, this business
was shortly set on foot, and Whelpdale's services were retained
on satisfactory terms. The birth of the syndicate system had
given new scope to literary agencies, and Mr Fleet was a man of
keen eye for commercial opportunities.
'Well, have you read Biffen's book?' asked Jasper.
'Wonderful, isn't it! A work of genius, I am convinced. Ha! you
have it there, Miss Dora. But I'm afraid it is hardly for you.'
'And why not, Mr Whelpdale?'
'You should only read of beautiful things, of happy lives. This
book must depress you.'
'But why will you imagine me such a feeble-minded person?' asked
Dora. 'You have so often spoken like this. I have really no
ambition to be a doll of such superfine wax.'
The habitual flatterer looked deeply concerned.
'Pray forgive me!' he murmured humbly, leaning forwards towards
the girl with eyes which deprecated her displeasure. 'I am very
far indeed from attributing weakness to you. It was only the
natural, unreflecting impulse; one finds it so difficult to
associate you, even as merely a reader, with such squalid scenes.
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