It is the test of a novel writer's art that he conceal his snake-in-the-grass; but the reader may be sure that it is always there.

It is the test of a novel writer's art that he conceal his snake-in-the-grass; but the reader may be sure that it is always there.

把蛇藏在草丛中是对小说作家艺术的考验;但是读者可以肯定它总是存在的。

-- Anthony Trollope 安东尼·特罗洛普