Reardon can't do that kind of thing, he's behind his age; he sells a manuscript as if he lived in Sam Johnson's Grub Street.

But our Grub Street of to-day is quite a different place: it is supplied with telegraphic communication, it knows what literary fare is in demand in every part of the world, its inhabitants are men of business, however seedy.' 'It sounds ignoble,' said Maud.
'I have nothing to do with that, my dear girl.

Now, as I tell you, I am slowly, but surely, learning the business.

My line won't be novels; I have failed in that direction, I'm not cut out for the work.

It's a pity, of course; there's a great deal of money in it.