Page:Marie Corelli - the writer and the woman (IA mariecorelliwrit00coat).pdf/334

 Corelli's acquaintance he was rather struck by the somewhat lonely and incessantly hard-working life of the young novelist at the time of "Ardath's" publication. Her beloved stepfather was dying by inches—failing gradually every day, and her hours were consumed by anxiety, work, and watching. He asked her if he could introduce her to any one in London she would like to know. After a few moments' reflection, of all people in the world she chose Henry Labouchere! "I don't want anything from him," she said; "I'm not after a notice in Truth. I want to know him, because I'm sure he is unlike anybody else."

The introduction was given, and the result of it was that she became very intimate with the editor of Truth, with Mrs. Labouchere, and with Miss Dora Labouchere. They were among those good friends who, with Miss Vyver, helped to rouse her from the shock and nervous prostration following on the sudden death of her stepbrother, George Eric Mackay. Mr. Labouchere has never been known to try the satiric edge of his tongue against his "little friend," as he calls her; and she is always a most welcome visitor to his house in Old Palace Yard.

Quite lately there has been a singular journalistic incident which must be considered as particularly