I do relish the smart sayins , the odd ways of furrin parts , and the sarcastic slaps at folkses weak spots . But massy knows , we ca n't live on spice-cake and Charlotte Ruche , and I do feel as if books was more sustainin ' ef they was full of every-day people and things , like good bread and butter . Them that goes to the heart and ai n't soon forgotten is the kind I hanker for . Mis Terry 's books now , and Mis Stowe 's , and Dickens 's Christmas pieces , -- them is real sweet and cheerin ' , to my mind . '' As the blunt old lady paused it was evident she had produced a sensation , for Saul smiled at the fire , Ruth looked dismayed at this assault upon one of her idols , and the young ladies were both astonished and amused at the keenness of the new critic who dared express what they had often felt . Randal , however , was quite composed and laughed good-naturedly , though secretly feeling as if a pail of cold water had been poured over him . `` Many thanks , madam ; you have discovered my weak point with surprising accuracy . But you see I can not help ` picking folks to pieces , ' as you have expressed it ; that is my gift , and it has its attractions , as the sale of my books will testify . People like the ` spice-bread , ' and as that is the only sort my oven will bake , I must keep on in order to make my living . '' `` So rumsellers say , but it ai n't a good trade to foller , and I 'd chop wood ` fore I 'd earn my livin ' harmin ' my feller man . ` Pears to me I 'd let my oven cool a spell , and hunt up some homely , happy folks to write about ; folks that do n't borrer trouble and go lookin ' for holes in their neighbors ' coats , but take their lives brave and cheerful ; and rememberin ' we are all human , have pity on the weak , and try to be as full of mercy , patience and lovin ' kindness as Him who made us . That sort of a book would do a heap of good ; be real warmin ' and strengthening and make them that read it love the man that wrote it , and remember him when he was dead and gone . '' `` I wish I could ! '' and Randal meant what he said , for he was as tired of his own style as a watch-maker might be of the magnifying glass through which he strains his eyes all day . He knew that the heart was left out of his work , and that both mind and soul were growing morbid with dwelling on the faulty , absurd and metaphysical phases of life and character . He often threw down his pen and vowed he would write no more ; but he loved ease and the books brought money readily ; he was accustomed to the stimulant of praise and missed it as the toper misses his wine , so that which had once been a pleasure to himself and others was fast becoming a burden and a disappointment . The brief pause which followed his involuntary betrayal of discontent was broken by Ruth , who exclaimed , with a girlish enthusiasm that overpowered girlish bashfulness , -- '' I think all the novels are splendid ! I hope you will write hundreds more , and I shall live to read 'em . '' `` Bravo , my gentle champion ! I promise that I will write one more at least , and have a heroine in it whom your mother will both admire and love , '' answered Randal , surprised to find how grateful he was for the girl 's approval , and how rapidly his trained fancy began to paint the background on which he hoped to copy this fresh , human daisy .
Abashed by her involuntary outburst , Ruth tried to efface herself behind XXXXX 's broad shoulder , and he brought the conversation back to its starting-point by saying in a tone of the most sincere interest , -- `` Speaking of the serial , I am very anxious to know how your hero comes out .
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