This led to a word or two between Richard and Mr. Gwynn, the upcome
being a wire from Mr. Gwynn to the editor desiring him on all occasions
and without alteration or addition to print Richard's dispatches. The
editor in retort reminded Mr. Gwynn that the _Daily Tory_ had a
reputation and a policy: also there were laws of libel. Mr. Gwynn
declined to be moved by these high considerations, and reiterated his
first command. After that Richard in each issue gave way to an unchecked
column letter, which was run sullenly by the editor and never a word
displaced.

This daily letter, signed "R. S.," brought Richard mighty comfort; he
read it fresh and new each morning with mounting satisfaction. Richard,
like other authors, found no literature so good to his palate as his
own; and while his stories looked well enough when he wrote them, the
types never failed in uncovering charms that had escaped his ken. These
were complacent days for Richard the defective; ones to nourish his
self-love.

Being his first work, and performed under his own tolerant mastery,
with none to molest him or make him editorially afraid, it stood
scant wonder that he went about the subject of his own sleepless
self-congratulations. What Richard needed--and never knew it--was
dismissal in rapid succession from at least four newspapers; such a
course of journalistic sprouts would have set his feet in proper paths.
Under the circumstances, however, this improving experience was
impossible; missing the benefits thereof, Richard must struggle on as
best he might without a bridle.

It was fortunate, when one remembers his blinded ignorance, a condition