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152 “Of course you could. The second story was ripping.”

“Was it? Was it?” She clapped her hands joyously.

“We can use it as Chapter Two, with very few changes, and from now on you can build your story about the characters you have introduced, with a spinal cord of plot to give it shape.”

“It frightens me to death, to think of doing it. I have always thought it took genius to write a novel.”

“My dear young woman, not in this day, when publishing houses gush books like so many geysers. Anybody with your gift of words and vivid reactions ought to find writing the line of least resistance. Of course you can do it.”

“I’d adore trying if you’d help me.”

“That’s agreed.”

He watched the concentration of her face with interest. She was wrapped in the thought of the book. She was attacking it, on all sides, with the lance of her mind. When she threw herself into every new interest with such abandon, it was no wonder that she gave out impressions with the same intensity.

“What about the box I’m in?” he reminded her. She came out of her trance with a start.