"I am quite complimented," he said, in an icy tone. "Let me introduce myself. I am the author of 'Evelyn's Faith.'"
The partners consulted each other.
"The similarity of names confused me," said Mr. Cutt. "Is your book one that we have published?"
Saints and angels!
"It is one that was sent to you for publication," replied Roseleaf, with much heat, "and has been returned this morning—rejected!"
"Ah!" said Mr. Cutt.
"We have nothing to do with that department," said Mr. Slashem, coming to the rescue. "You should see Mr. Gouger, on the second floor above; though if he has rejected your story a visit would be quite useless. He never decides a matter without sufficient reason."
"Oh, dear, no!" added Mr. Cutt, feeling again of the paper samples.
Shirley Roseleaf listened with wild incredulity.
"Do you mean to tell me," he said, "that you, the members of the firm of Cutt & Slashem, have rejected my story without even reading it?"