"Miss Wix told me. But I didn't mean that departure; I meant her other one." "Not heard of any other departure of the lady's. What? Where's she gone?" "She has gone to journalism," said Turquand, with a grin; "the fair Miss Wix is a full-blown journalist! Don't your wife's people know? She's keeping it dark then. She came to see me, and said her income was slightly inadequate, and she 'thought she could do some writing.' Wanted to know if I could put her in the way of anything." "Get out!" scoffed Kent. "Did she really come to see you, though? Very improper of her!" "Oh, Miss Wix and I always took to each other. I think she dislikes me less than anybody she knows. I'm not kidding you; it's true, honour bright." "What, that she's writing?" Turquand nodded. His face was preternaturally solemn, but his eyes twinkled. "I got her the work," he said; "it just happened I knew of a vacancy." "Well, upon my soul!" exclaimed Humphrey. "I wish you'd get some for me. Doesn't it just happen that you know of another?" "Ah! you aren't so easy to accommodate. Miss Wix is a maiden, and her exes aren't large. She gets a guinea a week, and is affluent with it. It's a beautiful publication, sonny--a journal for young gals--and it sells like hot cakes. I tell you, _The Outpost_ would give its ears for such a circulation." Kent stared at him incredulously. "A journal for young girls?" he echoed. "The acrimonious Wix? Is this a fact, or delirium tremens?" "Fact, I swear. She does the Correspondence page; she's been on it a fortnight now. She's 'Aunt' something--I forget what, at the moment --they're always 'Aunt' something on that kind of paper. The young gals write and ask her questions on their personal affairs. One of 'em says she is desperately in love with a gentleman of her own age--seventeen--and isn't it time he told her his intentions, as his 'manner is rather like that of a lover'; and another inquires if 'marriage between first cousins once removed is punishable by law.' She calls them her nieces, and says, 'No, my dear _Plaintive Girlie_; I do not think you need despair because the gentleman of your own age has not avowed his feelings yet. A true lover is shy in the presence of his queen; but, with gentle encouragement on your part, all will be well. I was so glad to have your sweet letter.'" "Miss Wix?" "Miss Wix, yes. Her comforting reply to _Changed Pansy_ the first week was a master-piece. Must have bucked _Changed Pansy_ up a lot. And occasionally she has to invent a letter from a mercenary mother and admonish her. The admonishments of mercenary mothers are; estimated to sell fifteen thousand alone. You should buy a copy; it's on all the bookstalls." "Buy it!" said Humphrey; "I'd buy it if it cost a shilling. What's it called? Well, I'm not easily astonished, but Miss Wix comforting _Changed Pansy_ would stagger the Colossus of Rhodes. Does she like the work?"