"I have the right to write my recollections of him, and, subject to certain provisions of the Law, to base anything on them I think fit," I replied.
"But," she cried aghast, "there can't be two 'Lives'!…"
"It's news to me that two were contemplated," I returned. "The point is, that I can get mine published, and you can't."
Schofield's harsh voice sounded suddenly—but again to Maschka, not to me.
"Ye might remind Mr. Harrison that others have capabilities in business besides himself. Beyond a doubt our sales will be comparatively small, but they'll be to such as have not made the great refusal."
Think of it!… I almost laughed.
"Oh!… Been trying it?" I inquired.
He made no reply.
"Well, those who have made the refusal have at least had something to refuse," I said mildly. Then, realising that this was mere quarrelling, I returned to the point. "Anyhow, there's no question of refusing to write the 'Life.' I admit that during the last fortnight I've met with certain difficulties; but the task isn't so easy as perhaps it looks…. I'm making progress."
"I suppose," she said hesitatingly, after a pause, "that you don't care to show it as far as it is written?"