‘They’re books of no value; not written for the gentlemen of these days.’
‘Have you read them?’
‘If I hadn’t read them, I wouldn’t have spoken about them. A dream-book, for instance ... that’s not much of a book, is it? There are others too, of course ... only you won’t read them either.’
‘Why?’
‘They are religious books.’
I was silent for a space.... Narkiz was silent too.
‘What vexes me most,’ I began, ‘is staying in the house in such weather.’
‘Take a walk in the garden; or go into the copse. We’ve a copse here beyond the threshing-floor. Are you fond of fishing?’
‘Are there fish here?’
‘Yes, in the pond. Loaches, sand-eels, and perches are caught there. Now, to be sure, the best time is over; July’s here. But anyway, you might try.... Shall I get the tackle ready?’