PART II
CHAPTER I
“Nothing and Nobody, By Elizabeth Pelham” was published in the spring, and as critics and columnists pronounced it another notable contribution to undiluted Americanism and as her publisher’s enthusiasm expressed itself in picturesque advertising it had a fair success. The sale barely reached seven thousand copies, but the event established her in sophisticate society and the Lucy Stone League invited her to sit at the Speakers’ Table at their annual dinner.
“But privately I don’t think much of it,” she said to Gita. “They are all very kind and overlook defects because it is modern and sincere and rather disagreeable. But I know I’ll do better and better, and I never was so happy in my life.”
“Eustace thinks it a remarkable first novel, and I know it by heart. Seems all right to me.”
Elsie shook her head solemnly. “It has holes in it. But it is seeing your stuff in print that educates, not critics.”
They were in Gita’s sitting-room in the West Twelfth Street house, the windows open to the warm breezes of spring.
“How is Eustace’s book getting on?” asked Elsie, who was still able to interest herself in the work of other authors. “It should be nearly finished.”