The invention of a plot is just the thing I find most difficult.' 'But the plot may be as silly as you like, providing it holds the attention of vulgar readers.

Think of "The Hollow Statue", what could be more idiotic?
Yet it sells by thousands.' 'I don't think I can bring myself to that,' Reardon said, in a low voice.
'Very well, then will you tell me what you propose to do ?' 'I might perhaps manage a novel in two volumes, instead of three.' He seated himself at the writing-table, and stared at the blank sheets of paper in an anguish of hopelessness.
'It will take you till Christmas,' said Amy, 'and then you will get perhaps fifty pounds for it.' 'I must do my best.

I'll go out and try to get some ideas.

I--' He broke off and looked steadily at his wife.
'What is it ?' she asked.
'Suppose I were to propose to you to leave this flat and take cheaper rooms ?' He uttered it in a shamefaced way, his eyes falling.

Amy kept silence.
'We might sublet it,' he continued, in the same tone, 'for the last year of the lease.' 'And where do you propose to live ?' Amy inquired, coldly.
'There's no need to be in such a dear neighbourhood.