"When he last spoke to me about it, he said the material grew so on his hands.

And then, there is the expense of publication.

Such a volume, really well illustrated, must cost much to produce, and the author would have to bear----" Piers was smiling oddly; she broke off, and observed him, as if the smile pained her.
"Let us have faith," said Otway.

"Daniel is a clever man no doubt, and may do something yet." Mrs.Hannaford abruptly changed the subject, returning to Piers' prospects.

They talked for half an hour, the lady's eyes occasionally turning towards the door, and Otway sometimes losing himself as he glanced at the crayon portrait.