"Certainly, dear Miss Dallicot. I am, as you know, a child in these matters, and have no idea what my library is worth."
"The sum I should suggest is five hundred pounds; but if you think that insufficient, pray tell me so, and I will increase it at once."
"Nay, Miss Drusilla; that seems to me far too much. I could not take such a large sum as that for my little library."
"Believe me, dear Mr. Seaton, it is none too much," said Miss Dallicot, with more charity than veracity. "In fact I believe at a sale your books would command a far larger sum; but, as you remark, it would be a source of regret to see so carefully selected a collection ruthlessly resolved again into its integral parts."
The minister looked doubtful. "I am a poor hand at business, but I think you are too generous, dear friend."
"Quite the reverse. Take my word for it, Mr. Seaton, I am making what is vulgarly termed a bargain. To obtain a valuable library, which I have long coveted, for the comparatively trifling sum of five hundred pounds, is a stroke of good fortune such as does not generally fall to my portion."
Mark Seaton shook his head. "I trust that we are not deceiving ourselves, and letting your kindness of heart run away with us."
"Certainly not; have no doubts on that score, I entreat you. And now I have a favour to ask of you, if you will not think me importunate in so doing."
"By no means, dear Miss Drusilla. It will be the greatest pleasure to me to do anything in my power for so faithful a friend as you have proved yourself to be."
"The request I have to make is that you will grant me permission to keep my library under your roof for a time. As you will perceive, I have no space at present for any increase in my shelf-room. I may possibly add a small octagonal room to my present study, like the one at Chayford House; but until this arrangement is carried out, I must trespass on your kindness so far as to leave the library I have purchased from you in your keeping."