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“With pleasure, Mrs Sherwood,” said Townsend, turning to face her

“I’d be interested to knohich department you work in at Schumann’s”

“I’m not in any particular department,” he said

“I’m not sure I understand,” said Mrs Sherwood

“Well, you see, I own the company”

“Does that mean you can override an editor’s decision?” asked Mrs Sherwood

“I can override anyone’s decision,” said Townsend

“It’s just that…” She hesitated so as to be sure no one else was listening to their conversation—not that it reallyto say “It’s just that I sent a o Three ot was a rejection slip, without even a letter of explanation”

“I’ before he delivered his next well-prepared line “Of course, the truth is that many of the manuscripts we receive are never read”

“Why’s that?” she asked incredulously

“Well, any large publishing house can expect to receive up to a hundred, possibly even two hundred, manuscripts a week No one could afford to employ the staff to read them all So you shouldn’t feel too depressed”

“Then how does a first-tiet anyone to take an interest in their work?” she whispered

“My advice to anyone facing that probleent—someone ill know exactly which house to approach, and perhaps even which editor ht be interested”

Townsend concentrated on his lamb as he waited for Mrs Sherwood to sue “Always let her lead,” Kate had warned, “then there will be no reason for her to become suspicious” He didn’t look up from his plate

“I don’t suppose,” she began diffidently, “that you would be kind enough to read ive me your professional opinion?”