And at least she had not given him a rejection slip.

She had called certain portions of his work beautiful, and that was the first encouragement he had ever received from any one.
"I will," he said passionately.

"And I promise you, Miss Morse, that I will make good.

I have come far, I know that; and I have far to go, and I will cover it if I have to do it on my hands and knees." He held up a bunch of manuscript.

"Here are the 'Sea Lyrics.' When you get home, I'll turn them over to you to read at your leisure.