You don't know how it makes me suffer." A moment later she returned to it of her own accord, however.

"It is absurd to try to exact pledges from people," she said, "but I should really be happier -- _much_ happier--if you would promise me something." "'By Heaven, I will promise _any_ thing!'" Kendal quoted, laughing, from a poet much in vogue.
"Only this--I hope I am not selfish--" she hesitated; "but I think--yes, I think I must be selfish here.

It is that you will never read the _Age_." "I never do," leapt to his lips, but he stopped it in time.

"And why!" he asked instead.
"Ah, you know why! It is because you might recognize my work in it--by accident you might--and that would be so painful to me.

It is _not_ my best--please believe it is not my best!" "On one condition I promise," he said: "that when you do your best you will tell me where to find it" She looked at him gravely and considered.