“Oh, yes. I keep myself busy.”
“What are your subjects?” asked James.
“English and History. But I do mental science for my own interest.”
Alvina had taken up a piece of sewing. She sat under the light, brooding a little. What had all this to do with her. The man talked on, and beamed in her direction. And she felt a little important. But moved or touched?—not the least in the world.
She wondered if any one would ask him to supper—bread and cheese and currant-loaf, and water, was all that offered. No one asked him, and at last he rose.
“Show Mr. Witham out through the shop, Alvina,” said Miss Pinnegar.
Alvina piloted the man through the long, dark, encumbered way of the shop. At the door he said:
“You’ve never said whether you’re coming to tea on Thursday.”
“I don’t think I can,” said Alvina.
He seemed rather taken aback.