"Not in your case, Miss Vaughan!"
She caught at a last straw.
"But I have reason to believe—to believe that there may be a concerted attempt on the part of critics to attack me!"
He had already been looking over the manuscript, and still held it in his hand.
"I don't think they will be able to hurt us much," he said confidently.
"Then it must come out without a name!" she cried with sudden passion. He wished to avoid a scene; he failed to see just what her object was.
"Let me think over this, Miss Vaughan. I'll send you my decision by letter to-morrow."
She followed him weakly to the door.
"There are plenty of books," she half pleaded, "that have sold better for being brought out anonymously."
"I'll think over it, Miss Vaughan, and let you know definitely to-morrow."