Though in fact true, it would seem to be far from natural.

But on the other hand, were he to put words grammatically correct into the mouths of his personages, and to round off and to complete the spoken sentences, the ordinary reader would instantly feel such a style to be stilted and unreal.

This reader would not analyse it, but would in some dim but sufficiently critical manner be aware that his author was not providing him with a naturally spoken dialogue.

To produce the desired effect the narrator must go between the two.

He must mount somewhat above the ordinary conversational powers of such persons as are to be represented,--lest he disgust.