But not much, because papa doesn't like my going alone.' 'You must have somebody to look after you.' 'And I read, and write a little.' 'You should write a novel.

The regular resource of people who don't go enough into the world to live a novel is to write one.' 'I have done it,' said Elfride, looking dubiously at Mrs.Swancourt, as if in doubt whether she would meet with ridicule there.
'That's right.

Now, then, what is it about, dear ?' 'About--well, it is a romance of the Middle Ages.' 'Knowing nothing of the present age, which everybody knows about, for safety you chose an age known neither to you nor other people.

That's it, eh?
No, no; I don't mean it, dear.' 'Well, I have had some opportunities of studying mediaeval art and manners in the library and private museum at Endelstow House, and I thought I should like to try my hand upon a fiction.

I know the time for these tales is past; but I was interested in it, very much interested.' 'When is it to appear ?' 'Oh, never, I suppose.' 'Nonsense, my dear girl.