herself! And the same with sneers; always take care that your sneer suits some well-known individual; all his friends will have such pleasure in applying it; and you know, sir, our object is to give as much satisfaction as we can to the public."
"And now, do you think," asked Walter, "that the volume I left with you is likely to give satisfaction?"
"It is a charming book—very charming book! and I see that you are a clever young man. You were punctual to your appointment: punctuality is the first of virtues, and a sign of pretty behaviour in a young man. I foresee that you will succeed!"
"But about my volume of poems?" interrupted its author.
"Why, sir, it is hard to say," replied the cautious publisher: "poetry is not worth much at present; indeed, I never heard that it was. Homer begged his bread: you will excuse my little joke!"
"I am to understand, then," replied Maynard, " that it does not suit you?"
