Cynthia / With an Introduction by Maurice Hewlett

by Leonard Merrick

"Why 'violet'? Well?"

"The type of modesty. Well, what's the matter with it? It'll do all right."

Kent drew a breath.

"I'm glad to hear you say so. I'm bound to confess I thought it very slovenly myself."

"Oh, nonsense!" she said. "Have you gone on with it?"

"No; I waited for your verdict. I thought you might call me names and cry off. I'll go on with it now, though, like steam."

"Do! I suppose you couldn't manage a five-thousand-word story for me this week, could you? It would be good business."

He stared ruefully.

"No, indeed! Not if I'm to write a chapter a day."

"Oh, the chapter a day, please! Get the novel done at the earliest moment possible; that's the chief thing. You will, won't you? I should be so grateful to you if you finished it in six weeks."