'But of course it is different quite with men.

Why don't you write novels, Mr.Knight ?' 'Because I couldn't write one that would interest anybody.' 'Why ?' 'For several reasons.

It requires a judicious omission of your real thoughts to make a novel popular, for one thing.' 'Is that really necessary?
Well, I am sure you could learn to do that with practice,' said Elfride with an ex-cathedra air, as became a person who spoke from experience in the art.

'You would make a great name for certain,' she continued.
'So many people make a name nowadays, that it is more distinguished to remain in obscurity.' 'Tell me seriously--apart from the subject--why don't you write a volume instead of loose articles ?' she insisted.
'Since you are pleased to make me talk of myself, I will tell you seriously,' said Knight, not less amused at this catechism by his young friend than he was interested in her appearance.

'As I have implied, I have not the wish.