Indeed, I propose to give her an additional hint or two
to-morrow. Of course you know ---- is doomed?" asked Mr. Quirk, naming a
famous statesman who was then very seriously ill.
"Really?"
"Oh, yes. Gout at the heart; hopeless complications; he can't possibly
last another ten days. Very well," continued Mr. Quirk, with much
satisfaction, as if Providence were working hand in hand with him, "I
mean to advise Lady Adela to send him a copy of 'Kathleen's
Sweethearts.' Now do you understand? No? Why, man, if there's any luck,
when he dies and all the memoirs come out in the newspapers, it will be
mentioned that the last book the deceased statesman tried to read was
Lady Adela Cunyngham's well-known novel. Do you see? Good business? Then
there's another thing she must absolutely do with her new book. These
woman-suffrage people are splendid howlers and spouters; let her go in
for woman-suffrage thick and thin--and she'll get quoted on a hundred
dozen of platforms. That's the way to do it, you know! Bless you, the
publishers' advertisements are no good at all nowadays!"
Lionel was not paying very much heed; perhaps that was why he rather
indifferently asked Mr.
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