You have given everything and received nothing in return." "That is exactly what I like--always to give, never to receive." "That is not woman's way usually.

But you are very exceptional.

Pardon a possibly indiscreet question--do you write ?" "Good gracious! Do I look like a blue-stocking ?" "I never made a distinct picture of that type." "You need not be afraid, I am not an authoress.

The most I have ever done in that way was to give a novelist, or a comedy-writer of my acquaintance, a little help now and then.

When they want a lady's letter, they like me to write it.