‘Quite a mistake,’ returned Mr Alderforge. ‘I am a reader of books.’
‘That of course! But you buy them first—don’t you?’
‘Not always. I sometimes borrow them.’
‘That I never do. If a book is worth borrowing, it is worth buying.’
‘Perhaps—if you can afford it. But many books that book-buyers value I count worthless—for all their wide margins and uncut leaves.’
‘Will you come-and have a look at Sir Giles’s library?’ I ventured to say.
‘I never heard of a library at Moldwarp Hall, Sir Giles,’ said Mr Mellon.
‘I am given to understand there is a very valuable one,’ said Mr Alderforge. ‘I shall be glad to accompany you, sir,’ he added, turning to me, ‘—if Sir Giles will allow us.’
‘You cannot have a better guide than Mr Cumbermede,’ said Sir Giles. ‘I am indebted to him almost for the discovery—altogether for the restoration of the library.’
‘Assisted by Miss Brotherton and her friends, Sir Giles,’ I said.