MR. Dane, at my desire, and without mentioning any names, went to
several publishers in Athens, and was told by all whom he saw that ten
per cent. on the retail price was the author's customary share of the
profits. He was referred to Mr. Campton, of the firm of Murray & Elder,
as being the person who knew more about these things than any man in
Athens. Mr. C. said the same thing. I immediately wrote to Mr. Hunt,
February 11:--
"In reply to the suggestion in your last letter, that I should send my
juvenile book, I am forced to say what I never thought to say, that I
cannot see how it will be for my interest that you should publish any
more of my books. Unhappily, it is not necessary that I should give any
explanation, since the reason, if it do not exist to your own knowledge
and by your own arrangement, does not exist at all."