‘I do not think that it has ever been done by the “Evening Pulpit."’

‘I have seen books praised.’

‘Of course you have.’

‘I think I saw a novel spoken highly of.’

Mr Alf laughed.  ’Why not?  You do not suppose that it is the object of the “Pulpit” to cry down novels?’

’I thought it was; but I thought you might make an exception here.  I would be so thankful;—­so grateful.’

’My dear Lady Carbury, pray believe me when I say that I have nothing to do with it.  I need not preach to you sermons about literary virtue.’

‘Oh, no,’ she said, not quite understanding what he meant.

’The sceptre has passed from my hands, and I need not...