How absurd, to be sure! I had no idea he reviewed novels or had anything to do with the PRESENT.

He is a barrister--and I thought he only wrote in the Quarterlies.

Why, Elfride, you have brought about an odd entanglement! What does he say to you ?' Elfride had put down her letter with a dissatisfied flush on her face.
'I don't know.

The idea of his knowing my name and all about me!...Why, he says nothing particular, only this-- '"MY DEAR MADAM,--Though I am sorry that my remarks should have seemed harsh to you, it is a pleasure to find that they have been the means of bringing forth such an ingeniously argued reply.

Unfortunately, it is so long since I wrote my review, that my memory does not serve me sufficiently to say a single word in my defence, even supposing there remains one to be said, which is doubtful.