influence of his force--his trained, informed mind, made vigorous by
principles and ideals.

Malcolm had the keen appreciation of a broad mind for this honest,
intelligent energy. He used the editorial "blue-pencil" for alteration and
condensation with the hand of a master. He cut away Howard's crudities,
toned down and so increased his intensity, and pointed it with the irony
and satire necessary to make it carry far and penetrate easily.

Malcolm was at once giving Howard a reputation greater than he deserved and
training him to deserve it.

* * * * *

In the office next to Howard's sat Segur, a bachelor of forty-five who took
life as a good-humoured jest and amused his leisure with the New Yorkers
who devote a life of idleness to a nervous flight from boredom. Howard
interested Segur who resolved to try to draw him out of his seclusion.

"I'm having some people to dinner at the Waldorf on Thursday," he said,
looking in at the door. "Won't you join us?"

"I'd be glad to," replied Howard, casting about for an excuse for
declining. "But I'm afraid I'd ruin your dinner. I haven't been out for
years. I've been too busy to make friends or, rather, acquaintances."

"A great mistake. You ought to see more of people."

"Why? Can they tell me anything that I can't learn from newspapers or books
more accurately and without wasting so much time? I'd like to know the