host at supper."

"The style has been fashionable," said the publisher, "but it is
getting overdone. Everybody is trying the allusive style now, and
wandering from the subject in hand to quote a book, or to refer to
something very remotely connected with it. Every word or sentence is
made a peg to hang something else on. Our authors are too fond of
showing off reading or curious information; the style of the old
essayists-----"

"Bald and tame, with very little knowledge of the finer shades of
character," interrupted Mr. Malcolm. "I wonder why you, as a critic,
can compare our brilliant modern literature to such poor performances."

"They have their deficiencies, certainly; but there was a simplicity
and directness in these old writings that we would do well to imitate."

"I had better imitate the style of the paying article at present, and
write an evangelical novel. I had better read up in it; but the
unlucky thing is that they invariably put me to sleep; so perhaps I
would do better to trust to my own original genius, and begin in an
independent manner."

"Is it not a treat," whispered Miss Rennie to Jane, "to get a peep
behind the scenes in this way? Mr. Malcolm is quite a genius. I am sure
he could write anything; but he really ought not to go to sleep over
those charming books. He is such a severe critic, I am quite afraid of
him."

"Then you write yourself?" said Jane.