Ten good lines out of four hundred, Emily—comparatively good, that is—and all the rest balderdash—balderdash, Emily.””I—suppose so,” said Emily faintly.Her eyes brimmed with tears—her lips quivered. She could not help it. Pride was hopelessly submerged in the bitterness of her disappointment. She felt exactly like a candle that somebody had blown out.”What are you crying for? demanded Mr. Carpenter.Emily blinked away tears and tried to laugh.”I—I’m sorry—you think it’s no good—” she said.Mr. Carpenter gave the desk a mighty thump.”No good! Didn’t I tell you there were ten good lines? Jade, for ten righteous men Sodom had been spared.””Do you mean—that—after all—” The candle was being relighted again.”Of course, I mean. If at thirteen you can write ten good lines, at twenty you’ll write ten times ten—if the gods are kind. Stop messing over months, though—and don’t imagine you’re a genius, either, if you have written ten decent lines. I think there’s something trying to speak through you—but you’ll have to make yourself a fit instrument for it. You’ve got to work hard and sacrifice—by gad, girl, you’ve chosen a jealous goddess. And she never lets her votaries go—not even when she shuts her ears forever to their plea.
Ten good lines out of four hundred, Emily—comparatively good, that is—and all the rest balderdash—balderdash, Emily.””I—suppose so,” said Emily faintly.Her eyes brimmed with tears—her lips quivered. She could not help it. Pride was hopelessly submerged in the bitterness of her disappointment. She felt exactly like a candle that somebody had blown out.”What are you crying for? demanded Mr. Carpenter.Emily blinked away tears and tried to laugh.”I—I’m sorry—you think it’s no good—” she said.Mr. Carpenter gave the desk a mighty thump.”No good! Didn’t I tell you there were ten good lines? Jade, for ten righteous men Sodom had been spared.””Do you mean—that—after all—” The candle was being relighted again.”Of course, I mean. If at thirteen you can write ten good lines, at twenty you’ll write ten times ten—if the gods are kind. Stop messing over months, though—and don’t imagine you’re a genius, either, if you have written ten decent lines. I think there’s something trying to speak through you—but you’ll have to make yourself a fit instrument for it. You’ve got to work hard and sacrifice—by gad, girl, you’ve chosen a jealous goddess. And she never lets her votaries go—not even when she shuts her ears forever to their plea.
