'s rather studied conversational
manner, as he seated himself and toyed with his cigarette. "I am
beginning to think that literature and journalism have less in common
than I once supposed. Have you ever engaged in journalism?"

"Only slightly. I have done a little in the reviews, chiefly on musical
subjects. My efforts have been in the direction of fiction."

Henry had almost remarked that the name of his fellow-lodger was not
familiar to him as a writer of fiction, but congratulated himself on
leaving the thought unexpressed; and since the other made no further
reference to his own work, Henry fancied he might be one of the rare
authors who did not care to discuss their books, and wisely refrained
from inquiring too closely as to the nature of these literary efforts at
which the still mysterious Mr. P. had so vaguely hinted. The latter also
tacked away from the subject, and continued after a pause:

"I see you are well up-to-date, Mr. Charles, in the matter of books,"
his sleepy eyes brightening almost into eagerness while they scanned the
heap of new novels for review lying on Henry's desk.

"That in a sense is forced on me," replied the young editor, "although
my own personal taste is to blame for the extra work involved. Until I
suggested it the _Leader_ had paid practically no attention to books.
You see, it sells for its market reports and local news--far more
important things than literature."

"It was always the way; the arts have hung for ages on the skirts of
trade."

"The result is that I have to do all our reviews myself."

"I can assure you of at least one appreciative reader who rejoiced when
the _Leader_ took on the literary touch you have given it. It is said
that people get the kind of journalism they are fitted for; but for my
part, I believe that the colourless writing of