THE CAT OUT OF THE BAG.
Benjamin was so highly gratified with the favourable remarks he heard about his articles, and especially that different persons, in guessing who the author might be, usually guessed some writer of distinction, that he could keep the secret no longer. He was eager to make the fact known, that the much talked of essays emanated from his own pen; and soon "the cat was let out of the bag."
Having a good opportunity, in reply to some remark of James about "the last article found under the door," he said, "I know who the author is."
"You know?" exclaimed James with surprise. "Why have you not disclosed it before?"
"Because I thought it was not wise. It is not best to tell all we know always."
"But you have heard us discuss this matter over and over, and take measures to discover the author, and yet you have never intimated that you knew anything about it."
"Well, the author did not wish to be known, until the right time came, and that is a good reason for keeping the matter secret, I think."
"Will you tell me who the author is now?" asked James, impatient to obtain the long-sought information.
"Perhaps I will, if you are very anxious to know."
"You know that I am. Who is it?"