“Who did?”
“I”
“They’re dam’ good.”
“Aren’t they!”
“Also, they’re dam’ thievery.”
“Doubtless you mean flattery. In its sincerest form. Imitation.”
“Perfect. I could believe I’d written them myself.”
“Yes; I’ve been a very careful student of The Patriot’s editorial style.”
“The Patriot’s! Mine!”
“Surely not. You would hardly contend seriously that, having paid the longest price on record for the editorials, The Patriot has not a vested right in them and their style.”