was."

"Yes," said Howard, smiling, "I admit that it was not very
encouraging! But I wish you would try something more simple. You
say you know the people here and talk to them. Can't you write down
the sort of things they say. the talks you have with them, the way
they look at things? I read a book once like that, called Country
Conversations, and I wondered that so few people ever tried it. Why
should one try to write improbable stories, even NICE stories, when
the thing itself is so interesting? One doesn't understand these
country people. They have an idea of life as definite as a dog or a
cat, and it is not in the least like ours. Why not take a family
here; describe their house and possessions, what they look like,
what they do, what their history has been, and then describe some
talks with them? I can't imagine anything more interesting. Perhaps
you could not publish them at present; but they wouldn't be quite
wasted, because you might show them to me, and I want to know all
about the people here. You mustn't pass over things because they
seem homely and familiar--those are just the interesting things--
what they eat and drink and wear, and all that. How does that
strike you?"

"I like the idea very much indeed," said Maud. "I will try--I will
begin at once. And even if nothing comes of it, it will be nice to
think it may be of use to you, to know about the people."

"Very well," said Howard, "that is a bargain. It is exactly what I
want. Do begin at once, and let me have the first instalment of the
Chronicles of Windlow."