is obliged to sell his book out and out, and who gets from one to
two hundred pounds for it. But he would have to produce four one-volume
novels to obtain the same income; and I doubt whether he could get so
many published within the twelve months. And here comes in the benefit
of the libraries; from the commercial point of view the libraries are
indispensable. Do you suppose the public would support the present
number of novelists if each book had to be purchased? A sudden change to
that system would throw three-fourths of the novelists out of work.'

'But there's no reason why the libraries shouldn't circulate novels in
one volume.'

'Profits would be less, I suppose. People would take the minimum
subscription.'

'Well, to go to the concrete, what about your own one-volume?'

'All but done.'

'And you'll offer it to Jedwood? Go and see him personally. He's a very
decent fellow, I believe.'

Milvain stayed only half an hour. The days when he was wont to sit and
talk at large through a whole evening were no more; partly because of
his diminished leisure, but also for a less simple reason--the growth of
something like estrangement between him and Reardon.

'You didn't mention your plans,' said Amy, when the visitor had been
gone some time.

'No.'

Reardon was content with the negative, and his wife made no further
remark.

The result of advertising the flat was that two or three persons called
to make inspection. One of them, a man of military appearance, showed
himself anxious to come to terms; he was willing to take the tenement
from next quarter-day (June), but wished, if possible, to enter upon
possession sooner than that.

'Nothing could be better,' said Amy in colloquy with her husband. 'If he
will pay for the extra time, we shall be only too glad.'

Reardon mused and looked gloomy. He could not bring himself to regard
the experiment before him with hopefulness, and his heart sank at the
thought of parting from Amy.

'You are very anxious to get rid of me,' he answered, trying to smile.

'Yes, I am,' she exclaimed; 'but simply for your own good, as you know
very well.'

'Suppose I can't sell this book?'

'You will have a few pounds. Send your "Pliny" article to The Wayside.
If you come to an end of all your money, mother shall lend you some.'

'I am not very likely to do much work in that case.'

'Oh, but you will sell the book. You'll get twenty pounds for it, and
that alone would keep you