This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1905 edition. Excerpt: ...took the untidy bundle from Clara's arms and handed it to Mr. Beale. "Take it," he said, "take it away. Never let me hear of it and its absurdities again." A swift wave of pleasure went over Clara's face. Mr. Beale said: "Well, I guess you won't be dissatisfied as to results." George began again: "I tell you I never want to hear of it again. You may have it as a present. I'll even correct the proofs. But I wouldn't take a penny profit if it made the biggest boom that ever" "But" Clara interrupted with immense concern. Mr. Beale laughed in sheer incomprehension. It struck him as an agreeable kind of lunacy. "I won't give it to you on any other terms," George said. "I will, to oblige Miss Brede and you, commit a sin with my eyes shut, but I couldn't think of profiting by Bad Art." Clara began again: "But Mr. Moffat" George waved a benignant hand at her. "I'm sure," he silenced, "with your scrupulous nature you won't disapprove." Clara, with her naive, distressed air, answered after a pause: "I think I--I don't disapprove. But," she wrestled painfully with embarrassment, --" but have you thought that you may come to" "Oh, I've thought about the wretched book more than it can by any possibility deserve," George said. "The world's full of such much pleasanter topics." "It isn't," Clara said with a quaint and shocked intonation. "But you do such wonderfully"-Mr. Beale had still his air of bright non-comprehension. He said: "Well, you can rely on me to mail the cheque for the proper sum. You can build a hospital with it if it rattles you. But good heavens--" "Mr. Beale has...