‘It is very foolish,’ she murmured.
‘Ordinary women say so, and rest contented with the folly. You can do better things.’
There was a thrill of joy at finding him conversing with her as his ‘own;’ it overcame her embarrassment and alarm, and wishes he would not choose such a time for speaking.’
‘How shall I?’ said she.
‘Employ yourself. Employ and strengthen your mind!’
‘How shall I, and without you?’
‘Find something to prevent you from dwelling on the future. That drawing is dreamy work, employing the fingers and leaving the mind free.’
‘I have been trying to read, but I cannot fix my mind.’
‘Suppose you take what will demand attention. Mathematics, algebra. I will send you my first book of algebra, and it will help you to work down many useless dreams and anxieties.’
‘Thank you; pray do; I shall be very glad of it.’