"I tried to be truthful without being unnecessarily offensive." "It is most amusing," concurred the manager; "and yet published as a harmless joke, I feel it would fail." The author's face fell.
"Its humour," proceeded the manager, "would be denounced as forced and extravagant.

It would amuse the thoughtful and intelligent, but from a business point of view that portion of the public are never worth considering.

But I have an idea," continued the manager.

He glanced round the room to be sure they were alone, and leaning forward sunk his voice to a whisper.

"My notion is to publish it as a serious work for the use of schools!" The author stared, speechless.
"I know the English schoolman," said the manager; "this book will appeal to him.