"I could wish that every man should own his own." "No," remarked John Mortimer; "if a man in youth writes a foolish book and gives his name to it, he has, so far as his name is concerned, used his one chance; and if, in maturer life, he writes something high and good, then if he wants his wise child to live, he must consent to die himself with the foolish one.

It is much the same with one who has become notorious through the doing of some base or foolish action.

If he repent, rise to better things, and write a noble book, he must not claim it as if it could elevate him.

It must go forth on its own merits, or it will not be recognised for what it is, only for what he is or was.

No, if a man wants to bring in new thoughts or work elevating changes, he must not clog them with a name that has been despised." "I think Dorothea and I may as well write a book together," said Valentine.