John Ingerfield and Other Stories

(Excerpt): "e;Once upon a time, I wrote a little story of a woman who was crushed to death by a python. A day or two after its publication, a friend stopped me in the street. "e;Charming little story of yours,"e; he said, "e;that about the woman and the snake; but it's not as funny as some of your things!"e; The next week, a newspaper, referring to the tale, remarked, "e;We have heard the incident related before with infinitely greater humour. With this-and many similar experiences-in mind, I wish distinctly to state that "e;John Ingerfield,"e; "e;The Woman of the Saeter,"e; and "e;Silhouettes,"e; are not intended to be amusing. The two other items-"e;Variety Patter,"e; and "e;The Lease of the Cross Keys"e;-I give over to the critics of the new humour to rend as they will; but "e;John Ingerfield,"e; "e;The Woman of the Saeter,"e; and "e;Silhouettes,"e; I repeat, I should be glad if they would judge from some other standpoint than that of humour, new or old."e;