"You understand, Margaret dear, how it is," she said.

"You see I am quite unknown, that is, my name is quite unknown, and it would really hinder the success of a book." Margaret surveyed her with awakening interest.

"A book ?" said she.
"Yes, a book! Oh, Margaret, I know it will be hard for you to believe, but you know I am very truthful.

I--I wrote the book they are talking about so much now.

You know what I mean ?" "Not the-- ?" "Yes, _The Poor Lady_,--the anonymous novel which people are talking so much about and which sold better than any other book last week.