'Oh, well! Perhaps if you could, you wouldn't be orthodox. Let us remain mutual enigmas. And will you do me a favour?'
'With pleasure,' he said, his face lighting up.
'Don't mention Mr. Armitage's book to me again. I am sick of hearing about it.'
'So am I,' he said, rather disappointed. 'After that dinner I thought it only fair to read it; and although I detect considerable crude power in it, still I am very sorry it was ever published. The presentation of Judaism is most ignorant. All the mystical yearnings of the heroine might have found as much satisfaction in the faith of her own race as they find expression in its poetry.'
He rose to go.
'Well, I am to take it for granted you will not write that antidote?'
'I'm afraid it would be impossible for me to undertake it,' she said, more mildly than before, and pressed her hand again to her brow.
'Pardon me,' he said, in much concern. 'I am too selfish. I forgot you are not well. How is your head feeling now?'
'About the same, thank you,' she said, forcing a grateful smile. 'You may rely on me for art, yes; and music, too, if you like.'
'Thank you,' he said. 'You read a great deal, don't you?'