there and discovered all that, the English scholars would never forgive
you.' As of course they wouldn't: look at the recent Shaxper discoveries by
Americans in London! 'And wouldn't that be a rather sensational thesis,' he
went on, 'from a staid candidate for an M.A., or a Ph.D., or a Litt.D., or
whatever it is you're after?' It would, of a verity; and why shouldn't it
be? 'Don't go over there,' he ended with a smile, as he dropped his hand on
my shoulder; 'your friends would rather have you here.' 'Never fear!' I
returned; 'I can't possibly manage it. I shall just do something on "The
Disjunctive Conjunctions in 'Paradise Lost,'" and let it go at that!'

"He got up to reach for the ash-receiver. 'They tell me,' he said, 'that a
degree isn't much in itself--just an _etape_ on the journey to a
better professional standing.' 'Yes,' said I, '--and to better professional
rewards. It means so many more hundreds of dollars a year in pay.' But you
know all about that, too.

"I'm glad your dramatic club is getting forward so well with the rehearsals
for its first drive of the season; glad too that, this time at least, they
have given you a good part. Tell me all about it before the big stars in
town begin to dim your people in my eyes--and in your own; and don't let
them cast you for the next performance in January. You will be here by
then.

"Yours,

"B.L.C."