But, my dear friend, you really must--
_Ob. Vis._ Quite so! Yes, everyone knows all about Herne Bay; and I
really came to ask you if you had any room for an article.
_Ed._ (_roused_). My dear fellow, I assure you we are quite full for
months. Any number of excellent things standing over.
_Ob. Vis._ Oh, yes, I know you are always full. You told me so the
last time I called.
_Ed._ Quite so! Very sorry, but it can't be helped. Have to look so
far ahead nowadays, you know.
_Ob. Vis._ Certainly; and that is why I thought I would just bring a
half-finished article and show you what I had dome, and complete it
if you thought it would do. You can put it in whenever you like; so it
would not hurt for standing over.
_Ed._ (_with inspiration_). What is it called?
_Ob. Vis._ "Russian Wheat and Chinese Tea or Free Trade in Australia."
The subject is quite novel, and ought to attract considerable
attention.
_Ed._ Novel! Why, my dear fellow, I do believe I have an article
somewhere in that heap upon the very subject.
[_Pretends to search pile of MS._
_Ob. Vis._ (_uneasily_). Oh, never mind. I will read you what I have
written, and--
_Ed._ (_genially_). Oh, no, I won't give you the trouble. I will read
you what _he_ has written, and then you can see.--Ah, here it is!
[_Produces enormous pile of MS._
_Ob. Vis._ (_hesitating_). Well, perhaps, if you don't mind--
[_Suddenly remembers an appointment and exit.
Pages:
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42