He regarded the young woman before him with a critical eye. She was beautiful, of that there was no question. She was talented also, and though she was still immature and provincial, she was not awkward or self-conscious. She accepted the announcement which he had come to make as quietly as any of the older, more sophisticated women with whom he associated would have accepted it.
"I hope you are pleased."
"Very much," answered Eleanor in a quiet voice which belied the tumult within. It seemed to her that she could hardly breathe.
"And you will keep on writing?"
"Oh, yes!" said Eleanor.
"You keep notebooks, I suppose, and record all your impressions?"
"Yes."
"And you read a great deal?"
"Yes."