But I doubt whether on that account he should be called a laborious man.

He could go down to Winchelsea, when writing about the little town, to see in which way the streets lay, and to provide himself with what we call local colouring.

He could jot down the suggestions, as they came to his mind, of his future story.

There was an irregularity in such work which was to his taste.

His very notes would be delightful to read, partaking of the nature of pearls when prepared only for his own use.