I crept from the shop, only to meet an atrocious woman from "The Gables," who stopped me with a little shriek of joy.
"Oh, Mr. Jarvis, I've been dying to meet you, do you know. I always have thought you so funny, ever since that little sketch you got up for the Bazaar last summer. I said to my husband when I heard of your success, 'I'm not surprised. After that sketch, I knew.' Do tell me when it's appearing. I'm sure I shall simply scream at it."
I escaped after a time and wondered whether it was too late to stop publication of the horrible thing.
I came down to breakfast and found John with a copy beside him. I looked at him.
"Yes," he said, "the worst has happened. It is in print. We have been waiting for you to appear."
He turned the pages and cleared his throat.
"I shall now read the article aloud," he said. "Each time I raise my hand the audience will please burst into hearty laughter."
Margery giggled.