Mr. G. That amounts to the same thing. They will buy Mr. Chapter-Chapter’s book solely because he is in the 400.
P. Then you will sell it chiefly on the binding?
Mr. G. Certainly! The most successful books nowadays owe part of their success to the binder, just as the stage carpenter builds a play.
P. I think you are right, they have plenty of money in Chicago—and pork.
Mr. G. Powers, you are prejudiced against the West. We must cater to them.
P. Very well, sir. Chapter-Chapter’s book is good enough for a caterer. There’s nothing in it.
Mr. G. That makes no difference. Ideas make literature but paper will make books.
P. And it lacks the smooth, gum drop style of Mrs. Fadd’s “Sweet Jingles Jangled.”
Mr. G. (Laughs.) Gum-drops! Powers, you are rather severe on Mrs. Fadd. We can’t expect to equal her great book more than once in a decade. The only point to be considered is this: Is Chapter-Chapter’s book in good form?
P. Oh, the best. Why, he led the ball given in honor of Princess Eulalia.