"Very glad."
Cecily waited a little; then, watching the other's face, asked:
"You know what he is writing?"
"In a general way," Miriam answered, averting her eyes. "Do you think he has made a wise choice?"
"I dare say it is the subject on which he will write best," Cecily answered, smiling.
"I doubt whether he understands it sufficiently," said Miriam, with balanced tone. "He has really nothing but prejudice to go upon. There will be a great deal of misrepresentation in his book—if he ever finishes it."
"Yes, I am afraid that is true. But it may be useful, after all. Here and there he will hit the mark."
Cecily was tentative. She saw Miriam's brows work uneasily.
"Perhaps so," was the reply. "But I know quite well that such a book would have been no use to me when I stood in need of the kind of help you mean."
"To be sure; it is for people who have already helped themselves," said Cecily, in a jesting tone.