unless he wrote him another novel. Otherwise than thus must he achieve his purpose.
"That's all very well for you, Archdeacon," he said, "but how about me? Why am I to be branded a liar in order that your conscience may be relieved of a burden? I tell you I'm reconciled by now to being thought the author of 'Trixie.' I've got Chloë by this deal of ours, and a whole hill of money as well, and I'm quite satisfied. I strongly object to this idea of yours. It's bad enough to be known as the author of 'Trixie,' but to be known as the poet who agreed to be known as the author of 'Trixie,' no matter for what consideration, will be intolerable. I'd much rather appear in the eyes of the world as an honest, if rotten, novelist than as an artist who has sold his fair reputation for lucre. I say, be hanged to your conscience!"
