‘I didn’t think it would offend you. I only meant—-’
‘No, no; you are quite right. Certainly, I am one of the men who need all the help they can get. But I assure you, this thing won’t do for The Current.’
‘What a pity you will go back to those musty old times! Now think of that article of Milvain’s. If only you could do something of that kind! What do people care about Diogenes and his tub and his lantern?’
‘My dear girl, Diogenes Laertius had neither tub nor lantern, that I know of. You are making a mistake; but it doesn’t matter.’
‘No, I don’t think it does.’ The caustic note was not very pleasant on Amy’s lips. ‘Whoever he was, the mass of readers will be frightened by his name.’
‘Well, we have to recognise that the mass of readers will never care for anything I do.’
‘You will never convince me that you couldn’t write in a popular way if you tried. I’m sure you are quite as clever as Milvain—’
Reardon made an impatient gesture.
‘Do leave Milvain aside for a little! He and I are as unlike as two men could be. What’s the use of constantly comparing us?’
Amy looked at him. He had never spoken to her so brusquely.