March 8th.
I took the manuscript to the editor again to-day. He told me to come in on Monday.
Deep in my soul I can have no more disappointments about it. I take it about from habit. I sat and looked it over last night, but one can not read emotional things in cold blood. I said, Is this true? Is it natural? Is there any use in it?
I was tempted to cut out one or two things; but I decided to let it stay as it was.
March 10th.
I have been sitting to-night in my room, half-dazed, or pacing about the streets talking to myself in a frenzy. I can hardly believe that it is true, I can hardly realize it! I laugh with excitement, and then I cry.
I went to-day to get back my manuscript. And the editor said: “Mr. Stirling, it is a most extraordinary piece of work. It is a most interesting thing, I like it very much.”
I stared at him gasping. Then I waited to hear him say—“But I regret”—But he didn't!