Mr. Winder sighed again. "I've promised that it shall be published. I couldn't help it——"
"And why not?"
"In the Didactic Weekly."
"What!" cried the editor, leaping from his chair.
"Now, don't take on, my dear fellow. I did what I could. But she has such ways, and she was so keen on it, and—and she kept worrying, and——"
"It's out of the question," said the editor, with clenched teeth. "Quite absurd."
"I'm afraid it'll have to be. I've given my word, and I can't back out."
Didcott stood frowning and biting his lips. "You must see it is impossible," he said at length.
"I do see that," said the old man, humbly, "but I don't see any way out of it. I've given my word, and I must stick to it. Now, Didcott," he went on, "I beg of you not to be angry. It may not be so very bad. It may be quite good; after all, one never knows."