She looked at him in confusion, half indignant.
"Yes, I can sew."
"I hardly like to ask you, but—would you mend this for me? It's the case in which I keep a large volume of engravings; the seams are coming undone, you see."
He took up the article in question, which was of glazed cloth, and held it to her.
"Have you a needle and thread?" she asked.
"Oh yes; here's a complete work-basket."
He watched her as she drew off her gloves.
"Will you sit here?" He pointed to a chair and a little table. "I shall go on with my work, if you will let me. You don't mind doing this for me?"
"Not at all."
"Is that chair comfortable?"